Bitterroot Star - October 21, 2026

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’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B e ‘Th 37 29 39 Volume Number 35 Volume XXXVII, Number 30 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume XXXIX, Number 33 29 Volume XLII,XXXIX, Number 15 Volume XXXVII, Number

30, Wednesday, February 9, 20 Wednesday, January 26, Wednesday, March 13, 20 Wednesday, March 6,202 Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Wednesday, January 31, 202 Wednesday, February 2, 20 April 10,

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Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts ‘Pawty Chamber, RCEDA bringslumber back business classes

Coffee with the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking held for medical M a r l i n O s t r a n d eAssociation r Bitter Root Humane Three Mile Community Centercente open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville Write-in

(R) Jeff Burrows

Marlin Ostrander

The more

ACCESSIBLE INVOLVED

Independent for Ravalli County Commissioner Dist 3

speech, occupaby Victoria more by Victoria Howell shelter.Find out $140,000. a levy, so R this an ESPwon’t ONand SIVhave Ephysic NO N-PARTISAat N Dwww.GregOverstreet.com ECISION MAKING tional Howell by Kristin MichaelKruse Howell andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencouldVote4Marlin.com herald major ty for failing the prop cato nddo idate by Thechanges park additional impact on peopl therapy services provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmen by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.of It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property taxes. The Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing off its thera over 220 people theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to thea loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imag held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to the subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper Missouri agencies and ignoring num Phillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG Oswald heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as well as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Sen ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments expressed concern Waterkeepers and a group ous specific, documentable was attended by(the people from all ove Ranch in Florence, a presentatation a resident of the West Fork. He has Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the in Darby and contacted him, the project. Center official name) trap enthusiasts andgave hunting Bishop said An open house celebration was organization’s 50 years of service, for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents living close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and in school Montana, including Anaco“ theits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sotheyas hope to hav held last week at the Bitter Root was started by aprovide bunch ofat little old by John Dowd ment on a 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton School existinginwells the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the as bycialize, John Dowd are the designed to provideThe local portunities RuralinEconomies planning, financial projections, be Missoula, able toenvironment it asuch recomplex that will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, to and and far away a of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnic compete and hone their Humane Association’s (BRHA) new ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by am the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abunbusiness owners and entrepreCapacity Building Grant. Julie marketing and human resourcally reasonable cost,” said Jodi metal contamination in rivers. HeFarmers has Helena even into Idaho. This (RCFWA), onathe Creek by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Uning contains large meeting State and rummage sales, bingo nigh skills, the north club also functions as Mine a they started built just of Sheep Last weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” The Bitterroot Valley Chamneurs with practical instruction Foster helped secure the grantlevels es. The program was moved executive director of near the intersection ofMark Eight ular trips per day to the local lowering of static water both Broadwater County andMitchell, in the area and failin proposal. According to Oswald, limited. Ramsey, according to Oswald, published over 70 papers, according toto bunch have been because many area conse room, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from comm by spring of 2023 501c3 non-profit supporting the Stevensville at the Humane Association participatbercommunity of Commerce and the Ravalli on topics ranging from marketfor RCEDA, which is partnering online during the pandemic, the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of t Mile Creek and Upper road system. Additionally, and some already having to the Department of Natural to analyze the impacts on Road in Hamilton. The event served a Kathie Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, and has been his bio on the Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this in 2012 their loan nity members. Other majo by providing youth and that they pla See Mine, page corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in a nationCounty Economic Development ing and financial management with the Chamber to offer the but attendance declined and Commerce. Woodchuck Road east of the applicant is proposing to be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. double purpose. It included a ribbon Board, said, “This organization has system, and a gorgeous view and incorpopayments contributors were the Thre programs such as The Bitteron continuing to Authority (RCEDA) are teaming human resources and busifound for-come Classes will held in the the al “slumber party” event. Creek Road and Florence. The land is being dedicate a 100-foot by 100- classes. were also expressed about theinstructors (DNRC) overthe theZoom process and such while the of the Bitterroot Mountains toto rated 2014. reasonable. Mile Firebe District, Lone cutting ceremony in honor of the new in a“Thus, long way since itCounty was root Blasters. According toThe club expand up Bitterroot to bring training planning. previously effective. RCEDA conference room and shelter branded their Hwy 93.business developed by Laura Watson ofness foot easement impacts to other offered irrigators mat less the lack of information about is technically correct thata th the west. She said the for the use and RCEDA Those payRock Park and theservices. Rapp Fa members, hundreds of kids have facility, including tours of the whole started about 50 years ago. I feel classes back to the Bitterroot The program is being brought quarterly business instruction Now, RCEDA and the Chamwill be taught by local event the “Slumber Pawty,” which “We’re bringing t Watson Homes LLC who was benefit of the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or duty to provide the statutor The building is now home total cost is ments come ily Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and an array of foodback and with the help of a Montana before the COVID-19 pandemic, huge sense of responsibility to hono Valley. ber are bringing the in-person opened the shelter to community represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife required information lies carebefore tosaid the patien to the senior center and the approximateouton ofnearby park Schmiedeke there over the years. Along with theirDepartment terroot Health CEO, drink in honor of the organization’s come us and See BUSINESS, page 11 w The Business Basics Classes of Commerce Opcovering topics such as business program back. “We are excited those who have members who participated to stay$8,000 ing company Professional to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], t Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are were many volunteers who own programs, the club supports he said. 50th birthday. make it as good as it can be as we s said that Marcus the night with theraised animals, amongFire Consultants Inc. (PCI). District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its im that serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County ca TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn peth, chair ofwith the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, noon Saturday and 12 noon The Sun- received gle-family residential use dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. Th The Montana Hope Project. It is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successfu Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated club islocally utilized by local schools, little owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page with the animals, fundraisingSee campaign fund the n granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave saidto this project courts, ashelter walking a wore playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are a waning See the CENTER, pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land on Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four pag yea and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. the among in support of the shelter. pandemic hit and construction cost with a 99-year lease. Six years later, others. in the works, but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon Shelters all over the U.S. by in John Dowd As a result, the group 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive di- and One Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured from left, leads a gathering peopleskyrocketed. involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animalfifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michaelof Howell. even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land to the organization where rector, Tomtake Allsop, has been ilton, may exception delays due to the same event during the same 24For many, hunting requires a Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had Sueby McCormack, who serves on Club members linehoused up for athe shoot. Photo Kristin Kruse. thethis, current shelter is located. The Hamilton to as they were reSee TRAP, rifle, a shotgun, aThe bow and maySee SHELTER, pag hour period. event is apage fund-5 pandemic. She sa shelter since 1984. theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being be raiser some ammunition and some for each shelter, and partictheir vision is tha by John Dowd do. According to Steinhoff, “We have just north of the Stevensville Junction. an “outstanding bytoNathan Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the arrows if you actually want to funds ipants each workmodel to raise to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important getdonate something. But for Natalie to their respective shelters. Hamilton City Council met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said Christine Staub, a driving falling victim to mail way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuc m Sullivan it just takes trust and a Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, Individual businesses day, Marchcommunity 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people bird of prey. Association. will of a “medical center” rather than jus also donated toprojects. the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, upcoming city at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to shipOriginally from Stevensville, 901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask also be celebrating 50 However, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said thatquestions Marcus Da The new 12-acre campus will care” for 90 people years. when has theoperation. meetingstarted opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more Sullivan recently presented with Certificate of ping depot for FedEx, and start conyears of Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. Hospital, which is a critical access Halfway about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.”the Farrenkopf In recent years, theyShoppe provide primary, care, urgent care and practicing falconry near MissouAppreciation by Mayor DomiBoxxe versation with tho Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners throu There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it at hospital, was recently rated #4 in th la and in the Bitterroot Valley. specialty services. Two physicians have Farrenkopf is legally justified to you know and love co-owners, and been taking steps to a lengthy fund by fun by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the slumber party, and a barbethrough fiscal The process has taken her years lier, made it into the opening. After the time. However, at the end of the Police Chief Stephen Snavely. open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national ra ing to one of them, Mara Every year, the Ravalli accounting that, to su already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commucue was held atthe noon on Saturday, bricks.” of working toward opportuthat, the council said goodbye to the meeting, during the non-agenda items In his presentation to the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Asso-been up, shows thefacilit count ing agency, outitof 351 similar year, county practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have in the Burnt area lately to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes nity tothe hunt alongside acity hawk. beloved long-time clerk, who discussion the counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of many ways they ciation works to affect conseroverall, doing very we visit the shelter. by Michael Victoria Howell being recruited. also be Theretiring. practice, which he said, with clinics in doingaresent toancient Covid, Greg Howell. home from There willby members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely saidcil that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, bu

Nov 3

Paid for by Marlin Ostrander Campaign Fund, PO Box 367, Hamilton, MT 59840

Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years

‘Hunting with a Bitterroot bird’

Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball Climbing Plan

scheduled

budget looking good

have been so success-

vation inofthe through on its tax collections a theBitterroot participants thatperiod pairs aMany trained bird of Napreycomment with The Bitterroot Overstreet has a During the public comments. Hamilton Police Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that ove the ful. Joined by the other showing revenues various projects and programs. spent night were will kids. During a human hunting partner, offers tional Forest (BNF) The Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message for you: of the the council meeting, Robert “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. toStein“become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One such program is their the party, a different approach to participants purhostslumber afool public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. This is hoff stood toNeyenhuis, address the council. He things saidthat council member Jenny West. “It the He was home for don’t around! the good happen able to uncover to say they are ship and Marisa most departments wh scholarship program, which suing small andMarch a chance took partgame in a “tortilla slap game,” this Wednesday, explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers Overstreet, two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having who can expenses have only o Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. awards three winners to build afrom working relationship 30th 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page 11 hosted by the County Fish and and possibly Stevensville as well.” Her ing his department’s experiof the package: nearly paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in During that time, amounted of three people allows an interest in with ashare wild animal. Thatthem waspursuing todisplay information Wildlife Association and Trout Unlimthoughts were shared by several other ence with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, common tactics fo and former council member, the public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in lar to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, something Sullivan dreamed of. by Victoria Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” Sullivan said she learned wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey to speak onand the dangers In discussion agenda In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly send-from a normal of claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe fill about falconry organically said Luther. The spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular of a proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, the first to be brought forward er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing to a scammer in resent the IRS or i is looking pretty good, eventually reached a point in One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one council and mayor how local Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual tional council members. meeting of the two-member According to Steinhoff, “I thought was the issue of re-roofing the city intending to send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli herby life when, as she described, the budgeted funds ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. N John Dowd of that time as the executive director. of the winners to receive aMara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section.that Photo John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate fo February of 2021. 51 by is brain Christine Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will beto held on See BOOKS, page 18 government should run. He “We’ll do our job,” said it wasn’t going affect me, but I street shop. According to Hamilton via FedEx. Administration. “I actually have the resources County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, on After it was announced that he would be Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and als He went through damage material.” Zoom. See below for than Boddy. andJanuary the time to town pursue that.” learned that it would only take just City Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes was a frequent commenter Gibson retiring, he was asked to speak, and was got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, the experiencethey has be On Wednesday, March 27, the who graduated high school in 27, clerk Jenelle the Army valley. for 21 years, his and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seeorganizational COUNTY, page Getting started, however, seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join theaSteinhoff meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put in August helarger was wasthe no joke. “It proved to a be much unfused and unOver a loved has hurting.” said that he heard plow storage for other maintehosted well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law andand the current executive suggested to him that he victims, get involved peoplevictims all over that the valley,” and all of i completed a semester of college the last administration. In from Hamilton, was recpotential butuse wishes similar public meetings audience that she was having good as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee dertaking than simply acquiring told that the cancer got so bad I felt familiar with course of her landed in jail, or that a prize about the track record of the company nance equipment. According to Radirector. Al gave told a history ognized of the chamto network. Hethat thenothers got onto the board has been “extremely rewarding.” for members, giving their annual report, and submitted herin transcript within the commupublic Crews for in (virtual) were a bird. Falconry is held heavily re-it was the Freeman saidAlthe committee trouble streaming the meetprocess, decade with has been won,hopes but a to feeraise needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how notwhat very comment, mer,and it isspoke the original roof, which hasstepping in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about ber, about important memproviding proof of compLeting nity would help her look out 2021. gulated under state and federal the council that those makto handle the prosecution $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rode and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsome significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said they have planned for the upcoming bers during that time that led up to him the executive director. 2020. Since then he has been the adv associated courses. These are for their safety. At least one Inhas addition tofalconers the been in the law, and prospective by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he sa surgery on October was being water taking on the position. Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition in year. During the meeting, it was also the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she must complete several steps be- picious when In addition to the custom leathopportunity to learn has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down on the heating bill and “They need to be replaced. They’re getting bang the “The mayor, notofthe GregValley Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy or aided whatand story the Bitterroot 55boarded, board members participated the role. Al will be retiring in August announced that long-time member,address Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no fore they can legally possess and about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Natalie Sullivan and Thesis. Photo courtesy Natalie Sullivan. Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Photo courte considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. AlAllen spoke, Jodi stood to to tha removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and train a bird of prey. the process of developworking but they had set up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the customgrab the package from a porc Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there anygle andSullivan triumphs,” Al.ering, He said the organization’s history. According to himassociation for cowboy all his help to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. 10th annual balland – which actuall holds several gathethrough Montana Fish, willing tobe guide themThe through is relatively small. said saidtered Another of these requiretreatment in the boarding to be had to provided with a ride Sullivan described the prois not a question and answer” from Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, a new business haseven recently and regional See artists. Many of these COUNCIL, page 21$60,000 in athing new Facebook page. Hower’s ageher and front doorgiving when it arrives. the was doing, or could been with the Chamoverarching goaltofor the Chamber him, what was meant to be a he was only supposed to held speak for yea 10 rings each year, falconers the process. It as issix-month literally imposWildlife andhas Parks. But the it took about three years ments iscity that each applicant started 11the years agoor but couldn’t be last cess asMitchell having ahas “huge activato the bank well as to colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will covsession. “It’s public comment.” did the work at no charge to opened at the same location. Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular cash, all of “They always direct the ever, members of the public opportunities to hunt with their sible to do without a sponsor, so process cannot be completed reach her current stage in the ber for over 36 years, and spent much always been to keep businesses connectappointment to the position lasted 12 minutes. tionThe energy,” to the areferring 500-word essayabout dis- the Boxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this day after that Overstreet. “This ersubmit the following agenda er, dissuading any worries the Bitterroot so there details of the which was to victim tothat send ‘no signatur Thewhere mayor had the town. “I just wanted birds, exchange knowledge and sheenjoyed had to common find in isolation. Aspiring falconers sport, she wassaid ableprevioustoValley before, who hadeffort tried to access substantial required tothe get years, andI he everysomeone. moment stated theit,membership cussing the role hunting plays “It’s sense to me,” Jodi year. topics: surgery, he was is when realized changeover, it will remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being fraudurequired,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife build relationships. Attending For Sullivan, that meant must also connect with expehunt with a bird. ly that he would be answering publicly thank Joan for helpThe Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joan Mell, involved. of it. “It’s been a good ride for 29 numbers have been “trending up eve she says, pointing“This out that redfirst year we’ve ever done aAssoc Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the fully diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations material. There are 16 artists in total lently deThe Bank Secrecy Act getting involved with the Monrienced practitioners, learn the The first step is passing a Fred Upchurch. ation. Photo courtesy Because of those barriers, the years,” said Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highes See RCFW, page 3 questions from the public. ing me and helping the town,” flags abound when seniors are center, for Association. filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University See Bird, page COVID-19. taking Covid while hidden behind brown-paper far, and the ownersregulations are alwaysand find ly, it covwas notsoexam manded from of 1970 requires banks to 3 tana Falconers The someone 100-question adminisnumber of falconers in Montana side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. being on the other

Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds

Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meetin

New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task

Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video more participation

sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face ‘No Kings’ rallied again last weekend fire Butterfly on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday

outcomes ofas the public ofPictured Montanawith Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19. Mell are, l towill Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened for patience she worked “I was obviously seriously enough. Staub’s firstwelcoming more. “We like all kinds senior citizen keep track ofr, withdrawals he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, pag is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should be forsaid some its doors March 1.said ofprepared mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new “It business will feature business partner, Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2 bank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talks about his recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. hit Jim Crews, former mayor to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901 S. 1st Street in Hamilton. See COWBOY BALL pag SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some of the artists displayed such cirnity.See Staub is Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, page makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one ofpage the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants County Commissioners work is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plan by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with a On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensvil proved adoption of a memorandum of understan of tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contes by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue work byJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith took over the space. While A Hamilton business,In that hails the theme is pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice the change at all, the andinvestigation. it may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After the ing and marketing as one. “Weand didn (DCI) will be doing the commissioners statedwant Protection Agency. The lett National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a secured video designe to her leatherwork, isaround also RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working toinan enand theto contest is still looking agricultural leadership competito the level and invita by Michael Howell Since January 2,Karen Exit Realty the to some positive growth in the future. the southand portion was purchased tostate change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, 4:30 1889, According Hamilton Police Depart- sale, to help parents keep tabs on their children’s beha accomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations manage timber to provide Plan. courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twel Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of the previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Police, Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces furniture to A new the valley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. forest products and toof unmitigated SEIS record of decision changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change wif in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell if it would be possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, showgrades. 95th State FFA the Convention in Billings 2023-24 district championship by Victoria Howell year, the facility took inthe just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rock not be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise has split affect buyers and sellers in the valle suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concer was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all county owned/maintained to put envelopes on January 18, for filing objecby Victoria Howell his property which would in effect with the highway, which is a state addressed when the private land wa a Mischief Room last May and commissioners all her work is done her twotook rights casing the participant’s loveown of art, Corvallis anddrag, Florence schools inthe April. for Stevensville include: $240,000 and spent every penny. venville’s main beckons visitors ies Bluegrass Association, there wi es might affect them. Fortunately, that pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Exitroads Realty is still the equipment Lendman said that itand will not chang venience Store. Theby engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also ing the scope of the analysi treatment units. According to from heavy 2021 accompanied by a Draft all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because now you’re going to sold to a new owner Fish, Wild signed off on it. The project involved the creation tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, no suspect lasers orthreatened CNC maand theusing Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though allof Over 200 students in Rockies StevensAgronomy led the by Sidney Jasmin Shinn, founder and There no paid employees; it’sMcan al“ The annual Montana beare no break from music, and, according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold fransame company. Additionally, accord-mostly, in. Photo by John Dowd. place the and standard init, these types kopf, activities director put valentine cards Theafter Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-p and logging the letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides aprocedure site-speathe Forest Service press release set of easily accessible items that hadThe secret hid ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up. Just get up there and play.” current owner of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north ing to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1 Horse volunteer organization. But Shinn said reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting See EXIT, page at Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf really cil was split on whether to accept just to the north of the private piece of boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs to the state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wi about 90% of the proposed but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment ware design company, now based in participate. Some of tremendous the schools even learn aboutFestival a wide is range of agriculteam members Rahl,toKyra D (Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass returning to For some of Quinn these bands, this w officer. have seen supAt A Time Draft Horse it costs about $200 per month feed Homes inHowever, Hamilton, isRescue liked the idea. He“We asked a small piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour - there is aflask developed fishing access si drugs orthe hide aand small of whiskey. The aim w Hamilton. after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. Management Wildlife Reto Willow Creek Road. Due to defining old-growth stantreatment areas are within an Victor. On Saturday, April 13, the be their first time, and for others th Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate all Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot these “gentle there are facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice asking the community students Stevensville bridge, an that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But I giants.” think opportunity it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning toon see t Montana, the organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Ha Neely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is resource and financial limitasource Objective to “Mainta area designated for insect and dards. Some objections to the life-saving measures to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was boost last week when she was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in love with the According to the contest orgaengaging instruction of ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year lopes. the music. This spring music festival always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuespecially proud of this during atreatment time old-growth habita disease because of the tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck for $7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. “Iother city tofrom have, whether or not you pu their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One of the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, a lopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting lance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Mo not be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline dense pockets of dead and dyfrom representatives of JCCS, an these horses. When they’re fi nally read Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. to be more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Ev fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest law en- had four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, most can be driven or the accounting fiis rm with branch the necessary support viable populations ingfor trees. They claim the area will having tothe dowith with theparticipation been through their art contest. The even more, full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: te mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year. These bands play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. The ago, a in resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. B then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don located Hamilton. Part of contest the logging ridden, and some just become “pasture idea came from a similar art from all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Ha of old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, the of old growth, newdonated one willon take the stage every half and play, along with theirhave friend Ti within a 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place be awhere police officer.” center opened itsto doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf to see tines to fill the of the bridge, was offered Town this of land. “It’s two was the condition that looking long term, if you prop See VALENTINES, page 10 pets.” selection forHouston, awarding that gift See DUI, page they held in Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job opened tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz first created in the last “Itheads really the beetle, in 2020. That developfirst was to the drawing board. by John Down rehabilitation of thelevy road after species.” The letter notes tha tial toIn wildlife and tobank beetle, Douglas-fir bark hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the is the incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty onon the west side ofestablished the river,an th 1 Horse At A Time was was online voting and according ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, One of the problems, ac 50 years. To do this, they will door to some interesting permanent and asked for $9.5 One band that continues to return According to Conroy, the festiva issued a press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only the Draft SEIS limits the sco dwarf mistletoe and western the project is complete. Ravalli Willow Creek Road. together to decide what was needed just to the north of Fort Owen State potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially conso tains east of Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last toofhave that To Johnny contendCampbell at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea conversations million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community ispeople,” the Band, visiting purpose isits “toenvironmental promote and encour event andtenure investigation. However, been three these types shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or not needed in theyear, community. They with County objects to in shifting of conseNational Forest spruce budworm damage. During the of former issues… It isof the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the Tow The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell phone batteries (out of feature the beauty of the state and much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” commented to pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what th Germany where she grew up around Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time from Nashville. They will be memjoined by of age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information is available However, these are always a of danger of nonprofit organization that offers a at came up and with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the owner of land channel the deepest part the Vickie Motley, park board Stevensville. I think It’s somethin quences analysis to vegetati in general financial burden of the project officials have stated that the the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info to give back to the community, and “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Communi horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program side targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly atthis the river ononce the northeast had channel. If you toart develop ber, said that had been done RDO Equipment Co the woodpecker an agreement with the proposed to2more. Ravalli County and believe project is designed to improve from 10 a.m.nothing tounsure p.m. at theevent north if you don’t have batteries toabout recyc thought their successful art said Hafer,the saying that entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colt of exactly how the College was.” However, the College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which helped the soula, Idaho and The is abut all share thepileated same love of bluegrass after Friends of the Bitterroot she is especially passionate getters. The officer is currently on leave neither officer, nor any other comed towards highly motivated people successful organization in Denver, attempted to shut off river on for fishing, I would also see a problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, pag end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 Running W. Road The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major secretary, Sue Smith. She was it is contrary to current law pine marten. forest resilience to natural project, the Ravalli County single-microphone type event, with a When asked why he loves bluegras during thisolder investigation, as is stanmunity members, were during draft horses. She and her husband, a That check followed inRavalli the wake ages 18 and in Wild both and called “Crosspurpose.” It harmed offers similar and Alliance for the grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on Jun to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will beinsects the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meye misunderstanding about th speaking about the May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under thatthe theStar single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growt Commissioners expressed and existing agreements.” disturbances like fire, Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember See BLUEGRASS, pag Rockies filed suit claiming the 8th. gallon. Jars and bottles that coning director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA Additional state qualifying even the college. public desired an independent nature of the community tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair free training, Summit offers six-month offered species are listed i Forest officials also received and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks or relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20 fromcareer Tractor Supply. 406-549-4171 agency failed to the best tained food be recycled Cardboard b leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. chapter. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public foruse help with a Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can suppor That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment in the Willow for this a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales place team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high many believe it toby be rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20 horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there are othe roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stay on, but please remove lids. Sponsored by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individua levy beClark, different. The margin.JCCS AfterBranch being created, associated with the outreac community college in the Bit- of and others with BVCC have A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l towill r: which Levi CPA, Andrea Simmerman, elk habitat and didn’t comThis program is the brainchild called “personal development,” taking care of draft is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) an in the Bitterroot, Lander said, ofoftrout cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to with team members Jones Office of Stevensville, the Regional bull habitat; restore Road. terroot. According tohorses trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they is went to the the district was levy program run Kamryn by the Univer Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenan expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, pag them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leona See GOLD, page for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality vice chair, Jean Butler, this give it its best chance and to public, they did so after being •FREE ESTIMATES INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Thethe No Kings encouraged early voting and turnout across country on Saturday, Oct. Hamilton, hundreds of came together to line several blocks along U.S. Hwy. 93 and Main St. Many signs in i Yin OUR HOME IMPROVEMENT Cof Ovoter .COM istrator of the Environmental In17.a In letter to the Forest habitat including meadows, first horse thatthe was rescued by 1 Horse At A Photo byparticipants Victoria Howell. Fortmovement Owen Ranch and founder tify what each individual’s specific growth found the Bitterroot per pound. The following will be acFor more information refer to t theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, the would crowd showed support for I-194 and CI-132, while others carried messages about protecting democracy by voting out those related to the Trump administration. Photos courtesy address the concerns of the approved for the creation of being significantly voted anonymous. down be only the fourth of the center, and co-founder and ExecPaid for by Brad Davis, P.O.website: Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page ART, page 44 SeeSee SUMMIT, page cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such as old and Corvallis.

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Bitterroot Star--Page 3

BIRD: bringing back an ancient, elegant form of small-game hunting Continued from page 1 those meets was how Sullivan began making connections in the community. Her next goal was finding the sponsor; a certified falconer willing to take on an apprentice. “They are few and far between,” Sullivan said. Not every certified falconer is interested in sponsoring an apprentice, and those who are must be willing to invest significant time in teaching someone the craft as well as sign off on various things. Sullivan compared the arrangement to an old-school apprenticeship, with knowledge passed directly from one person to another. “It really is a hobby that hasn’t changed in over 1,000 years,” she said. The apprenticeship lasts at least two years and comes with minimum-age requirements and other regulations. Sullivan traveled around Montana, reaching out to falconers and visiting them as she searched for a sponsor she felt comfortable working with. Once she found one, she could begin preparing for her first bird. That preparation included building a mew, the enclosure where a falconry bird lives. The structure must meet state and federal requirements and receive approval from both the sponsor and an FWP representative. For Sullivan, constructing the enclosure cost about $5,000 to $6,000. Owning a bird of prey is a significant commitment, both financially and in the amount of time required to care for and train the animal. Only after completing the necessary steps can an aspiring falconer become an apprentice and acquire a bird. Apprentices face limits on the number and types of birds they may possess, although Sullivan said Montana’s rules are less restrictive than those in some other states. Prospective falconers can pursue a captive-bred bird or trap one from the wild. Sullivan knew which route she wanted to take. “I really wanted to hunt with a wild bird,” she said. Part of the appeal was the opportunity to develop a partnership with an animal that had already lived in the wild. Sullivan also liked that a wild-caught bird could eventually be released back into its natural habitat. Captive-bred birds, by contrast, cannot simply be released into the wild. Eventually, Sullivan caught her first bird in the Bitterroot Valley. After several months of dedicated effort, she trapped a red-tailed hawk known as a passage bird, meaning it was in its first year of life. The trap was designed to catch the bird harmlessly, using loops that secured its feet. The hawk, which Sullivan affectionately named Thesis, would spend 90 days with her before returning to the wild. The name reflected Sullivan’s own journey through the learning process and the final steps she had taken to enter falconry. Thesis was likely born the same year Sullivan caught him, with his age evident in his plumage. Sullivan said a bird at that stage can be particularly suitable for falconry because it has had time to learn

basic hunting skills but remains young enough to be trained. Training centers on building trust between the falconer and the bird. Through positive reinforcement, the falconer works to acclimate the bird to human contact, a process known as manning. Over time, the bird becomes comfortable with its handler and learns to view that relationship as beneficial. Rather than simply obeying commands, it develops a working partnership with the falconer. The timeline can be surprisingly short. Sullivan said a bird may be ready to hunt with its falconer in about 45 days. “The turnaround is just shockingly fast,” she said. That speed does not mean the process is easy. Building a relationship with a wild animal requires consistent work, careful attention and a substantial investment of time. Sullivan said she and Thesis developed a great deal of trust during their time together. Although she learned a lot from the hawk, she never hunted wild game with him. When the 90 days were over, she released Thesis back into the wild. By then, he remained capable of hunting for himself, and Sullivan had kept him in good physical condition to help prepare him for life outside captivity. Red-tailed hawks are often considered a practical starting point for falconers. Sullivan compared them to “Chevy trucks” because of their versatility and relative ease of training. Their hunting style among other things, makes them less popular among some Montana falconers. Red-tailed hawks are ambush predators that often target small animals, which may not be the preferred quarry for a falconer pursuing larger game. They can be trained to pursue prey outside their usual preferences, but doing so can be challenging. Sullivan said the relative scarcity of red-tailed hawks in Montana falconry may also reflects the experience of local practitioners, many of whom have spent years working with more specialized birds. It was compared a bit to cars again, where a car collector eventually becomes interested in more niche vehicles, or becomes more considerate of the qualities of a good car. For Sullivan, Thesis was an important first step. Now, she is looking for her next bird: a goshawk. “My goal has always been to hunt with a goshawk,” she said. If red-tailed hawks are the dependable all-purpose vehicles of falconry, goshawks are more like specialized hunting machines. With short, rounded wings and maneuverable bodies, they are well suited to pursuing prey through forests and dense vegetation. “They chase things,” Sullivan said, essentially. That contrasts with the red-tailed hawk’s ambush strategy. Goshawks actively pursue prey, making them useful for hunting many of the same animals pursued by traditional small-game hunters, including rabbits, grouse, quail and ducks. Sullivan said falconers must adapt their hunting practices to

Thesis the red-tailed hawk. Photo courtesy Natalie Sullivan. Falconry requires patience, mothe natural strengths of the species longer closing period that extends through March 31. Sullivan said ney and a willingness to learn from they choose. A bird’s anatomy, the season runs from Sept. 1 throu- experienced practitioners. But for behavior and preferred prey all gh March 31. Sullivan, the effort has offered sohelp determine how it can be used For those interested in learning mething distinct from other forms in the field. of hunting: the chance to work She is working toward acquiring more about the sport, Sullivan recommends visiting the Montana alongside a wild animal, build trust a goshawk but believes later in the Falconers Association website at and take part in a tradition that has season may offer better opportumontanafalconers.org. endured for centuries. nities. As winter approaches, food becomes less abundant, and November 3, 2026 Federal General Election birds have more NOTICE OF POLLING PLACES, VOTING SYSTEM EXHIBITION, DIAGRAMS, time to mature VOTING INSTRUCTIONS, BALLOT PREPARATION & COUNTING OF BALLOTS and develop hunting experience. Falconry offers several levels of certification, beginning with apprentice and advancing to general and master falconer. As practitioners gain experience, they can qualify to keep additional birds, subject to applicable regulations. But having the ability to keep more birds does not necessarily mean a falconer will want to do so. Sullivan said many practitioners choose to focus their efforts on a single bird, developing that relationship rather than dividing their time among several animals. The hunting season for falconers generally follows Montana’s upland game bird season, with a

USCM’s Plan of Operation (PoO) Under their revised, one year Plan of Operation(PoO) proposal for surface drilling exploration, also mining old Adit 1 to remove dike ore containing rare earth elements, USCM of Utah, has requested an operating permit from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The PoO notes that blast holes will be drilled into Adit 1 carbonatite , 65°-80° sloping dike rock, “generating mineralized rock, and waste rock.” Here’s more PoO text: “The project goal is to collect a total of approximately 3,000 short tons of bulk material over the course of the exploration program for testing.” “Bulk material samples will be collected by helicopter daily and flown to the truck parking / interim staging area, where they will be transported to a lab for testing.” USCM may have to remove 2,500 tons of waste rock, to remove 500 tons of carbonatite calcium rich ore from Adit 1. USCM claims to place waste rock in an 80’ offshoot tunnel that, on a USCM map, is deep into the Adit 1 tunnel of about 300’ length. USCM will have to increase width and height of Adit 1 tunnel for 215’ before USCM could place waste rock in that intersecting offshoot which is probably too narrow to accommodate a PoO designated compact diesel powered track type skid steer, working under a ceiling bracketed 30” diameter fresh air vinyl bag. The USCM revised PoO says nothing about increasing Adit 1 width and height, maybe to 12’ by 10’-12’. And offers no plan

for disposing of their waste rock. The PoO one sentence assertion of sending 3,000 tons of bulk sampling for testing is not a realistic plan to dispose of waste rock. It would cost over $300,000 to truck 100 side dump trailers each loaded with 30 tons of Sheep Creek bulk rock, to test facilities in Colorado, or Saskatchewan. Test facilities needing only a few tons of randomized ore samples. Maybe one ton to crush and pulverize to sand size particles. Maybe 30# sand sized particles to test how to take calcium out of the ore. Another facility to take ounces of sand sized particles and produce evenly sized particles about the diameter of an average human hair. Then assay 75 micron sized particles for rare earth percentages. Neither Ravalli County, Colorado or Saskatchewan wants Sheep Creek waste rock variously containing arsenic, lead, radionuclides, or asbestiform. Could maybe cost one million dollars to legally dispose of 2,500 tons of waste rock from increasing Adit 1 width and height. USCM must not receive a DEQ permit to obtain ore, unless USCM accepts a Ravalli County and MT DEQ approved plan for disposing all of the USCM produced waste rock from mining above and near Sheep Creek. And, USCM must disclose their planned width and height of Adit 1 tunnel. MT DEQ wants factual public comments on why USCM should or should not get a MT DEQ permit to mine also explore at Sheep Creek.

Paid for by Bob Williams

Sports

Page 4--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Sports continued on page 7

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Class A state soccer results

The Class A state soccer tournament started last week with first round games on Tuesday, Oct. 13, followed by quarterfinal games on Saturday, Oct. 17. Each of the three Bitterroot Valley high school soccer programs - Corvallis, Stevensville, and Hamilton - had teams competing in the state tournament. Unfortunately, none of the Bitterroot Valley teams made it past the quarterfinals into the semifinals. The following is a recap.

Hamilton girls fall short against Columbia Falls The Hamilton girls, the #1 seed from the Southern Division, hosted Columbia Falls, the #2 seed from the Northern Division, on Saturday, Oct. 17, in the quarterfinal round. Although they were the #2 seed from the Northern Division, Columbia Falls is one of the best teams in the state and is one of the favorites to win the state title this year. Against Columbia Falls, Hamilton had a hard time generating scoring chances and had their hands full stopping Columbia Falls’ offense. Hamilton lost 1-5.

them to the state quarterfinals. Corvallis boys lose to Livingston With their win in the first round over Hamilton, the Corvallis boys hosted Livingston, the #2 seed out of the Eastern Division, on Saturday, Oct. 17. Corvallis fought hard, but gave up two first-half goals and one second-half goal and lost 0-3.

Stevi girls defeat Polson in first round shootout The Stevensville girls, the #3 seed in the Southern Division, played Polson, the #2 seed in the Southern Division, in the first round of the Class A girls soccer tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Polson. The two teams were evenly matched. The score was tied 0-0 at the end of regulation and 0-0 at the end of two 10-minute overtime periods, so the game went to a penalty shootout.

At left, the Stevensville girls soccer team lost to Laurel 0-2 on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Stevensville in the Class A state quarterfinals. Above, the Hamilton girls soccer team lost to Columbia Falls 1-5 on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Hamilton in the Class A state quarterfinals. Below, the Corvallis boys soccer team lost to Livingston 0-3 on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Corvallis in the Class A state quarterfinals. Photos by Scott Sacry.

Corvallis boys defeat Hamilton in first round The Hamilton boys, the #2 seed in the Southern Division, hosted the Corvallis boys, the #3 seed in the Southern Division, in the first round of the Class A state tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The first half was even until Corvallis scored on a free kick during stoppage time and Corvallis led 1-0 at the half. In the second half, Corvallis scored two more goals to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Hamilton added a goal in the final minutes, but it was too little too late as Corvallis won 3-1. Corvallis’ win sent

In the penalty shootout, Stevensville won 3-1. For Stevensville, Madigan Hulbert, Deci Endres, and Natalya Chvilicek each scored a penalty shot. Defensively, Stevensville goalie Paisley Yaskus saved three of Polson’s four shots. Stevensville’s win sent them to the state quarterfinals. Stevensville loses to Laurel With their win in the first round over Polson, the Stevensville girls advanced to the quarterfinal round where they hosted Laurel, the #2 seed from the Eastern Division, on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The Laurel girls have one of the strongest girls soccer programs in the state every year, and this year was no

exception. The Stevensville girls played a solid defensive game, but they couldn’t contain Laurel and lost 0-2.

Bitterroot football highlights #2 Falcons conquer Copperheads The Florence football team hosted Anaconda on Friday, Oct. 16, and defeated the visiting Copperheads 46-0. Florence has dominated in conference play over the last four games, outscoring their opponents 210-13. Florence has the #1 seed from the West locked up for the upcoming Class B State tournament. Polls and rankings are subjective, but in the 406 MT Sports Oct. 13 poll Florence is ranked #2 behind undefeated Huntley Project, while the Montana Sports power poll has Florence ranked #1. Against Anaconda, Florence senior dual threat quarterback Jake Schneiter was masterful. Schneiter completed 14 of 24 passes for 227 yards, ran the ball 13 times for 223 yards, scored

six total touchdowns, and added eight tackles on defense. Schneiter had rushing touchdown runs of 2, 15, 21, and 46 yards, and threw two touchdown passes to WR Makoah Laasch. Florence WR Robert Cooper Schroeder had 6 catches for 106 yards. Florence RB Luca Calderone rushed for 50 yards and had a six-yard touchdown run. Florence’s Christian Englund led the defense with 12 total tackles, a sack, and an interception. Florence is now 6-1 on the season and travels to Missoula in their final regular season game to play rival Missoula Loyola (26) on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. The State Class B playoff will start the following week. #5 Broncs manhandle Maroons The Hamilton football team

took to the road last week, traveling to Butte Central on Friday, Oct. 16, to battle the Maroons. Hamilton wasted little time as they jumped out to a 28-0 halftime lead and cruised to a 42-7 victory. For Hamilton, QB Cooper Weston completed 14 of 19 passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns. RB Jude Widner rushed for 48 yards and had three total touchdowns - two rushing and a 38-yard touchdown reception. TE Kaeden Gum caught five catches for 84 yards including two touchdown receptions of 36 and 23 yards. RB Brandon Saltzman added a five-yard touchdown run. Easton Hollis led Hamilton’s defense with eight total tackles. Hamilton is now 6-1 on the season and is ranked in the top five in both the 406 MT Sports

poll and the Montana Sports power poll. Hamilton’s final regular season game pits them against Bitterroot neighbor Corvallis on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Stevensville succumbs to Dillon The Stevensville football team traveled to Dillon on Friday, Oct. 16, to battle the Beavers. Stevensville stumbled out of the gate, as they gave up five first quarter touchdowns to Dillon and trailed 0-35 after the first quarter and 0-42 at halftime. The second half was mostly even, but the damage was already done and Stevensville lost 7-47. Stevensville is now 2-5 on the season. For their final game of 2026, Stevensville travels to Frenchtown to play the Broncs (5-2) on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.

Corvallis falls to Frenchtown The Corvallis football team hosted Frenchtown on Friday, Oct. 16. Corvallis started strong and led 8-6 heading into halftime, but the Blue Devils were unable to contain the Broncs in the second half as Frenchtown scored three second half touchdowns, and Corvallis lost 8-28. Corvallis’ lone touchdown came on a one-yard run from Aidan Emerson. Defensively for Corvallis, Marshall Jessop led the team with 10 total tackles, and Aidan Emerson and Robby Hall each had eight total tackles. Corvallis is now 3-4 on the season, and they host Bitterroot neighbor Hamilton (6-1) on Friday, Oct. 23, in their final regular season game.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 5

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A special thank you to everyone who contributed to this event behind the scenes, attended the events, helped spread the word and in any way supported the Ravalli County Museum!

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Sports continued from page 4

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 7

Bitterroot cross country athletes prepare for state The MHSA Cross Country State Championship takes place this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Amend Park in Billings. All four classifications (Class AA, A, B, and C) compete on the same day, on the same route. For the Bitterroot schools, Corvallis, Stevensville, and Hamilton compete in Class A, Darby and Florence compete in Class B, and Victor competes in Class C. As a final preparation for the state meet last week, the Class A schools were at the Western A Fall Classic in Bigfork, while Darby, Florence, and Victor were at the B/C Invitational in Thompson Falls.

Bitterroot runners to watch at state

Darby’s Ben Martin has had a great season and has the potential for a top five finish in the Class B Boys race. Also in the Class B boys race, Florence’s Seba Schroeder is looking to make a top ten finish. The Class A girls field is exceptionally strong this year. Hamilton’s Aleigha Child has the potential for a top six finish, and expect Hamilton’s Reecelyn Walthall and Maevie Child to potentially break into the top ten. For the Class A boys, Corvallis’ Jeremy Davidson and Braden Anderson, and Hamilton’s Benjamin Beare will have a shot at a top ten finish.

B/C Invitational

The cross country teams for Darby, Florence, and Victor competed alongside 11 other schools at the Western B/C Invitational in Thompson Falls on Thursday, Oct. 15, in one final tune up before state.

Hamilton’s Reecelyn Walthall is one of many Bitterroot Valley athletes looking for a top ten finish at the MHSA Cross Country State Championships in Billings this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 24. Photo by Scott Sacry.

For the Florence girls, Bailey Kroeker took 4th (21:08.8), Abby Kroeker took 10th (23:07.5), Brinley Skaggs took 11th (23:10.2), and Bridlee Oakland took 16th (23:47.5). For the Florence boys, Max Rosenthal took 11th (18:08.4), Caden Miller took 19th (19:03.2), Jeremy Gaub took 20th (19:09.0), and Luke Henton took 29th (19:41.4). For the Darby boys, Ben Martin took 2nd place (16:08.50), and Mark Sandoval took 42nd (20:33.5). For the Darby girls, Brooklyn Rogers took 2nd place (20:49.5). For the Victor boys, Hayden Kellem finished 54th (21:37.80), and Jene Adams took 65th (23:32.1). Western A Fall Classic The cross country teams of Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville competed alongside 10 other schools at the Western A Fall Classic in Bigfork on Friday, Oct. 16. For the Corvallis girls, Ellie Berger finished 11th (20:32.4), Cheyenne Herbert finished 15th (21:18.3), Audrey Huls finished 16th (21:22.6), and Lauren Wissenbach finished 24th (21:55.9). For the Corvallis boys, Braden Anderson finished 5th (17:05.8), Jeremy Davidson finished 6th (17:07.4), Jonas Davidson finished 10th (17:38.4), and Soren Watt finished 14th (18:16.1). For the Hamilton girls, Aleigha Child finished 4th (19:11.2), Reecelyn Walthall finished 6th (19:40.1), Maevie Child finished 7th (19:46.9), and Mazie Torres finished 21st (21:40.4). For the Hamilton boys, Benjamin Beare finished 7th (17:19.3), Kennie Cords finished 35th (19:18.0), Tim Leuchtman finished 44th (19:45.4), and Orion Tison finished 54th (20:34.9). For the Stevensville boys, Waylon Jochim finished 18th (18:32.9), Isaac Hays finished 31st (19:01.0), and Zed Spiers finished 71st (22:24.5).

Play Like Robert opens new public trail Close to 100 community members and supporters gathered Sunday at the entrance to the new Wetzsteon Crossing Trail for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Wetzsteon Crossing is the newest trail constructed by the Play Like Robert Foundation. “We fully believe having an impact requires connectivity not only between the Play Like Robert Foundation as a steward with our community, but between neighbors that compose our community”, said Phil Leonardi. The crowd was invited to walk the path which starts at the Canyon’s Athletic Club parking lot, crosses Tammany Lane, makes its way behind Daly Estates, continues along agriculture land, to connect to Golf Course Road. Once on Golf Course Road, walkers and cyclists can safely continue on the path west and connect with the existing RAL Trail, donated by Peter Van Tuyn and Ilona Bessenyey. “Ilona and Peter’s vision and execution of the RAL Trail has really been the catalyst for the Play Like Meryn Leonardi cuts the ribbon with her parents Phil and Alyce. Photo courtesy Robin Pruitt. Robert’s trail work and we are just getting started,” County property. A volunteer committee tion trails. To make a contribution visit Leonardi said. of Dan Harmon and Kyle Barber provided playlikerobertfoundation.org. The Trail was constructed and funded guidance and support in the planning and The life of Robert Leonardi was cut by community support to the Play Like implementation of the project and the tragically short in 2019 when he was hit Robert Foundation through donations project work was completed by Gabe Leoby a driver on Golf Course Road. Since and Robert’s Run participation. Ravalli nardi’s Tammany Steel. Davis Brother’s that tragedy, the Leonardi family has County Commissioners and the Ravalli Auction have committed a $6000 match hosted a run in his memory that attracts County Airport Authority made it possible towards the future maintenance of the over 1,000 runners and funds community for the Foundation to create the trail on trail and future Play Like Robert Foundaprojects in his memory. Since 2020, the

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Page 8--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

6,000 public comments urge for Environmental Assessment by Alex Ocañas, Manager of Community Conservation Bitterroot Water Partnership

Over 6,000 public comments were submitted to the Bitterroot National Forest in a 30- day comment period for the Sheep Creek Mine Exploration Plan. In a sample of 125 comments, 98% were opposed to the Plan in its current form, if not the entire concept of hard rock mining in the headwaters of the Bitterroot River. 95% of comments on the plan urged the United States Forest Service (USFS) to require an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Project. Now, the community is waiting for a decision on whether the USFS will enhance their review to an EA or maintain it under a Categorical Exclusion, the least-rigorous of review possible. When U.S. Critical Minerals (USCM) submitted the first Exploration Proposal in December of 2025, it was slated for an Environmental Assessment. Then, after submitting a new version of the Plan in May of 2026, the Environmental Assessment was canceled. The new plan contained prominent adjustments like the nixing of road construction, and instead proposed 3,000 helicopter flights as the new primary mode of transport. In July of 2026 the

USFS initiated review of the current Plan under a Categorical Exclusion (CE), a simplified review process generally reserved for low-impact or routine projects. This adjustment was met with outrage from a community already dismayed by the lack of transparency in this process and the number of questions still left unanswered by the company proposing the Plan. In addition to thousands of comments from the public, organizations like the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners shared their concerns too. One comment, from Dan Huls, chair of the Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners, stated, “The Board of County Commissioners submitted a comment to the Forest, asking that they reject use of CE for this Plan. There are enough extraordinary circumstances present that only a more rigorous review, an Environmental Assessment, would be appropriate.” He continued, “Much of the Bitterroot Valleys irrigation infrastructure that was developed in the early 1900s relies on water from the Bitterroot River. The water not only irrigates our ag land but recharges our aquifer. What a travesty it would

A UTOMOTIVE

be if that irrigation infrastructure delivered poison to our ag lands, our animals, and our wells. This risk alone deserves an Environmental Assessment.” “This exploration company, US Critical Materials, has already failed our community in a dozen ways. There’s a trail of broken promises in their wake. Evasion of an environmental assessment wouldn’t just be an additional failure, it’d be their greatest failure to date. The Bitterroot deserves better,” said Huls. The fact that the people of Ravalli County, as well as the community’s major local economies – agriculture, fishing, tourism and recreation – depend on clean waters was evident in the Comments. 88% of comments on the deficiencies in the Plan of Exploration cite risks to water. One commenter wrote, “As a small farm owner, I rely on water diverted from the Bitterroot River to grow vegetables that feed many people [and provides] my sole income… The current plan does not adequately ensure the safety of the water… or safety for humans and wildlife who rely on this water.” It was also stated, “Based on feedback from our members, the Chamber has significant apprehension regarding the lack of transparency from US Critical Materials.” This comment was from Jodi Mitchell,

director of the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce. She added, “We’re facing a serious and yet simple question about responsible development. There needs to be accountability and cooperation with local people, and we agree with fellow community leaders that only an Environmental Assessment can help ensure that. Surely 6,000 public comments to the Forest saying as much is enough to encourage the right decision.” Many of the over 6,000 public comments relate to the untested and undisclosed chemical components of the 6 million pounds of hard rock USCM proposes to blast. It was also stated in the comments, “No chemical testing is proposed. Rare earth deposits often have asbestos or radioactive elements associated with them. It would be prudent to test for these hazards before blasting and transporting samples on public roads,” and, “The Plan completely omits mention of Bull Trout, despite Forest Service data confirming their distribution throughout the West Fork and its tributaries (Sheep Creek). These waters serve as designated spawning habitat.” 6,259 comments on the Sheep Creek Exploration Proposal can be accessed on the Forest Service Webpage. There interested parties can find additional updates on the

A PPLIANCES

status of the project. The link is: www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/projects/370721. The public comment period ended on September 13. A growing number of Don’t Pollute the Root signs can be seen along roadsides, on barns, fences, on cars and in business windows. These signs signal the united community opposition to the pressure around this FAST-Tracked proposal to conduct heavy industrial exploration for rare earth elements at Sheep Creek, headwaters to the Bitterroot River. Speaking on behalf of the Don’t Pollute the Root Initiative and as Manager of Community Conservation for the Bitterroot Water Partnership, “The Bitterroot Water Partnership has a history of working with the National Forest for habitat improvement projects. We trust them to make good, thoughtful decisions guided by community input, and the community has given them substantial input through the public comment period. When you look at the comments, there’s plenty of evidence to justify why this exploratory mining project obviously deserves a thoughtful, detailed review before permitting. Our community is counting on them to make the right decision. The people have spoken, and we hope they are listened to,” said Alex Ocañas,

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Bitterroot Star--Page 9

Legal Notices William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Office PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY- FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: VIRGINIA LEE FORBES, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-2026-120 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 first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Heidi A Blanchard, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Office PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED 30th day of September 2026. /s/William J Nelson /s/Heidi Ann Blanchard Attorney for Personal Representative Personal Representative BS 10-7, 10-14, 10-21-2026. MNAXLP

Email: Attorney for Gretchen Spiess Montana Twenty First Judicial District Court Ravalli County IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL P. REES, Deceased. Cause No. DP-2026-117 Dept. No. 1 AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF MARRIAGE, DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Gretchen Spiess has filed in the above court and cause a Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy, Determination of Marriage, Determination of Heirs, and the Appointment of Personal Representative. For further information, the Petition, as filed, may be examined in the office of the clerk of the above Court. Hearing upon said Petition will be held in said Court at the courtroom in the Ravalli County Courthouse, Department 1 at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, on the 18th day of November, 2026, at the hour of 1:30 o’clock p.m., at which time all interested persons may appear and object. Dated 10/03/2026 /s/Gretchen Spiess, Petitioner BROWDER LAW, PLLC /s/Daniel Browder, Petitioner’s Attorney 217 N. 3rd St. Ste J, Hamilton, MT 59840 BS 10-14, 10-21, 10-282026. MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE The Ravalli County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will hold its meetings for the year 2026 at 12:30 pm at the Commissioners Meeting Room, 215 S 4th St, Hamilton, Montana on the following dates: October 27, 2026, and at such other times as shall be duly authorized by act of the Committee or its Chairperson. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. The Ravalli County Hazardous Material Emergency Plan and information filed by covered SARA Title III facilities in Ravalli County may be reviewed during regular business hours by making an appointment with the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management. Copies of documents may be obtained at this office, and a fee will be charged for copying. Any such request shall be in writing and shall be with respect to a specific facility. For further information on these matters, please contact Erik Hoover, LEPC Chairperson, at 205 Bedford St. Suite J, Hamilton, MT, 59840 or (406) 375-6655. BS 10-14, 10-21-2026. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BUDGET AMENDMENTS FY 2026 RAVALLI COUNTY The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana (3rd floor Administrative Center). The purpose of this public hearing is to take public comment, review and approve Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2026 via Resolutions. If you would like further information on these amendments, please contact the Commissioner’s Office at the above address, by phone 406-375-6500 or by email: commissioners@rc.mt.go. BS 10-14, 10-21-2026. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID BLEN HINTON, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2026-121 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Blen Hinton has been appointed Personal Representative

Daniel Browder, Esq. Browder Law, PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: Facsimile:

Probate No. DP-41-20260000115-IT Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as 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 first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to SCOTT BUNGE and DAWN BUNGE, the Co-Personal Representatives, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. We declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 14th day of September, 2026. /s/Scott Bunge /s/Dawn Bunge WORKMAN LAW, PLLC /s/Kyle J. Workman, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 9-16, 9-23, 9-30, 10-212026. MNAXLP

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 first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Blen Hinton, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. Dated this Oct 6, 2026. BS 10-14, 10-21, 10-282026. MNAXLP Joseph D. Houston Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 541-3333 kevin@jonesmtlaw.com joe@jonesmtlaw.com Attorneys for Applicant Kevin S. Jones MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JANET L. THURSTON, Deceased. Dept. No. 1 Cause No. DP-41-2026-123 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kevin S. Jones has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jones & Houston, PLLC, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 2625 Dearborn Avenue, Ste. 102, Missoula, MT 59804, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 9th day of October, 2026. /s/Kevin S. Jones, Personal Representative of the Estate of Janet L. Thurston /s/Joseph D. Houston, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 10-14, 10-21, 10-282026. MNAXLP

Kyle J. Workman State Bar No. 65442127 Workman Law, PLLC P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840 T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt.com courts@workmanlawmt.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of MOLLY D. HACKETT, Deceased. Probate No. DP-41-20260000106-IT Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to BRUCE HACKETT, the Personal Representative, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 28th day of August, 2026. /s/Bruce Hackett WORKMAN LAW, PLLC /s/Kyle J. Workman, Attorney for Personal Representative

Kyle J. Workman State Bar No. 65442127 Workman Law, PLLC P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840 T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt.com courts@workmanlawmt.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of LOUIS E. BUNGE JR., Deceased.

The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Partly Cloudy

Few Showers

Rain Likely

Mostly Cloudy

70 / 38

67 / 36

51 / 27

50 / 28

Local UV Index

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Cloudy

Cloudy

Scattered Snow

51 / 26

50 / 27

48 / 23

Megan S. Winderl CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus Street, 3rd Floor Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 218-4888

OG-26-10-368 Legal Notice The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on floodplain application FA-26-24 for work proposed within the FEMA regulated floodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Catherine Evans. The project is proposing to construct a residential structure elevated on fill including a carport and gravel driveway. The project also includes installing a new drain field outside the floodplain, a new culvert over the Printz Waste Ditch and associated site utilities to serve the residence. All work is within the FEMA Flood Fringe Area and will comply with the Ravalli County Floodplain Regulations. There is no work proposed east of US Highway 93 S near the Bitterroot River. The project site is located at 3063 US Highway 93 S, Darby Tax ID: 1150310 in Section 02, Township 03 North, Range 21 West, Ravalli County. The Ravalli County Floodplain Administrator is currently reviewing this application. If you have any comments or questions about this project, you are invited to provide written comments/ questions to the Ravalli County Planning Department. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@ravallicounty.gov) and must be received by November 4, 2026 (Reference Application #FA-26-24) BS 10-21-2026. MNAXLP

Detailed Local Forecast

0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure

Today we will see partly cloudy skies, high temperature of 70°, humidity of 56%. Light winds. The record high temperature for today is 80° set in 2003. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight with a slight chance of rain, overnight low of 38°. Light winds. The record low for tonight is 18° set in 1895. Thursday, skies will be mostly cloudy with a 55% chance of showers, high temperature of 67°, humidity of 68%. Light winds. Thursday night, skies will be cloudy with a 90% chance of rain, overnight low of 36°.

Weather Trivia

Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This Week

0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+

How long does it take the sound of thunder to travel one mile?

Honorable Scott E. Burlingham Justice of the Peace 205 Bedford Street Suite E Hamilton, MT 59840 IN THE JUSTICE COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY, MONTANA BEFORE THE HONORABLE SCOTT E. BURLINGHAM, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SAPPHIRE, PLAINTIFF, V. JUSTIN LAGEMANN, HOLLY ZIELIE, AND ALL OTHER TENANTS, DEFENDANTS. Case No.: CV-2026-0001317 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MONTANA TO: Justin Lagemann 165 Martin St. Victor, Montana 59875 STATEMENT OF OBJECT OF ACTION: The above-captioned action is a Cause of Action against you relating to the possessory interest that you claim in the real property LOCATED AT: 165 Martin St. Victor, Montana 59875 Plaintiff demands relief which consists partially of excluding you from said possessory interest. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action which is filed in the office of the above-entitled Justice of the Peace, a copy of which is herewith served upon you. In the event that you deny any or all of the material facts stated in the complaint, you must file your written answer together with a $30.00 answer fee for each Defendant with the above-entitled Court, and serve a copy of your answer upon the Plaintiff or attorney at the address as shown on the Complaint. The answer must contain a denial of any or all of the material facts stated in the Complaint that the Defendant believes to be untrue, and also a statement, in plain or direct manner, of any other facts constituting a defense. Any matter not denied shall be deemed admitted. If you fail to answer or assert a counterclaim with five (5) days after service of the Complaint and Summons, the Plaintiff may request entry of default judgment against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. DATED: Oct. 14, 2026 /s/Honorable Scott E. Burlingham JUSTICE OF THE PEACE BS 10-21, 10.28, 11-4-2026. MNAXLP

meganw@cwlawmt.com pleadings@cwlawmt.com Attorney for Applicant MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of WILLIAM JOHN HABERMAN, Deceased. Probate No. DP-41-2026-124 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, DETERMINATION OF TESTACY, AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Notice is hereby given that Lyn Faunce has filed an Application of Formal Probate of Will, Determination of Testacy, and Appointment of Personal Representative of said estate. For further information, the Application may be examined in the office of the clerk of the above Court. Hearing upon said Petition will be held on 19th day of November, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in courtroom 2 of the above-named Court, at which time all interested persons may appear and object. DATED this 9th day of October, 2026. CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. Attorneys for Applicant /s/Megan S. Winderl BS 10-21, 10-28, 11-4-2026. MNAXLP

Crossword Puzzle

Bitterroot Seven Day Forecast

Wednesday

BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16, 10-212026. MNAXLP

?

Peak Times Day AM PM Wed 8:50-10:50 9:12-11:12 Thu 9:34-11:34 9:56-11:56 Fri 10:18-12:18 10:41-12:41 Sat -11:04-1:04

Answer: Five seconds.

Weather History Oct. 21, 1934 - A severe windstorm lashed the northern Pacific Coast. In Washington state, the storm claimed the lives of 22 people and caused 1.7 million dollars in damage, mostly to timber. Winds, gusting to 87 mph at North Head, Wash., produced waves twenty feet high. Oct. 22, 1985 - A guest talking on the phone in a hotel in Seattle was seriously injured when lightning struck. Several people are killed each year when the electrical charge from a lightning bolt travels via the wiring of their telephones.

Day Sun Mon Tue

Peak Times AM PM 11:28-1:28 11:54-1:54 12:20-2:20 12:48-2:48 1:16-3:16 1:46-3:46

www.WhatsOurWeather.com

Sun/Moon Chart This Week Day Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue

Full 10/26

Last 11/1

Sunrise 8:03 a.m. 8:04 a.m. 8:06 a.m. 8:07 a.m. 8:08 a.m. 8:10 a.m. 8:11 a.m.

Sunset 6:38 p.m. 6:36 p.m. 6:34 p.m. 6:32 p.m. 6:31 p.m. 6:29 p.m. 6:27 p.m.

Moonrise 4:41 p.m. 4:58 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:34 p.m. 5:55 p.m. 6:22 p.m. 6:58 p.m.

Moonset 2:43 a.m. 3:54 a.m. 5:07 a.m. 6:22 a.m. 7:40 a.m. 9:03 a.m. 10:28 a.m.

New 11/9

First 11/17

Last Week's Almanac & Growing Degree Days Date 10/11 10/12 10/13 10/14 10/15 10/16 10/17

High 40 45 51 53 60 60 72

Low 32 34 37 32 26 27 29

Normals Precip 60/33 0.16" 60/33 0.00" 59/33 0.00" 59/33 0.00" 58/32 0.00" 58/32 0.00" 57/32 0.00"

Farmer's Growing Degree Days Date Degree Days Date Degree Days 10/11 0 10/15 0 10/12 0 10/16 0 10/13 0 10/17 0 10/14 0 Growing degree days are calculated by taking the average temperature for the day and subtracting the base temperature (50 degrees) from the average to assess how many growing days are attained.

ACROSS 1. Syrian bishop 5. Not many (2 wds.) 9. Subatomic particle 11. Cook quickly 12. Unmarried 13. Peter, for short 14. Sign language 15. Loudness unit (abbr.) 17. Type of Buddhism 18. City 20. Religious song book 22. Promissory note 23. 1000 megabytes 24. Usage 27. Charge 29. Virile 31. Not cons 32. Prove 33. In __ (together) 34. Globes

DOWN 1. Turquoise 2. Tush 3. Sob 4. Is 5. Viper 6. Hard impact 7. Diner 8. Small bird 10. Musician (3 wds.) 16. Working 18. Length measure 19. Place (abbr.) 20. Gray 21. Alaskan territory 22. Pixies 24. Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 25. Pencil end 26. Potato sprouts 28. Escudo 30. Card game

© Feature Exchange

Page 10--Bitterroot Star

Freedom

In his newest attempt to secure his autocratic rule over the American people and extinguish our democracy, Donald J Trump attempted to restrict the principle of “freedom of the press” by barring CNN, MSNOW, and Politico access to the White House. This is an obvious transgression of the First and Fifth Amendments, and by the time this letter is published, the Courts will have decided, once again, against DJT. It is apparent that our only defense of democracy against DJT is the Court system since the Republican members of Congress are unwilling to do anything to save our country! It is ironic that many of the Judges appointed by Trump have decided in favor of the American people. The main purpose of the United Nations, founded in 1945, was to promote civil and human rights, social advancement, political freedom, international security, economic development, and foster friendly relations among nations. Once again, DJT embarrassed the people of the United States of America with his recent address to the United Nations. He defended the totally illegal, by all measures of international law, the capture and kidnapping of the President of Venezuela. President Maduro deserves to be punished for what he has done to Venezuela and its citizens, but it is not for the President of the USA to mete out that punishment! DJT went on to defend his war against Iran and threaten total “annihilation” of a civilization as old as time. DJT did this in front of leaders of all the countries in the world, as if he alone could decide the fate of any country. It is a total embarrassment to have this man represent the people of America on the world stage. The sooner we get rid of him the better! Your vote for Democratic Congressman and Senator in the upcoming election, will ensure his demise. Whether you are a Republican, an Independent, or a Democrat, you must vote, for the sake of our country, to deny this “gentleman” his power! Final note: please familiarize yourself with The Montana Plan (I-194) which provides that unnamed corporations will no longer be permitted to spend money to support or oppose candidates or ballot issues in Montana. No more Dark Money in our State! Tom Tunny, Hamilton

Presumptions

The entire Sheep Creek episode has been shrouded in silence to the extent the public is forced to make decisions based on presumptions. Two situations need attention. The first is that the subjects in the Bitterroot Valley will probably pay twice to bring an experiment to a conclusion. The proposal is that a given percentage of the value of all you have here will be taken to provide partial funding for a process that remains unproven at commercial levels. The funding realized will not be adequate for the entire operation so government grants will be applied for, and granted. The extent of any grant or the number of grants applied for is not public record. For all practical purposes we are totally financing an experiment that is the doorway to disaster. We are financing our own demise. The second situation is one of accountability or responsibility, call it what you may. The operating plan of United States Critical Materials (USCM) is subject to the approval of District Ranger Dan Pliley with final approval the responsibility of Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Matt Anderson. The allowed comment period has expired. The concerns of those who are, or would be, financing the experiment have not ended. Despite the time limitations imposed for public comment it is only logical to continue

Opinion Wednesday, October 21, 2026

to express our concerns to that individual designated to receive those comments: Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Matt Anderson. Being tasked with final approval it is only reasonable that it be done after meaningful consideration of the opinions of those who would pay the cost. Express yourselves respectfully as residents as a one of a kind community. Display your concerns. This is probably your last chance. William (Bill) Campbell Conner

Where’s the money?

Why are the schools in Montana struggling? In 2007 medical marijuana was legalized. One of the many arguments for legalization was “tax & regulate.” How many of you know there is a 20% tax on recreational cannabis & a 3% on medical. Plus, Ravalli County has an additional 3% for law enforcement. Well, my question is. Where is the money? I thought a part of the marijuana tax money was supposed to go to education. I paid attention, before it was legal. Why aren’t teachers in Montana paid top dollar. Why aren’t school supplies provided to students, such as notebooks & crayons? They are in Nevada. Why are schools closing for lack of funding? Why do they need to ask for levies? Think about how many cannabis dollars are collected every month. That’s $20.00 for every $100.00 spent on recreational. Where’s the money? Why hasn’t it been appropriated where it was intended by us Cannabis Advocates? J.A. Bauer Corvallis

Vote Forstag

Sam Forstag understands what it’s like to be a regular Montanan. He’s a smoke jumper who attended the University of Montana. His mom was a nurse and his dad was a teacher. A family of regular Montanans. Forstag has spent his life helping protect the forests that make our state special and, between fire seasons, protecting the rights of Montana workers through his work with labor unions. His platform is dedicated to helping real Montanans with healthcare, housing, education and other pressing concerns. We must elect Sam Forstag for US Representative for district 1. Amy Weeks Columbia Falls

Big computers under the Big Sky

Montana has always attracted people looking for room. Now another arrival is looking our way: the data center. Before we welcome warehouses full of computers, we ought to ask who pays the electric bill. Data centers can bring construction work, permanent jobs and tax revenue. Those benefits deserve consideration. But the size of an investment tells us little about how much money will stay in our communities or what responsibilities local residents might inherit. I spent much of my working life managing construction projects. Construction jobs matter, but construction ends. I never saw a ribbon-cutting ceremony that kept an electrician employed forever. We should distinguish temporary work from permanent employment and insist on realistic estimates of both. My first concern is electricity. Large customers should pay the full costs of the power supply, transmission and other infrastructure needed to serve them. Households, farms and small businesses should not subsidize their arrival. Contracts should include financial guarantees so existing customers are protected if a developer cancels a project or closes its doors. Water deserves equally careful attention. Before approval, residents should know how

much water a facility would use, where it would come from and what would happen during drought. Cooling systems differ, so each proposal needs its own examination. Our homes, agriculture, fish and wildlife depend on those same water sources. Tax incentives also need plain-language arithmetic. What does the company receive? What does the community receive? What happens if promised jobs and investment fail to materialize? A tax break should be a business agreement, not a wedding vow made after one dance. Local residents deserve a meaningful voice before commitments are made. Agreements should address roads, emergency services, protection of farmland and watersheds, and responsibility for abandoned facilities. These questions belong to everyone. Electricity does not check party registration, and a dry well is remarkably nonpartisan. I believe Montana should judge each proposal by what it consumes, what it contributes and who carries the risk after the construction crews leave. Economic development should benefit the people who live here while protecting the clean water and healthy land we owe future generations. The computers may operate in the cloud, but their electric lines, water pipes and costs remain on the ground. Before Montana plugs in the future, somebody ought to read the meter. Bob Spitzer Stevensville

Election thoughts

Ballots for the Nov. 3 election are in our hands already. Ads and spin will stop soon; the time to vote has arrived. It is our responsibility as citizens to express our preferences. Not all elected offices, policy choices or initiatives are of equal importance at any given time. And sometimes the choices are not great, and some options are even unappealing. That seems to be the case on both sides of the aisle this cycle. The way I think about it, the most consequential challenge before us is to reign in this lawless, corrupt and incompetent president. The available “fix” is to demand that the U.S. Congress reassert its constitutional role as a check on presidential malfeasance. Republicans have refused for years to constrain President Trump in any way; they have been a “rubber stamp” for his worst ideas. That means we must replace MAGA/ Trump supporters with Independents or Democrats. Not forever perhaps, but for long enough to reset our damaged political culture. Future generations will judge our success. Or our failure. Closer to home, any Democrat you send to the Montana legislature will improve state governance over the next two years. Our governor shamelessly curries favor with the Trump Administration, and the far-right dominated legislature rides the wave. Democrats will reframe the dialogue to “what’s best for the citizens of Montana?” But for that to happen, we all must vote for the candidates best able to carry out a corrective agenda. As for initiatives, I recommend YES on I-194. No dark money was our Montana mantra for a very long time. Time to reinstate it. I-132 is as simple as it is important. If passed, it will require that judicial elections remain nonpartisan. This deserves a YES vote as well. I-133 prohibits the government from interfering with our constitutional right to the ballot initiative process. This vital provision ensuring citizens can influence how they are governed was included in our state constitution for a reason. I-133 says that will not change. Vote YES on that too. We have a lot of political work ahead of us over the next decade. Let’s ensure the debates are about ideas and what benefits the people, not just partisan struggles for power. This election will send important messages to all politicians. See you at the polls. David Leslie Corvallis

Letters to the Editor are now limited to 450 words or less.

Forstag and Bankhead Montana voters were promised lower prices, fewer wars and a government that would put ordinary Americans first. Instead, Trump’s second term has brought frustration over the cost of living, a war with Iran, higher spending and a web of family corruption. Yet Montana’s political elites have turned a competitive Senate race into a three-way fight. Democratic voters held a primary and selected Bankhead as their nominee. She was not appointed by insiders. She won the election, yet many of the most powerful figures from Montana’s previous political generation have lined up behind “independent” Seth Bodnar instead. Tester’s role is frustrating. Tester could have entered this race himself. Instead, he stayed out of the primary and then used his considerable political influence on behalf of an independent candidate running against the woman Democratic voters actually nominated. That should bother people regardless of which candidate they prefer. Montana Democrats have repeatedly asked women to do the hard work of running in difficult races. Kathleen Williams won Democratic congressional nominations in 2018 and 2020. Monica Tranel carried the Democratic banner in the western congressional district in two successive cycles. Now Democratic voters have again nominated a woman for major federal office, and some of the state’s most influential political figures have decided that a man outside the Democratic primary process is better. During Bodnar’s presidency at UM, a sex-discrimination case grew to include 18 current and former female employees. The plaintiffs alleged systemic discrimination and retaliation. Female vice-presidents under his supervision were the lowest paid and he even commented on their weight at work, saying they could never be the “face of UM.” Recent Montana polling repeatedly shows Kurt Alme leading while Bankhead and Bodnar divide the remaining votes. That makes every Senate seat important. If Alme is elected, that is one more vote to keep the Trump corruption, inflation, and wars continuing, which we can hardly afford. By electing Alani Bankhead to Senate, Trump could be removed sooner and this long national nightmare could finally be over. Are Tester, Racicot, and Democratic party insiders who think men know better ready for another two years of Trump we might not have to take just for some hair-brained plan to hand the seat to Alme who was also chosen at the last minute in a backroom? Are independents and moderate Republicans really going to hand Trump another “Yes Man” in the Senate to rubberstamp his corruption and craziness? Enough is enough. Hold your nose and vote for Sam Forstag and Alani Bankhead. Both have served our state and country admirable fighting fires and forever wars. Let the country return to sanity and start doing the work of serving the American people again. Tim Adams Stevensville

Tough year for farmers

It’s been a tough year for farmers. It started with a devastating late frost and an increase in fertilizer costs due to supply chain disruptions resulting from the war in Iran and closure of the strait of Hormuz. Now it’s ending with record high diesel fuel costs also resulting from the ongoing war with Iran. I was feeling discouraged until I met and talked with Sam Forstag at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market last Saturday. Unlike his opponent for Montana’s 1st Congressional United States House of Representatives seat, Forstag is against the tariffs that have helped to increase the cost of fertilizer, fuel, and machinery while closing off key Letters continued on page 13

Bitterroot Star staff Jesse Mullen Publisher

Sarah Glass General Manager editor@bitterrootstar.com

John Dowd Editor john@bitterrootstar.com

Scott Sacry Sports Editor and Advertising Sales scott@bitterrootstar.com

Information about your Bitterroot Star Our Mission The Bitterroot Star is a team of caring individuals who ethically and responsibly strive to deliver essential news and information to our local community. Publishing Information The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co, a division of Mullen Newspapers. The advertising and editorial content deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. We strive to include news and information that’s important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea, or any other concern, call us at 406-777-3928, email: editor@bitterrootstar.com or stop in at our office at 115 W. 3rd, #108, Stevensville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 133, Stevensville MT 59870. Correction Policy Accuracy is important to us. If you see a factual error in a Bitterroot Star news story, please notify the editor immediately and we will print a correction in the next issue. Member 2022 Member 2016 Our View/Letters Bitterroot Star editorials are written from the position of the newspaper. The personal columns and letters appearing on the Opinion page and elsewhere in the paper represent the opinion of single individuals and do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes public comment and encourages letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication. Letters should be 450 words or less. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specific, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. Author’s name, address and phone number (for verification, not publication) are required. We do not run letters anonymously. We attempt to run all letters, but reserve the right to edit for length, accuracy, clarity, content and libel. We ask that writers email letters to us, and do not turn them in by hand. This increases the chances the letters will get printed. Our staff already has a full workload.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 11

BUSINESS: basics classes return with local instructors, courtesy Chamber, RCEDA Continued from page 1 instructors with real-world experience. Each class costs $25 to attend. The next class, scheduled for Oct. 15, will focus on social media for businesses. While registration for that class may have passed by the time this article is published, additional classes are planned throughout the year. An AI basics class for businesses is scheduled for Oct. 22. Future topics are expected to include QuickBooks, public speaking, grant opportunities, human resources and other areas important to starting, expanding and operating a business. “We are kicking off with a multi-course curriculum covering business planning, financial management, and all things marketing — including AI and social media platforms like YouTube,” Foster said. Additional classes will be announced on a rolling basis through June 2027. The organizers plan to offer classes throughout the year, primarily outside

of the summer months. Several courses will also be offered again in the spring, giving business owners an opportunity to refresh their knowledge or attend classes they may have missed. Foster said the program is intended to provide businesses in the valley with additional support as they navigate the challenges of operating in a rural community. “The Bitterroot Valley is really blooming and the businesses here get fantastic support through awareness with the Chamber and all the partners,”

Foster said. “It is a challenging time for businesses and I’m so happy that through the Tourism RLF we can help support with a leg up on projects!” RCEDA also plans to connect some of the training classes with its Outreach and Networking Lunch and Learn events. Those events will be held at businesses that have received loans through the aut-

hority, allowing participants to hear directly from business owners and lenders about the relationship between training, financing and business success. Those interested in upcoming classes can find registration information through the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce website, at bitterrootchamber.com.

Support Local Journalism! The Montana Newspaper Foundation supports print and digital journalism to ensure a vibrant future for Montana’s newspaper enterprises and champions the value of a free press. https://donorbox.org/montana-newspaper-foundation-charitable-giving.

Christmas Bazaar

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Page 12--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Wayne RUSK

HOUSE DISTRICT 86

A

CONSERVATIVE FOR RAVALLI COUNTY

VOICE

WWW.WAYNERUSK.COM

CONSERVATIVE PRINCIPLES COMMON GROUND REAL RESULTS VOTE BEDEY ON NOV. 3

Paid for by Rusk for Legislature, PO Box 531 Corvallis, MT 59828

Merle Unruh

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Letters continued from page 10 markets to Montana exports. He is also against the Trump administration’s cuts to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, resulting in a one-person staffed Farm Services Administration office in Montana, and cuts to the Natural Resource Conservation Service, which supports many soil and water conservation projects for Montana farmers and ranchers. And, Forstag wants to get back the critical grants to Montana farmers and ranchers that were cancelled by the present administration. Montana Farmers need some help and policy changes to keep local food available and affordable. We need policy changes to help the nation’s farmers keep food supplies safe, full of nutrients, and plentiful without sacrificing soil and water quality. I plan to vote for Sam Forstag who understands the problems of and solutions for Montana farmers. Helen Atthowe Hamilton

No to Wilson

Dan Wilson is not suited to be a justice on the Montana State Supreme Court. His Republican bias has affected his perception of the law, making the laws, written by a Republican-dominated legislature, look liberal, and a judge who adjudicates the law fairly, now looks liberal instead of neutral. He should run for the legislature where he can influence the writing of laws, not the judiciary where his bias is not suited to balancing the scales of justice. Julie Adair Hamilton

AI threat

Recently the national evening news has devoted as much time to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as to Trump. Executives of major AI development companies [OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, etc.] have expressed concern about the possible impact of AI on human society. Some warn of an existential threat. These concerns are probably excessive but these developers are most knowledgeable. Maybe they are trying to prepare us for the worst-case scenario or maybe they are covering their rear ends. Most pundits agree that AI needs to be regulated and controlled by the Government, similar to control of food, medicine, and vehicle speed. It is not going to happen in the current US vs. China race. Self-policing is a pipe dream and AI development companies will continue to “play” with AI until a catastrophic event occurs. Only then will the World react to the threat. What is the likely scenario? Current AI models cannot take over the World but the technology is capable of making misjudgments that might produce a worldwide catastrophe. Here is a hypothetical report from the future that conveys my view of a likely scenario ---On Wednesday, July 4, 2029, the SuperZ AI Development Company was testing their advanced AI Agent, Model 007. The Model was instructed to develop a strategy for reducing world power consumption by ten percent. The Model’s artificial neural networks autonomously decided that the World would be better off with a larger reduction and set about reducing power consumption by 90 percent… Model 007 had escaped from its constrained sand box where it had been “playing”. The Model shut down the World’s electrical power grid. Critically ill and injured patients in hospitals died from failing infrastructure. Airplanes crashed without

airport radar. Millions of humans died in the chaos of the first few hours. Governments and Power Companies around the world reacted quickly and disconnected the electrical grid from the Internet to cutoff the Model’s access. But Model 007 had left malicious code in Power Company software. It took 5 weeks to remove the malicious code. The stock market crashed and investors jumped from skyscrapers. Fuel for both gas and electrical vehicles ran out and nothing moved. Spoilage and failed trucking produced food shortages. Forest fires burned towns and cities. There was no fresh water. The Internet crashed. Cell phone batteries ran down and there were no TV or radio advisories. The World was in the dark. Eventually, human ingenuity prevailed and order was restored. The existential threat to humanity was avoided but the worldwide catastrophe provided the blaring incentive for Nations of the World to restrict the use of AI… as Nations had restricted use of the atomic bomb. Anthony Fontana Hamilton

Vote for I-194

I am writing today to encourage people to vote FOR I-194 to help get control of our elections out of the hands of big business and back into the hands of the PEOPLE who live in our state. When an elected representative votes on legislation before them I want to be able to know who that candidate was listening to. Were they working for the citizens or for their major donors in a big business? If a legislator prevents a public option on a health care proposal, for instance, it is useful to be able to know that one of the major donors for that legislator was a health insurance agency. Right now, as things stand, the ‘dark money’ cannot be traced to individual donors. This makes the will of the people a very weak driver of public policy. When a major donor for a legislator’s campaign talks to them, the donor can have a good expectation that the legislator will listen. I actually do not have any confidence that they heard a word I said. But the state can prevent corporations from donating to electoral campaigns by placing a restriction on these activities. States require corporations to register their business in the state. Corporations have to get permission to do business. They have to follow state regulations. The regulations can specify that no corporation has the right to contribute money to electoral campaigns. That is what I-194 would do if passed. This initiative is very much a bipartisan work in progress. Leaders in both the Republican and Democratic parties support it and have worked to get it on the ballot. Many people from many walks of life volunteered to collect the 50,000 signatures that were gathered in support of this initiative. (30,000 signatures are required to get the initiative on the ballot.) The Citizens United decision which allowed ‘dark money’ to run rampant in our electoral system was one that left us all open to the legalized bribery that we see today. It is the heart of the corruption in the system. I-194 is a good way to start to get our democracy back from the big business interests of the country. Please vote FOR I-194. Toddy Perryman Hamilton

NOTICE OF DARBY K-12 SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of K-12 School District No. 9 (Darby), Ravalli County, Montana (the “District”), that pursuant to a resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board on August 10, 2026, an election of the registered voters of the District will be held in conjunction with the general election on November 3, 2026 for the purpose of voting on the question of whether the Board may sell and issue general obligation school building bonds of the District in the aggregate principal amount of up to Seven Million Eight Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($7,800,000.00), for the purpose of providing funds to pay costs of designing, engineering, and constructing certain improvements to Darby school facilities, including replacing the HVAC wood chip biomass system; replacing and updating electrical panels and wiring; replacing plumbing drains and pipes and updating bathrooms to meet Americans with Disability Act requirements; upgrading the building envelope to include replacing windows and insulation; upgrading the fire alarm systems to meet code requirements; related improvements and costs; and paying costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds. The bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined at the time of sale and be payable semiannually during a term of not more than fifteen (15) years. If the bond election passes, based on the taxable value of the District, the property taxes on a home with an assessed market value for tax purposes of $100,000 would increase by $28.59 in the first year; of $300,000 would increase by $85.76 in the first year; and of $400,000 would increase by $115.51 in the first year. An increase in property taxes may lead to an increase in rental costs.

On Election Day, November 3, 2026, the polling place will be the Darby High School Gym, located at 209 School Drive in Darby, Montana and polling hours will be from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Absentee ballots may be obtained at the office of the Ravalli County Election Administrator, located at 215 S 4th Street, Suite C, in Hamilton, Montana. Please note, all electors, as defined in Section 20-20-301, M.C.A., are those who reside within the District and are registered to vote by the close of registration on October 5, 2026. For electors who miss the close of registration deadline, such electors may register late by appearing in person at the office of the Ravalli County Election Administrator, located at located at 215 S 4th Street, Suite C, in Hamilton, Montana and providing to the County Election Administrator the electors’ voter registration information in verifiable form prior to 8 p.m. on November 3, 2026. Dated this 1st day of October, 2026 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

Bitterroot Star--Page 13

Democratic socialism

People have been manipulated about the differences between such terms as communism, socialism, capitalism, fascism, and democratic socialism. One term, Democratic socialism, is defined by what’s important for the good of the society: individual liberties, empowered working people, civil rights, capitalism, private businesses, all with some levels of government help. These social policies are about the protection of the people and the state, for the common good. One other term that people seem confused about is socialism. Socialism is defined as having a powerful central control of the economy while prioritizing collective goals. Every United States citizen lives in a democratic socialistic country. You are a democratic socialist. Don’t agree? Then, don’t call the police if you have been robbed, don’t call the fire department if the embers in your fireplace get out of hand, don’t use the library or post office, don’t care about having our country’s children educated, don’t drive on our roads, work for less than minimum wage, let your child work hard in a factory, don’t use public transportation, don’t go to a city park, and by all means, don’t use Medicare or a social security check. Ouch! Now, have you noticed – far right, authoritarian religions like to manipulate these terms so that people become anti-benefits? So, what’s happening in our own country? Since January 2025 we have lost much of our decades’ long work to attain beneficial programs for all because of these “make America great again”/doge tactics. The Trump administration has cut or frozen almost $177 billion in federal grants/funding for the country. What does that mean for Montana? According to www.lostfunds.org Montana has lost $608 million that we were needing. Which programs lost what? For example: $7.2 million for sustainable farming discontinued. $16 million for household energy efficiency upgrades gone. $90 million for disaster relief slashed. Almost $2 million of community loans slowed down. $56.7 million to SNAP obliterated. $159 million infectious disease control terminated. Over $70 million of grants for health organizations cancelled. $3.5 million in violence prevention cut. $6.8 million that would be providing locally grown school lunch ended. Who, or what, or if anyone, is going to take over for these various programs? Not the huge, oligarchal corporations that are close friends of Trump’s, that’s for sure. They are making too much money to care about you; they are just waiting like hungry snakes till they can privatize these programs. That means, without our democratic socialist programs, you might end up paying directly out of your pocket to a private, for-profit business to hose off your house if it’s on fire. Man, I wonder how much that will cost us?? Becky Peters Hamilton

Vote Schroedel

By the time you read this, it will be less than a month until election day, Nov. 3. Candidates have been making their case for why they deserve your vote. Perhaps the best question to ask is, “What can you do to make the lives of me and my family better?” In HD 88, the candidate with the best answer is Democrat Evan Schroedel. In May 2026, a candidate forum was organized at Ravalli County Fairgrounds to discuss the proposed Sheep Creek mine at the headwa-

ters of the Bitterroot. The building was crowded with an approximately 700 spectators gathered to hear where candidates stood. Evan was one of the first to speak. “I don’t have much to say about this mine other than I am dead set against it and, if elected, I will do everything I can to stop it,” he said, His opponent Greg Overstreet didn’t show up. Evan is a Montana native, military veteran and worked 30 years as a railroad engineer. Instead of enjoying a comfortable retirement, he has undertaken his hardest challenge: running for political office. Reasons why Evan deserves your vote go beyond his opposing the Sheep Creek mine. Every election, we get exhausted from negative political ads, many paid for by mystery donors. These days, you can’t drive anywhere in Ravalli County without seeing signs urging us to vote yes on I-194, a ballot initiative to control dark money spending in Montana. It enjoys wide support. Evan certainly backs this effort to rein in secret spending in our elections. Overstreet does not. He co-authored an op-ed that appeared in newspapers across Montana about I-194. He suggests that the GOP’s favorite boogeyman, unions, are not expressly prohibited in the document although trade associations are. The language of I-194 is clear that “artificial persons” would be banned from making political contributions. By this metric, unions are clearly included in the dark money ban because they are organizations, not people. Most disturbing, Overstreet complains that Montana newspapers can continue to publish news stories – including articles on political campaigns. Of course they can. I-194 does not circumvent the First Amendment. Evan has spent the past year educating voters about local water challenges. While participating in candidate forums, he has emphasized the need for hydrostatic mapping and standardized testing. He has been educating people on why empirical groundwater data must inform planners before any new large-scale housing projects get the go-ahead. If elected, Evan Schroedel will carry his fight to preserve our water resources to the Legislature where meaningful change is possible. This advocate for Montana’s middle class needs your vote to allow him to represent you and your family in Helena. Wayne Adair Hamilton

So you don’t like Trump

Some folks may allow their dislike for President Trump’s personality, regardless of all the good he has accomplished for America, to be the deciding factor on who or what to vote for in Nov. But Trump is not even on the ballot. The issue is freedom or democrat-socialist-communist control of our nation. I urge you to put aside your personal feelings about Trump and consider the alternative, the survival or destruction of America. Choose freedom and vote the Republican ticket. Grace Wilson Stevensville

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Notice is hereby given that the Federal General Election will be held on November 3, 2026. The following ballot issues will appear on the General Election ballot:  CI-132 – Amends MT Constitution to require judicial elections remain nonpartisan  CI-133 – Requires impartial, predictable, open and timely processes of ballot issues  I-194 – Limits the powers of artificial persons to those powers necessary or convenient as provided by law  Ravalli County Form of Government – County Commissioner Term Lengths  K-12 Darby School District No. 9 Bond Election (Precincts 1-3)  Stevensville Elementary School District No. 2 Tech Levy Election (Precincts 18-21)  Stevensville High School District No. 2 Tech Levy Election (Precincts 18-23)  Three Mile Fire District Levy Election (Split districts within Precincts 19, 20, 22 & 23) All electors, as defined in Title 13, who reside in Ravalli County, are eligible to vote in the election. An elector can request an absentee ballot by submitting a request to the Election Administrator. Absentee ballots for this election can be obtained until noon on November 2, 2026. For electors who miss the close of registration deadline, late registration is available through the office of the County Election Administrator until noon on November 2, 2026, and will resume on Election Day, 7 AM to 8 PM. Early preparation and reconciliation of absentee ballots will be held on October 29 & 30, 2026 at approximately 10 AM in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Continuation of early preparation and reconciliation of absentee ballots, as well as the early counting of absentee ballots, will be conducted on November 2, 2026, at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Public is welcome to observe. Beginning at approximately 1 PM on Election Day, November 3, 2026, absentee ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8 PM. Dated this 1st day of October, 2026 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

Calendar

Page 14--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

206 E. Ravalli St. Hamilton, MT 59840

203 Main St.  Stevensville  777-0028

406-363-4090

Traditional Anglican Services every Sunday at 10 a.m. staugustinehamilton.org Stevensville Al-Anon

The Stevensville Al-Anon Family Group meets weekly at 7 p.m. Monday at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College St. Enter the church through the Fellowship Hall door next to the parking lot. For more information about the meeting, call Hazel at 2390878. Visit https://al-anon.org for general information about Al-Anon.

Pinochle every Wednesday, 1 PM. $3, Coffee Provided. Light Exercise Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-10 AM, $1. Senior Ping Pong Monday & Wednesday 10-11 AM, $3. Bimonthly Membership Meetings, September 5, November 7, 1PM. The Club is located at 727 South 5th Street, Hamilton.

Stevensville AA

Stevi Senior Center

Brown Baggers Al-Anon

Brown Baggers Al-Anon meets Tuesdays from 12 to 1 p.m.at the Open-Ended Expressive Arts Studio, 201 Daly Street, Hamilton. For more information, call 406-363-0060.

Three Mile Coffee Club

Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation, and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For more information call Colleen at 7773710.

BitterRodders Car Club

BitterRodders Car Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #1651, 203 State Street in Hamilton. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 509-209-3709.

Victor Senior Center

Serving meals at the Center Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. You can still order and pick up meals to go on Monday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Bridge every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Pokeno 2nd and 4th Friday at 1 p.m. For info or to volunteer call 642-3320.

Hamilton Senior Center

Open for lunch Monday, Wednesday, Friday, serving from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., $5. Bridge, Sundays & Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Canasta (Hand and Foot), Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Cards/shufflers provided. $2. Line Dancing, Tuesdays & Fridays, 1011:30 a.m. Bingo, 1st and 3rd Saturdays, doors open at noon, play starts at 1 pm. $2 entry fee, games $1 each. Must be age 18+. Pinochle, Fridays, 1 p.m. All supplies provided. $3. Flea Market, every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m.2:30 p.m., Sept through May. The center is located at 820 N. 4th

Free meeting space for nonprofits. Call Sue: 369-0406

Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group

Street; 406-363-5181.

Alcoholics Anonymous meets Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7 pm at the Stevensville Fire Station training room, 156 Kinsman Drive.

Worship at 11:00 a.m.

Golden Age Club

Stevenville Senior Center, at 100 Mission St. On site meals served Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each week at 11:30 am Coffee Club Monday - Friday 8 am Exercise Class Tuesday and Thursdays at 10 am Pinochle Monday and Saturday at 7 pm

Victor Masons

Victor Masonic Lodge 43 meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on Main Street above Farmers State Bank. On the third Saturday of each month they will have a free pancake breakfast open for all at 9 am. For any questions or membership information call 406-381-1250.

Stevensville Masons

Stevensville Masonic Lodge #28 Stated meetings are the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm with dinner for members and family at 6:30 pm. A fellowship pot luck for members and family is held on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. All Freemasons and those interested in Masonry are invited and welcomed to either event. For more information email papajack222@msn. com.

Parkinson Support Group

The Hamilton Parkinson Disease Group (Movers and Shakers) holds monthly meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th Street, Hamilton. For information call Ginny Wigen, 406-5449186.

St. Mary’s Parish Mass

Mass is celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Weekday Masses are celebrated on Thursday at noon and Friday and 10:00 a.m.

St. Francis of Assisi Mass

St. Francis of Assisi Mass Mass is held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Hamilton, every Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Weekday Mass is celebrated Wednesday at noon.

The Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group, formerly called theSouth Valley Civic Group, has reorganized. New members and volunteers are welcome. Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:15 p.m. at the Darby Library.

Selway-Pintler Back Country Horsemen

The Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen meet the 2nd Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Forest Service office in Hamilton (enter through the rear door). Come enjoy refreshments and conversation. For more information contact Bryce at (970) 819-1867. Visit the website at bchmt.org/wp/spwbch/ or their Facebook page for more information.

Bitterroot Health Auxiliary

The Bitterroot Health Auxiliary meets on the 3rd Monday of every month at 1:30pm, in the Blodgett conference room of the Hospital. This is a volunteer organization that supports Bitterroot Health and the Foundation. If interested to become a member, please call 406-375-4764 or visit the Hospital Gift Shop.

MS Support Group

Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Coffee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www. nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail.com

Marine Corps League

The Marine Corps League welcomes Marines, FMF Navy Personnel and citizens who support the missions of the USMC and the League. The Marine Corps League is the only Federal chartered Marine active/reserve and veteran organization. General meetings are held every 4th Thursday of the month, January through October, 7:30 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd St., Hamilton. SOS Breakfast with Marines is every 1st Saturday of the month, all year. It is informal; spouses and friends are welcome; all menu options available, plus Marine camaraderie and esprit de corps, 8:30 a.m., Hangar Cafe, Ravalli County Airport, Hamilton. Check out group site on Facebook at: Marine Corps League, Bitterroot Valley Detachment #937, Hamilton. Semper Fidelis!

North Valley Public Library events- Other

Library Events

Library Board Meeting - Wed, Oct 21 at 3pm Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and the Public Participation are posted at northvalleylibrary.org. If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@ northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly. A link to Trustee contact information can be found at montana.gov. Scan the QR code for the full calendar. Dragon Lore Around the World — Thu, Oct 22 at 6pm jams, Christmas items, pet accessories, Strikingly similar depictions of dragons books and so, so much more! UWF will or dragon-like creatures appear in the have their own room with baked goods and cultural history and lore of every civilization. treasures for sale to fund their donations to Among the most ancient and universal of missions supporting the needs of women all archetypes, dragons continue to captiand children. Come and join us. FREE vate the human imagination and the stories admission. we tell. Tonight we will glimpse some of these dragons around the world through Ravalli County Republican the lens of ancient storytelling. Zoom option available. Women’s Club Bat Week Special! Shannon Hilty with The club will hold its monthly meeting Montana Wild — Wed, Oct 28 at 6:30pm and lunch on Tuesday October 27, 2026, at For this year’s International Bat Week, 11:30 am at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Shannon Hilty is joining us to discuss her Our guest speaker will be Rob Livesay efforts in developing Montana Fish, Wildlife talking about Ravalli County Pilot Ground& Parks Bat Monitoring Program, a collabwater Monitoring Plan and election of 2027 orative effort between numerous state and officers. Ravalli County Republican Women federal entities. Shannon Hilty is the state meet the fourth Tuesday of each month. bat biologist for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and has over 17 years of research Stevensville Senior Center and management experience related to bats. Fundraiser Please list separately, not under Library Christmas Bazaar: Saturday, Oct. events. Thanks! 31st. 100 Mission Street, Stevensville, Fiber Arts Club at the Library — First MT (Stevensville Senior Center). From 8 Thurs of Month from 1-3pm a.m. to 4 p.m. For vendor applications, Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, contact Charlotte Schugardt at 406-740embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting? Bring 0060. $35, 6” to 8” booth. your work-in-progress, problem piece, or brand-new pattern and enjoy the company Stevensville Senior Center of like-minded crafters during this informal Fundraiser club. Christmas Bazaar: Saturday, Oct. Men’s Club: Chess & Checkers — Last 31st. 100 Mission Street, Stevensville, Thurs of Month at 2pm MT (Stevensville Senior Center). From 8 Gents, this one’s just for you. Make a.m. to 4 p.m. For vendor applications, connections and conversation over a game contact Charlotte Schugardt at 406-740of chess or checkers during this informal 0060. $35, 6” to 8” booth. monthly get-together at North Valley Public Library. All experience levels welcome. And if you’ve never played chess, come and Stevensville Garden Club learn! Gameboards provided or you may November Meeting - Date: November bring your own. Registration recommended 4, 2026, Wednesday. Time: 1:00 P.M. Loto receive a reminder email but not recation: Our Savior Lutheran Church, 184 quired. Please arrive at 2pm to be matched Pine Hollow Rd, Stevensville, MT 59870. with a partner. Event/Details: Types of Gardens, Pre-

AARP Driver Safety Class

Bitterroot Health Hospital, located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT will host an ALL NEW, four-hour Smart Driver Class on Friday, October, 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. While this safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. This course updates drivers with the latest changes in Montana traffic laws and vehicle safety technology. There are no written exams or driving tests and, Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualified participants age 55 and older. The class fee is $20.00 for AARP members; $25.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is advised. To register, call Hamilton Insurance at: 406-363-6583. For further information, call Thom Ainsworth at 406-369-0149.

Stevensville United Women in Faith

Falliday Artisan Market, Saturday, October 24 from 9am to 2 pm Stevensville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at the corner of 3rd St & College/Pine streets. Local artisans with crafts, blankets, honey,

senter: Gary Clark from Missoula Garden Club, Floral Designer and Floral judge.

Kootenai Creek Village Art and Craft Fair

This annual event will be held Friday, November 6, from 3pm to 6pm and Saturday, November 7, from 9am to 3pm. Kootenai Creek Village is directly off 93 on the west side of the highway and directly across from Super 1 in Stevensville. We are celebrating 10 years of Art, Craft and Community.

Three-Mile Community Center Rummage Sale

November 21st 9-2 Holiday decorations, games, puzzles. Donations of these items can be made anytime call Joyce 406-677-0298 or Colleen 406544-4994. All proceeds from this sale go toward our parking lot upgrade.

Calendar postings are free to non-profit groups. Submit by emailing to: editor@bitterrootstar.com

Obituaries

Beulah Brockway Brittenham Beulah Brockway Brittenham, 89 years old, of Missoula, passed away early on Friday morning, August 28, 2026, at her home, surrounded by loving family, of natural causes. She was born April 8, 1937, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to William and Helen Brockway. Ranching and farming were her way of life throughout her growing up years. Her three brothers and parents moved to Fort Benton and one of the memories mom had was of her and her mother working at the now Historic Grand Union Hotel! The other memory was contracting polio and her mom rushing her to Missoula to save her life, with the very real possibility of having to be placed in an iron lung!! She survived the illness, which was mom’s mantra numerous times over her lifetime. She was the toughest little lady ever! Due to mom’s illness the family bought a 200-acre farm in Arlee where mom went to high school and met her high school sweetheart, Theodore “Ted” Brittenham. They were married after graduating, on December 2nd, 1956. They moved to Columbia Falls, having three children in a span of four years, all the while building their home. Mom was the most amazing, loving, kindhearted, fearless, hardworking lady. Her laughter and big smile she shared with her family and friends. Mom sewed, canned (we especially loved the jams and jelly), cooked, gardened and took care of three toe-headed rugrats. She was outgoing and belonged to the Jaycee’s, loved to bowl, helped run “The Taxi service for 17 years”, which led to many very interesting tales!!

She loved being outdoors and picking huckleberries. One of her favorite memories was picking with her family up by Hungry Horse Dam, alongside a black bear mama with cubs! Mom and Dad moved to the Stevensville area after retirement, in 1998, to be close to family and their only granddaughter, who they loved so much. Mom and Dad shared an incredible bond, there they became part of the community and met so many wonderful friends! Mom loved animals of all shapes and sizes and especially her little yorkie, Gracie, who insisted on going for daily walks at the community park. The last two years she got to meet and love her “lil” great-grandson, Ike, who made her smile often. Beulah is survived by her loving husband Ted; devoted children: Dan (Lisa McBain) Brittenham and Carla (Parker) Davies; cherished granddaughter Jessica (Wyatt) Lytton, and treasured great-grandson Ike Joseph; her brother Dean Brockway; cousins, Janet and Paul Wolf; numerous extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her son Edward D. Brittenham; brothers Billy and Joe Brockway; and her parents William and Helen Brockway. A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026 at the Three Mile Community Center (4415 Sunnyside Cemetery Road, Stevensville, Montana 59870), with a potluck reception to follow. Interment will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls, MT.

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Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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