Bitterroot Star - September 24, 2025 by Bitterroot Star

FAITH: local Salvation Army orders washers/dryers

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people they see that need the laundry service are often elderly, not just what people traditionally think of as homeless. He said that because of the housing crisis in the valley, many of these elderly live out of mobile homes or trailers and often do not even have running water.

Some of these people, who receive social security benefts or other forms of assistance, may only receive $800 to $1,200 per month. They cannot aford homes, or assisted living and they are also past the age where they can work efectively.

“Laundry service would be another blessing to the community,” said Temukum.

The laundry equipment is on order but they hope to have everything operational by the end of October. Temukum said he is not worried, even though the deadline is coming and the machines will need to be paid in full by the time they are delivered and installed.

“We have really good people in this valley,” said Temukum. “People are so generous and they really want to help.” He said they know every dollar they donate stays in the valley and helps the people right here.

This year will be Temukum’s ninth year with the Salvation Army, and it will also be the frst year they have operated without any grants, which adds to the critical situation. They did receive small donations from various places, but according to him, federal, state and non proft grants were simply not available to them. Though they are sponsored by the Salvation Army, that only does so much. On top of that, so

visit. The lobby has computers for those looking for help applying and looking for jobs. The Salvation Army team can help with everything, including building a resume.

“We don’t want to encourage young people to come in here and ask for money if they have the strength to work,” said Temukum.

Temukum was also proud that they were still able to send kids to the Salvation Army youth summer camps.

This year they sent 20 kids, at a cost of about $1,500 for the week. Hundreds of youth go to these camps from the Northwest region, and Temukum said this is an exceptional opportunity for these youth.

Temukum also wanted to remind the community that winter is coming and they ofer services to help people in need get rooms for the night. They work with several motels in the area,

far donations have been low this year and they were not able to help in a lot of the ways they normally do. One area that felt the hurt was their rent assistance, which they could not aford to ofer this year.

“Those are things that are really limiting us from meeting the need,” explained Temukum.

The center has two showers and they supply everything for a shower. One room is set up specifcally for families with children, giving them a private space to bathe in.

The center also has a new lobby space with wif, cofee and an area where people can just come talk and

but will struggle this year to do that. They prioritize women with children and “work with hotels to save lives,” said Temukum.

Looking towards the holidays, Temukum wants to let families know that for the Salvation Army Christmas event, families should sign up early so the organization can fnd sponsors.

Temukum highlighted the Raval li County Federal Credit Union and Farmers State Bank, noting that they do a lot in the background for the Salvation Army, and are instrumental during the Christmas event.

For parties interested in donating to the local Salvation Army Center,

checks can be mailed to the ofce. They do not take cash, but checks can be turned into the ofce in person. Checks could be made out to the Ravalli County Salvation Army, and many donations will go directly to helping to pay for the laundry project.

The center is located at 111 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Laundry last loads will be at 2 p.m. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, interested parties need to make an appointment for shower and laundry use. The Salvation Army in Hamilton can be contacted by calling (406) 210-1453.

Volunteer Wendy Warick and Service Center Coordinator Fidelis Temukum sit in the Hamilton location’s new lobby area. Photo by John Dowd.

Service Center Coordinator Fidelis Temukum in the space the center created for the laundry to be installed. Photo by John Dowd.

Grof family supports Victor Cemetery

The Victor Cemetery, flled with mature evergreens and deciduous trees and bushes, is usually alive with blooms and awash in color by Memorial Day. All that beauty comes at a cost. As is likely with many cemeteries, there are few funding sources. For Victor, those are limited to sale of plots, donations, and a few bequests/grants. Victor’s Grof family has a legacy of support for the community, and when they learned of the extensive and expensive, but necessary, arborist work being done in the cemetery this summer, they saw an opportunity to give again. Sisters Ann Grof and Kay Grof Clevidence, as well as Kay’s son and daughter, Ryan and Sarah Clevidence, are donating $30,000 toward maintenance and sustainability, which includes groundskeeping, sprinkling, road repair, and irrigation upkeep, plus the unforeseen and unexpected. Six generations of the Grof family have lived in the Victor area since 1866. They have deep personal ties to the cemetery and community and encourage others to also donate time, talent, and treasure.

Until the early 2000s, there was a tax levy which helped with cemetery costs. Then an Assistant Ravalli County Attorney decreed Victor’s cemetery to be “private,” as it was not attached to an incorporated town. While other Bitterroot Valley cemeteries in the same situation were able to gather sufcient signatures to put a levy on a ballot and garner the requisite votes to succeed, Victor was not able to even collect enough signatures to be on a ballot. The existing levy went away.

The backstory of the Victor Cem-

etery begins with its founding, of necessity, in the 1870s. Early settlers Stearns and Mary Lark Use Blake suffered the indescribable tragedy of losing six young children, prior to raising fve to adulthood. When the frst child passed away, there was an immediate need for a dedicated burial location. Fortunately, there was a suitable area a mile northwest of what would become Victor, on a gentle slope of the foothills of the Bitterroots, facing the Sapphires. From this plot of land, 19.5 acres that make up the current cemetery were acquired by the Ancient Order of the United Workmen Lodge No. 23 and the Victor Masonic Lodge No. 43, on August 4, 1893. On June 20, 1913, a cemetery association was formed for the care of the grounds. Complete responsibility for the property was passed from the Masons to the association in June of 1943. It is noted that an existing wooden marker is likely the oldest one, and the cemetery holds Civil War veterans. There are more than 4,000 sold plots, including occupied and unoccupied. There is land for further development, as demand requires.

added, served along with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Jello salads and the delicious homemade pies were donated. Many volunteers aided with set-up, take-down, serving, bussing, whatever was needed. Families travelled for miles to meet up with other family and friends, to decorate graves and reconnect, like a community reunion. Not only was it a great fundraiser, but a community event in the Americana sense. In about 2014, various changes in attitudes, social structure, citizenry, and lack of volunteers brought it to a sad end.

Death doesn’t take a holiday, and survivors must get through it, if not over it. Graveyards, burial grounds, and cemeteries are an essential part of the fabric of communities and a civic duty. Like everything tangible about human life, they require fnancial support to survive. The Victor Cemetery Association is very grateful to the Grof family, and all who give, in any way, for the betterment of the cemetery and community in general.

The current Cemetery Board includes: President Maxine Smith Krowen; Secretary/Treasurer Joann White Hosko; Sexton Cara Mia Hemeon; Members Belle Clark.

treasure. Until the early 2000s, there was a tax levy which helped with cemetery costs. Then an Assistant Ravalli County Attorney decreed Victor’s cemetery to be “private,” as it was not attached to an incorporated town. While other Valley cemeteries in the same situation were able to gather sufcient signatures to put a levy on a ballot and garner the requisite votes to succeed, Victor was not able to even collect enough signatures to be on a ballot. The existing levy went away.

The backstory of the Victor Cemetery begins with its founding, of necessity, in the 1870s. Early settlers Stearns and Mary Lark Use Blake sufered the indescribable tragedy of losing six young children, prior to raising fve to adulthood. When the frst child passed away, there was seen an immediate need for a dedicated burial location. Fortunately, there was a suitable area a mile northwest of what would become Victor, on a gentle slope of the foothills of the Bitterroots, facing the Sapphires. From this plot of land, 19.5 acres that make up the current cemetery were acquired by the Ancient Order of the United Workmen Lodge No. 23 and the Victor Masonic Lodge No. 43, on August 4, 1893. On June 20, 1913, a cemetery association was formed for the care of the grounds. Complete responsibility for the property was passed from the Masons to the association in June of 1943. It is noted that an existing wooden marker is likely the oldest one, and the cemetery holds Civil War veterans. There are more than 4,000 sold plots, including occupied and unoccupied. There is land for further development, as demand requires.

For about one hundred years, a very successful fundraiser, a Decoration Day (later Memorial Day) dinner was held each late May. In the beginning, chicken pot pie, with gravy and faky biscuits, was the centerpiece of the meal, with sides of Jello salads and homemade pies, and cottage cheese and dill pickles. The pot pies were cooked on a wood-burning range at the Victor School gymnasium area, until the kitchen/cafeteria was completed in 1951. Eventually, the meat dish became meat loaf, and later ham was added, served along with mashed potatoes and vegetables. Jello salads and the delicious homemade pies were donated. Many volunteers aided with set-up, take-down, serving, bussing, whatever was needed. Families travelled for miles to meet up with other family and friends, to decorate graves and reconnect, like a community reunion. Not only was it a great fundraiser, but a community event in the Americana sense. In about 2014, various changes in attitudes, social structure, citizenry, and lack of volunteers brought it to a sad end.

The Victor Cemetery, flled with mature evergreens and deciduous trees and bushes, is usually alive with blooms and awash in color by Memorial Day. All that beauty comes at a cost. As with likely many cemeteries, there are few funding sources. For Victor, those are limited to sale of plots, donations, and a few bequests/grants. Victor’s historic Grof family has a legacy of support for the community, and when they learned of the extensive and expensive but necessary, arborist work being done in the cemetery this summer, they saw an opportunity to give again. Sisters Ann Grof and Kay Grof Clevidence, as well as Kay’s son and daughter, Ryan and Sarah Clevidence, are donating $30,000 toward maintenance and sustainability, which includes grounds keeping, sprinkling, road repair, and irrigation upkeep, plus the unforeseen and unexpected. Six generations of the Grof family have lived in the Victor area since, 1866. They have deep personal ties to the cemetery and community and encourage others to also donate time, talent, and

The current Cemetery Board includes: President Maxine Smith Krowen; Secretary/Treasurer Joann White Hosko; Sexton Cara Mia Hemeon; Members Belle Clark Burrington and Liz Chaney Ingraham.

● F

was caged for most of her life, and now she is

Though her past has left her a little cautious, there's a spark in her that's ready to shine. Cleopatra is gentle, observant, and deeply sensitive. Each moment of connection - a soft voice, a kind hand, a safe place to rest - helps her bloom just a little more.

Cara Mia Hemeon, Sara Clevidence, Joann White Hosko, Maxine Smith Krowen, Elizabeth Chaney Ingram, Ryan Clevidence and Ann Groff.

CALF CREEK: water, agriculture issues paramount

of such a large reduction of elk winter range, could not be mitigated. It was revised and re-submitted as the Calf Creek Subdivision.

Livesay gave a staf report assessing the proposal in terms of the state criteria, noting frst of that state law prohibits the county from considering whether the subdivision will result in the loss of any agriculturally signifcant soils when reviewing the impacts of subdivision on agriculture. In terms of impacts on water users, he noted that the developer elected to sever all water rights on the property, limiting water use to four exempt wells, and to place easements on the ditches which traverse the property. They also proposed a 100 foot wide no build zone and 150 foot no fencing zone, establishing a green belt and wildlife corridor through the property. To mitigate impacts on local services they ofered $1,500 per lot to the fre district; $500 per lot to the school district; $740 per lot to the Sherif’s Department; an enlarged access area to mitigate impacts on emergency services; and an $80,000 pro-rata fee to the grader district to mitigate adding 38 vehicular trips per day to the county road.

Surface water features on the property include Calf Creek, an unnamed drainage and associated wetlands, and Willow Creek Low Ditch with two laterals. Nearby water features include Willow Creek, Stuart Creek and the Bitterroot Irrigation Canal. They proposed mitigating the negative impacts by limiting the use of the proposed exempt wells to 4 gallons per minute pumping capacity and 600 gallons per day use and requiring 2,000 gallon cisterns for each property for irrigation purposes.

Analysis of four wells upgradient from the subdivision found levels higher than maximum contaminant limits deemed acceptable for drinking by DEQ for arsenic, nitrates, fourides, sodium and bacteria. As mitigation, the developer said covenants would require individual fltration devices on the wells.

As to impacts on groundwater and neighboring wells, it was stated that the wells were likely to produce 2.5 to 4.7 gallons per minute with a radius of infuence likely between 114 to 204 feet per well at the 600 gallons per day limit. As mitigation they ofered a 300 foot set back from the property lines and a cistern.

In terms of water availability, the planning staf recommended an independent water availability report addressing availability of the underlying aquifer to meet proposed domestic and irrigation water use for each lot, taking into consideration the subdivision record as a whole including application materials, comments and credible evidence collected as part of the governing body preliminary review, with the result being a recommendation on water availability done by an independent qualifed professional and done according to county policy and paid for by the applicant.

The Planning staf recommended approval of the subdivision conditioned upon associated mitigation requirements.

Public comment was extensive and passionately in opposition to the proposal. Neighboring landowners contested the reports by WGM. They claimed that WGM was using outdated well data that did not adequately characterize the existing conditions and dismissing data as “not reported” when it actually meant that the well was dry. Several people testifed to having wells with very limited yields that run dry and require hours, even days, to recharge.

Bill and Faith Kemp, who live on a parcel adjacent to the proposed development, said they were not told about the water problems when they bought their place 23 years ago and had to wait 10 minutes for the well to recharge when they moved in. This past winter, she said, there was no recovery, and they had to install a cistern. They also discovered that they had arsenic and nitrate contamination in the water.

“What about the ethics of this?” Kemp asked the commissioners.

Felice Fausto, another adjacent property owner, said that two of the

three wells on her property were running dry.

There was testimony and evidence presented by others that the proposed green belt and wildlife corridor were woefully inadequate to mitigate the concerns over the reduction in elk winter range.

Andy and Alan Maki, neighboring irrigators with historic water rights that pass through the property, testifed that severing the water rights on the property would negatively impact the water users downstream. In response, the developer agreed to leave the water rights with the land and allocate it proportionally to the four lots. This option, however, also met stif objections from the irrigators due to the complex number of water rights involved. Alan Maki called any change in the use of the water rights “unmitigable.”

The Planning Director noted later that if the water rights were not severed, the developer would need to present an irrigation plan as a condition of approval.

John Heiland, named after his grandfather John Foley, agreed with the Makis, saying, “I agree that landowners should have rights over their property, but those rights shouldn’t extend to taking away water that my family has depended upon for generations. One person’s freedom to subdivide should not come at the expense of their neighbor’s ability to make a living.” He said the commissioners should make sure that the water for a new subdivision is “based on actual availability and not just on paper promises… Please make sure that decisions you make today do not destroy agriculture tomorrow.”

Tina Donnelly, an engineering specialist for 40 years, presented documentation from the Montana Groundwater Assessment of 2011 and an update by the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology concerning the extent of the natural arsenic and nitrate contamination in the area and its potential for impacting human health and causing biological damage in the environment. She argued that, by breaking up the bedrock by drilling and construction work, the arsenic and nitrate would be mobilized, impacting downgradient wells through the groundwater and producing airborne contamination as well. She said that mitigating the arsenic problem by requiring the new property purchasers to install fltering systems did not mitigate the impacts on downgradient property owners.

Andrew Gorder, legal and policy director for the Clark Fork Coalition, said his organization owns 13 water rights in the Bitterroot Basin to restore water fows in the basin and has been fghting exempt wells writ large since 1993. The Bitterroot River basin has been statutorily closed to any new surface water rights since 1999 due to signifcant over-appropriation of water.

“You cannot get a new water right in the system without developing a plan for mitigation of a new depletion,” said Gorder. “You can only get a permit for groundwater in a closed basin if you conduct a hydrogeological report and potentially develop an aquifer recharge or mitigation plan.”

He said the Calf Creek development also lies within the Willow Creek basin closure in efect since 1994. Under this administrative closure, the DNRC cannot grant any new permits for surface or ground water that would result in the consumption of any amount of water between May 1 and September 30.

“Why do we have these statutory and administrative closures?” he asked.

He said the Calf Creek project proposes to drill four new exempt wells totally outside the DNRC’s permitting process, which means no individual notice to neighboring water users, no opportunity for those water users to formally object to defend their water rights, no agency analysis to determine if there is water either legally or physically available, and zero analysis as to whether the new water use will afect any existing water users. He said the developers have tacitly admitted that there may be negative efects on neighboring water users and have proposed mitigation measures such

as covenants to restrict new wells to using no more than 4 gallons per minute pumping rate and no more than 600 gallons per day per household.

“The question is, is that good enough?” said Gorder. “I don’t know and unfortunately no one is going to take a hard look.”

He said the staf report states that the developer will provide an independent water availability report by a licensed hydrogeologist demonstrating that there is an adequate water source available for each lot, “but even if we assume that this is true, that does not address the question of whether or not that withdrawal will negatively afect neighboring wells, ditches or the underlying aquifer itself… I would urge the commissioners to listen to the testimony you have heard today and assign it the appropriate weight in this process.” He said that a recent case in District Court (the Broadwater County case) has established that the Commissioners have a legal obligation to examine the physical and legal availability of water for the proposed subdivision.

“It goes against all logic that you would have these mechanisms in place designed to head of negative impacts to existing wells, water rights and water resources and yet we continue to authorize more and more exempt wells to be drilled into the aquifer and simply pretend that this growing number of straws is not going to have an impact,” said Gorder. “I think it is simply not true, so for all these reasons we ask that you deny approval of this project.”

At the September 15 meeting, Mike Day of WGM Group told the Commissioners that there is legal case history establishing that no landowner can be required to exercise their water rights in order to recharge someone else’s well. But, he said, in response to public concern, in response to the objections about severing water rights, the developer would agree to allocating the water rights to each lot. Julie Merritt of WGM Group said that the amount of carriage water dedicated to downstream water users would need to be calculated.

James Rummel told the Commissioners that he was concerned about the loss of agricultural rights not just in this case but across the whole county. “But I don’t know how to fx that,” he added.

“I do,” said Commissioner Burrows, “talk to your legislators. We cannot consider the impacts on loss of agricultural soils in making our decision. Our hands are tied, and we can’t ask for mitigation of the loss of these soils to agriculture.”

Commissioner Huls said, “I support the right to farm and ranch, but I can’t be sentenced to it.”

Andy Maki said that in 1950, 70% of Montanans’ food was produced in Montana. Today, he said, it’s 3%, “and this trend should concern us.”

“I realize we have the seven criteria in state law, but there is a clause in the Montana Constitution, and we do have a duty in Montana to protect, promote and enhance agriculture,” said Maki. “We keep trying to put square pegs into round holes but it’s not working. We are reaching a threshold, a tipping point and it does afect agriculture. You need a certain degree of scale to keep agriculture here. We are chasing our young people away.”

Alan Maki said there are nonmitagable impacts on agriculture. “Cenex is thinking of leaving the valley and going to a valley with less development. If you think that is not an efect of taking farmland out of production, you are kidding yourself. It’s not about the soils, it’s about Cenex leaving.”

Albert Babel said the U.S. is losing 2,000 acres of farmland a day, that’s ¾ of a million acres a year. He said we have about 280-290 million acres of tillable farmland, and it won’t last long at that rate. He said food production was what made a country strong and having to depend on others for food was a weakness. “We have to decide whether we are going to be a strong country or a weak one,” said Babel. “As a county we have to decide if we are going to be weak or if we are going to be strong and stand up to urban sprawl.”

Burrows said in terms of taking

land out of agriculture, the public needs to look back to Legacy Ranch. “We were going to protect that entire area by denying a subdivision,” he said. “Have you seen it lately? To deny a subdivision is not an answer to the problem. The legislature has continued to loosen the constraints on family transfers so now you can do unplatted subdivisions. Right, wrong or indiferent, that’s what they did. Subdivision for rent or lease regulations have been relaxed more. There are options to develop this property without subdividing. There could easily be fve lots out there without public review. Denying a subdivision will not save that property from development. You could put storage units in, put up a cell tower. No mitigation, no covenants controlling anything.”

Pamela Van Sant noted that there is nothing in current the proposal stopping them from further dividing the newly created lots.

In response the developer agreed to placing a restriction limiting any further subdivision.

A motion was approved that proposed mitigation for impacts on agriculture were sufcient.

The Commissioners then moved on to consider the second state criteria of potential impacts to water users and water user facilities, and the proposed mitigation of severing the existing water rights to the property.

Commissioner Huls said it would be very detrimental to other water users downstream.

The alternative was to allocate the water rights proportionally to the lots. County Planning Director Livesay said if that was done there would need to be a Master Irrigation Plan.

Carolyn Generick noted that the State of Montana owns the water rights and only the state could determine whether anything is severed or not. Severance of the rights would require DNRC review and approval.

Burrows said, “I don’t know which is best, severance or allocation. Both are problematic. We need to know how much water rights are below. We can’t make this decision till we know the answer to that question.”

Jerry Downey, who has lived at the confuence of Calf Creek and Willow Creek since 1972, said that about 25 years ago Calf Creek began to stop fowing into Willow Creek in winter months.

“It’s a fnite resource,” he said, “now four more straws in the glass. How will this afect fows in Calf Creek? You have heard talk about tipping points. I think in some ways it has already happened.”

Burrows asked Huls, “Is it better to severe or allocate?”

Huls replied, “That’s one of those 50/50 deals.” He suggested they move forward with the idea of severing the rights since that is what was in the current application.

“I guess I don’t have enough information to decide about severance or allocation,” said Burrows.

Burrows suggested they could add a Findings of Fact that the developer has agreed to allocate the water rights proportionally among lots. Better yet, he said, they could add a requirement that some water be allocated as “carriage water” to ensure that downstream water users got what they had a right to.

Mike Day of WGM said that if water was apportioned to the lots a certain amount could be dedicated as “carriage water” and the remaining could be severed.

Maki raised the question of which water rights were under consideration and who would be responsible for upkeep of Gleason Lake which held all the late season low fow water.

This devolved into an extended discussion of all the water rights involved and how the lake played into it. Day of WGM said, “We would have to make a plan to determine proper apportion and which water right is being used.”

Commissioner Huls said, “We could keep slugging away, but I think we can’t continue until we get the information we need.”

The developer granted an extension of the September 29 deadline for a decision and another meeting was scheduled for September 30 at 9:30 a.m.

Reforms passed, scandals ignored: inside the Democratic Convention

A few days removed from the Montana Democratic Party’s state convention, it feels like I’m looking back through a haze. Rather than focusing on my newspaper company, my real job, I spent three straight days on the phone mired in “Party business.” For Montanans hoping for reform, the weekend was a mixed bag. The outgoing and continuing leaders resisted change, and new leadership made cautious overtures to reform but kept one foot frmly planted in the swampgrass.

The Work

proval, and pressure staf to provide tactical support to all Democratic candidates regardless of their primary status. One proposal to bar lobbyists from the board failed after strong testimony from tribal and union representatives who argued for a carve-out. We can expect that fght to return in two years.

by Jesse Mullen

Five of the seven reform amendments I drafted, with support from Democratic Party central committee leaders in Park County, Jeferson, Butte-Silver Bow, Ravalli, and Flathead, passed with two-thirds majorities. That’s real progress.

Most signifcant: the party, legislative campaign committee, and coordinated campaigns will provide quarterly “detailed” budget reports to the executive board. In 2024, the party refused to provide those reports. We even passed a $9 million budget with $6 million lumped into four generic line items. Efectively, a blank check for inexperienced operators with minimal oversight. “Detailed” reporting will still need to be defned, but we can reasonably assume four line items for $6 million isn’t it.

Other reforms ensure the board will meet quarterly, limit staf infuence in primaries without board ap

The Silence But reforms alone won’t rebuild trust. Party leaders continue to dodge basic questions about their close ties to political consultant and compliance ofcer Abbey Lee Cook, who recently pleaded guilty to felony wire fraud for stealing donor dollars. We asked three simple things: Why does Cook’s compliance company appear on FEC party reports if she didn’t do work for the party as the executive director claimed? The Montana Democratic Party is required to share spending with the FEC, and records show it paid Cook’s compliance company more than $6,000.

Did Cook pay for party staf to join her on vacations while she was stealing from donors? The current executive director and former fnance director were shown dining and traveling with Cook. If Cook paid for that travel while she was stealing from donors and still being recommended to candidates by the executive director and fnance director, that’s a big problem.

Did the contracts the Party made with Cook’s other businesses, like the Windsor Ballroom, go through a bidding process, and when they were awarded, did they pay market rate?

they’re the kind any organization facing a felony scandal should answer. The refusal to do so only deepens distrust. Unsurprisingly, fundraising is down. Donors will look elsewhere until they see accountability.

The Drama

The convention wasn’t without theatrics. On the eve of the board election, outgoing chair Robyn Driscoll erupted in what witnesses described as a screaming match, telling one delegate to “shut their f-ing mouth.” Then, following Sunday’s board election, the newly elected vice chair’s unfortunate remark about a former U.S. Senator sparked outrage and power plays, handing old-guard members a chance to fex control. Ultimately, the vice chair resigned his position three days into the term, and the “unity” campaign promise appears to be sitting mangled, frmly in the bus’s rearview.

A replacement is likely lined up by now, and the new board will move forward. But the scoreboard hasn’t changed: zero statewide seats, zero federal seats, zero PSC seats, and Democrats locked into permanent minority status.

Reforms alone won’t fx that. It will be up to a new generation of activists to decide if the Montana Democratic Party is worth saving – or not.

We are blessed to live in Montana. From the towering mountains to horizon-stretching plains, Montanans deserve representatives who genuinely care for their well-being. If those ofcials refuse to seek accountability or are unable to avoid corrupting infuences, they don’t deserve to represent the citizens of this great state.

Jesse James Mullen is the chair of the Powell County Democratic Central Committee, served on the Montana Democratic Party executive board in 2023 and 2024, and was the 2024 Democratic Party nominee for Montana Secretary of State. He owns Mullen Newspaper Co.

A call for unity, civility, and character

As leaders of the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee, a conservative organization rooted in faith, freedom, and the Constitution, we feel compelled to speak clearly and frmly: political violence has no place in a free society.

We stand for strong borders, limited government, the rule of law, and the unalienable rights endowed by our Creator, not granted by government. These foundational principles defne our Republic and are worth defending. But they must always be defended through peaceful, lawful means, never through threats, intimidation, or violence.

We are increasingly concerned by a rising trend across the political spectrum: the dehumanization of those with difering views. Terms like “RINOs,” “Libtards,” “Nazi fascists,” “Liberal leftists,” and “MAGA gang” are not just disrespectful, they erode our ability to see each other as fellow Americans. This kind of language doesn’t persuade; it divides. And division, when fueled by dehumanization, often breeds violence.

Our Founders created a system where disagreement is resolved with ballots, not bullets. We must never lose sight of that legacy. We must also reafrm our commitment to the First Amendment. Free speech is a bedrock of our Republic, and protecting it, especially when we disagree, is essential. But let’s be clear: violence is not speech.

Standing frm for our beliefs does not require fsts or fre.

In this moment, we call on all Montanans, Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike, to cool the rhetoric, reject dehumanization, and seek common ground. We are Americans. We are Montanans. We are Bitterrooters. And above all, we are neighbors.

Evil should never be a partisan issue. We must confront it together, not as political opponents, but as fellow citizens committed to liberty and justice.

Matthew Roth is the Chair for the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee.

Would like to welcome Turning Point USA President Trey Kinamon from U of M as well as Ravalli County Young Republican President Rachel Lowitt. Both will be speaking as a tribute to at

contact Suzy Foss at

or Tony Hudson at (406) 550-1650.

What the heck?

The testimonies and personal accounts from the Ravalli Co Fair 2025 attendees have left a worse taste in the mouth than the air from the stock pens, and can leave us all asking, “What is going on in our community?”

First there’s the vendor who after missing the drop-of deadline rammed open the west gate with her truck to enter the grounds after being told she was too late, and then afterward almost backed over a senior citizen in a wheel chair and a group of 4H children in her haste to get the truck out again. Witnesses state a 16/17yo boy didn’t like to be told that he needed to show a stamp for re-entry and in turn used vulgar language at a senior woman while at the same time aggressively poking her in the chest. Speaking of entry and violence, a man in his late 50s/early 60s tried to use a volunteer-vendor gate to enter the grounds and ended up using the gate to knock another senior woman volunteer backward into a pole all while yelling profanities at her because she tried to give him entry instructions. How about the group of young boys who surrounded the two 15yo females to taunt and PULL OFF their articles of clothing?

And these are just the big stories, what about all of the others we have yet to hear about? Seems as though the Fair attracts the worst of the worst in our current local society (without even touching on that they were all white) and begs us to refect on that if this is how these people act at the County Fair of all places toward senior citizens, women, and children then we are no better (maybe worse) than any large crime riddled city. Rocks ≠ Glass Houses.

K. Rian Hamilton

Right wing extremists

The report fnding rightwing extremists have killed more Americans than other domestic terrorist groups vanished from the DoJ website. You can see why they’d want to cover this one up, with conclusions like: “In fact, the number of far-right attacks continues to outpace all other types of terrorism and domestic violent extremism. Since 1990, far-right extremists have committed far more ideologically motivated homicides than far-left or radical Islamist extremists, including 227 events that took more than 520 lives. In this same period, far-left extremists committed 42 ideologically motivated attacks that took 78 lives.”

The report, now archived, titled “What NIJ (National Institute of Justice) Research Tells Us About Domestic Terrorism,” vanished from the Department of Justice website between 12 and 13 September, according to Daniel Malmar, a PhD student studying online extremism at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, who had been monitoring the page.

The National Institute of Justice study, which was based on research spanning three decades, represented one of the most comprehensive government assessments of domestic terrorism patterns. It found that “militant, nationalistic, white supremacist violent extremism has increased in the United States” and that “the number of farright attacks continues to outpace all other types of terrorism and domestic violent extremism.”

Violent acts associated with politics happen because members of a small minority respond to rhetoric coming from political leaders. Violent metaphors polarize audiences and attract

Opinion

“high-aggression followers.” Reducing violence requires political elites to tone down their rhetoric.

It also helps for leaders to reinforce democratic norms. On that, President Donald Trump is in some trouble.

Toddy Perryman Hamilton

Dismantling of America

I believe that the media (especially social media) is working hard to dismantle America as I once knew it.

With one side feeding you their agenda and the other side feeding you their agenda, the truth may lie somewhere in the middle, or not at all. There was a time if a newsworthy event happened, people knew what the event was, but the standard line was, “we’ll report more on this story when we have further information.” Now anyone can get on television or social media and spew whatever falsehoods they want. Social media is no longer fact checking anything posted. Add in AI (artifcial insemination) and you don’t know where the bull semen (news) is coming from.

Anything associated with politics is shoved down people’s throats non-stop until the next political incident comes along. All this does is fan the fames and sow more distrust and hatred against those with opposing views.

As far as being an “average” person, the media needs to pigeonhole everyone. Take your pick: This or that religion, race, gender, sexual orientation, or whatever and give that as the reason these heinous crimes are committed. Bad people are bad people regardless of who they are or what they believe.

I don’t know what their end goal is. Civil war? At some point people need to stop believing everything they see and read and concentrate on being a decent human being and treat people with respect and civility though their views may difer from yours.

We need another Walter Cronkite. Linda Habeck Corvallis

The People

Imagine a time when civilization grinds to a halt because we can’t decide to live in peace or go to war, not that we have struggled with this question for millennia. America was set up as an experiment to help answer this question. A basic tenant was agreed upon that only through debate would we survive long enough to determine that war brings confusion where debate brings enlightenment. We now stand at a crossroad stomping our feet while the “grownups” sit on the balcony sipping champagne hoping we choose war. I, for one, would like to disappoint them and make “We The People” great again. This should not be beyond our reach so the idea should be open for debate, what say you, the people.

Mike Mercer Hamilton

Bafed

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has me bafed! This was a horrible event. Mr. Kirk should never have been killed, nor should John Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, or the great number of students who have been killed in school shootings over the years! All of these assassinations and the number of others in between (too numerous to mention here) are indicative of the moral collapse of our citizenry! Tyler Robinson, the alleged shooter, was angry with Mr. Kirk, and rightly, so! Mr. Kirk had acquired his reputation, his millions, and his warm

relationship with the current administration by insulting and degrading citizens of our community who are gay, lesbian, trans, or any other exception to the American mainstream! Mr. Robinson had simply had enough since his roommate and lover was a male transitioning to female. He could no longer sit by and let Charlie Kirk talk about his partner in such a manner. This was not a left or right wing vendetta. It was one man standing up for his lover! At times like these, we should be looking to our leaders, particularly our President, for words of comfort, compassion, and compromise. Unfortunately, this is not the case at this time in our history. Our President chose to ignite the fames of revenge, pitting the right against the left. Instead of words that would heal our nation’s pain, he chose to exacerbate the guilt and the shame that we are all feeling over this tragic event. Remember President Trump saying, “there are good people on both sides” during the Virginia demonstrations? Other leaders, like Governor Cox of Utah who spoke so eloquently after the assassination, must pick up the mantle and provide a path through this terrible situation. The confict between the left and the right has been exacerbated over the past 10 years and this writer sees only greater confict on the horizon if we do not come together for the good of our country. It is up to our Priests, our Ministers, our Preachers, our Rabbis, and our Imams to join hands in prayerful consultation with our Political Leaders to bring a peaceful resolution to this political and civil confict before it goes any further!

Thomas Tunny Hamilton

To Daines re: free speech

Senator Daines, free speech is under attack. Innocents are being pulled out of hallways where they are attempting to follow the rules. Appropriated funds are being denied to public supported agencies we rely on. The destruction of our beloved institutions is underway. The White House grounds are being torn up. And on and on and on. All but 17% of us are sick to death of this administration. You and your colleagues, with power to put an end to this mess, remain silent. Please lend your voice to our cause. We would like to see democracy salvaged before it is too late.

Ruth Hazelton Hamilton

Selective following of rules

Mayor Michalson when he was a council member, “I’ll stick to my job as much as I can, running by the rules that I see ft.” That was reported in the Bitterroot Star, January 15, 2020. Now 5 and 3/4 years later, it appears that is exactly what Mayor Michalson does. He obeys only the rules that he sees ft. The current issue the town faces is passage of the 25/26 Budget, which is a mess to begin with, worse is that the Mayor and Town Staf have repeatedly refused to post all of the Budget for the Public to see as required by state law. That is you, Mr. and Mrs. Citizen. We are talking about the Wages and Salaries of all Town Ofcers and Employees. They do not have to be named by person, but the wages and salaries by position are to be reported. The Agenda for 9-23-25 contains the Budget Resolution, which is proposed Resolution 574. In that resolution is the budget, but what is being left out is the actual wages and salaries of your town ofcers and employees. Something that you have a Constitutional Right to

Know, refer to Article II, Part II, Section 9 of the Constitution of the State of Montana.

State law § 7-4-4201 MCA - Salary of ofcers. The council shall determine by ordinance or resolution the salaries and compensation of elected and appointed city ofcers and all city employees. This is to be a public document. Not a secret document within the realm.

Jim Crews Stevensville

Post-fair meeting response

I would like to respond to September 16th article on the post fair meeting. First of, I would like to thank all the public and volunteers that took time out of their busy schedule to attend the meeting. The article characterized the meeting as a dramatic back and forth fght between 4-H and the fairgrounds, this was not the case. Much of the meeting did not revolve around the petition for the fair manager to step down, most of the comments were suggestions on how to make the fair better. The main issues we heard revolved around the ticketing system for gate entry, Wi-Fi technology and the physical gate infrastructure being inundated with the increase in fair attendees. While there were folks that expressed frustrations with their treatment by fair management, there were a number that expressed positive experiences. There were a couple of emotional exchanges, but all of the comments and discussion were productive and will ultimately lead to a better fair. I would like to address the overall tone of the article on the relationship between the Ravalli County and 4-H. 4-H is vital to the success of the Ravalli County Fair. Volunteers and staf experienced a number of elevated conficts this year, but these were not solely 4-H. Ravalli County appreciates the values taught to our youth through the 4-H program and does not feel that our 4-H superintendents, volunteers and participants are entitled or are problems. We do have a couple of issues that we will sit down with our 4-H partners and come up with solutions. Thank you 4-H parents, staf, volunteers and participants.

It is easy to focus on the few issues we had this year at fair, but overall our fair was amazing. We had record attendance, packed animal barns, standing room only rodeo and great food. If you have complaints, comments or suggestions, we ask you bring them to the fair board and work with us to make the 2026 Ravalli County Fair better. Lastly, I would like to take an opportunity to thank all the people that donate countless hours to our fair to make it a success. Without our volunteers, there would not be a fair. The Ravalli County Fair Board is a thankless position that requires fair planning the entire year and a signifcant time commitment during the fair… thank you. Thanks to our rodeo committee that put on an amazing, standing room only rodeo. Thanks to Bitterroot Back Country Horsemen, these folks run the entrance gates and processed a record attendance. Thanks to the vendors that bring amazing food, products and entertainment. Thanks to the staf that make the fair run behind the scenes resolving issues, taking out trash, painting, cleaning, mowing… the list goes on and on. To all the fair superintendents, judges and volunteers, we could not do it without you and we do not say it enough…THANK YOU!

Jef Burrows Ravalli County Commissioner

or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.

A Course of Love study group

Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480

MS Support Group

Bitterroot MS Support Group

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

Amateur Radio Club

The Amateur Radio Club

KG7SPL of the Corvallis American Legion Post #91 meets at 6 p.m. on the frst Monday of the month, at the Corvallis Firehall on the Woodside Cutof Road.

KG7SPL has a weekly radio net at 7 p.m. Wednesday, starting on 146.580 simplex and then on the club’s repeater located at 147.300 (DSC 703). Each month the club conducts amateur radio testing, a “Fox Hunt” and a HF exercise here in the Bitterroot Valley. Members participate in the ARRL Field Day in June and Winter Field in January. The club conducts Emergency Communications Training, as well as training in antenna construction and diferent amateur radio modes. Every year KG7SPL provides radio coverage for the Corvallis Memorial Day Parade, the Darby Dog Derby, Robert’s Run and other local events. The club has its own radio station and throughout the year holds “Get On The Air” radio nights. This is a very active club and if you have an interest in amateur radio or are already an operator you are encouraged to join. For more information, call club president Mike Nesbihal at 406-552-8696.

Vet-to-Vet

Veterans looking for a laidback setting in which to visit with veterans from any period and any branch of service are in luck. Every Friday morning from 6 to 8 a.m., the VVA Chapter 938 sponsors a no-host breakfast at BJ’s Family Restaurant (back room). Come and mingle with those who know where you’re coming from.

Bitterroot Tango

Argentine tango lessons each Wednesday evening at 4039 US 93 N, Stevensville. Learn to dance the tango each Wednesday with beginner classes from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., intermediate classes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. followed by practice and social time to close. Classes are free. For more information about dance parties and guest teachers, fnd them on facebook at Bitterroot tango.

Soroptimist International of Hamilton

A volunteer service organization of women to empower, educate and encourage women

and girls through scholarships and educational programs. All women are welcome to attend the frst Thursday (business meetings) and second Thursday (community presentation) of each month from 12-1 at BJs Restaurant.

Writers’ Circle

Writers’ Circle takes place 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 5:30 at Explore the Arts, 7th and Main Streets, Hamilton. Join in if you have a piece to share, any genre. More information: Star 406-5465344.

Calling local seniors Attention valley seniors! The Hamilton Senior Center is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, serving a fresh made lunch at a discounted price for seniors. Come and see what fun you can have at the Center socializing and making new friends. Non-seniors are welcome as well. Other activities run daily for Hand and Foot, bridge, ping pong, pinochle, bingo, line dancing classes. Proceeds go to support the center operation. Currently looking for volunteers to become members of the Board of Directors. Other volunteering positions available as well. Call Joesph Bruno, 406-375-5090, for more information.

NAMI family support group

A support group for families, friends, and caregivers afected by loved ones with a mental health condition is held every 2nd Monday of the month in Stevensville from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Stephens Episcopal Church community room (call Sue at 406-3690406 or email namistevimt@gmail. com) and in Hamilton every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library (call Nicole at 406-2418567 or email hamiltonnamifsg@ yahoo.com. You are not alone!

Mindfulness Meditation & QiGong/Tai Chi

Free Mindfulness Meditation and QiGong/Tai Chi class meets Mondays from 10:30 to 12 noon in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. The class is designed for seniors and beginners but all are welcome. Meditation has been shown to be helpful in relieving stress, improving memory and can add to a general sense of well-being and happiness. Tai Chi with its gentle focused movements can help with balance, ftness and is traditionally integrated with meditation. For more information call 406-369-3482.

North Valley Public Library

Library Foundation’s Big Book Sale — Fri & Sat, Oct 3-4 from 10am-8pm

It’s back! Everyone loves the Foundation’s annual book sale fundraiser in the Library’s Community Room. Book donations accepted Oct 1-2. Fiber Arts Club — Thurs, Oct 2 from 12-1:30pm

Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting? Bring your work-inprogress, problem piece, or brandnew pattern and enjoy the company of like-minded crafters during this informal Fiber Arts Club. Held at North Valley Public Library the frst Thursday of every month.

Hamilton School Board

Governance Committee

Meeting

Thursday – October 9, 2025

12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room

The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube.

You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – October 14, 2025

6:30 p.m. – District Ofce –Conference Room

The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube.

You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www. youtube.com/@HSD3Boardmtg

Grief Support Group

Fourteen-week grief support group meets each Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Florence Carlton Community Church, 20075 Old Highway 93, Florence. Feel welcome to attend all or any sessions. Contact Colleen with any questions, 206-9302519.

Men’s Club: Chess & Checkers

— Thurs, Sept 25 at 12pm

Make connections and conversation over a game of chess or checkers during this informal monthly get-together at North Valley Public Library. All experience levels welcome. And if you’ve never played chess, come and learn! Gameboards provided or you may bring your own. Please arrive at 12pm to ensure a partner.

Bitterroot Heritage Group

The Bitterroot Heritage Group will meet Thursday, September 25 at 6:15 pm at the Darby Public Library, 101-1/2 S Marshal Street, Darby. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, contact Gay Findley, 406-531-4172.

Chili Cookof A Chili Cookof Fundraiser, organized by the Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group, will be held Saturday, September 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Darby Community Clubhouse, 106 N Main Street, Darby. There will be food, drinks, vendors, crafts, rafe, and live music by Tin Cup. For Home-cooks and Pros, the Chili Cook-of is looking for chili entries. Enter your chili for $20. You must declare your entry into the contest by Sept. 25. The Chili Cookof winner takes home a $100 cash prize, second place gets $75 prize, and third place gets $50 prize. The winner also takes home a trophy. The cost for vendors is $10. People coming to sample chili pay $5.00 for a sampler ticket. You are to vote for your favorite chili. You get only one vote. Call Gay Findley for more information at 406-5314172.

Hamilton food drive

Haven House Food Bank is holding a food drive on Saturday, September 27 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The big drop of will be during the Hamilton Farmers Market. Bring donations to the corner of Bedford & 2nd, next to the Ravalli Dems booth. Donation Ideas: Proteins: canned tuna, chicken, salmon or beans; Easily stored nutrients: canned fruits & vegetables;

Staples: pasta, rice, whole grains (oats or barley); Nut Butters & Oils: peanut butter, olive oil or canola oil; Shelf-Stable Foods: canned soups, stews, chili or gluten-free items. This provides a wonderful chance for the community to come together and help our Bitterroot Valley neighbors! Ravalli County Recycling annual meeting

The non-proft, Ravalli County Recycling, will hold its annual meeting on Sept 30th. As part of maintaining its non-proft status, the group is required to hold an annual meeting open to all members. If you have recycled glass or batteries in the last year and donated at least $1.00, you are considered a member, and you are invited to the RCR annual meeting. This is the time when new board members are installed and changes in board ofces and by-laws are voted on. The meeting will be followed by a pot-luck, so bring your favorite Bitterroot potluck dish. If you are interested in attending but haven’t received an email about the location etc., contact janicling@gmail.com.

Adult autism support

group

Adult Autism Level One (Asperger’s) Support Group will meet September 30 at 5 p.m. at Heartism Community Center, 1720 N. 1st St. (Hwy 93), Suite G, Hamilton (next to DMV). Come help shape the future of this new group! More info at www.heartism406.org.

Fiber Arts Club

Thurs, Oct 2 from 12-1:30pm Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting? Bring your work-inprogress, problem piece, or brandnew pattern and enjoy the company of like-minded crafters during this informal Fiber Arts Club. Held at North Valley Public Library the frst Thursday of every month.

Men’s Club: Chess & Checkers — Thurs, Oct 30 at 2pm Make connections and conversation over a game of chess or checkers during this informal monthly get-together at North Valley Public Library. All experience levels welcome. And if you’ve never played chess, come and learn! Gameboards provided or you may bring your own. Please arrive at 2pm to ensure a partner.

Lunchtime Writing RetreatMon, Oct 27 from 12-2pm Carve out time to write or work on a creative project without the distractions at home. This is the perfect opportunity to commit to your writing practice, fnish that lingering project, or follow wherever your imagination leads. Held at North Valley Public Library the last Monday of every month.

Stevensville Library

Book Sale

The annual Big Book Sale to beneft the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will be held Oct. 3-4 in the library Community Room. The sale will take place as part of the festivities of the annual Scarecrow Festival. Hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Recent releases, best-sellers, teen and children’s books, crafting and hobby books, cookbooks, and much more will be available. Book donations will be accepted in the Community Room of the library from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1 and Oct. 2. Textbooks, magazines, and VHS tapes will not be accepted. The NVPL Foundation and Friends of the Library are presenting the sale. The library Community Room is

located at 208 Main St., Stevensville. For more information, email harrisonsanders@aol.com.

Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour Artists Studio Tour in the Bitterroot Valley on October 17-19. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists Along the Bitterroot is a coalition of artists that ofer a unique opportunity to explore an artist’s workspace, view demonstrations and learn more about their tools and sources of inspiration. Tour the Bitterroot Valley’s fnest art studios, only minutes away from beautiful hiking trails, fshing, scenic views, and local brews. Thirty-one artists working in a wide range of mediums are opening their studios to visitors of all ages. Meet the artists, experience their working spaces and lear n their stories! Artists’ mediums include cast bronze, glasswork, photography, printmaking encaustic mixed media, leather art, concrete sculpting, collage, alcohol dyes, cold wax, oil, pastel acrylic and watercolor painting. Enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley as you take the Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour. For map and more information go to artistsalongthebitterroot. com.

Artisan market

The Stevensville Unit of United Women in Faith are hosting a Falliday Artisan Market on Saturday, October 18 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College Street. The group’s local and statewide missions include: Blackfeet United Methodist Parish, Bitterroot CASA, The Clothes Closet, Emma’s House, Flathead Lake United Methodist Camp, Genesis House, Heartism, Intermountain Residential, Loads of Dignity, Lone Rock Backpack Program, Wesley House at UM, Pantry Partners, SAFE, and Stevensville Backpack Program. Come check out the local artisans and get a head start on holiday shopping.

Bridge class Bridge lessons ofered for anyone wanting to learn the game or brush up on their existing game. Weekly evening classes start Oct. 23 and end Dec. 18. Call for more information: Pam, (406) 361-5723.

St. Mary’s Parish Christmas Craft Faire

333 Charlo St. Stevensville, MT Christmas Craft Faire

Saturday October 25, 2024 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. FEATURING: Unique ArtisansLunch - Bake Sale - Rafe Center for Spiritual Living Center For Spiritual Living meets on Sundays at First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton. (Spiritual Not Religious) Meditation: 9am - 9:15, Service 9:30 am - 10:30. Fellowship to follow.

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

Great Glass Pumpkin Patch

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Florence falls to Frenchtown

Emotions ran high as the Florence football team traveled north to take on Frenchtown on Friday, September 19. The Broncs came into the game as the #5 ranked Class A team in Montana.

This was Florence’s frst game since the accidental death of a Florence student during last week’s homecoming parade, after which the school canceled Florence’s September 12 homecoming game against Fairfeld.

For Class B Florence it was a tough task playing a top ranked Class A team, but they were up for the challenge and led 8-7 after the 1st quarter, and trailed 8-10 at halftime. After half, the Falcons fought hard, but Frenchtown scored two second-half touchdowns and Florence lost 8-23.

Florence’s lone score came on a Bridger Alex-

The Florence 2025 Homecoming Royal Court at the Florence/Frenchtown game in Frenchtown on Friday, September 19. The game was Frenchtown’s homecoming, and Frenchtown graciously invited Florence to share in their homecoming ceremonies, allowing Florence to crown their own royalty on the feld.

Bitterroot golf teams prep for Divisionals

The Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville golf teams will compete in the Western A Divisional Tournament this week on Friday, September 26 at the Hamilton Golf Club in Hamilton. The Class A State Tournament will be held the following week at Sidney on Friday, Oct. 3 and Saturday, Oct. 4.

The three teams had a last tune up before divisionals last week as they competed in the 2025 Hamilton Invite at the Hamilton Golf Club on Saturday, September 20, and the East Helena Invite on Tuesday, September 16.

Hamilton Invite results

In the boys team standing, Corvallis won the event, going +7 as a team, Whitefsh took second place at +31. Hamilton took 6th and Stevensville took 9th.

In the girls team standing, Corvallis took 6th and Hamilton took 7th.

Individually for the girls, Corvallis’s Kristen Race tied for 7th (96), Hamilton’s Ellie Hattlestad tied for 11th (99), and Stevensville’s Bella Raszler tied for 14th (102). Corvallis’s Gracee Storrud and Hamilton’s Rhain Hollingsworth tied for 21st (106).

Individually for the boys, Corvallis’s

Brady Powell took 1st with a 69 (-3). Corvallis’s Tag Jessop shot a 70 (-2) to take 2nd. Corvallis’s Dylan Wirt and Tanner Sorenson tied for 8th with matching 78s. Hamilton’s Cash Duncan shot a 79 to tie for 10th. Hamilton’s Jackson Kirkbride and Stevensville’s Kaden Wyant tied for 15th (81).

East Helena Invite results

The Corvallis boys kept up their strong play and won the event. The Hamilton boys took 7th and the Stevensville boys took 11th. The Hamilton girls had another strong showing, taking 2nd place, while the Corvallis girls took 4th. Individually for the girls, Hamilton’s Cameron Burnett won the event with a round of 84 (+12). Also for the Hamilton girls, Bryn Cianfone took 4th (95), and Ellie Hattlested tied for 11th (110). Corvallis’s Kristen Race tied for 8th (106). Stevensville’s Jocelyn Lambert tied for 15th (116). Individually for the boys, Corvallis’s Tag Jessop and Brady Powell shot matching 70s to tie for 1st place. Teammate Tanner Sorenson took 3rd (74) and Dylan Wirt took 15th (83). Stevensville’s Kaden Wyant tied for 21st (86), and Hamilton’s Cash Duncan tied for 23rd (87).

Results for the Mountain West Classic

The Mountain West Classic in Missoula on Saturday, September 20 was one of the biggest Cross Country races in Montana this season. 3084 Varsity, JV, and middle school runners from 79 Montana, Idaho and Washington schools crossed the fnish line in this year’s event. In the varsity boys race there were 590 individual runners. Miles Halvorsen of Bozeman won with a time of 15:17.20. Taylor Doleac of Hamilton was the Bitterroot’s highest boys fnisher in 35th place with a time of 16:36.56. Benjamin Beare of Hamilton took 40th (16:36.51). Ben Martin of Darby took 60th (16:51.63), and Braden Anderson of Corvallis took 95th (17:15.07). Seba Schroeder

of Florence took 106th (17:20.44). Benjamin White of Stevensville took 142nd (17:36.45). In the varsity girls race there were 486 runners. Addison Kegel of Billings Central won with a time of 17:33.03. Hamilton’s Aleigha Child was the Bitterroot’s highest girls fnisher in 45th place with a time of 20:12.88. Hamilton’s Reecelyn Walthall took 79th (20:51.65). Corvallis’s Cheyenne Herbert took 143rd (21:39.97). Corvallis’s Jillian Huls took 155th (21:52.72). Darby’s Brooklyn Rogers took 217th (22:35.11).

In the boys team standings, Corvallis fnished 28th, Hamilton fnished 29th, and Stevensville took 62nd. In the girls team standings, Hamilton took 39th and Corvallis took 43rd.

#5 Frenchtown. Florence begins conference play in Thompson Falls on Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m.

Football roundup

Pirates pacifed by Warriors Victor traveled to Arlee on Friday, September 19, and lost 42-54 to the Warriors in a shootout. The game was tied 12-12 after the frst quarter and Arlee led 26-20 at halftime. Victor was outscored 14-0 in the 3rd and trailed 2040 heading into the fnal frame. The Pirates scored 22 points in the 4th, but their comeback bid fell short and they lost 42-54. Victor plays its next game at Plains on Saturday, September 27 at 1 p.m.

ander one-yard TD run, Mattix Chase scored on the 2-point conversion. For Florence, QB Brody Duchien completed 21 of 29 passes for 224 yards and rushed for 37 yards. WR Chase Wagner was Duchien’s favorite target, catching 9 passes for 109 yards. Christian Englund led Florence with 12 total tackles. Florence’s ofense outgained Frenchtown 317186 in total yards. The game was Frenchtown’s homecoming, and Frenchtown graciously invited Florence to share in their homecoming ceremonies, allowing Florence to crown their own royalty on the feld.

The Falcons are now 0-3 after a tough non-conference schedule where they played #2 Manhattan, #3 Three Forks, and Class A

Stevensville subdued by Savages Stevensville traveled south to Salmon on Friday, September 19 to play the Savages. It was a hard-fought game, but the ‘Jackets came up short and lost 15-26.

For Stevensville, freshman QB Luca Schmidt went 12 for 23 for 140 yards including a touchdown pass to Josh Pfster. RB Landon Bryan led the team with 35 rushing yards.

Stevensville hosts undefeated and top fve ranked Hamilton for their homecoming game on Friday, September 26 at 7 p.m.

Tigers trounce Trojans Darby defeated Troy 66-32 in a high-scoring contest for Darby’s homecoming game on Saturday, September 20. The win moves the Tigers to 3-0 on the season.

Darby standout McCoy Townsend had another big game. The senior QB rushed for 183 yards and four TDs, including a 77-yard TD run. Townsend also had two passing TDs. Also for Darby, Jordan Browning rushed for 54 yards and a TD, and also caught two TD passes: one for 70 yards and one for 48 yards. Eli Jones had 55 yards rushing and numerous tackles. Jaden Baily had a 55-yard kick return for a TD.

Darby head coach John Steiner credited Wyatt Manning, Colter Bennett, and Regan Christopherson for their strong ofensive and defensive play.

Darby has a tough test this week as they travel to Superior to play the 3-1 Bobcats on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.

Florence Florence broke the Breakers in Missoula on Tuesday, September 16, as they defeated Missoula Loyola 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-21). For Florence, Emory Ralston had 4 aces and 9 kills, Maggie Schneiter had 22 assists, and Dia Jenkins had 16 digs.

Hamilton

On Thursday, September 18, the Hamilton volleyball team played at Frenchtown in a matchup of two of the top Class A volleyball teams in western Montana. Hamilton won the frst set relatively easily, 25-18, then lost the next three sets 15-25, 13-25, and 20-25 to lose 1-3. For Hamilton, Ciara Hanley had 15 kills and 13 digs, Aurie Duncan had 4 aces and 25 assists, and Lundyn Murray had 16 digs. Hamilton’s job didn’t get any easier on Saturday, Sept. 20 when they hosted a tall and talented Dillon team. Hamilton played strong and

won 3-1 (25-15, 23-25, 25-14, 25-15).

For Hamilton, Ciara Hanley had 13 kills, Aurie Duncan had 5 aces, 3 blocks, and 27 assists, Lundyn Murray had 12 digs, and Kaitlyn Snavely had 4 blocks.

Corvallis

Corvallis hosted a tough Frenchtown team on Tuesday, September 16. Corvallis played well, but fell to the visiting Broncs 0-3 (9-25, 17-25, 21-25) Then on Saturday, September 20, Corvallis went to the Mining City and defeated Butte Central in a close match 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-13, 27-25).

Stevensville Stevensville went to Missoula to play Valley Christian on Tuesday, September 16, and won 3-1 (25-20, 2514, 21-25, 25-23). Then on Thursday, September 18, Stevensville hosted Butte Central and won 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-13).

Florence’s Mattix Chase completes a 2 point conversion in Florence’s game against Frenchtown on Friday, September 19 in Frenchtown. Florence lost 8-23. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Hamilton and Stevi soccer tie

The Stevensville boys and girls soccer teams hosted Hamilton on Monday, September 15, in a conference battle between Bitterroot Valley foes. As it turned out, the teams were pretty evenly matched, as both the boys and the girls games ended in ties.

The boys game ended 1-1. Hayden Warrington scored Stevensville’s goal, and for Hamilton, Haven Oshell scored with an assist from Tim Sigloch.

The Hamilton and Stevensville girls tied 2-2. For Stevensville, Bryton Brewer scored both of the ‘Jackets goals. For Hamilton, Loretta Hanson scored the frst goal on an assist by Anna Lewis, then Josie Wolfe scored the second goal on an assist by Victoria Stuart.

Hamilton went to Missoula on Thursday, September 18, and defeated Loyola 3-0.

The Stevensville boys and girls played at Frenchtown on Thursday, September 18. The Stevensville girls won 1-0, and the Stevensville boys won 9-0.

Corvallis

The Corvallis girls soccer team played at Missoula Loyola on Tuesday, September 16, and lost 0-8. On Thursday, September 18, the Corvallis boys and girls went to Polson. The Corvallis boys were defeated 0-5, and the Corvallis girls were defeated 0-4.

At left, Stevensville’s Bryton Brewer (#13) tries to get past Hamilton’s Ellie Hughes (#3) in the Hamilton/Stevensville match in Stevensville on Monday, September 15. The game ended in a 2-2 tie. Photo by Scott Sacry.

To our generous sponsors, silent auction donors, and players who helped make this year’s golf scramble, Birdies for Books, a success for the North Valley Public Library! The NVPL Foundation and Friends of the Library are grateful for your partnership in this annual event.

HOLE SPONSORS

Ashley Construction

Eastside Ace Hardware

Edward Jones (Cody Velin)

Florence Dental

Harper’s Bitterroot Tire Center

Lightweight Fly Shop

Sirius Construction

The Hat Edit (Allison Milner)

Yaskus Family Dental

TEAM SPONSORS

Amanda (Mandy) Conrad

Delaney Jones Clemens (Chicks n 2 Sticks)

Eric Paulsen

Farmers State Bank (two teams)

Jackson Construction (Late Comers)

Jody Torrey (Kutting Edge)

Montana Master Builders (Florence-Carlton High School team)

Pamela Capps (Rylan’s Team)

SPONSOR

SILENT AUCTION DONORS

Blacksmith Brewery

Brent Cotton (artist)

Chuck Stranahan Fly Fishing

Cutbow Cofee

Foothill Equipment Rentals

Hamilton Golf Course

Jimmy’s Wine Shoppe

Larchmont Golf Course

Lightweight Fly Shop and Retreat Cabins

Linda Vista Golf Course

Montana Chocolate Company

Quinn’s Hot Springs

Rocky Mountain Liquor

Skydive Missoula

Sun Mountain Sports

Super 1 Foods

Two Rivers Bar and Casino

Whitetail Golf Course

Above, Hamilton’s Otto Gantz and Stevensville’s Jakob Wenck fght for position during the Stevensville/Hamilton match in Stevensville on Monday, September 15. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Obituaries

Marilyn Disbrow

Marilyn Disbrow (nee Weyland) passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025 as a result of natural causes at the age of 96. Born May 1, 1929, she resided in Wisconsin until moving to Stevensville, MT in 1991 where she remained until moving to Idaho in 2022.

She was known for her generosity, kindness, mischievous nature, and sense of humor in addition to her stubbornness. She was a loving and often entertaining mother and grandmother and a loyal friend. We will miss her but are happy her spirit is free and

Death Notices

Mary White

Hamilton - Mary White, 89, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Beehive Homes. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary. com

Tom Lowe

Turah - Tom Lowe, 76, passed away at home in the early morning of Saturday, September 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory is honored to care for Mr. Lowe.

she is no longer encumbered by earthly pain and sorrow. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Howard Kirnberger and Dean Disbrow; her oldest son Howard F. Kirnberger; a grandson John Howard Daneker; her siblings and many friends. She is survived by her children Karrie (Denny) Wildeson, Wendy (Keith) Jones, Jack (Jill) Kirnberger; a step-daughter Cynthia (George) Engelke; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard Pedersen

Missoula - Richard Pedersen, 94, passed away at home Tuesday, September 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary. com

Jerri Hershberger

Hamilton - Jerri Hershberger, 76, passed away at home the evening of Monday, September 15, 2025, with her husband and two daughters at her side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Bonnie Ebsen

Karen Grey

HamiltonKaren Grey, 77, passed away at home in the early morning of Thursday, September 18, 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary. com

CorvallisBonnie Ebsen, 87, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, September 21, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary. com.

Howard Christiansen

Great Falls - Howard Christiansen, 92, passed away peacefully at Peace Hospice on the afternoon of Sunday, September 21, 2025, with his son Jeff by his side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary. com

Flies for an early autumn day

I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time. He was a regular in my fy shop for many years and active in conservation. After we handled the catching-up and joy at seeing each other again, the conversation naturally turned fshing. That’s just how it is between friends where fy rods and fies combine with the joys of being on a trout stream as the common denominators.

Bill hadn’t fshed for a while and neither had I. At frst I felt a little unprepared to answer his question but once I thought for a moment it was easy. There’s is a reassuring consistency, a predictability to early autumn fshing year in, and year out.

by Chuck Stranahan

The water is always low, some years lower than others. When the air temps drop into the pleasant days and chilly nights range, the bugs hatch in earnest and the trout seem to sense an inborn need to fatten up before winter.

So when Bill asked, “I’m going fshing next Thursday, what should I bring?” I thought through that initial uncertainty for a minute and then found some solid ground.

Here’s what I said:

“First, in the morning you’ll see tricos if there’s anything going on. Be sure to have some aboard, along with some 6X, 6 1/2X and 7X tippet material – maybe be prepared to go fner.’

Tricos are those itty-bity black fies with silvery wings that hover suspended over the stream before they gradually dip down to the surface to lay their eggs. They can return to the stream in veritable swarms or just a few – if you see early morning risers and can’t tell what they’re taking, chances are it’s a #20 or smaller trico spinner.

“When the tricos are over,” I continued, “Itll be one of three things: on a scuzzy day you might see blue-winged olives.”

Bill knows all about blue-winged olives. The nymphs and half-hatched or emerger stages can be more important than the mature bugs. All of these #18 or so fies should be sparse and drab.

“If not blue-wings,” I went on, “You might be looking at mahogany. They’ll start coming of the bottom when sunlight hit it – long before they show on the surface. You can do worse than to fsh a #14 Beadhead Pheasant Tail on a long dropper below a hopper for openers. The main hatch might start early afternoon and run until early evening.’

“When they’re on and the fsh are taking them, a #14 Hairwing Dun or Mahogany Parachute will get you in the game. When you see the dries on the surface, looking like dark little sailboats and the fsh aren’t taking them on top, fsh a #14 Pheasant and Grouse Soft Hackle or something similar.”

I have a favorite wet fy pattern that’s easy enough for most tyers to replicate from this description: Tail and body like a Pheasant Tail nymph, then a small wad of mahogany dubbing of some sort for the thorax. In front of that for the wing, tie in a sparse bunch of blue dun dyed fuf from the baser of a large hackle feather. Gray marabou or a anything similar will also

work.

You fsh this fy with no indicator. Cast a few feet above the area where fsh might be holding and let the fy drift in, then start a slow draw and pause retrieve. Pull about a fst’s length of line toward you and let the nymph drift for a one second pause.

“No problem detecting the strike with that one,” I told Bill. “They’ll be attracted by the motion and hit you on the pause, Anticipate the moment you stop moving the fy – be ready to raise up, but don’t yank late and miss – or lose fies. When they’re seeing a batch of those bugs coming to the surface in one place, they’ll stay below to eat ‘em. Hit it right and it’s solid fshing – even though they’re not feeding on top.”

“If the mahoganies aren’t working,” I told Bill, “It’s not too early to start thinking of the big orange caddis. The nymphs will get active slowly at frst, well before we take notice of them.”

Here’s where the hopper-dropper rig comes into play again. I’ll fsh a big hopper on top, and a heavily-weighted Orange Caddis nymph underneath. I’ll fsh it on about fve feet of 3X tippet below a big hopper pattern, also on 3X.

Low water, cooling temperatures, hatching bugs and solitude make early autumn fshing predictable. Photo courtesy Chuck Stranahan.

New director to lead Performing Arts Council

In front of an almost sold-out audience at the Performing Arts Center in Hamilton recently, Executive Director Larry McCloskey announced it would be his last concert in the leadership position. For four years, he has led the non-proft Bitterroot Performing Arts Council through a tremendous era of growth and development, so his retirement came as a surprise to many.

“I have loved my time in this role,” McCloskey said. “This has been a labor of love. I’ll still be around. I’ll still be at every show, but I’m trading my badge for a volunteer badge. I’m happy to turn over the leadership role to a very capable person.”

He announced Stacie Duce to be his replacement. Duce had been a board member since 2005 and was a source of institutional memory through many years of board growth and development. She resigned from the board last May and was approached with the new opportunity in August.

“For me, this new position is a perfect match that I’ve watched evolve from the beginning,” Duce said. “I volunteered with Monica Grable during the early years and loved my time as a board member. Stepping into the leadership role is exciting and I’m grateful for the capable team that surrounds me.”

Deanna Read serves as the operations manager and runs the box ofce in Signal Square on the frst block of Main Street in Hamilton. She was dubbed the “unsung hero” of the organization at the concert.

“Under Deanna’s leadership, we have an amazing team of dedicated volunteers that help make each show run smoothly,” said Duce. “We need anywhere from 15-20 volunteers to fll important roles for big shows so they are really one of the key ingredients in our recipe for success.”

The announcements were made during BPAC’s presentation of country music legend Pam Tillis. She traveled as a trio sharing some of her greatest and Grammy-nominated hits in a more intimate setting. Securing Tillis on a BPAC budget was a feather in the cap of McCloskey’s tenure.

“When we have donor support and open dates from the venue, we can take advantage of opportunities,

artists who are routing between bigger cities, and give them a stop to play on our rural stage,” McCloskey said.

Another big talent was secured after the 2025-26 season was announced.

KT Tunstall will perform February 7, 2026 as a stand-alone concert outside the series. Those who have season tickets were given early access to her tickets so they could enjoy the show in their favorite seats. But now, tickets are on sale for her show as well as the other fve in the series.

BPAC will be hosting Duende Libre on October 18, Mark O’Connor in November, Las Guaracheras in January, Rising Appalachia next March and Solas in April.

Before the TIllis show, Ben Watters also joined McCloskey and Duce on stage as the new President of the BPAC Board. He replaces Laura Merrill who ably served seven years during key times to help the BPAC thrive and rebound after the pandemic and other transitions. The board supported McCloskey’s vision of growth that included performances outside the standard winter series to also include smaller shows at Victor High School and summer concerts on the grounds of the Daly Mansion.

“With your passionate service, you’ve done great things for this organization, Larry,” Watters said. “We look forward to continuing the momentum.”

To launch the twenty-second season, Watters said, “It is so wonderful to be back in this space and to celebrate live music. We have a really great season in store and a broad genre of performers - everything from country music to Celtic music to Columbian cumbia music.”

For more information or to purchase tickets to the shows, visit www. bitterrootperformingarts.org, follow the BPAC on social media or call the BPAC box ofce at 406.363.7946. The box ofce is ofcially open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with longer hours during show weeks.

Submitted by the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council

The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council announced a new Executive Director at a recent concert in Hamilton featuring country legend Pam Tillis. Larry McCloskey (left) has served for four years during a tremendous era of growth, and announced his retirement to the crowd. Stacie Duce (right) will take the helm as the new ED.Photo courtesy Bitterroot Performing Arts Council.

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long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-7621508

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FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.

FOR RENT: 1 BDRM APT. fully furnished, utilities/trash paid. Rural Stevensville, very quiet neighborhood. $1500 per month, on a month to month contract. Deposits required: Security $400, Cleaning $300. 406-5501289/208-827-3101.

MONTH TO MONTH RENTAL, furnished apartment on 10 acres with private small yard, gorgeous views in the Stevensville area, $1450/month includes utilities, call for details, available mid August, (818) 921-5275.

price ). One = Immense amount of material (sold by the pound), 3 sewing machines, and sewing & quilting everything! Two = A complete Christmas store! Three = Miscellaneous everything including a ping pong table, candles, vintage trunk, microwave, glassware, jewelry, etc, & SO much more! This is an unusual sale and the items are clean, nice, and many are new! CASH - NO EARLIES.

HUGE 2-FAMILY

GARAGE/ESTATE SALE. September 26th to 28th, 9AM to 4PM, 418 Triple Lane, Eastside Highway, Stevensville. Antiques, Collectibles, Tools, Building Materials, Furniture, Halloween Items, Clothes, Books, Home Goods, Lawn and Garden, too much to mention. Come and have lunch (hot dogs, chips and water) and shop!

STUDENT IN STEVI, in career training, needs a place to stay. Can help with chores. Call Tom, 406493-4589.

or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law

Extension Agent in Rosebud/Treasure Counties, Forsyth, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autonomy! Will develop, implement and evaluate Extension programming. Complete information and to apply: www.montana. edu/extension/careers .

AMAZING 3 IN 1

SALE! 424 Hidden Valley North, Florence. 9/26 (9 to 4 prices frm), 9/27 (9 to 3). 9/28 (10 to 2 - ½

Extension Agent in Roosevelt County, Culbertson, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autonomy! Will develop, implement and evaluate Extension programming. Complete information and to apply: www.montana. edu/extension/careers . In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profle. Montana State University does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity

Legal Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Final Report of the Darby Study Commission is available at https://www. darbymt.net or a printed copy can be picked up at Darby Town Hall 101 E Tanner Ave, Darby M-F 8-5.

BS 9-17, 9-24, 10-1, 10-8-25.

MNAXLP

Wlliam J. Nelson, Esq.

Nelson Law Ofce 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: LILLIANE MARIE BRYAN, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-2025101 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Virginia Paula Carroll, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED 2nd day of September 2025.

/s/ William J Nelson, Attorney for Personal Representative

/s/ Virginia Paula Carroll, Personal Representative BS 9-10, 9-17, 9-24-25. MNAXLP

PUBLIC HEARING

The Darby Town Council will hold a public hearing to receive oral and written comment regarding: ∙ Amend Fiscal Year Budget 2024-2025

The hearing will be held at: Darby Town Hall 101 East Tanner Avenue September 23, 2025 6:00PM.

BS 9-10, 9-17-25. MNAXLP

PUBLIC HEARING

The Darby Town Council will hold a public hearing to receive oral and written comment regarding the: 2025-2026 ANNUAL BUDGET

The hearing will be held at: Darby Town Hall 101 East Tanner Avenue September 23, 2025 6:15 PM.

BS 9-10, 9-17-25. 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 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of CHARLES FRANK WROBLE, JR., Deceased. Probate No. DP-41-20250000083

Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to CHRISTOPHER WROBLE and JANEL ROE, the Co-Personal Representatives, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 1167, Ham-

ilton, Montana 59840, or fled 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.

/s/Jane Roe

8/27/25

/s/ Christopher Wroble

8/27/25 WORKMAN LAW, PLLC

By: Kyle J. Workman, Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives BS 9-10, 9-17-9-24-25.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Bryan Vamp Earl Perkins, Bryan Vamp Earl Perkins, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-41-20250000313-NC Dept. 2

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Bryan Vamp Earl Perkins to Bryan Earl Perkins.

The hearing will be on October 16, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 8th day of September, 2025.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Catherine Di Gleria Deputy Clerk of Court BS 9-10, 9-17, 9-24, 10-1-25. MNAXLP

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR ENGINEERING and GRANT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES

The Bitterroot Conservation District (BCD) is soliciting a Statement of Qualifcations (SOQ) for engineering services for the upgraded design, permitting, construction administration, and grant administration for the BCD Union Diversion Resource Improvements project. The BCD may utilize the selected engineering consultant for grant administration, design, and construction services for other projects related to the diversion including but not limited to preparation of a Preliminary Engineering Report. Payment terms will be negotiated with the selected engineering consultant.

Responses to this RFQ should include: 1. the engineering frm’s legal name, address, and telephone number; 2. the experience, qualifcations and location of the staf to be assigned to the project; and 3. a description of the frm’s prior experience, including any similar irrigation projects location of project, and names of three (3) references regarding the frm’s performance on irrigation projects.

Respondents will be evaluated according to the following factors: Overall quality of the SOQ (30%); Consultant qualifcations and experience, including reference checks (40%); Prior experience with related projects (20%); Location of frm (10%). The selection of the engineering consultant will be based on the evaluation of the written responses. Considering all factors, the award will be given to the most qualifed consultant whose Statement of Qualifcations is deemed most advantageous. Unsuccessful respondents will be notifed as soon as possible. Questions and responses should be directed to the BCD by phone at 406-361-6181. All SOQs must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. (local time) on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Mail or hand-deliver to Bitterroot Conservation District 1709 North First Street, Hamilton, MT. 59840. Proposals should provide assurance that the frm has the professional capability to satisfactorily complete all tasks outlined in the detailed RFQ. Please state “Engineering Services Statement of Qualifcations” on the outside of the response package. Include four copies of the Statement of Qualifcations. The SOQ may not exceed

a total of 6 (six) one-sided pages, excluding a one-page cover letter and resumes. Minimum font size for all text is 11 pt. This solicitation is being ofered in accordance with federal and state governing procurement of professional services. Accordingly, the BCD reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed, as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed unqualifed, unsatisfactory, or inappropriate.

BS 9-17, 10-8-25.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Leisl Marie Burt, Leisl Marie Burt, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-25-238

Dept. 2

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Leisl Marie Burt to Leisl Marie DuBose.

The hearing will be on October 16, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 11th day of September, 2025.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Catherine Di Gleria

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 9-17, 9-24, 10-1, 10-8-25.

MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In the Matter of the Guardianship of Braiden Ketron, Charlee Olson, Petitioner, Nicholas Olson, Co-Petitioner

Cause No. DG-41-20250000038-GS

NOTICE OF HEARING ON GUARDIANSHIP OF A MINOR CHILD

THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO: Sabrina Ketron.

NOTICE IS GIVEN to the birth parent of the minor child above referenced and all other interested persons that Petitioners have fled a petition with the Clerk of this Court to become the guardians of the minor child.

The hearing on the Petition will be held at 205 Bedford in Ravalli County on the following date and time:

Date: 10/22/2025 at 1:30 p.m.

Your failure to attend the hearing may result in the relief requested by the Petitioners being granted.

Dated: September 9, 2025 /s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of Court

By: Michelle Goldman

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 9-17, 9-24, 10-1-25.

MNAXLP

OG-25-09-414

Legal Notice

The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a foodplain permit application to perform maintenance activities on an existing irrigation intake structure within the FEMA regulated foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The permitted maintenance activities include removing wood debris that builds up at the headgate and placing temporary irrigation blocks during low fow periods. The project is located directly upstream up the Ward Irrigation District head gate in Section 14, Township 4 N, Range 21 W, Ravalli County, on Parcel # 1103600. Information regarding this application is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt.gov) and must be received by Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 5:00 pm. (Reference Application # FA-25-13).

BS 9-24-25.

MNAXLP

LEGAL NOTICE

Ravalli County has received an application for

an 18-lot major subdivision on 38.44 acres, located approximately 5 miles east for Florence, MT of Upper Woodchuck Road. The site does not have an address but it is described as Tract 5 of COS#539126-F in Section 4, Township 10, Range 19 West. Direct access to this property is from Upper Woodchuck Road (County Maintained). The subdivision property is located within the Florence School and Rural Fire Districts. The proposed lots will be served by private wells and septic systems. Irrigation water will be supplied from the Eight Mile Creek Company. The subdivision will add approximately 6 new children to the Florence School District and 169 new vehicular trips per day to the road system. The applicant is Ron and Donna Carlson and Brian Beck. They are represented by RAM Engineering. A complete copy of the application packet, including any public or agency comment is available for viewing at the Ravalli County Planning Department.

The Ravalli County Planning Board will conduct a site visit on September 24, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the project site (location described above). The site visit is an opportunity for the Planning Board to view the site and is for informational purposes. The Planning Board Public Meeting to review the proposal is on October 1, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the County Administrative Center (215 S. Fourth Street, Hamilton, MT 59840).

The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a site visit on October 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the project site (location described above). The site visit is an opportunity for the BCC to view the site and is for informational purposes. The BCC will also hold a Public Hearing to review the proposal on October 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the County Administrative Center (215 S. Fourth Street, Hamilton, MT 59840). The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting/ hearing. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision.

***This legal ad will run two times September 24, 2025 and October 1, 2025. Certain dates in the October 1, 2025 posting may have passed.

BS 9-24, 10-1-25.

MNAXLP

LEGAL NOTICE

Kittel Minor Subdivision (4 Lot Minor Subdivision), Parcel 2 of CS #580187, existing Tax ID: 967070. Ravalli County Planning has received an application for a 4-lot minor subdivision on 0.499 acres. Direct access to this property is from 5th Avenue (County Maintained) and B Street S. (County Maintained). The

subdivision will add approximately 2 new children to the Victor School District and 38 new vehicular trips per day to the road system. Pinesdale is approximately 6 miles southwest, being the nearest municipal boundary. The subject property is located within the Town of Victor, approximately 0.45 miles west of US Highway 93. The subdivision property is located within the Victor School and Rural Fire Districts. The proposed lots will be served by private wells and a public wastewater system (Victor Sewer District). The applicant is Ron Uemura of RAM Engineering, representing David and Ellen Kittel. The subdivision is referred to as Kittel Minor Subdivision. A complete copy of the application packet is available for viewing at the Ravalli County Planning Department ofce, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. A copy of the Preliminary Plat is posted on our Website at https://ravalli.us/178/Subdivisions Exemptions. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the hearing, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a Public Hearing to review the proposal Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 at 09:30 a.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the Administrative Center. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. However, please note that only under select circumstances will new information be allowed into the record after the public hearing.

BS 9-24, 10-1-25.

Kyle J. Workman State Bar No. 65442127 Workman Law, PLLC P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840

T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt.com courts@workmanlawmt. com

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of JOHN JAMES STROUD, Deceased. Probate No. DP-41-20250000106-IT

Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to ELLIOTT STROUD, the Personal Representative, in care of WORKMAN LAW,, PLLC, 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 18th day of September, 2025.

/s/ Elliott Stroud WORKMAN LAW, PLLC

By: Kyle J. Workman Attorney for Personal Representative BS 9-24, 10-1, 10-8-25. MNAXLP

Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RONALD G. MORACA, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-2025108 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Wendi Fawns, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED the 18th day of September 2025. /s/ Wendi Fawns, Personal Representative BS 9-24, 10-1, 10-8-25. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Hamilton School District will soon destroy confdential special education records of former students who graduated over seven years ago. Speech-Language Therapists will destroy Speech and Language records of students who were discharged from services over seven years ago. Parents or former students at least 18 years of age may contact Hamilton School District central ofce within sixty days of this notice if they wish to review the fles or obtain copies. Persons having questions about this process or their rights under this section may contact the Hamilton School District at 406-363-2280 Ext 2513 for assistance.

September 24, 2025. Bitterroot Star, MNAXLP

NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION

Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for the City of Hamilton, Town of Darby, and Town of Stevensville Municipal Elections to be held on November 4, 2025, will close at 5 PM on October 6, 2025.

*NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the Ravalli County Elections Office up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration form, but you will need to return to the Ravalli County Elections Office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot.

All qualified active and inactive registered electors of each district are entitled to vote in said elections.

The elections will be conducted solely by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed on October 17, 2025 to active electors only. If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot.

Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Ravalli County Elections Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration form and submitting it to the Ravalli County Elections Office.

Dated this 10th day of September, 2025

Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550