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Coveringthe theBitterroot BitterrootValley Valley- “Where – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Owned Locally&Owned & Independent Covering Montana Begins!” - Established 1985 - Locally Independent
’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B e ‘Th 37 29 39 Volume Number 35 Volume XXXVII, Number 30 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume XXXIX, Number 33 29 Volume XLII,XXXIX, Number 12Number Volume XXXVII,
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30, Wednesday, February 9, 20 Wednesday, January 26, Wednesday, March 13, 20 Wednesday, March 6,202 Wednesday, September 30, 2026 Wednesday, January 31, 202 Wednesday, February 2, April 10,
Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Center open Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved RINO-CRAT.com for detailshundreds Mine talk draws celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber Youth assault leads to felony ‘Pawty charges
Coffee with the Candidate! YES NO Archie Thomas has a plan for HDmedical 86 Eagles in winter Groundbreaking held for cente
Affordability I-194, CI-132, CI-133 by Victoria Victoria Howell by Medicaid Howell by Kristin MichaelKruse Howell by Attainable Housing
Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville shelter.Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com $140,000.
Sheep Creek Mine speech, occupaDark Money a levy, so this won’t have an tional and physic andAccording wells. Irrigation be for HDconcerns about the potenty for failing to do the prop Supreme Court Election Thechanges park Partisan additional impact on peopl Paid for bywill Archie 86, P.O. Box 824, Hamilton, MT, 59840 could herald major therapy services – provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmen by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.of It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property taxes. The Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing off its thera over 220 people theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to thea loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imagi held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to the subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper Missouri agencies and ignoring num Phillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG Oswald heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as well as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Sen ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments expressed concern Waterkeepers and a group ous specific, documentable was attended by(the people from all ove Ranch in Florence, a presentatation a resident of the West Fork. He has Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the in Darby and contacted him, the project. Center official name) trap enthusiasts andgave hunting Bishop said An open house celebration was organization’s 50 years of service, “ for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents living close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and in school Montana, including Anacon theits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sotheyas hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root the was started by environment a bunch offar little old by John Dowd ment on a 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the such as complex that will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and away a of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnic cialize, compete and hone their Humane Association’s (BRHA) new ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by am another person. approximately three hours. A local woman later called to byskills, John Dowd the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abunmetal contamination in rivers. HeFarmers has Helena even into Idaho. This (RCFWA), onathe Creek by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Uning contains large meeting State and rummage sales, bingo nigh the north club also functions as Mine a they started built just of Sheep Last weekend the Bitter was According toofthe youth involved report that her daughter wasthe in local animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular trips per dayRamsey, to lowering static water levels both Broadwater County and been in the area and failin proposal. According to Oswald, limited. according to Oswald, published over McKay 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conse room, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from comm by spring of 2023 501c3 non-profit the Stevensville at thesupporting Humane Association participatarrested Thursin the assault, the victim showed up possession of several videos of the A Stevensville woman is facing Mile Creek Road and Upper road system. Additionally, and some already having to the Department of Natural to analyze the impacts on th Road in Hamilton. The event served a Kathie Butts, President of the president of the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, and has been his bio on the Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this in 2012 their loan nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page corner of Kootenai day, Sept. 17, party uninvited andConcerns was the assault. AincorpoRavalli County Sheriff’s to to the felony charges after a 16-year-old ed for the first time in a nationWoodchuck Road east of the applicant is proposing be drilled deeper. Resources and Conservation aquifer. double purpose. It included a ribbon Board, said, “This organization has system, and a gorgeous view and payments contributors were the Thre programs such as The Bitteron continuing to who started the fight. about theand charged (RCSO)adeputy was shown boyal was allegedly severely “slumber party” event. The Creek Road and Florence. The land isbeaten being 100-foot by 100- one were also expressed (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains toOffice rated Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in honor of thededicate new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. According to club with the Criminal According to the affidavit, anthese, and according for to the affidaduring a party. Jessica Kalie McKay expand services. Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. developed by Laura Watson of foot easement the use and impacts to other irrigators lack of information about is technically correct that th the west. She said the Those payRock Park and the Rapp Fa members, hundreds of kids have facility, including tours of thevit, whole started about 50 years ago. I feel a other witness told investigators she Endangerment. the videos depicted the victim is being charged with aggravatevent the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit “We’re bringing t Watson Homes LLC who was of the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or duty to provide the statutor The building is now home total cost is ments come ily Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and an array of foodbeing and repeatedly punched and huge sense of responsibility to hono She appeared in had been inside the house for most ed opened assault bythe accountability and shelter to community represented by the engineerFire District and contribute of the Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife required information lies w carebefore tosaid theus patien to the senior center and the approximateouton ofnearby park Schmiedeke there over the years. Along with theirkicked, terroot Health CEO, drink in honor of in the organization’s those who have come and Ravalli County fighting. She later acknowlthrown to the ground and criminal endangerment Ravalli members who participated to stay$8,000 ing company Professional to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], t Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are were many volunteers who own programs, the club supports he said. Justice Court Friedged seeing the victim covered in strangled from behind multiple County Justice Court. 50th birthday. make it as good as it can be as we se said that Marcus the night with theraised animals, among Consultants Inc. (PCI). Fire District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its im that serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has over day, Sept. 18, and blood and appearing badly injured. times. At one point, he was kicked According to an affidavit of Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThehard Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County ca TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn was released after The affidavit states that McKay in1984, the torso enough that his probable cause filed Sept. 15, the peth, chair ofwith the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. noon Saturday and 12 noon Sungle-family residential use received dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. Th The Montana Hope posting a to $25,000 drove the victim to Center his home and members, head struck a tree. assault occurred during a Project. party on The It is often said that Three Mile Community Senior board l r, Colorganization conducted a successfu Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated bond. The two left him in the driveway without theclub nightislocally ofutilized Sept. owned 12.by The affidavit local schools, The affidavit states several little leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front reof the SAPPHIRE, page with the animals, fundraisingSee campaign fund the n granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave saidto this project courts, ashelter walking a wore playgroup had they didn’t 17-year-olds notifying his mother, calling law youths, responsible for the assault, states the victim was dropped off Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are a waning See the CENTER, pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land on Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run portedly involved enforcement or taking him to an were seen holding alcoholic bevat his residence at about 5:30 a.m. has been four pag yea and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. the among in support of the shelter. pandemic hit and construction cost with a 99-year lease. Six yearserages later,during the assault. Depuin the incident emergency room. theothers. following morning by McKay. in the works, but folks that own Chapter terthem RootinHumane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon Shelters all over the U.S. have been charged Investigators determined ties identified the videos, Shein is 1990, reportedly the owner of the As a result, the group the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive di- and One Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured fifth from left, leads a gathering peopleskyrocketed. involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animal shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michaelof Howell. even out of the country held the as adults. Two through their review of the vidthrough prior law enforcement house where the party was held and had to take out a mortgage to finish the land to the organization where rector, Tomtake Allsop, has been ilton, event may exception delays due to the same during the same 24other juveniles, a eo footage that McKay had been contacts and interviews. One youth someone the victim’s mother did Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had Sueby McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Club members linehoused up for athe shoot. Photo Kristin Kruse. thethis, current shelter is located. The to as they were reSee TRAP, 5 13-year-old and a outside and witnessed most of the reportedly told investigators that nothour know.period. See SHELTER, page The event is apage fundpandemic. She sa shelter since 1984. theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93his family new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being victim and want to move 14-year-old, face assaults, according to the affidavit. the group had been at a party at The victim was covered in and particraiser for each shelter, their vision is tha by John Dowd do. According to Steinhoff, “We have just north of the Stevensville an “outstanding model by cumstances, She adds that the forward with healing and forgivejuvenile charges. The extent ofhaving the victim’sJunction. injuhis house and Boddy became angry after blood, hadeach significant ipants workswelling to raisetofunds toNathan to actthat now, and stay ahead ofunknown this.” people the Stevensville ness, and hope that somehow this business,” according to encountered most important The RCSO released a comment, ries was as of Sept. 15, a rumor circulated the victim hisdonate face andto a black eye. He was their respective shelters. Hamilton City Council met had TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said incident will unite the community Christine Staub, a driving falling victim to mail way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuc mo saying, “The family [of the victim] according to the charging docuassaulted a girl. also reportedly intoxicated and Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, Individual community businesses day, March 5They tonot discuss several there was not much they knew to do and help make sure something likejus force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people and RCSO are very concerned ment. The victim also had a known The youth told investigators told a deputy he did know what Association. will of a “medical center” rather than also donated toprojects. the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, personalized upcoming city athad theall time, though they may toinjury. again.” about the negative and violent rhet- this does not occur history a brain that the1st group been punchhad happened. He was taken 901 S. Street, was recently As of aneed certified shipto ask questions also be celebrating 50 byHowever, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Dal The new 12-acre campus will health care” for 90 years. The investigation into the when the meeting opened, concern look into it as “more and more people oric being posted and commented McKay is accused of aiding or ing and beating the victim. He also ambulance to the emergency room. presented with a Certificate of ping depot for FedEx, and start the conyears of operation. Murphy. She led the Saturday. Hospital, which is a critical access Halfway Anyonewith with tho provide care, said. urgent care and wish- incident is ongoing. about the Sheep Creek mine following are this.” Farrenkopf on,” RCSO “The family’s facilitating the aggravated assaultprimary, described a “punch line,” inabout which According to the victim’s mother, In recent years, they Appreciation bytalking Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe versation Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners throug There were over 35 participants additional information is asked tolove es are to ‘not fight violence with and of knowingly engaging in conyouths stood in a and line and took herco-owners, suffered a collapsed lung, ason meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaid that was all he could say on it at hospital, was recently rated #4 in the specialty services. Two physicians have Farrenkopf Hamilton is legally justified to you know and and have been taking steps to a lengthy fund by fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the slumber party, and a barbethrough fiscal contact the RCSO at (406) 363violence’ and do not want ‘justice in duct that created a substantial risk turns punching the victim. injuries to his face and jaw, and a lier,to made it into the opening. After the time. However, at the end of the Police Chief Stephen Snavely. open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national ra ing one of them, Mara Every year, the Ravalli accounting that, to su already been hired, along with a nurse invest in of alldeath the commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” 3033. the wrong form or wrong way.’ The or shipping serious bodily injury to Thepresentation assault reportedly lasted broken tooth. that, the council said goodbye to the meeting, during the non-agenda items In his to the City bears its know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Asso-been up, shows thefaciliti count ing agency, outitof 351 similar year, county practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have in the Burnt area lately to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion the counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways they ciation works to affect conseroverall, doing very we visit the shelter. by Michael Victoria Howell being recruited. also be he said, with clinics in doingaresent to Covid, Greg Howell. home from There willby retiring. members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely saidcil that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, bu
Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years
Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball Climbing Plan
scheduled
Hearts Back full love to school 2026bonds Stevi toofrevisit refinancing budget looking good
have been successvation inofso the Bitterroot through on its tax collections a Many the participants thatperiod The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet has a During the public comments. Hamilton Police Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that ove the ful. Joined by the other showing revenues various projects and programs. spent night were will kids. During tional Forest (BNF) The Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message for you: of the the council meeting, Robert “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. toStein“become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One such program is their the party, participants hostslumber afool public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February is hoff stood toNeyenhuis, address the council. He things saidthat council member Jenny “It the He was home for don’t around! the good happen able toWest. uncover to departments say12th. they This are ship and Marisa most wh scholarship program, which took part in a “tortilla slap game,” this Wednesday, March explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers Overstreet, two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having who can expenses have only o Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. awards three winners 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page 11 hosted by the County Fish and and possibly Stevensville as well.” Her ing his department’s experiof the package: nearly paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy of a23% jubilee an attorney in During that time, amounted of people allows them display an interest in pursuing bythree John Dowd a critical part$16,000 ofseveral our community,” he said. practices and activities around its existing gymto space, to share information Wildlife Association and Trout Unlimthoughts were shared by other ence with Ms. Staub was one in cash, common tactics fo and former council member, the public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in larg to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell along with a much smaller facility built in the early The district is also focusing on career readiness, regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the job vacancies Rodneeded Freeman is the chair of to this year’s do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears toValley, be continuing when the councilthrough considers Stevensville, was went Hamilton’s down to 51, School isaback in forest session across the Bitterroot 1900s. “That to happen for part a couple decades,” including opportunities available ment of draft lip Ramsey to speak on the dangers In discussion on regular agenda In early March, a customwas unwittingly send-from a normal of claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe fill said Luther. The spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with with districts beginning the 2026-27 school year with Joseph said. Bitterroot Polytech charter program. his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular of a proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, the first to be brought forward er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing to a scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For thefacility year of 2023, and one goals andofthe of the new programs, projects ranging from TheCommittee, main structure the vice new chair gym was builtFair overBoard the Students in the program canmembers. work99. toward a com- say colon cancer in “I jokingly Plan (CMP). The virtual council and mayor how local tional council meeting of the two-member According to Steinhoff, “I thought was the issue of re-roofing the city intending to send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. N by John Dowd of that time as the executive director. of the winners to receive aMara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books Photo John Dowd. academic improvement toon career readiness. summer, but the is by not yet The district mercial driver’s license and asection. certified nursing assistant which he’sproject been on forNa12 complete. years. A real estate fo February of 2021. that 51 by is brain Christine Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will beto held See BOOKS, page 18 government should run. He “We’ll do our job,” said it wasn’t going affect me, but I street shop. According to Hamilton via FedEx. Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, on After it was announced that he would be Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the Superintendents across the valley said they are plans to use the space for charter school and physical credential through Bitterroot Health. The program also check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and als He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only than Boddy. learned that it would take just Cityto Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes they was a frequent commenter Gibson retiring, headded was asked to speak, and was got into it because he owns thein Paper valley. For him, the experience has be On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the encouraged by the start of the year while continuing education classes this although additional work isand a pre-carpentry apprenticeship program last year. who high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle the Army foryear, 21 years, his instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seeorganizational COUNTY, page seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is used for snow work through changes in their districts. needed before it can be fully utilized. Thennis said the district is working to narrow its Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, his daughat council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put in he was wasthe no joke. “It fused and unOver victims that a loved has hurting.” said that he heard plow storage and forand other maintebuilding needs additional improvements, includpriorities focus on how it canwas better pursue them. “I he victims, hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the current executive suggested to him that getThe involved people all over the valley,” and all of i completed a semester of college the last administration. In from Hamilton, recpotential butuse wishes similar meetings audience that she was having good as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee told that the cancer got so bad I felt familiar with course of her landed in jail, or that a prize about the track record of the company nance equipment. According to Raing a fire suppression system, bathroom finishes and feel good about the work our teachers and administradirector. Al gave told a history ognized of the chamto network. Hethat thenothers got onto the board has been “extremely rewarding.” for members, giving their annual report, and submitted herin transcript within the commupublic Crews for in (virtual) were held Freeman saidAlthe committee trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won,hopes but a to feeraise needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t tion are doing,” said. security upgrades, before itwas can accommodate larger when Ramsey told how it was notwhat very comment, mer,and it isspoke the original roof,hewhich hasstepping in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about ber, about important memproviding proof of compLeting nity would help her look out 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution groups and events. $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rode and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsome significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said they have planned for the upcoming bers during that time that led up to him the executive director. 2020. Since then he has been the adv associated courses. These are for their safety. At least one Inhas addition to the been in the by John Dowd chines. The district has completed the bidding process and became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he sa surgery on October was being water taking on the position. Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition in year. During the meeting, it was also the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn and eachpicious In addition to the custom leathselected contractors. Final pricing, public comment and when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, time left will cut down on the heating bill and “They need to be replaced. They’re getting bang the “The mayor, notofthe GregValley Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy or aided whatand story the Bitterroot 55boarded, board members participated the role. Al will be retiring in August t announced that long-time member,address Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring school board approval are the next steps. Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Photo courte considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. AlAllen spoke, Jodi stood to to tha removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developworking but they had set up Joseph also highlighted the district’s Pathway LearnStevensville Main Street business, Rivthe work of more than a dozen local the customapproximately grab the package from a porc Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there was anygle and triumphs,” said Al.ering, He said theCovid-19. organization’s history. According to him for all his help and to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy ball – which actuall Another of these requiretreatment in the boarding to be had to be provided with a ride is not a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, this ing Academy, which uses project-based learning and is er’s Mist, a new business haseven recently and regional See artists. Many of these COUNCIL, page 21 athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould age andoverarching in was meant to be or front door when it arrives. the was doing, or Mitchell has been with the Chamgoal for the Chamber has $60,000 him, what a six-month he was only supposed to held speak for yea 10 ments iscity that each applicant started 11the years ago but couldn’t be last to the bank as well as to colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covnow available to students throughout the district from session. “It’s public comment.” did the work at no charge to opened at the same Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular cash, all of “They always direct the ever, members of the public ber for over 36 years, and spent much always been to keep businesses connectappointment to the position lasted 12 minutes. a 500-word essayabout dis- the Boxxe Shoppe. due to through the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This kindergarten 12th victim grade. ersubmit the following agenda er, dissuading any worries thehad Bitterroot Valley before, so there details the which was to send ‘no signatur The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access theplays years, andI he enjoyed every moment Jodi statedtothat theit,membership cussing the role hunting “It’s common sense to me,” Corvallis also operates a distance learning academy year. topics: surgery, was is when realized changeover, it will remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being fraudurequired,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Assoc ly that he would be answering publicly thank Joanoffor help-been The Town recognized attorney Joan Mell, it. “It’s a good ride for 29“This numbers been “trending ever she says, pointing out that red andof isStevensville in its third itshave charter school program. Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is year the fiwith rst year we’ve ever done aup fully diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations material. There are 16 artists in total lently deThe Bank Secrecy Act ation. Photo courtesy Fred Upchurch. years,” said Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highes See RCFW, page 3 questions from the public. ing me and helping the town,” flags abound when seniors are “I’m really encouraged to see how hard our staff is workin while town attorney Greg objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. taking Covid center, for filling while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from of 1970 requires banks to being on the other side andtopartaking,” ing implement these changes for our community and being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public ofPictured Montanawith Catering Service will provide theof had Covid-19. Mell are, l to r, Overstreet, ered windows, Studio opened for“I patience as Jake’s she worked was obviously seriously enough. Staub’s firstwelcoming more. “We like all kinds senior citizen keep track of withdrawals our kids,” he added, specifically referring toJoseph the See CHAMBER, pag is 80 years old, and all of asaid. conversations should be forsaid some its doors March 1.said ofprepared mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new business will feature business partner, Suzette Smith. encountered the commuSee STEVI, page 2 “interesting comments” from Greg Overstreet talks about his recent brush with death due to Overstreet. “It hit Jim Crews, former mayor bank to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. See COWBOY BALL page SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork byPhoto Karen such cirnity.See Staub is Covid. by VictoriaSome Howell. See SCAMMERS, page makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one ofpage the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants County Commissioners work is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plan by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with a On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensvila Hamilton Superintendent Dave Thennis. Star file photo. proved adoption of a memorandum of understand of tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contes by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue work byJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith took over the space. While A Hamilton business,In that hails the theme is pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice the change at all, the andinvestigation. it may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After the ing and marketing as one. “Weand didn (DCI) will be doing the commissioners statedwant Protection Agency. The lette National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a secured video designe Hamilton Public to her leatherwork, Karen isaround also RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working toinan enand theto contest is still looking agricultural leadership competito the level and invita by Michael Howell Since January 2,Schools Exit Realty the to some positive growth in the future. the southand portion was purchased tostate change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, 4:30 1889, According Hamilton Police Depart- sale, to help parents keep tabs on their children’s beha Hamilton Public Schools began the school year Aug. accomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations manage timber to provide Plan. courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twel Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of the previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Police, Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 19,a and Superintendent Dave Thennis said henew isbe encourior. impacts variety of pieces furniture to A in the valley. To dofrom this, they have high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. forest products and toof unmitigated SEIS record of decision changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change wilf involved in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell if it would be possible aged byVictoria the start. Corvallis Superintendent Pete Joseph. Photo courtesy Corvallis The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created adistrict’s county-wide contest, showgrades. 95th State FFA the Convention in Billings 2023-24 district championships by Howell year, the facility took inthe just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rock not be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise has split affect buyers and sellers in the valle suspect at the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concern was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all county owned/maintained to put envelopes on January 18, for filing objecFor Thennis, who is in his second year leading the by Victoria Howell his property which would in effect with the highway, which is a state addressed when the private land wa School Foundation. a Mischief Room last May and commissioners all her work is done by her twotook rights casing the participant’s loveown of art, Corvallis anddrag, Florence schools inthe April. for Stevensville include: $240,000 and spent every penny. venville’s main beckons visitors ies Bluegrass Association, there wil es might affect them. Fortunately, that pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Exitroads Realty is still the equipment Lendman said that itand will not chang venience Store. The engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also ing the scope of the analysis treatment units. According to from heavy 2021 accompanied by a Draft district, the first year was largely a transition period as all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because now you’re going to sold to a new owner Fish, Wild signed off on it. The project involved the creation tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, no suspect lasers orthreatened CNC maand theusing Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though allof Over 200 students in Rockies StevensAgronomy led the by Sidney Jasmin Shinn, founder and There no paid employees; it’sMcan al“N The annual Montana beare no break from music, and, to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold fransame company. Additionally, accord-mostly, in. Photo by John Dowd. place the and standard init, these types he according became familiar with the district and the communikopf, activities director put valentine cards Theafter Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-p and logging the letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides aprocedure site-speathe Forest Service press release set of easily accessible items that hadThe secret hid ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up. Just get up there and play.” owner of the north valley half chise was split between thesituations. north ing to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive of 1 Horse volunteer organization. But Shinn said reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting See EXIT, page ty current and staff gotdirector to know him. This year, the district is to Corvallis Public Schools at Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf really cil was split on whether to accept just the north of the private piece of boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs to the state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wid about 90% of the proposed but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment ware design company, now based in participate. Some of tremendous the schools even learn about8,aand wide is range of agriculteam members Rahl,toKyra D (Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass returning to For some of Quinn these bands, this w officer. seen supAt A Time Draft Horse it costs about $200 per month feed focusing on strategic planning and examining options for have Corvallis Publicthe Schools began classes Sept.atFestival Homes inHowever, Hamilton, isRescue liked the idea. He“We asked a small piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted county Stevi Wye 45 miles per hour - there is aflask developed fishing access sit drugs orthe hide aand small of whiskey. The aim wa Hamilton. after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. Management Wildlife Reto Willow Creek Road. Due to defining old-growth stantreatment areas are within an Victor. On Saturday, April 13, the be their first time, and for others th The attempted to provide port, andSuperintendent we greatly appreciate all said district academic improvement, Thennis said. Peteof Joseph enrollment is at Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot these “gentle there are facility inofficers Corvallis, gotitem a nice asking the community students Stevensville bridge, an that was at schools and negotiated the donation the are going to under be accidents there.” “But I giants.” think opportunity it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning toon see t Montana, the organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Ha Neely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is resource and financial limitasource Objective to “Mainta area designated for insect and dards. Some objections to the “I feel like we have a really good relationship between an all-time high. The district is also moving forward with life-saving measures to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was boost last week when she was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in love with the According to the contest orgaengaging instruction of ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year lopes. the music. This spring music festival always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted themeeting. teachers and students andfor our$7500 community,” he said. several facility improvements. who was then transported by ambuespecially proud of this during atreatment time old-growth habita disease because of the tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. “Iother city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One of the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, an lopes were so full they The project is now Thennis added that the district has a talented staff and Corvallis is using an inter-cap loan through the state and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting lance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Mo not be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline dense pockets of dead and dyfrom representatives of JCCS, an these horses. When they’re fi nally read Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. offers students afour variety of opportunities, including 36 the oflowest Montana to replace aging boilers at to thebe high school had emptied more reallysupport popular, and from all over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Ev from his wounds and was pronounced seeing law enAbout years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are so many cars out said what sheTony tells parents is, “If you don’t look, Darby Superintendent Biesiot. Photo courtesy adoption, most can be driven or the accounting fiis rm with branch the necessary support viable populations ingfor trees. They the area having to doand with theparticipation been through their artacontest. The even more, with full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA Conduct of Chapter Meeting: te dual-credit options for high school students. “They can primary school. Joseph saidclaim the program provides mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year. These bands will play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. The ago, a in resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes and found that the land Imembers think can be used for parking. B then you don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’ Darby Public Schools. located Hamilton. Part ofinto thecollege,” ridden, and some just become “pasture idea came from a similar art contest from all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally sancZane Deering, Teigen Ha of old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine during the project, nor the logging of old growth, earn a lot of credits transitioning he said. schools with access to funding that can be difficult to newdonated one willon take the stage every half and play, along with theirhave friend Ti within a 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place be awhere police officer.” center opened itsto doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf to see tines to fill the of the bridge, was offered Town this of land. “It’s two was the condition that looking long term, if you prop See VALENTINES, page 10 pets.” selection for awarding gift See DUI, page The district also created athat School-Community Reobtain elsewhere. Security upgrades are also planned. they held in Houston, Texas right af- impacts These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz first to be created in the last “Itheads really opened the in 2020. That developfirst was to the drawing board. by John Down rehabilitation of thelevy road after species.” The letter notes tha tial toIn wildlife and tobank beetle, Douglas-fir bark beetle, hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with the departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use asschool a roads converge, the isproject incrediitment would beofmaintained and utilized erty onon the west side ofestablished the river,and th lations Team this year, bringing together board Another major is theinteresting development a new Darby Public Schools 1 Horse At A Time was was online voting and according ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, One of the problems, ac50 years. To do this, they will door to some permanent and asked for $9.5 One band that continues to return According to Conroy, the festiva issued a press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only the Draft SEIS limits the sco dwarf mistletoe and western the project is complete. Ravalli Willow Creek Road. together to decide what was needed just to the north of Fort Owen State potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially conso tains east of Corvallis. members, teachers and administrators. Thennis said the gym space for the district’s RISE charter school. Darby School District Superintendent Tony Biesiot ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last toofhave that To Johnny contendCampbell at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea conversations withispeople,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community the Band, visiting purpose isits “toenvironmental promote and encour event andtenure investigation. However, been three these types shootings. Park the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or not needed in theyear, community. Theyspace County objects to shifting of conseNational Forest spruce budworm damage. During the of former issues… It isof the fastest part of the years. idate property into the Tow goal is tois strengthen relationships throughout the disJoseph said the additional hasabout beennext needed forrecycling described thein beginning ofhighway the school year asup positive, The original proposal was The glass event in button, cell phone batteries (out of feature the beauty of the state and much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” commented to pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what th Germany where she grew around Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time from Nashville. They will be memjoined by of age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information is available However, these are always atraditionally danger of nonprofit organization that offers a atwe want came up with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the owner of land channel and the deepest part of the Vickie Motley, park board Stevensville. I think It’s somethin trict and community. “It’s important to us; to be years. Corvallis has had to schedule classes, quences analysis to vegetati in general financial burden of the project officials have stated that the the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info to give back to the community, and “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Communi horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote See SCHOOL, page 3 bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program side targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly atthis the river ononce the northeast had channel. If you toart develop ber, said that had been done RDO Equipment Co. the woodpecker an agreement with the proposed to2more. Ravalli County and believe project is designed to improve from 10 a.m.nothing tounsure p.m. at theevent north if you don’t have batteries toabout recycl thought their successful art said Hafer,the saying that entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colto of exactly how the College was.” However, the College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which helped the soula, Idaho and The is abut all share thepileated same love of bluegrass after Friends of the Bitterroot she is especially passionate getters. The officer is currently on leave neither officer, nor any other comed towards highly motivated people successful organization in Denver, attempted to shut off river on for fishing, I would also see a problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, pag (R) Jeff Burrows end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 Running W. Road The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major secretary, Sue Smith. She was it is contrary to current law pine marten. forest resilience to natural project, the Ravalli County single-microphone type event, with a When asked why he loves bluegras Thhusband, e more during thisolder investigation, as is stanmunity members, were during draft horses. She and her a That check followed inRavalli the wake ages 18 and in Wild both and called “Crosspurpose.” It harmed offers similar and Alliance for the grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on Jun to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will beinsects the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meye misunderstanding about th speaking about the May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under thatthe theStar single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growt Commissioners expressed and existing agreements.” disturbances like fire, Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember See BLUEGRASS, pag Rockies filed suit claiming the ACqualifying Ccommunity ESSIBLE even 8th. gallon. Jars and bottles thatMarlin coning director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA Additional state the college. public desired an independent nature of the tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair Ostrander free training, Summit offers six-month offered species are listed i Forest officials also received and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks or relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20fromcareer Tractor Supply. 406-549-4171 agency failed to the best tained food be recycled Cardboard be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. chapter. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public foruse help with a Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can suppor That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment in the Willow for this a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales place team Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high many believe it toby be rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously INV O LVEDled whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20 horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there are othe roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve I n d e p e n d e n t f o r R a v a l l i C o u n t y C o m m i s s i o n e r D i s t 3 stay on, but please remove lids. Sponsored by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individua levy beClark, different. The margin.JCCS AfterBranch being created, associated with the outreac community college in the Bit- of and others with BVCC have A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l towill r: which Levi CPA, Andrea Simmerman, elk habitat and didn’t comThis program is the brainchild called “personal development,” taking care of draft is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) an in the Bitterroot, Lander said, ofoftrout cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to with team members Jones Office of Stevensville, the Regional bull habitat; restore Road. terroot. According tohorses trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they is went to the the district was levy program run Kamryn by the Univers Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenR E S P O N S I V E N O N P A R T I S A N D E C I S I O N M A K I N G an expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leona See GOLD, page for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality i vice chair, Jean Butler, this give it its best chance and to public, they did so after being •FREEby ESTIMATES INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME IMPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator In a At letter to the Forest firstincluding horse thatmeadows, was rescued 1 Horse A Photo by Victoria Howell. of the Environmental the Fortfound Owen Ranch and founderhabitat tify what each individual’s specific growth the Bitterroot candidatrefer e Vote4Marlin.com per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information to t theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, Paid forof by Marlin Ostrander Campaign Fund, PO Box 367, the Hamilton, MT 59840 address the concerns the approved for creation of significantly voted down would be only the fourth of the center, and co-founder and ExecPaid for by Brad Davis, P.O.website: Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page ART, page 44 SeeSee SUMMIT, page cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such as old and Corvallis.
Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meetin
New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task
Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video more participation
sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face fire Butterfly on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday
Glass recycling BVCC gives it one more college try event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance Write-in
Davis for Senate Dist. #44
Nov 3
MVISIT arlinOUR OsSHOWROOM trander IN THE SOUTHGATE To MALL Protect our Heritage 493-0051
Page 2--Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
BITTERROOT PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL presents
SONS SERENDIP of
Victor Adult Education Fall/Winter 2026 For more information or to sign up for a class, please call Shelley O’Leary at 642-3221
Bitterroot Community Band: If you are interested in dusting off your old instrument and joining the Bitterroot Community Band, we will be operating through the Victor Adult Education program this fall. They are accepting new members! If you are interested in joining the Bitterroot Community Band, please contact them at bitterrootband@gmail.com or by sending a message through their Facebook page @Bitterroot Community Band. Members may join at any time after the start date. Instruments can be rented through Victor School for $50. Rehearsals are in preparation for our annual Veteran's Day performance at the Veteran's Dinner on Nov. 11th at the Ravalli County Fair Events Center. Meets: (Thursdays) Beginning Oct 8th, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Rehearsals will be held in the Music Room. Cost: $25.00. Co-Ed Volleyball (Advanced): This Class is intense and intended for those who have played a lot of volleyball. This is a very competitive group of players. Max 12. Gym Instructor: Amber Kay. Meets: (Fridays), beginning Nov. 6th - Jan. 15th, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cost: $25.00
Co-Ed Basketball: This class is intended for those who would like to have fun and play some competitive basketball. Gym Instructor: Dylen Spain-Brist. Meets: (Sundays) Starts Oct. 11th, 7:00-9:00 pm. Open enrollment Cost: $5.00 per night or $20.00 per session
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First Aid & CPR: This First Aid and CPR training and certification class covers infant, child and adult CPR/AED. Room B Instructor: Heart of the Valley CPR, Kristy Gaul. Meets: (MON) Nov. 2, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Max of 10 individuals. Groups may contact Heart of the Valley directly. Cost $25.00 Intermediate Oil Painting: Bring your own brushes, paint-thinner in a wide mouth jar with lid and palate (if you have one). Paint and other supplies are provided. Class will be held in the Art Room. Instructor: Steve Wilson. Meets: (THURS, FRI & SAT) Oct. 22th and Oct. 23rd, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. and Oct. 24th, 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Max of 12. Cost $35.00 Protect What You Can’t Replace: If something unexpected happened tomorrow, would your favorite family memories be protected?
Saturday 10.10.2026 7:30 pm HAMILTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - 327 Fairgrounds Road Sponsored by: Laura Merrill & Janine Benyus • Dr. Lance Pysher TICKETS ON SALE NOW
BPAC BOX OFFICE 127 W. Main Street Hamilton, MT Tuesday-Thursday 11 am-5 pm 406.363.7946
www.bitterrootperformingarts.org SERENDIP B Star ad.indd 1
9/4/26 4:01 PM
In this friendly, beginner-level class, you’ll learn how to identify the photos, home movies, and documents that matter most, safely store originals, create digital copies, and set up backups. You’ll leave knowing what to protect first, where to keep it, and what steps to take next, along with the start of your own Family Memory Emergency Plan. No special skills or technology experience needed. Instructor: Shelley Hoffman. Meets: (TUES) Nov. 3rd and Nov. 10th, 6:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Cost: $15.00
From Attic Boxes to Heirloom Digital Memories: Have boxes of family photos, albums, negatives, or slides and don't know where to begin? This beginner-friendly, hands-on class will show you simple ways to sort, digitize, organize, and protect your treasured memories. Learn how to decide what to keep, prepare photos for scanning, organize digital files, and create a backup plan. Bring a shoe box of photos and leave with practical steps and a personal plan to get started. Instructor: Shelley Hoffman. Meets: (THURS) Nov. 5th and Nov. 12th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Cost: $15.00
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Bitterroot Star--Page 3
Tuesdays - 8:30am
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SCHOOL: valley districts begin new year with new programs, projects Continued from page 1 saying the small district continues to provide what he called “world-class opportunities” for its students. The district has expanded its dual-enrollment offerings this year with two new courses: Human Biology and Introduction to Aviation. Seventeen students are enrolled in 48 dual-enrollment courses, while 11 students are participating in health occupations courses offered through Bitterroot Health. Darby is also continuing work on its literacy program through a four-year Montana Literacy Grant. The district is in the second year of the grant, which is being used to expand reading programs across the district, particularly in the early grades. The district has purchased new equipment, provided professional development for staff and expanded after-school opportunities. Darby also offers swimming lessons through the Bitterroot Aquatic Center for students from transitional kindergarten through third grade. Looking ahead, the district is proposing a $7.8 million facilities bond in the November election. The proposed bond would fund facility improvements, including work on HVAC systems, electrical systems and fire alarms. Darby is also cooperating with Victor Schools for football this season. “It’s been a great experience having their kids as part of the Darby Football Team,” Biesiot said. Biesiot is in his fifth year with the Darby district. He said the community and school are supported by hard-working students and dedicated employees. “You can’t have a community without a school and you can’t have a school without a community,” he said.
received positive feedback from families and students. The academy has also received medical equipment donations that will be used for student instruction, including a full ambulance donated from Kalispell and a hospital bed donated by St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. The district is looking into acquiring programmable mannequins for additional training. The district also hired several new staff members, including employees connected to the new charter program. At the same time, Stevensville is dealing with budget pressures after a school levy failed last year. The district lost several elementary teachers after enrollment in the elementary grades declined by 55 students. However, overall district enrollment is up by about 75 students this year, Konen said. The district is also working on a set of school improvement goals developed by the school board and a districtwide improvement team made up of teachers and staff. One focus is aligning the district’s curriculum with state guidelines and creating better vertical alignment from kindergarten through 12th grade so students have a more consistent progression through the system. Stevensville is also planning to ask voters to approve a technology levy in the November election. The district will seek $300,000, down from the $500,000 levy proposed last year. “The need is still there,” Konen said. This year’s proposal will focus on security and safety upgrades as well as infrastructure. For Konen and others with the district, “We’re just excited about being back and being with kids,” he said.
Florence-Carlton Public Schools
Florence-Carlton Public Schools began classes Aug. 24 and is continuing with the four-day school week it introduced last year. Superintendent Todd Fiske said the transition initially brought some resistance from local families, but the district has received positive feedback after completing its first year with the schedule. Fiske said the district added about 35 minutes to each school day to meet the required instructional hours. “It’s a big change,” Fiske said, adding that a district needs to give a significant change time to work rather than “ping-pong back and forth.” One concern about the four-day schedule was whether students would become too tired after longer school days. Fiske said that has not been an issue the district has observed. The district also added a mid-afternoon snack period for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The district provides healthy snacks intended to help students maintain their energy during the afternoon, including during extracurricular courses and activities. Fiske also highlighted a new playground completed
Stevensville Superintendent Jon Konen. Star file photo.
Stevensville Public Schools
Florence-CarltonSuperintendent Todd Fiske. Photo courtesy Darby Public Schools. last fall. The project was organized and funded through the parent organization and cost more than $100,000, according to Fiske. “It’s the Taj Mahal of play spaces,” he said. The playground gives kindergarten through fifth-grade students a new area for outdoor play, Fiske said. The district has also begun the year with an increase in enrollment. The school community is continuing to work through the emotional impact of a child’s death during last year’s homecoming parade. Fiske said the anniversary and this year’s homecoming period have been difficult for staff and parents. “My team is working hard to work through the emotions,” Fiske said. Despite that challenge, Fiske said the district has started the school year with strong morale and a continued focus on providing a positive learning environment. “We met the year with a strong start,” he said. Fiske described the spirit of the district as “Falcon strong” and said he is proud of the work being done by staff to educate local students.
Victor Public Schools
Victor Public Schools enters the new school year with new leadership. David Jamison is serving as the district’s new superintendent and high school principal. The district superintendent did not respond to requests for comment for this story, so additional information about the district’s enrollment, programs and priorities was not available.
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Stevensville Public Schools began classes Aug. 24, with Superintendent Jon Konen highlighting a new charter school program as one of the district’s major developments. The Stevensville Health Science Academy is being developed in partnership with Bitterroot Health and the University of Montana system, including Bitterroot College, to provide students with health science opportunities and dual-credit courses. Konen said the program has
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Legal Notices
Page 4--Bitterroot Star
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Joan Marie Hesselgrave Young: Joan Marie Hesselgrave Young, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-26-370 Dept No.: 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is a notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Joan Marie Hesselgrave Young to Joan Marie Hesselgrave. The hearing will be on October 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated August 27, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court /s/Catherine Di Gleria, Deputy Clerk of Court BS 9-9, 9-16, 9-23, 9-302026. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Jordan Cooper: Jordan Robert Cooper, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-26-377 Dept No.: HOWARD F. RECHT NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is a notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Jordan Robert Cooper to Jordan Robert Reiter. The hearing will be on October 14, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated August 31, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court /s/Sarah Gingerich-Sargent, Deputy Clerk of Court BS 9-16, 9-23, 9-30, 10-72026. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIS C. PALMER, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2026-112 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cathleen Palmer has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Cathleen Palmer, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. BS 9-16, 9-23, 9-30-2026. MNAXLP Kyle J. Workman State Bar No. 65442127 Workman Law, PLLC
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840 T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt.com courts@workmanlawmt.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of LOUIS E. BUNGE JR., Deceased. Probate No. DR-41-20260000115-IT Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to SCOTT BUNGE and DAWN BUNGE, the Co-Personal Representatives, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. We declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 14th day of September, 2026 /s/Scott Bunge /s/Dawn Bunge WORKMAN LAW, PLLC /s/Kyle J. Workman, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 9-16, 9-23, 9-30-2026. MNAXLP PUBLIC NOTICE The Burnt Fork Water Commission will hold its last meeting of the 2026 irrigation season on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 7:15 p.m. at the American Legion hall, corner of Meyer Lane Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville. If you would like to add an agenda item to the meeting, please notify Jean Comer prior to the meeting by calling 406-2605304. BS 9-23, 9-30-2026. MNAXLP PUBLIC HEARING The Darby Planning Board will hold a public hearing to receive all comments both oral and written regarding a change to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Regulations. The hearing will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Darby Town Hall, 101 East Tanner Avenue. Information may be obtained by calling Town Hall at (406) 821-3753. BS 9-23, 9-30-2026. MNAXLP The following is the complete text of Constitutional Initiatives No. 132 and No. 133, which will be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the November 3, 2026, General Election. The text is being published pursuant to the requirement of 13-27-311, Montana Code Annotated. CONSTITUTIONAL INITIA-
TIVE NO. 132 (CI-132) BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: NEW SECTION. Section 1. Article VII of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 12 that reads: Section 12. Nonpartisan Judicial Elections. Judicial elections shall remain nonpartisan. CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 133 (CI-133) BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: NEW SECTION. Section 1. Article II of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 37 that reads: Section 37. Right to initiative and referendum. (1) The people have a fundamental right to exercise their powers of initiative and referendum under Article III and Article XIV. The government may not deny or burden this right unless justified by a compelling government interest achieved by the least restrictive means. (2) This right guarantees impartial, predictable, transparent, and expeditious processes for proposing a ballot issue, qualifying a ballot issue for the ballot, and submitting a ballot issue to the qualified electors without interference from the government or the use of government resources to support or oppose the ballot issue. This right includes but is not limited to: (a) proposing a ballot issue by submitting the full text of the ballot issue and proposed ballot statements, with the government modifying the proposed ballot statements only if they are not a true and impartial explanation expressed in plain, easily understood language; (b) obtaining a determination regarding whether the ballot issue and ballot statements are legally sufficient for submission to the qualified electors prior to the petition being approved for circulation; (c) the resolution of legal challenges to the determination made in subsection (2)(b) and the issuance of an approved petition for circulation within 90 days of the initial submission of the ballot issue to the government; (d) reasonably ample time to gather signatures without unjustified burdens on signature gathering, on signature gatherers, or on the preparation or submission of signed petitions; (e) verification of signatures and petitions without the invalidation of a signature or petition due to a technical or minor deficiency; (f) the ability to withdraw one’s signature from a petition, with the deadline for a withdrawal being the same as the deadline for submitting signed petitions to the government; (g) the resolution of legal challenges to the qualification of a ballot issue for the ballot prior to the deadline for finalizing ballots for the election; and (h) submission of a ballot
issue to the qualified electors in an impartial manner for their approval or rejection by a majority of those voting thereon at a single election. NEW SECTION. Section 2. Self-executing. [This act] is self-executing. NEW SECTION. Section 3. Effective date. [This act] is effective on approval by the electorate. BS 9-23, 9-30-2026. MNAXLP Notice for Publication Guardianship of R.L.R. Joshua Chaidez and Jessica Chaidez petition: Matthew L. Raymond, 300 East 1st St, #9, Corvallis, MT 59828; For the permanent guardianship of the minor child Riley Lloyd Raymond, in Montana’s 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County, Montana. Cause No. DG-41-2026-0000025-GS. The hearing for Permanent Guardianship of the child shall be set on the Law and Motion calendar for the court of the Honorable Judge Howard Recht, on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20th, 2027 at 1:30PM. BS 9-23, 9-30, 10-7-2026. MNAXLP Public Hearing-Ravalli County Fee Creation FOR: RAVALLI COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 08, 2026 at 10:30 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public comment, and make a decision by Resolution, to add new Ravalli County Environmental Campground License Fees. If you would like more information contact the Commissioner’s Office at 375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number or by email at commissioners@rc.mt. gov. Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 9-23, 9-30-2026. MNAXLP NOTICE OF HEARING Montana 21st Judicial District Court Ravalli County Case No: DV-41-20260000404-NC Dept. No: 1 In the matter of the Name Change of Andrea Lee Solis, Petitioner Notice of Hearing On Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Andrea Lee Solis to Andee Lee Solis. The hearing will be on 28 Oct 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. BS 9-23, 9-30, 10-7, 10-142026. MNAXLP
Public Hearing-Ravalli County Commercial Leases RE: Big Corral Park The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold two (2) public hearing on Thursday, October 08, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT. The purpose for these two (2) public hearings is to take public comment, and make a decision on Ravalli County Commercial Leases related to the Big Corral Park: - Hamilton Downtown Association, ice skating rink, 192 Kurtz Lane, Hamilton, MT 59840 (open space area). - Bug Out Montana Survival Center, LLC/BR Warriors Arts LLC 192 Kurtz Lane, Hamilton, MT 59840 (old Space Age Ceramics Building) If you would like more information, please contact the Commissioner’s Office at 375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment, you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number or by email at commissioners@ rc.mt.gov. Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 9-23, 9-30-2026. MNAXLP Kevin S. Jones Joseph D. Houston Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 541-3333 kevin@jonesmtlaw.com joe@jonesmtlaw.com Attorneys for Personal Representative Stephanie Joy-Kolbeck Gonzalez MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF OSCAR G. GONZALEZ, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-2026118 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Stephanie Joy-Kolbeck Gonzalez has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jones & Houston, PLLC, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 2625 Dearborn Avenue, Ste. 102, Missoula, MT 59804, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 24th day of September, 2026. /s/Stephanie Joy-Kolbeck Gonzalez, Personal Representative of the Estate of Oscar G. Gonzalez
/s/Kevin S. Jones, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 9-30, 10-7, 10-14-2026. MNAXLP Katherine C. Holliday (MT Bar # 9965) CARMODY HOLLIDAY LEGAL SERVICES, PLLC 690 S.W. Higgins, Suite D Missoula, MT 59803 tel. 406.830.3327 katie@carmodyhollidaylaw. com Counsel for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of, LYDIA B. GOMES, Deceased. Dept. No. 2 Case No. DP-41-20260000107-IT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Michelle M. Christopher has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed administration of Lydia B. Gomes’ Estate. All persons having claims against the said Deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Michelle M. Christopher, Personal Representative to the Estate of Lydia B. Gomes, return receipt requested, at c/o Katherine Holliday, Esq., Carmody Holliday Legal Services, PLLC, 690 S.W. Higgins, Suite D, Missoula, MT 59803 or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED: September 24, 2026. CARMODY HOLLIDAY LEGAL SERVICES, PLLC /s/ Katherine C. Holliday Katherine C. Holliday, Esq. Counsel for Personal Representative BS 9-30, 10-7, 10-14-2026. MNAXLP
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Bitterroot Moment Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Bitterroot Star--Page 5
Share your “Bitterroot Moment” “Two-stroke philosophy in the Bitterroot” Every valley has its stories. Some are found in history books. Others are tucked away in family photo albums, remembered around kitchen tables or shared over coffee with neighbors. We’re creating a place to celebrate all the little things that make life in the Bitterroot different from anywhere else. Tell us about a favorite childhood experience, little-known Bitterroot history, a business you miss, a lesson you learned, a family tradition or a favorite fishing hole (if you’re willing to share). We welcome stories, memories, photographs, poems, artwork, observations, local legends, advice, humorous moments and reflections. Whether you’ve lived here for
generations or just arrived, we’d love to hear your perspective. From time to time we’ll also pose a question to the community on the Bitterroot Star’s Facebook page and publish your responses. No story is too small. Often it’s the little moments that best capture what it means to call the Bitterroot Valley home. Send your submissions to sarah@mullennewspapers. com or drop them off at our office. Please include your name, town of residence and make sure any photos you share with us are your own. We may edit for length or clarity while preserving your voice. – Bitterroot Star Staff
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The mountains near Skalkaho road don’t care about your sore back, nor do they mind the relentless drone of a two-stroke engine cutting through the quiet high-country air. Growing up, wood-gathering trips into the Bitterroot Valley weren’t romantic retreats into nature; they were manual labor of the most uncompromising kind. We’d set out toward the timber with a pickup truck or two, an attached trailer bouncing along behind us, and a cab full of men who knew the precise weight of a day’s work. Most times it was Dad and John Zito. A few times, Jerry Pappas brought his outfit along. Working alongside those men felt like being let in on an ancient, unwritten pact between human muscle and mountain pine. They moved with a steady, quiet rhythm, measuring the day not by hours, but by gas tanks emptied and truck beds filled. Felling a tree is equal parts basic geometry and sheer nerve. You don’t just cut a trunk and hope for the best; you notch the wood to force a direction, leave a slender hinge of uncut stem to guide the fall, and respect the gravity of what you’re unleashing. But the real danger rarely sits at the base of the trunk. It hides up high in the canopy. Forestry workers call them “widowmakers”—heavy, dead limbs snapped off from the main crown that hang loosely in the upper branches, waiting for the vibration of a chainsaw or a sudden gust of wind to send them crashing down without warning. A widowmaker is a hazard of pure displacement: something dead and forgotten, completely disconnected from its source, yet holding enough potential energy to crush whatever stands beneath it. Out in the timber, maintenance was as continuous as the cutting itself. A saw blade doesn’t stay sharp on hope. A few times every day, the saw came off the wood, and out came the round file to touch up the teeth, bringing back the razor edge needed to pull long ribbons of pine chips instead of fine sawdust. Just as critical was the fuel mix—get the gas-to-oil ratio wrong, and you’d seize the engine entirely. Everything required balance: the cut, the chain, the fuel, and the crew. I drank water by the gallon, or at least I thought I did. By mid-afternoon, a dull, thumping headache would inevitably settle behind my eyes—the classic signature of high-altitude dehydration, earned under a hot sun with a heavy chainsaw in hand. Yet even through the throb in my temples and the grit in my boots, I loved every minute of it. There is a rare, grounded dignity in being useful to men you admire, watching them read the grain of the wood and the lean of the timber with practiced ease. Looking back, those trips to Skalkaho taught me something subtle about human perception. In psychology, we talk about the tendency to focus entirely on the immediate task—the notch in the bark, the line of the cut, the blade’s edge. But the woods demand a broader awareness. If you only look at what’s right in front of your saw, you miss the widowmaker waiting in the branches above. Life has a way of operating on that exact same principle. We spend so much energy managing the immediate cuts—the daily tasks, the routine friction, the mechanical fuel ratios—that we forget to look up at the loose, precarious things suspended over our heads. True competence, whether you’re holding a chainsaw in the Bitterroot or navigating the quiet complexity of growing up, isn’t just about managing the blade in your hands. It’s knowing when to stop, take a drink of water, and scan the high canopy for what might be coming down. Dave Dye, Hamilton
St. Francis of Assisi 800 year Anniversary Jubilee
Sept. Sundays FRANCIS FEST
Following 9 a.m. Mass - TALKS Vatican II & the Francis Connection by John Bacon
Sat., October 3rd FRANCIS FEST
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Sun., October 4th FRANCIS FEST
411 S 5th Street Hamilton www.StFrancisHamilton.org Sponsored in part by the Foundation of the Diocese of Helena
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Sports
Page 6--Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Hamilton’s Burnett wins divisional golf title The golf teams from Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville competed in the Western A Divisional golf tournament on Saturday, Sept. 26, in Polson. Hamilton’s Cameron Burnett won the Western A Divisional girls’ competition by shooting a 74, which bested second place by six strokes. The other Top 20 girls finishers from the Bitterroot Valley were Stevensville’s Evelynn Driskell in 8th (89), Hamilton’s Weber Haley in 11th (93), Corvallis’ Chloe Clements and Kirsten Race tied for 12th (94), and Corvallis’ Gracee Storrud tied for 19th (102). Corvallis’ Dylan Wirt shot a 76 and took 2nd place in the boys’ competition. The other Top 20
boys finishers from the Bitterroot Valley were Hamilton’s Wilcox Easton who tied for 11th (79), and Hamilton’s Weber Treyden and Stevensville’s Kaden Wyant tied for 20th (82). In the boys’ team standings, the Corvallis boys took 3rd place, the Hamilton boys took 4th place, and the Stevensville boys took 7th place. In the girls’ team standings, Hamilton took 3rd place and Corvallis took 4th place. Hamilton’s Cameron Burnett won the 2026 Western A Divisional girls’ competition by shooting a 74 in Polson on Saturday, Sept. 26. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Bitterroot volleyball scores Victor defeats Darby
The Victor volleyball team hosted Darby on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The two schools were once in the same Class C conference, but Darby is now a Class B school for volleyball, while Victor is still in Class C. The two Bitterroot Valley teams still keep the old rivalry warm, and this season both volleyball teams are evenly matched. Darby won the first two sets 25-23 and 25-13. Then Victor came roaring back and won the next two sets 25-22 and 25-23. In the deciding fifth set, Victor came out on top, winning 15-8 to get the 3-2 victory. For Darby, Hadley Heiland had 6 aces, 8 kills, and 3 blocFlorence’s Sawyer Morton had 22 assists in Florence’s 3-0 victory over Deer Lodge on Thursday, Sept. 24. Photo by Scott Sacry.
ks. Brooklynn Janis had 3 aces and 6 kills. Austin Hackel had 3 aces and 9 assists. Bentley Rouse had 10 aces, 5 kills, and 13 assists. Darby hosted Plains on Friday, Sept. 25, and Darby lost 1-3 (25-20, 9-25, 6-25, 17-25). Victor hosted Superior on Saturday, Sept. 26, and Victor lost 1-3 (18-25, 16-25, 25-19, 22-25).
Corvallis
The Corvallis volleyball team hosted Frenchtown on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and lost 0-3 (5-25, 1825, 21-25). Then on Thursday, Sept. 24, Corvallis played at Hamilton and lost 0-3 (19-25, 22-25, 15-25).
Florence
The Florence volleyball team played at Anaconda on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and won 3-0 (2517, 25-20, 25-18). For Florence, Emory Ralston had 14 kills and 7 digs. Sawyer Morton had 14
assists. Lexi Danczyk had 6 kills and 17 assists. Kirklan Bates had 9 kills and 11 digs. Hadley Gilman had 11 digs. Then on Thursday, Sept. 24, Florence hosted Deer Lodge and won 3-0 (25-10, 25-9, 2518). For Florence, Lexi Danczyk had 7 kills, 6 assists, and 5 digs. Sawyer Morton had 22 assists. Kirklan Bates had 9 kills and 5 digs. Emory Ralston had 7 aces, 10 kills, and 10 digs.
Hamilton
The Hamilton volleyball team hosted Corvallis on Thursday, Sept. 24, and won 3-0 (2519, 25-22, 25-15). For Hamilton, Jade Jimenez had 15 digs. Morgan Lubke had 31 assists. Reyanna Gum had 14 kills and 6 digs. Ella Griffin had 11 kills and 11 digs. Kaitlyn Snavely had 6 kills and 5 blocks. Hamilton hosted Butte Central on Saturday, Sept. 26, and won 3-0 (25-16, 25-10, 25-19).
Bitterroot football roundup
#9 Darby dominates #4 St. Regis #9 Darby (406 MT Sports ranking) trekked 133 miles north to face then-undefeated and #4 St. Regis in a top ten battle of the Tigers on Friday, Sept. 25. Darby proved they are one of the state’s top teams as they defeated a tough St. Regis team 30-14 with a solid mix of efficient offense and stout defense. Darby RB Reagan Christopherson had 30 carries for 127 yards and two touchdowns. Jordan Browning returned a kickoff for a touchdown and added a receiving touchdown. Darby’s Gavin Anderson had a 60-yard rushing touchdown as well as a receiving touchdown. Darby QB Abe Atkin had two passing touchdowns. “We had key blocks by Oliver Long,” said Darby head coach John Steiner. “The offensive line of Colter Bennett, Eli Spross, Tanner Shavers, and Levi Whiting was impressive.” “Our defense was stout,” continued Steiner. “We got key tackles and pressures on their quarterback by Marco Beisot, Eli Spross, and Eli Jones. We also had great coverage by Jaden Baily, Oliver Long, Gavin Anderson, and Jordan Browning.” Darby, now 5-0 on the season, has no
time to rest, as they host undefeated and #5 ranked Superior on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.
week, as they travel north to play #3 Frenchtown, the defending state champion, on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.
Hamilton stymies Stevensville Hamilton hosted their northern Bitterroot Valley neighbor, Stevensville, on Friday, Sept. 25, for its homecoming game. The Broncs controlled the game from start to finish, as Hamilton led 16-0 after the first quarter and 40-0 at halftime. The Broncs took their foot off the pedal in the second half, scoring six points and coasting to a 46-0 victory. For Hamilton, RB Jude Widmer had 14 carries for 75 yards and three touchdowns. QB Cooper Weston had seven carries for 46 yards and a touchdown, and Weston also completed 12 of 17 passes for 160 yards with two touchdowns. Kaeden Gum and Easton Hollis each had touchdown receptions for Hamilton. For Stevensville, WR Kaden Wyant had 10 receptions for 74 yards, and QB Luca Schmidt completed 14 of 31 passes for 99 yards. In their next game, Stevensville (2-2) hosts Butte Central (1-4) on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. Hamilton (3-1) has a tough test this
Corvallis conquers Central Corvallis hosted Butte Central for their homecoming game on Friday, Sept. 25. The two teams were evenly matched, but Corvallis was stronger in the end and won 25-20. Corvallis rushed for four touchdowns on the night. Corvallis’ explosive RB Ayden Spencer had 14 carries for 132 yards and touchdown runs of 34 and 47 yards. Corvallis also got touchdown runs from Branson Bucholz and Marshall Jessop. On defense, Kahle Hill led the team with 11 total tackles, and Spencer had two interceptions. Corvallis (2-2) next plays at Dillon (13) on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.
Bitterroot soccer scores
Corvallis
The Corvallis boys and girls soccer teams played at Frenchtown on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Corvallis boys won 3-0. For Corvallis, Noah Hall had two goals and Caleb Knutson had one goal, and Jacob Depee and Bode Pullum each had an assist. The Corvallis girls lost 0-4. Later in the week, Corvallis hosted Polson on Thursday, Sept. 24. The Corvallis girls lost 1-3. Evelyn Ramirez had the goal for Corvallis. The Corvallis boys tied Polson 2-2. Corvallis got goals from Bode Pullum and Christian Christofferson, and Noah Hall had an assist.
Hamilton soccer defeats Stevensville The boys and girls soccer teams from Hamilton and Stevensville played in Hamilton on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The Hamilton girls won 1-0. Ellie Hughes had the goal for Hamilton. The Hamilton boys defeated Stevensville 5-1. Later in the week, the Hamilton girls hosted Loyola on Saturday, Sept. 26, and won 5-0. The Stevensville boys and girls played at Polson on Saturday, Sept. 26. The Stevensville girls tied Polson 3-3. For Stevensville, Addisen Nobi had two goals, Paisley Yaskus had a goal, and Deci Endres had an assist. The Stevensville boys lost 0-3.
Florence trounces Thompson Falls #2 Florence (406 MT Sports rankings) hosted then undefeated Thompson Falls
on Friday, Sept. 25, in Florence’s first conference game of the season. Florence dominated from the start, leading 19-0 after the first quarter and 26-7 at halftime. It was more of the same in the second half, as Florence outscored Thompson Falls 21-0 and won handily, 47-7. In the first quarter, Florence’s QB Jake Schneiter scored on a 36-yard run, then Florence’s RB Luca Calderone scored on an 8-yard run and a 71-yard run. In the second quarter, Schneiter connected with WR Brennan Meinhold for a 54-yard touchdown pass and catch. In the third quarter, Calderone scored again on a 6-yard run, and Schneiter threw a 22yard touchdown pass to WR Tash Murray. Finally, Meinhold scored in the fourth quarter on a 6-yard run. The Florence defense was dominant, only allowing 89 yards passing and 16 yards rushing. This week, #2 Florence hosts Deer Lodge (1-4) on Friday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m.
Former Florence standout Duchien starts for Bobcats Former Florence standout Patrick Duchien got his first start at quarterback for the Montana State Bobcat football team on Saturday, Sept. 26, in the Bobcats’ game against Northern Arizona. Duchien, a senior at MSU, led the Florence Falcons to two straight Class B State football championships in 2022 and 2023. Duchien is the Bobcat backup quarterback this season, so when MSU starting quarterback Justin Lamson got injured last week, Duchien got the start. Anyone who saw Duchien play in high
school won’t be surprised that he excelled. Against Northern Arizona, Duchien completed 16 of 20 passes for 204 yards and threw a touchdown, and he also rushed for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Lamson is scheduled to miss a couple of weeks, so Duchien should see some further action in the coming weeks. Former Florence standout Patrick Duchien got his first start at quarterback for the Montana State Bobcat football team on Saturday, Sept. 26, in the Bobcats’ game against Northern Arizona. Photo by MSU Bobcats.
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Bitterroot Star--Page 7
Local artists to judge Scarecrow Festival Carved Pumpkin Contest The Stevensville Scarecrow Festival is bringing a high-stakes, community-wide element to this year’s festivities with its annual Carved Pumpkin Contest on Friday, October 2, 2026. Held at the Headwater’s Building located at 212 Main Street, the contest offers community members of all ages a chance to showcase their creative talents with zero entry fees and no pre-registration required. This year’s entries will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of local celebrity artists from the Bitterroot Valley. Competitors will face off across three distinct age divisions designed to celebrate both rising young talent and seasoned carvers:
Following the dropoff and judging panel evaluation, the official winners will be announced live at the venue at 6:30 p.m. Community members, families and visitors are invited to come view the creative display and celebrate the artistic spirit of the valley. For more information, visit the festival site or follow local updates using the festival hashtags online. Pumpkin carvings from last year. Clockwise from right photo: Hobbit House pumpkin carving, Pumpkin Hedgehog and Pumpkin Pink Tongue. Photos courtesy Stevensville Scarecrow Festival.
Ages 13 and Older: Competitors in this bracket are vying for cold, hard cash prizes, with $75 awarded for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.
S ave the d ate - Chri stm a s Cr aft F ai re
Ages 9 to 12: Top carvers in this youth division will compete to take home massive, commemorative trophies. Ages 8 and Under: The festival’s youngest creators will be recognized for their festive entries with custom winner medals. To participate, contestants must carve their masterpiece pumpkins completely at home and bring the finished creations to the event site. The mandatory registration and the pumpkin dropoff window runs strictly from 4 to 5 p.m. on October 2.
S t. Ma ry ’ s Pa r ish 3 33 C ha rlo St., St ev ensv i ll e
invites you to “Fall into Christmas ”
Saturday, October 17, 2026 9:00 a.m. to 3 :00 p .m.
FEATURING :
Un i q ue A r ti s an s , L un c h , Bak e S al e , R af f l e . Contact Phyllis Green at pjbk55@gmail.com for more information.
R I N O - C RAT CALLS B.S.
- MTGOP -
*
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA GOP PRIORITY #1
• Protecting Montana's low taxes and cutting state spending.
LOWER TAXES FOR MILLIONAIRES & BILLIONAIRES COUNTY PRIORITIES * COUNTY MENTAL HEAL TH COSTS * JAIL PER DIEM COSTS * FAMILY TRANSER LAW * STOP SHEEP CREEK M INE * FUNDING BUREAU OF MINES * FUNDING DEQ SUPPOR T * WATER MONITORING P ROGRAM
EQUALS LESS SUPPORT & SPENDING FOR RAVALLI COUNTY & RESIDENTS
VOTER PRIORITIES * AFFORDABILITY * ATTAINABLE HOUSING * PROPERTY TAXES * HOSPITALS & MEDICA ID * STOP SHEEP CREEK M INE
GOP PRIORITY #2• Defending strict voter ID laws and election integrity.
THIS PURE B.S.* AS RAVALLI COUNTY AND MONTANA ELECTIONS HAVE ALWAYS HAD INTEGRITY. I WILL ONLY SUPPORT PROPOSED ELECTION CHANGES SUPPORTED BY THE MONTANA ASSOCIATION OF CLERKS AND RECORDERS. GOP PRIORITY #3• Stopping out-of-state dark money from hijacking local elections.
THIS IS PURE B.S.* AS YOU CAN NOT STOP DARK MONEY IN MONTANA POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND BE AGAINST I -194 AND CI -132. I -194 STOPS CORPORTE MONEY IN MONTANA ELECTIONS. CI -132 INSURES NON PARTISON SUPREME COURT JUSTICES.
VISIT RINO-CRAT.COM FOR DETAILS REVIEW COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING SEPTEMBER 21, 2026, @ HTTP://RAVALLICOUNTY.GOV/473/LIVE AND ARCHIVED -MEETING -VIDEO.
*
THIS SHOULD BE H.S. FOR HORSESH*T BECAUSE WE ARE MONTANANS BUT NOBODY WOULD UNDERSTAND H.S. Paid for by Archie for HD 86, P.O. Box 824, Hamilton, MT, 59840
S T A ND U P FOR THE B ITT ERROOT I am proposing three actions be taken by the County commission immediately. These actions would help protect and advance the long term lifestyle of the residents of House District 86 and Ravalli County. First, adopt a county resolution supporting I-194 ensuring efforts to stop corporate money in elections, increase transparency and accountability in campaign financing. Second, adopt a county resolution supporting CI-132, which would maintain nonpartisan elections for the Montana Supreme Court Third, place advertisements in local newspapers celebrating our Clerk and Recorder's Office, our election workers, and the integrity of Ravalli County's election process. Why do I believe these actions matter? Regardless of who is elected to represent House District 86, that individual will have to work within the priorities of the GOP legislative majority. It is therefore important that Ravalli County clearly communicate its own priorities before the next legislative session begins. Let's face it: we have all been lied to, betrayed, and continue to be misled particularly at the federal level. House District 86 encompasses Hamilton, and we all live in Ravalli County. Yet state GOP priorities are straight out of Washington D.C., promoted by a sorry old man who now runs our nation and supported by silent Montanans who are not standing up for Montanans, Hamilton residents or Ravalli County. Change and action has to start at the local level and work up. “They” are not going to fix this. Nobody wants more money in politics. Dark money was used in recent County primary election in a failed primary attempt to defeat one of Ravalli County's finest legislators, Dave Bedey, Hamilton. As leaders responsible for the integrity of Ravalli County elections the commissioners should pass a resolution of support for I-194. After passage of I-194 in this election, dark money interests will attempt to neuter I-194 through legislation in the 2027 session. I will fight against any changes to I-194 during the 2027 session. Second, Independence of our judiciary is critically important and further preserved by CI-132. Sheep Creek mine approval will affect Ravalli County specifically and will ultimately be before the Montana Supreme court. Ensuring public confidence in the Montana Supreme court is best preserved by non-partisan candidates, free of dark money, rather than dark money from any industry including the mining industry. Third, It is important to publicly recognize the work of our local election officials and volunteers. This Commission has held election hearings, heard hours of public testimony and confirmed local election integrity. We should continue to affirm our confidence in the professionalism and dedication of the people who conduct our elections. The citizens of Ravalli County will support election promotions advertisements in local papers with their donations, saving county By Archie Thomas expense. I will start with a contribution of $100 Candidate to cover publication costs. for HD 86
Page 8--Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Obituaries Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Bitterroot Star-- Obituaries are
$75. Obituaries are limited to 350 words or less. $1 for every 10 extra words.
John William Sperry John William Sperry, 70 of Corvallis passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Hope Hospice Center in Missoula. John was born in Hamilton, Montana, the son of John Wilmer and Lillian Mae Sperry. He graduated from Corvallis High School and MSU Billings, Automotive Collision Repair Technology Program. He was a Semi Truck Driver for 25 years. He enjoyed restoring classic cars and trucks and antique tractors. John was also a Harley Davidson enthusiast.
John was preceded in death by his parents John Wilmer and Lillian Mae Sperry, and his sister Judith May Sperry Rickett. He is survived by his brothers Darrel Gene Sperry and Allen Dean Sperry. Private urn placement has taken place at Corvallis Cemetery in Corvallis, MT. Condolence may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com. The family suggests memorials to: Veterans Monument, PO Box 1391, Hamilton, MT 59840.
Robert Leroy ‘Bob’ Curry It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Robert Leroy “Bob” Curry, 81, of Hamilton on September 21st, 2026. He was born November 18, 1944 in Hamilton. The son of Robert L. Curry and Norene (Vance) Curry, Bob never met his father as he went to serve his country in the Battle of the Bulge during World War
II and never returned home. Due to this, Bob and his brother Norbert were raised by their mother Norene and grandmother Gertrude Vance. Bob was raised in Grantsdale and graduated from Hamilton High in 1964. In his early years Bob enjoyed summers in Ovando with cousins guiding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, he continued this after high school for summers and in the fall as a hunting guide. Bob enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard and served for six years until his honorable discharge. On October 7, 1967, he married Betty Jean Hannon, and they made their home in Hamilton. Bob’s career was with the U.S. Forest Service where he was a caterpillar / bulldozer operator all over the Bitterroot National Forest for many years until he was injured on the job. Then he pursued other jobs in the forest service until he was recognized for 35 years of service in the government of the United States. In February of 1972 there was an addition to their family, a daughter Heather Marie Curry. As a family they shared many adventures together, from many trips like Disneyland, camping, boating/waterskiing, fishing, hunting and building of their family log home in Hamil-
ton. Over the years the family had many animals but the one Bob missed the most was Chica, his Chihuahua. Bob was preceded in death by his father Robert L Curry; his grandmother, Gertrude Vance; mother, Norene Curry; brother, Norbert and various uncles, aunts, and cousins. Bob is survived by his wife Betty of Hamilton; daughter, Heather and her husband Eric Treutel of Idaho Falls, ID; granddaughter, Miranda and her husband Rob Mansfield and great-grandkids Conner, Cisna, and Natalee of Wilmington, NC; granddaughter, Brooke and her husband Wyatt Wilmot and great-grandkids, Adeline and Theodore of Pocatello, ID; grandson, Cody and his wife Sadie Treutel and great-grandson on the way. “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose, all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” Memorial Services with Military Honors will be held Friday October 9, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton with a reception to follow in the funeral home’s community room. Private family interment will take place at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Duane Eugene Krowen
Duane Eugene Krowen: the man, the myth, the legend, passed away on September 15, 2026, at the age of 78 in Victor, Montana. Duane survived two plane crashes, an accidental electrocution, the Vietnam War, and many major health scares. He shockingly proved his mortality after a brief fight with cancer. Born on June 5, 1948, in Plentywood, Montana to Margaret and Bennett Krowen, and raised in Westby, Montana, Duane was built from a rural farm work ethic that was fundamental to how he approached all tasks. Duane attended University of Montana at the age of 17 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geography. He met his wife Maxine while attending college and married on December 20, 1970, after being drafted into the Army and assigned as a military police dog handler in Vietnam. He obtained his master’s degree in special education at Montana State University Eastern. Duane and Maxine had 3 daughters while living in Canada for 13 years, and later raised their family in Klamath Falls, Oregon for 23 years until he and his wife Maxine Krowen retired to Victor, Montana for the last 15 years to a life of working with horses, mules, dogs, land, family, writing and contributing to the community. Duane’s life entailed a neverending desire to learn and attain new skills at every turn. He worked in oil fields, as a spray plane pilot, a contractor in construc-
tion, taught in public schools for 29 years, and coached a state-winning women’s basketball and track team in the 1970s. He was the household cook, keeping his family well fed despite dietary specifications challenging his go-to recipes. Family and friends counted on his listening ear, ease in lending a helping hand, and fast math calculations done in his head. In retirement, he joined local back country horsemen groups, packing horses and mules into the mountains to clear trails for the forest service. He loved to read fiction and the news, understood how to tell a good story, and was a writer of cowboy poetry. He approached life with curiosity and a desire to better understand. If the phrase “we’ll figure it out” were a person, it would be Duane Krowen. He is now gone, but his family and community will be stepping into his size 15 shoes to continue to “figure it out” together. Duane is survived by: His wife of 56 years Maxine Krowen of Victor Montana. His children Terri Krowen and grandchild Taylor Shackleford of Victor Montana, Jaime [Russ] and grandchildren Parker and Addison Zakour of Klamath Falls Oregon and Jaclyn Krowen of Portland Oregon. His Sister Diane Johnson and family of Stevensville Montana, Anchorage Alaska and Ashland Tennessee.
Jeremy Hancock Bowles
In honor of his 42nd birthday, we celebrate the life and memory of our most wonderful and special husband, dad, son, brother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend - JEREMY HANCOCK BOWLES. Jeremy passed away on June 7, 2026 in Hamilton, Montana at the age of 41. Jeremy was born to his loving parents, Melvin Blaine Bowles and Lorrie Loveina Venema on September 29, 1984, in Kearns, Salt Lake County, Utah. He was lovingly welcomed by his sister, Amie and his brothers, Ronnie and Joshua. A few years later, his family was rounded out by the arrival of his younger brothers, Cameron and Braden. In 1987, Jeremy’s brother, Joshua, passed away. Then in 2015, his sister, Amie, passed away. Jeremy attended Silver Hills Elementary School in Kearns, Utah. As a toddler and throughout his entire life, Jeremy loved sports and games played with a ball! He loved Utah Jazz Basketball and was on a Junior Jazz youth team that was coached by his uncle. John Stockton and Karl Malone were star players for the Jazz during his early youth. Karl Malone was known in the NBA as “The Mailman” because he delivered! Jeremy’s uncle and coach nicknamed Jeremy “The Mailman” because he said Jeremy also delivered! Besides basketball, Jeremy played Little League Baseball and was a member of the Astros team. When Jeremy was ten years old, his mom and brothers moved to Pinesdale, Montana where he attended Pines Academy, Corvallis Middle School, and then Corvallis High School. He played football and basketball in middle school. In high school, his two passions were choir and basketball. Jeremy always credited his middle school basketball coach, Brett Tintzman, with teaching him the art of defense. He credited high school coach, Joel Loran, for recognizing his work ethic on the floor. These gifts never left Jeremy’s heart and mind. Jeremy worked hard in all aspects of his life and careers. He worked and had many jobs as a teenager and young adult. He worked at KFC and Pizza Hut. (As a young man, he learned how to cook on his dad’s “hot truck” in Utah). He was a night manager at both Albertsons and Super 1, as well as a night stocker there. When a husband and a dad, he learned concrete work, and finally the skill of dry wall, which became his trade for many years and continued up until his passing. Jeremy pursued excellence and perfection in his trade. His work ethic was second to none! Jeremy was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. It started to develop during high school, and soon he became comfortable in sharing his talent freely. He represented Corvallis High School twice in the Montana
All State Choir, and he starred as Curly in the CHS production of Oklahoma. Alongside two of his cousins, they formed a men’s a cappella group known as “REFRESH”. Through the years, Jeremy sang many solos for weddings, funerals, dances, and programs. He loved many different music genres. He especially loved the music of Christmas. But the past five or six years, his favorite music became “Praise” - songs of Jesus and His Gospel. These became his life. His faith and testimony of Jesus Christ allowed him to publicly proclaim Jesus as Lord of his life and to surrender ALL. Jeremy had the remarkable ability to connect with people, young or old and from all walks of life. Jeremy was known for his great BIG “Jer Bear” HUGS and for his warm and genuine smile. He had a love and zest for life. He always had an upbeat positive personality, instilling confidence in those he interacted with, especially the youth. He was a great basketball coach. He coached in the Kids’ First leagues in the valley and the youth leagues in Pinesdale. His coaching style reinforced the fundamentals, the love of the game, and the belief that each player is an important part of the team, no matter what skill level they had. He was always the encourager, even to the players of the opposing team. Jeremy has a rich family history of patriots and pioneers. He is a descendant of John Hancock, a famous signer of the Declaration of Independence. Other ancestors include Levi and Mosiah Hancock, John and Nathan Tanner, and James Stephens Brown. These were pioneers who crossed the plains and settled in the Salt Lake Valley. Some served in Zion’s Camp and the Mormon Battalion. During his lifetime, Jeremy only knew one of his grandparents, his Grandma Venema. He often expressed how he was looking forward to meeting all those others who had passed on before he got to know any of them. On March 14, 2011, Jeremy married the love of his life, Tausha Ann Larson. She brought with her a darling little son, Jason. Soon they were blessed with Joshua, Emma, and Emanuel. Through the years, their shared family time consisted of camping, hiking, 4-wheeling, kayaking, golfing, basketball, softball, disc golfing and gardening. Besides the Gospel of Jesus Christ becoming a huge light in his life, Jeremy’s passion was his wife, Tausha, and their children. Jeremy always loved good food and became a very good cook. Jeremy was an excellent “Grill Master”. His Tri-Tip was phenomenal – the whole extended family’s favorite! One way he showed he cared for his family was by making delicious meals for them. Joshua expressed, “Dad always made food with a special ingredient – LOVE!”
His Sister Connie Wolverton and family of Denham Springs, Louisiana. Patient, steady, hilarious, strong, stubborn, smart, open and joyful–he will be deeply missed by all. In lieu of flowers, please share your stories of Duane with his family, donate to the Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen Group at SPWBCH PO Box 88, Hamilton, MT 59840, or a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held in Summer of 2027 with details to be determined. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Joshua misses just talking with his dad when he would get home from work as well as the many other conversations they had. He would always encourage Joshua how to improve in sports where possible. Joshua especially enjoyed the bonding he felt playing disc golf together. One of Jason’s favorite memories is going 4-wheeling at the sand dunes with his dad, family, and friend, Alma. And he can’t forget his dad’s homemade salsa and chili verde. Manny stated that his dad was always happy. A special memory for him this past winter is when they built an igloo and then snuggled down in it together. He is now grateful for the photos to remember that day. Emma Ann, his precious daughter, was privileged to have Jeremy as her date the past two years for the “Daddy Daughter Date Dance”. He surprised her with a beautiful corsage. Emma, always being her dad’s nurse, lovingly helped him when he needed help with his wound care and kept him in fresh ice water and a fresh ice pack when he needed them. Jeremy was known by many names: Dad, Jeremy, Son, Jer, Brother, Uncle Jer, Jer Bear, and others. Jeremy experienced some health challenges in the past few years, but he NEVER complained. He just pushed through, and no one ever knew. Jeremy’s funeral was held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Hamilton, Montana where nearly 600 friends and family gathered to pay tribute to this much loved and admired man. Jeremy was laid to rest the same day at the Victor Cemetery in Victor, Montana. He will be greatly missed. Rev 21:14 - “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Romans 14:8 - “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”. Obituaries continued on page 10
Page 10--Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Janice Ann Park Janice Ann Park of Corvallis passed away Monday, September 7, 2026. The youngest daughter of Robert and Alice Carmichael, Janice was born on April 26, 1940. She had one sibling, her older sister Wilma Carmichael Allen. As a young child and teenager, Janice attended Corvallis Schools. She graduated in 1958. Shortly after, she married the love of her life, Terry Park. They married on June 14, 1958, and spent 68 years sharing their lives. Together they raised two children, Teralee Ann Park and Bradley Robert Park. Janice was proud of her children and took pride in supporting their activities. Whether music concerts or sporting events, Janice enjoyed attending. She was a Mother Advisor of the Corvallis Chapter of Rainbow Girls when daughter Teralee was Worthy Advisor. Janice also worked at Corvallis School and later went to work for Corvallis Post Office. In their younger years, Terry, Janice, and their kids spent many hours in the snowy hills snowmachining with friends. They enjoyed outdoor activities as a family. In the later years, Janice turned to China painting to fill her days. She was an accomplished painter and won several ribbons at the Ravalli County Fair for her meticulous work. Janice joined the Corvallis Methodist Church in 1950. She was active in making prayer shawls. She also did the paperwork to have this church building put on the register as a Historic Building. In 2023 Janice was awarded the Hal Knudsen Historic Preservation award which came with a monetary award that she donated to her church. At age 17, Teralee was killed in a car accident. Janice and her good friend Marie Langevin began a group called “Compassionate Friends” to help others through trying times. This led to a Hos-
pice group being formed in Hamilton. Janice was richly blessed with those surviving her including husband Terry Park of Corvallis; son, Bradley Park of Corvallis, granddaughter Brittany (Brandon) Geher and great-granddaughters Ashlyn, Kamryn, and Briar of Corvallis, granddaughter Jordy Snow and great-granddaughters Maia and Halle of Lynnwood, Washington, sister Wilma Carmichael Allen of Corvallis, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and extended family and good friends. Those who passed before were parents, Robert and Alice (White) Carmichael, daughter Teralee Ann Park, father and mother-in-law Ascel and May (White) Park, brother-in-law Brent Park, and niece Sharla Mae Litvin. Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 2, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Daly-Leach Chapel with Rev. Mick Gray officiating. A reception will follow the services in the funeral home’s community room. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Death Notices Martin A. Lien
Martin A. Lien, 96, of Hamilton, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Charlos Heights Community Church in Hamilton.
FLU SHOT VACCINE CLI
S p o ns o re d by :
NIC
WHEN: Fri, Oct. 9, 2026
WH ERE : Corvallis Fire Hall 317 Woodside Cutoff Rd Corvallis, MT 59828
TIMES : 10am to 6pm
Ravalli County
In par tner ship with:
FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT I O N C A LL (406) 375-6672
P LE AS E BR IN G YOUR INS URANCE C AR D AS MO ST I NS UR AN CE S ARE ACCEPTED VACCINES ARE AVAI L ABL E F OR ALL U N INS UR ED AT NO COS T CHIL DREN MUS T B E AC CO MP ANI ED B Y AN ADU LT
Opinion Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Vote Bankhead
I am voting for Alani Bankhead for the US Senate seat for Montana and I do not care if she is a Republican or Democratic. Her answer to the question in the September issue of the Rural Montana over the other two candidates showed me she has a brain in that head on her shoulders and an intellect. The question asked all three candidates was if they were elected what would be their energy priority while in the US Senate? Ms Bankhead answered the question with specific details and a solution while the other two candidates did the usual dancing around on the issue, THE USUAL DRIBBLE! Maybe it is time to vote someone to represent the people of Montana into the US Senate who thinks and will answer a question and do something for the John and Mary Doe’s of this state. “IT IS CERTAINLY TIME FOR THAT, YOU THINK?” She will be different for a change in that you will get a BANG FOR YOUR TAX BUCK from Ms Bankhead. Joseph G. Gallagher Jr. Stevensville
Elect Judge Dan Wilson
Vote for a constitutional conservative, not an activist. The next justice on the Montana Supreme Court will be the deciding vote on cases that affect our jobs, our families, and the future of our state. That’s why this is the most important election on the ballot this November. Judge Dan Wilson believes in judicial restraint—applying the law as written and leaving policymaking to the elected representatives of the people. His opponent has taken the opposite approach, using the courts to advance a political agenda. And that is not the role of the courts. If we continue electing judicial activists, we are further eroding the separation of powers and allowing the Supreme Court to make decisions that belong to the representatives chosen by Montana voters. Montanans deserve a justice who respects the Constitution, follows the law as written, and lets the people decide the direction of our state. We must elect Judge Dan Wilson to the Montana Supreme Court. Pat Earnest Stevensville
Soaring costs
With the prices of gas, groceries, health care, and housing all soaring, Americans are struggling to a ridiculous extent: “Should I get groceries or gas up the car?” I heard one woman ask as she stood in the grocery store parking lot. For most of us, making ends meet is getting wretchedly difficult. The lack of empathy our President, his cabinet, and the congress seem to have for us, the people they represent, is reprehensible! Write a letter! Make a phone call! We are the people and we need to be heard. MaryAnn Darby Hamilton
Sam Forstag event
When I heard Sam Forstag, a candidate for Montana’s western Congressional district, speak for the first time, I quickly sensed he was the leader Montana needs. Because from the moment Sam walked on stage in Missoula, the energy shifted. Sam described so articulately how rich politicians were trying to make working people everywhere feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Sam’s words resonated deeply. Sam reminded us, “We’re not scared, or hopeless, we’re mad! And we’re ready to get to work doing something about it,” thousands of young people were on their feet, stamping and hollering like I can’t remember seeing at any political event in recent memory. I took a friend to hear Sam speak recently. She left quite impressed. My friend
says it best; he reminded her of JFK! I agree wholeheartedly! Here is the list of adjectives that I complied to describe Sam: energetic, passionate, compassionate, empathetic and a sincere lover of Montana. He was a smokejumper, a union leader and has numerous endorsements including 32 Montana legislators many of whom are republicans, former Republican Gov. Racicot and Democratic Gov. Bullock, Senator Tester and many Montana Unions. He is the only one that has lived very recently as a working-class Montanan. For those of us who want real representation in Montana this November, we need to vote for someone who brings genuine energy, real experience, and big ideas—and that person is Sam Forstag. Mark Heyka Missoula
Public service?
“Careing for the land and serving people.” That’s the motto of the United States Forest Service. Somewhere along the line the meaning expressed in that statement became obscured as a matter of convenience. The shift in functional reality has become obscured with the intent to deny the public specific information required to judge their performance. If the public discussion is reduced to its lowest interpretive value it is clear the agency intended to “serve the people” is striving to subvert the common interest and welfare of the people to benefit a select few. The manipulation is justified by statements that national security is at risk. That statement is based on the selection of data intended to result in support of an untruth. Some might call it a lie. Simple facts, widely available on the internet (that cannot be disputed), show that there are indeed alternatives. So why the determined effort to promote an operation that history proves is more likely than not to literally destroy what is a thriving, healthy economy? An example of the “American Dream” in reality? The Answer: MONEY. That’s it, money. Those in positions of power are acting at the direction of those placed to realize exceptional profits for themselves and associates. The old saw about “follow the money” carries with it knowledge of all the complexities available to realize a profit. Those complexities exist as acknowledgement that the procedures involved may be something less than straightforward in their execution. Stated otherwise: Less than honest. Far be it for one who would suffer the consequences to make such a statement. The statement has been made, and proven, by the collective actions of those designated to “Serve the People”. “The People” have become subservient to those who serve not “The People” but those who would promote specific activities to realize exceptional profits. Less than specific, sometimes slovenly, definitions serve to the best interest of the beneficiaries and deny the public those perspectives that would allow a meaningful analysis of the issues present. In short, the government is an active participant in a process intended to yield exceptional profits due to the circumstances involved. There is no protection here. It is promotion that puts at risk the lifetimes of personal and financial effort. How about alternatives? Those involved in the process can “drill down” on those specifics chosen to favor their position. Those opposed must address a broad span of related subjects. The distinction between the two being that the public will appear vague and uninformed while the promoters appear well informed and specific. The appearance of weakness on the part of the public is automatic. Brought about by a determined, purposeful presentation by those in control. William (Bill) Campbell Conner
Bingo - thank you
All the members of the Hamilton Lions Club extend an enormous THANK YOU to the many, many, many bingo players and businesses that donated the incredible prizes. All of the profits go back into the community by helping with eye assistance – glasses, surgery, exams; hearing assistance – exams and hearing aids, as well as helping Bitterroot Strikers, Daly Swim Team, high school scholarships, and school lunch programs, to name a few. We couldn’t provide any of the support to our valley without you playing bingo. 0.50 a card, 3 cards for a $1.00! THANK YOU – See you next year! Dixie Dies Hamilton
The sparrow
James Talerico, Democratic Senatorial candidate in Texas, is a former middle school teacher now studying for the ministry. I think his position on how we treat, or should treat, our neighbors was “spot on”. I quote him here: “You can treat people however you want as long as you have a personal relationship with Jesus is an abomination. Scripture tells us that you can’t love God and hate other people. You can’t love God and abuse the immigrant. You can’t love God and oppress the poor. You can’t love God and bully the outcast. We spend so much time looking for God out there that we miss God in the person sitting right next to us in that neighbor who bears the divine.” Mr. Talarico says, “I was brought up to believe that in the face of our neighbor, we glimpse the face of God. Matthew 25 tells us Christians exactly how we’re gonna be judged and how we’re gonna be saved by feeding the hungry, by healing the sick, by welcoming the stranger.” “I often wonder”, he says, “what would Jesus do if he visited the US Senate. I think he would tell the Senators on the floor, Depart from me! I was hungry and you cut my food assistance. I was sick and you kicked me off Medicaid. I was a stranger and you deported me and my family. I think he would flip over those fancy desks on the floor of the US Senate and demand that we take care of all of our neighbors, especially the least of these.” “God’s eye is on the sparrow-the smallest bird. We, as a community, do better when we keep our eye on the sparrows!” Food for thought! Tom Tunny Hamilton
Vote the person, not the party
The sooner the Montana Democratic Party drops support for Bankhead and endorses Bodner, the better. Bankhead was inserted into the mix to split the vote so Alme could win without a majority. He was handed to us in a last minute sneaky maneuver by Daines. He may be a decent fellow but we the voters did NOT get to choose. That’s political BS and we all know it. I encourage everyone to forget about what letter follows a candidate’s name and vote for the best person to represent us in the US Senate. I think that person is Seth Bodner. And I think that if you do some unbiased homework that you’ll agree. Early voting is almost upon us. Don’t dilly-dally. Mark Van Loon Hamilton
Participation is crucial
So we have a sick, selfish, lame duck president in the White House who is surrounded by MAGA sycophants and incompetents. Unbelievable! Add to that the fact that we are looking at a situation where his lackies could attempt to stop any Democrats who win in the upcoming mid-terms from taking their seats in Congress on Jan. 3rd. Don’t be fooled into thinking that an overwhelming
Bitterroot Star--Page 11 Letters to the Editor are now limited to 450 words or less.
election result by sane voters on Nov. 3rd will be the last step in saving our democracy. Remember how Pence saved us on that Jan 6th? I’m not sure we’ll be that lucky this time. With the combination of Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation, rapture believer Mike Johnson, Russell Vought, giant corporations pulling strings, and Christian Nationalists pushing un-Christ like goals on every American, we need to be prepared. Those groups have been working on creating this chaos for decades. Voter confusion is just part of their strategies. Deceive the voters about the election system, disrupt the elections from going smoothly, and then deny the election outcome on Jan. 3rd. How on earth can any voter loyal to our constitution go along with the cowardice of the current Republican party? What can you, a citizen who believes in our republic do? Actively participate in our democracy, counter disinformation, vote, connect with your community, volunteer as a poll watcher, and be prepared to peacefully gather if the situation gets critical. Our participation is crucial, democracy is not a spectator sport. Becky Peters Hamilton
Sheep Creek response from Sheehy
We wrote a letter to Tim Sheehy (and Daines and Zinke) expressing our opposition to the mine project. We got a reply from “Tim Sheehy” (or autopen)... Dear Rich, Thank you for contacting my office regarding the proposed Sheep Creek Mine. I put out a statement about this issue. You can read it here: “I strongly support unleashing Montana’s resource economy and mining industry. I also believe local voices must be heard loudest when considering public lands policy. Regarding the Sheep Creek Mine, local Montanans have made their opposition clear, therefore I oppose efforts to approve the proposed Sheep Creek Mine and encourage the Permitting Council to remove it from their fast-track list.” Thank you again for contacting my office about this issue. It is an honor to serve you in the Senate. Please do not hesitate to contact my office about future issues. Sincerely, Tim Sheehy United States Senator Rich and Patti Gomez Stevensville
Reply to Opinion Page
A short while ago a writer to the Opinion Page said that she didn’t know any Democrats who espoused an ideology of communism, or socialism, or increased taxes, or militancy, or ANTIFA, or defunding police, or banning ICE, or antisemitism, or enforcing elections laws. In fact every one of these ideas has been promoted by democrat politicians all across the country. Socialist or communist mayors in Seattle, Minnesota, Washington DC and a segment of the democrat party that makes up the DSA (Democratic Socialists of America). Socialist candidates for congress include El Sayed in Michigan, Jackson in Maine and Nixon in Florida. There has been much support from the Democrat party for these nominees and officials including AOC and Bernie Sanders, leaders of the party. Many of the current Democrat candidates have espoused defunding police, abolishing ICE, open boarders, an inane denial of ANTIFA, anti Jew sentiments and more. Unfortunately I can’t give you the receipts on all the anti-American ideology currently promoted by members of the Democrat party in this column. Know this, if you are going to identify with the Democrat party you need to be prepared to be associated with these ideologies. You need to educate yourselves on the Democrat party ideology. Loren Phillips Hamilton
Bitterroot Star staff Jesse Mullen Publisher
Sarah Glass General Manager editor@bitterrootstar.com
John Dowd Editor john@bitterrootstar.com
Scott Sacry Sports Editor and Advertising Sales scott@bitterrootstar.com
Information about your Bitterroot Star Our Mission The Bitterroot Star is a team of caring individuals who ethically and responsibly strive to deliver essential news and information to our local community. Publishing Information The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co, a division of Mullen Newspapers. The advertising and editorial content deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. We strive to include news and information that’s important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea, or any other concern, call us at 406-777-3928, email: editor@bitterrootstar.com or stop in at our office at 115 W. 3rd, #108, Stevensville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 133, Stevensville MT 59870. Correction Policy Accuracy is important to us. If you see a factual error in a Bitterroot Star news story, please notify the editor immediately and we will print a correction in the next issue. Member 2022 Member 2016 Our View/Letters Bitterroot Star editorials are written from the position of the newspaper. The personal columns and letters appearing on the Opinion page and elsewhere in the paper represent the opinion of single individuals and do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes public comment and encourages letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication. Letters should be 450 words or less. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specific, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. Author’s name, address and phone number (for verification, not publication) are required. We do not run letters anonymously. We attempt to run all letters, but reserve the right to edit for length, accuracy, clarity, content and libel. We ask that writers email letters to us, and do not turn them in by hand. This increases the chances the letters will get printed. Our staff already has a full workload.
Calendar
Page 12--Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
the company of like-minded crafters during this informal club. Men’s Club: Chess & Checkers — Last Thurs of Month at 2pm Gents, this one’s just for you. 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. Registration recommended to receive a reminder email but not required. Please arrive at 2pm to be matched with a partner.
ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH
206 E. Ravalli St. Hamilton, MT 59840
203 Main St. Stevensville 777-0028
406-363-4090
Traditional Anglican Services every Sunday at 10 a.m. staugustinehamilton.org St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Sunday worship is held at 10.00 a.m. every Sunday. 600 S. 3rd St in Hamilton. All are welcome.
Family Shelter
Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 239-8833.
Three Mile Coffee Club
Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation, and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For more information call 406-544-4994.
BitterRodders Car Club
BitterRodders Car Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st in Hamilton. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 509-209-3709.
Victor Senior Center
Serving meals at the Center Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. You can still order and pick up meals to go on Monday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Bridge every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Pokeno 2nd and 4th Friday at 1 p.m. For info or to volunteer call 642-3320.
Hamilton Senior Center
Open for lunch Monday, Wednesday, Friday, serving from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., $5. Bridge, Sundays & Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Canasta (Hand and Foot), Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Cards/shufflers provided. $2. Line Dancing, Tuesdays & Fridays, 1011:30 a.m. Bingo, 1st and 3rd Saturdays, doors open at noon, play starts at 1 pm. $2 entry fee, games $1 each. Must be age 18+. Pinochle, Fridays, 1 p.m. All supplies provided. $3. Flea Market, every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m.2:30 p.m., Sept through May. The center is located at 820 N. 4th Street; 406-363-5181.
Golden Age Club
Pinochle every Wednesday, 1 PM. $3, Coffee Provided. Light Exercise Monday,
Wednesday, Friday 9-10 AM, $1. Senior Ping Pong Monday & Wednesday 10-11 AM, $3. Bimonthly Membership Meetings, September 5, November 7, 1PM. The Club is located at 727 South 5th Street, Hamilton.
Stevi Senior Center
Stevenville Senior Center, at 100 Mission St. On site meals served Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each week at 11:30 am Coffee Club Monday - Friday 8 am Exercise Class Tuesday and Thursdays at 10 am Pinochle Monday and Saturday at 7 pm
Victor Masons
Victor Masonic Lodge 43 meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on Main Street above Farmers State Bank. On the third Saturday of each month they will have a free pancake breakfast open for all at 9 am. For any questions or membership information call 406-381-1250.
Stevensville Masons
Stevensville Masonic Lodge #28 Stated meetings are the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm with dinner for members and family at 6:30 pm. A fellowship pot luck for members and family is held on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. All Freemasons and those interested in Masonry are invited and welcomed to either event. For more information email papajack222@msn. com.
Sapphire Quilt Club
2nd Tuesday of each month, Senior Citizens Center, Stevensville. Doors open 6 p.m., starts 6:30 p.m.
Parkinson Support Group
The Hamilton Parkinson Disease Group (Movers and Shakers) holds monthly meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th Street, Hamilton. For information call Ginny Wigen, 406-5449186.
St. Mary’s Parish Mass
Mass is celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Weekday Masses are celebrated on Thursday at noon and Friday and 10:00 a.m.
Worship at 11:00 a.m. Free meeting space for nonprofits. Call Sue: 369-0406
St. Francis of Assisi Mass
Ravalli County Council on Aging
St. Francis of Assisi Mass Mass is held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Hamilton, every Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Weekday Mass is celebrated Wednesday at noon.
Elder and Dementia Caregiver Support Group. 4th Wednesday each month at 10:30 am. Golden Needle - 3637 Hwy 93, Stevensville.
Breaking Bread
Free dinners to the Bitterroot community every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Light of hte Valley Church. Join in for a free dinner, a brief message of hope and lots of fellowship! There is a children’s group available for your K-5th graders as well so all can enjoy!
Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group
The Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group, formerly called theSouth Valley Civic Group, has reorganized. New members and volunteers are welcome. Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:15 p.m. at the Darby Library.
The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club
The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday October 2, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Frontier Cafe; HWY 93 in Stevenville. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from 1 pm to 2 pm. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Florence Civics Club
Florence Civics Club presents the 2nd annual HARVEST STROLL, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 from 12 noon – 3:00 at HIDEOUT MOUNTAIN, 5458 Florence Carlton Loop. This is a family friendly event featuring food, vendors and fun activities including a cake walk, ponies and so much more!
Selway-Pintler Back Country Horsemen
Stevensville Library Book Sale
The Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen meet the 2nd Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Forest Service office in Hamilton (enter through the rear door). Come enjoy refreshments and conversation. For more information contact Bryce at (970) 819-1867. Visit the website at bchmt.org/wp/spwbch/ or their Facebook page for more information.
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen
Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen is a volunteer organization that works to keep trails open for the public. The group meets every third Thursday of the month at the Daly-Leach Community Room, 1010 Main Street in Hamilton. Potluck dinner is at 6:30 pm and the meeting starts at 7:00. If you enjoy using our local trails, check us out. For more information, contact Karen at 406-369-0725 or check the website (bchmt.org/bitterroot) or Facebook page at: Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen (BR BCH).
North Valley Public Library events- Other
Library Events
Fiber Arts Club at the Library — First Thurs of Month from 1-3pm Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting? Bring your work-in-progress, problem piece, or brand-new pattern and enjoy
The annual Big Book Sale to benefit the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will be held Oct. 2-3 in the library Community Room. As in previous years, the sale—which will feature hardbacks, children and teen books, paperbacks, and so much more— will take place as part of the town’s annual Scarecrow Festival events. Sale hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Books again will be sold at $2 per inch of stacked books. A fill-the-bag sale will take place the last 90 minutes on Oct. 3. Donation days will be Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, from 4 to 7 p.m., in the library’s Community Room. There will be no early drop-offs in the library this year. All items will be checked when donated and the following will not be accepted: magazines, dictionaries, encyclopedias, textbooks, travel guides, poetry books, computer and tech manuals, VHS and cassette tapes, and worn, torn, or moldy books. 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.
Annual Harvest Dinner
Friday
Saturday
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
72 / 39
75 / 41
73 / 39
70 / 37
Local UV Index
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Sunny
Sunny
Mostly Sunny
71 / 36
73 / 40
78 / 43
0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure
Weather Trivia
Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This Week
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+
What are the odds of being struck by lightning?
1331 N 1st St, Hamilton - The MTVA highly encourages all Veterans to get their annual flu shot. Walk-in flu shots will be on Oct. 6, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Walkin flu shots are available by appointment, every Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Save the date - Christmas Craft Faire
St. Mary’s Parish, located at 333 Charlo St. Stevensville, MT, invites you to the “Fall Into Christmas” on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. FEATURING: Unique Artisans, Lunch, Bake Sale, Raffle.
Grief Support
Please feel welcome to join in a grief support group starting October 18th from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Grief Share is a 14 week faith based program meeting at Florence Carlton Community Church (20075 Old Hwy 93). For information, please call Colleen at 206-930-2519
Stevensville United Women in Faith
Falliday Artisan Market, Saturday, October 24 from 9am to 2 pm Stevensville United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at the corner of 3rd St & College/Pine streets. Local artisans with crafts, blankets, honey, jams, Christmas items, pet accessories, books and so, so much more! UWF will have their own room with baked goods and treasures for sale to fund their donations to missions supporting the needs of women and children. Come and join us. FREE admission.
Three-Mile Community Center Rummage Sale
November 21st 9-2 Holiday decorations, games, puzzles. Donations of these items can be made anytime call Joyce 406-677-0298 or Colleen 406544-4994. All proceeds from this sale go toward our parking lot upgrade.
Calendar postings are free to non-profit groups. Submit by emailing to: editor@bitterrootstar.com
Detailed Local Forecast Today we will see partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of rain, high temperature of 72°, humidity of 53%. West southwest wind 5 mph. The record high temperature for today is 88° set in 1912. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight, overnight low of 39°. Light winds. The record low for tonight is 20° set in 1985. Thursday, skies will be partly cloudy, high temperature of 75°, humidity of 46%. Light winds. Thursday night, skies will be partly cloudy, overnight low of 41°. Light winds.
0-2 3
Hamilton VA Clinic Flu Shots
Crossword Puzzle
Bitterroot Seven Day Forecast
Thursday
odist Church. Monday, October 5 at 5 pm, at the corner of Eastside Hwy and Cemetery road, Corvallis MT. Free Will offering.
Hosted by the Corvallis United Meth-
The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary
Wednesday
Scan the QR code for the full calendar.
?
Day Wed Thu Fri Sat
Answer: About 1 in 800,000.
Weather History Sept. 30, 1970 - A nineteen-month drought in Southern California came to a climax. The drought, which made brush and buildings tinder dry, set up the worst fire conditions in state history as hot Santa Ana winds sent the temperature to 105 degrees at Los Angeles. Oct. 1, 1989 - Thunderstorms produced severe weather in the southeastern United States through the day and evening hours. Severe thunderstorms spawned 11 tornadoes, seven of which were in Georgia. A tornado near Moultrie, Ga. killed two people and injured 12 others.
Peak Times AM PM 3:28-5:28 3:58-5:58 4:28-6:28 5:00-7:00 5:31-7:31 6:03-8:03 6:34-8:34 7:04-9:04
Day Sun Mon Tue
Peak Times AM PM 7:33-9:33 8:02-10:02 8:29-10:29 8:55-10:55 9:20-11:20 9:45-11:45
www.WhatsOurWeather.com
Sun/Moon Chart This Week Day Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
Last 10/3
New 10/10
Sunrise 7:34 a.m. 7:35 a.m. 7:36 a.m. 7:38 a.m. 7:39 a.m. 7:40 a.m. 7:42 a.m.
Sunset 7:17 p.m. 7:15 p.m. 7:13 p.m. 7:11 p.m. 7:09 p.m. 7:07 p.m. 7:05 p.m.
Moonrise 9:01 p.m. 9:53 p.m. 10:58 p.m. Prev Day 12:15 a.m. 1:36 a.m. 2:56 a.m.
Moonset 12:48 p.m. 2:05 p.m. 3:09 p.m. 3:59 p.m. 4:37 p.m. 5:05 p.m. 5:27 p.m.
First 10/18
Full 10/26
Last Week's Almanac & Growing Degree Days Date 9/20 9/21 9/22 9/23 9/24 9/25 9/26
High 75 77 77 74 83 75 60
Low 42 42 43 45 43 46 39
Normals Precip 71/40 0.00" 71/40 0.00" 70/40 0.00" 70/39 0.02" 69/39 0.00" 69/39 0.00" 68/38 0.00"
Farmer's Growing Degree Days Date Degree Days Date Degree Days 9/20 8 9/24 13 9/21 9 9/25 10 9/22 10 9/26 0 9/23 9 Growing degree days are calculated by taking the average temperature for the day and subtracting the base temperature (50 degrees) from the average to assess how many growing days are attained.
DOWN ACROSS 1. Tyrant 1. Working group 2. Gas burner 5. Copied 3. Desert condition 9. What broke the camel’s back 4. Bad (prefix) 11. Laugh loudly 5. Alphabet 12. Senile 6. Tine 13. Wine bottle cap 7. Makes money 14. Radiation dose 8. Dike 15. Freudian term 10. Strange person 17. Compass point 16. Acts 18. Rights’ opposites 18. Weight (abbr.) 20. Topped 19. Neodymium (abbr.) 22. Faucet 20. Desert pond 23. Ontario (abbr.) 21. Turn over 24. Foot extension 22. Ballet skirt 27. Wields 24. Theme 29. Type of cheese 25. Chances of winning 31. Fork prong 26. Asia 32. Smoothes wood 33. U.S. Department of Agriculture 28. Ocean 30. Cereal 34. Try © Feature Exchange
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Flyfishing Journal
Bitterroot Star--Page 13
Starting with streamers? Fish a leech Streamer fishing is easy. It’s not a game for experts only. If you can cast fairly well, you can fish streamers. Where to start? Start with leeches. Ever notice those little button-sized gooey-looking brown things on the downstream side of rocks? They’re leeches. They stay attached to the rocks most of the time. They are especially active around dusk and on overcast days when they swim around within a foot of the surface. They eat free-drifting plankton – and in turn the trout eat them. My favorite leech patterns stem from those tied by Hal Janssen and consist of several batches of marabou tied to an unweighted hook. It’s best fished unweighted. A dry Janssen leech looks like a small powder puff, but when it gets wet it slims down into an aerodynamic shape that is easy to cast. You can fish an unweighted marabou leech on a floating line and a standard dry fly leader tipped out to 3X. You can fish a leech with any fly rod from about a three-weight on up. You don’t need a streamer rod. I remember sitting under a pine tree with a guide client as heavy wind-driven rain pelted us. As the front of the storm passed the wind eased up and left us in a gentle rain. He wanted to learn how to fish streamers. We headed for the river. I made a demonstration cast in the waste water at the base of the run. I was saving the honey hole for him. “Cast across and a little up from the water you want to fish,” I said, “And give it about a four-count. Follow the line with your rod tip in the water – not above – for maximum
contact with your fly. Then start your retrieve.” Before I could explain what I was doing, a sixteen-inch rainbow slammed the fly and cleared the water at the hook-set. I was surprised, and a little embarrassed – that’s not how it should go. The client should hook the fish. He moved to the honey hole, and on his first cast nailed an eighteen-in-
ch cutthroat as the fly had barely begun to move. That fish was followed by several others, all bigger than my first. He was ecstatic; I was relieved. The best retrieve for a leech is a series of short, sharp pulls that keep the fly moving. No pause. The guy who showed me called it the “itchy-twitch” retrieve. Speed it up through slack water, slow it down when the fly gets grabbed by heavy current. Mend the
line as needed. Keep the fly broadside to the fish, swimming across and downstream. For some anglers, streamer fishing consists of throwing a big black wooly bugger against the bank and yanking it out in one-yard pulls. That works – but there are times when an #8 unweighted marabou leech will be more effective – and it’s easier to fish.
by Chuck Stranahan
Late summer, low water, bring your A game to hook up. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.
NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for the Federal General Election to be held on November 3, 2026, will close at 5 PM on October 5, 2026.
TANNAHILL WEAVERS
*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 active and inactive electors of the County of Ravalli are entitled to vote at said election. Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Administrator in writing of the elector’s current address in the county. 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.If you are not sure of your current voter registration status, you can check your status online at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo, or you can call the Election Office at (406) 375-6550. Dated this 9th day of September, 2026 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550
T OUCHP OINT PROPERTIES
Knowledge Professionalism Expertise
Live In Concert Wed. Oct. 21 - 7 PM
Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center at Victor Schools 425 4th Avenue Victor, MT Tickets $28.52 (fees included) Purchase at BCGG.ORG Presented by the Bitterroot Celtic Society
A special presentation for the students of Victor Schools is sponsored by Farmers State Bank. This project is supported in part by Creative West which receives support in part from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Judy Porter (406) 214-5718 Owner, Broker, GRI, ABR
Holly Berner (406) 239-4158
Sarah Armijo (406) 396-4901
Sherri Williams (406) 360-9207
TouchPointProperties.com
Classifieds
Page 14--Bitterroot Star email your ad to: editor@bitterrootstar.com or call
406-777-3928
Deadline Friday at 5 p.m. for Wednesday Publication
NOTICES
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Wednesday, September 30, 2026
“U.S. CENSUS BUREAU HIRING part-time Field Representatives. Starting $19.52/hour. Nights/weekends required. Paid training, mileage paid@$0.76/ mi, travel opportunities. Health plans after qualifying. Visit Census.gov - Jobs.”
GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-901-2620 today! REACH CUSTOMERS ACROSS MONTANA with one easy ad! The MNA SCAN program places your classified statewide—affordable, simple, and effective. One order, one bill, big results. Contact your local newspaper or MNA at 406443-2850 or visit mtnewspapers. com today.
DISTRICT 6 HRDC IN LEWISTOWN MONTANA HAS OPENINGS: Come be a part an amazing non-profit 501(c) (3) organization that assists individuals, families, and communities by linking them to available services, resources and opportunities to become more independent Fiscal Director/ Salary: Starting at $60,000 DOE How to apply: Visit our
Help feed our local kids! Drop off your food donations for the Stevi Food Program at the Bitterroot Star, 115 W. 3rd, #108
website at: https://www.hrdc6. org/jobs for a full job description and application, or stop by our office at: 300 1st Ave. N. STE 203, Lewistown, MT 59457. Applications may be returned to District 6 HRDC by mail, in-person or email at: hr@hrdc6.org COME JOIN MOSAIC CHURCH at 206 W Main St Hamilton on Saturday October 3rd at 6-8pm for a Chili Cook Off and Bingo Night. Vote on your favorite Chili $$ then win a dessert playing Bingo. All donations benefit Operation Christmas Child.
HELP WANTED NOW HIRING! Lone Rock School District has positions open for a Special Education Paraprofessional and a Bus Driver/Maintenance Director. Looking for candidates who are team-oriented. Experience working with children is preferred. Background check required. Please contact Lone Rock School for an application - (406)777-3314.
FOR SALE FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star office, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
Crossword Solution
Rate 25 words - $25 25¢ each add’l word
MONTANA LIVESTOCK AUCTION Ramsay, Montana
For consignment and pick-information please call: Thad Lechner at 406-961-3323 Regular Sales are every Tuesday & Special Feeder Sales are Friday © Feature Exchange
THANK YOU
www.montanalivestockauction.com
THANK YOU - The Bitterroot Star staff would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the anonymous donation we received. Your acknowledgment means a lot and will help us continue serving our community.
Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.
This is Ford Truck Country.
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Trailer Repair
Repair Parts Service
Stevensville
Stevi Food Program
Montana
Serving children up to 18 years of age
Individually portioned non-perishable food items and snacks are the best. For more information visit the Stevi Food Program Facebook page. Thank you!
GUN & COIN AUCTION www.crisafullibrosmt.com
JOHNSON APPLIANCE
Basil Crisafulli: 406-941-2708
AUTHORIZED Service Center ALL Makes, Models
F a m i l y O wn e d & O pe r at e d s i n c e 1 9 7 2
Buy your new appliance from a trusted source! 3 Years in a Row!
BID ONLINE TODAY! Auction live: Oct. 1-Oct. 16 Glendive, MT Shipping Available
Celebrating m&m’s 37 Year Anniversary!
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Hwy 93, Stevensville
406-728-1000 www.mmmissoula.com Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm | Sat: 9am - 12pm
Outstanding in his field Merle Unruh
142 Canyon Falls Way, Hamilton 406-363-3592
Hours: M-F 9am - 5:30pm | Sat 9am - 1pm
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Wednesday, September 30, 2026
A UTOMOTIVE
Bitterroot Star--Page 15
S TAFFING AGENCY
C OMPUTER R EPAIR
F INANCIAL S ERVICES
P ROPERTY M ANAGEMENT
Stranded, Accident, Locked Out, or Flat Tire?
● Prompt 998 N. First ● Courteous Hamilton ● Professional 363-4050 D ENTAL C ARE
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Together, we win
120 LJK Way Stevensville
Brian S Adams Financial Advisor
Offering General, Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Services
400 W Main Street Suite 200 Hamilton, MT 59840 406-363-1140 brian.adams@edwardjones.com
We see Emergencies, too!
406.777.5070
www.BitterrootValleyDentalCare.com E LECTRICAL S ERVICES & G ENERATORS
➢ edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
A UTOMOTIVE
320 S 2nd St. Hamilton (406) 363-4430 A PPLIANCES
NEVER BE WITHOUT POWER AGAIN!
➢ NEW LOCATION 142 Canyon Falls Way
Hamilton
406-363-3592
Cummins Generator Sales & Services
Family Owned & Operated since 1972
(4 0 6 ) 3 6 3 - 1 97 2
Servicing all your kitchen & laundry appliance needs from Lolo to Darby, no matter where you bought them!
From Sula to Missoula
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H EALTH & W ELLNESS
F UNERAL & C REMATION S ERVICES
FAST, FRIENDLY & LOC ALLY OW NED!
314 Church St. Stevensville FREE CARWASH INCLUDE D WITH EVERY SERVICE!
415 N. 1st St., Hamilton | 3757 N Reserve St. & 2020 South Ave. W, Missoula 406-369-6900 406-541-3278 406-541-9009
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Bill & Helen Kropp Kallan & Gretchen Kropp LServing AWN C the ARE Bitterroot C LEAN Since - U PS 1902 Y OUR A D H ERE
YOU R A D HERE! Design assistance Available!
Page 16--Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Organic Bulk Foods
Local Produce
Black Angus Beef
Great Wine
Oktoberfest Savings at BFM!
Octoberfest Headquarters
At the Fork, we are loaded with Local Sourdough Bread, Farm Fresh Eggs to Missoula’s own Kettle Corn! You will love our great selection of Oktoberfest Brews, from Germany to Missoula’s own KettleHouse! So shop the store with Local Flavor, & Save Time & Money! Get out & enjoy Scarecrow Fest, down town Stevi! KETTLEHOUSE OKTOBERFEST
FUJI APPLES
CASA PABLOS SALSA
BONE -IN PORK SHOULDER ROAST
$1.29 $8.99 $2.49 lb
Extra Fancy! SNOW WHITE CAULIFLOWER
$1.88 lb
Stir Fry!
BONE -IN PORK SHOULDER STEAKS
$2.99 lb
Bean Time!
JOHN MORRELL BACON
4pak
32oz
BONE -IN CHICKEN THIGHS
$4.99 $1.89 lb
lb
Hot Beef Sandwich! ASSORTED LOCAL SQUASH
13oz
Taste Local!
Roast It!
BLACK ANGUS RUMP ROAST
LOCAL PUMPKINS
$7.99 $4.99
lb
Taste Local!
LUZ ’S TORTILLA CHIPS
Antibiotic Free!
Taste Local!
NAVEL ORANGES
$1.39 lb
Great Snack! RUSSET POTATOES
SWEET ONIONS
LOCAL MEDIUM EGGS
SUSHI GRADE AHI TUNA
doz
lb
39¢ $1.00 $11.99 lb
Spooky!
BLACK ANGUS PETITE SIRLOINS
Taste Local!
BONE -IN PORK SPARE RIBS
$2.89
$4.99
ROMA TOMATOES
CRISP CELERY
TAYLOR FARMS CHOPPED SALAD KITS
lb
Grill ‘em!
lb
Grill ‘em!
89¢ 2 $5 $1.79 99¢ Grill ‘em!
Save!
JOHN MORRELL MEAT FRANKS
BLACK ANGUS ROUND STEAK
BARTLETT PEARS
Taste Local!
lb
10lb
lb
lb
Salad Time!
Great Snack!
NATURESWEET CHERUBS TOMATOES
BOAR ’S HEAD SAUERKROUT
$4.49
$1.79
$5.99
$1.29
$2.99
$1.89
PROGRESSO SOUPS
PRINGLES CHIPS
DARIGOLD FIT MILK
FOOD CLUB DRESSING
MALT -O -MEAL CEREAL BAGS
ZOI YOGURT
5-5.6oz
59oz
12oz
Assorted
$1.88 18-19oz
Assorted
TEXAS SMOKEHOUSE SAUSAGE LINKS
$3.99 13oz
Assorted
12oz
Chili Dogs!
lb
USDA Choice!
lb
Salad Time!
10oz
Assorted
16oz
Brats Time!
2 $5 2 $7 $1.88 $2.99 98¢ 16oz
BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST
$6.99
99¢
lb
Delicious!
21-30oz
Assorted
Assorted
Assorted
Assorted
BING CHERRY JUICES
SIMPLY DONE WINDSHIELD WASH
DAISY COTTAGE CHEESE W/FRUIT
MARIE CALLENDER FROZEN ENTREES
6oz
Assorted
’S
BOUNTY PAPER TOWELS
lb
Free Range!
$3.99 9-13.5oz
Assorted
BFM HOMEMADE POTATO SALAD
$4.99 lb
In Our Deli!
BAKERY FRESH BROWNIES
$5.99 13oz
Delicious!
BAKERY FRESH DANISH COFFEE CAKE
2 $4 $3.88 2 $3 $3.88 $8.99 $6.29 12oz
1 gal
Assorted
20 Below
6oz
4-6 rolls
16oz
Double Rolls!
Delicious!
11.8 -14oz
New!
Assorted
We Only Sell Black Angus Choice Beef ! FRESH MINI SWEET PEPPERS
FRANZ SPECIALTY BREADS
1lb
24oz
$3.99 $3.99 Save!
& Sourdough
BOAR ’S HEAD SLICED PASTRAMI
$
11.99 lb
Sandwich Time!
BOAR ’S HEAD SMOKED GHOULDA
$9.99 lb
In Our Deli!
CRAV ’N SNACK CRACKERS
$1.99 13.7oz
Save!
HUNT ’S TOMATO SAUCE
FOOD CLUB LASAGNA
3 $5 $1.99 15oz
16oz
Save!
Save!
10% off when you purchase 6 or more bottles of Wine, Mix or Match! SIERRA NEVADA OKTOBERFEST
$9.99 6pak
& Samuel Adams FREIXENET PROSECCO ROSÉ
$6.99 750ml
Italy!
FLORABELLA BAGUETTES
FRITO LAY PARTY SIZE CHIPS & SNACKS
$5.00
$4.49
TYKA SAKE
PHANTOM RED WINE
ea
& Focaccia
$9.99 ea
Japan!
bag
Assorted
$
14.99 750ml
Spooky Good!
OLD EL PASO TACO SHELLS
DESCHUTES & ALASKAN BREWS
BUD LIGHT, COORS LIGHT, BUD
SNICKERS, TWIX, MILKY WAY
2 $5 $9.99 $17.99 $4.99 boxes
18pak
6pak
Assorted
Assorted
Miller Lite!
LUCIGNANO CHIANTI
MICHELOB LIME ULTRA ZERO
ELYSIAN PUMPKIN PAK
$9.99 750ml
Italy!
$9.99 6pak
Save!
$
19.99 12pak
Limited!
bag
3 Musketeers!
COORS LIGHT & COORS BANQUET
$8.99 6pak
16oz Cans