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Bitterroot Star - September 9, 2026

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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 09Number Volume XXXVII,

30, Wednesday, February 9, 20 Wednesday, January 26, Wednesday, March 13, 20 Wednesday, March 6,202 Wednesday, September 2026 Wednesday, January 31, 202 Wednesday, February 2, April9, 10,

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Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Hamilton City getting it done Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary

Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Centercente open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville

by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Kristin MichaelKruse Howell by

Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com

speech, occupa-

shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have an tional and physic andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major ty for failing to do the prop Thechanges park additional impact on peopl therapy services – provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmen by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.of It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property taxes. The Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing off its thera over 220 people theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to thea loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus 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 its new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts towhether of residents living close clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D and in school Montana, including Anacon the center is the east side community She saidtowestern theyfor theand which raised overand $80,000 shooters to gather, sobysport John Dowd when the contamination occurred determined there was more con-in microbiology the contamination has engineering work initial theyas hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root was started by environment a bunch offar little old by John Dowd ment on a 49.22-acre parcel the Florence-Carlton existing wellsthan in the 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 da, response. and Missoula, and away a or where theboard, material originated. taminated material cityarea crews affected groundwater orheavy created of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter 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 the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abunThe City of Hamilton has After discovering the concould remove on their own. “We other water-quality concerns. Once According to Farrenkopf, the metal contamination in rivers. HeFarmers has Helena even into Idaho. This (RCFWA), onathe Creek by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Uning contains large meeting State and rummage sales, bingo nigh skills, the north club also functions as Mine a they started built just of Sheep Last weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular trips per day to the lowering ofitstatic water both Broadwater County andcity’s intothe area and failin self-reported petroleum-related tamination last year, Ramer andlocal would like to get cleaned up aslevels the 70 extent of theaccording contamination decision self-report was proposal. According to Oswald, limited. Ramsey, according to Oswald, published over papers, toto bunch have been because many area conse room, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from comm by spring of 2023 501c3 non-profit the Stevensville at thesupporting Humane Association participatcontamination discovered near its Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenfast as we can,” Ramer said. is determined, the city expects made quickly after officials realized 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 “When Mine,we page corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in a nationpublic works street maintenance kopf agreed the city should report During the last city council to excavate contaminated soil, the scope of the issue. Woodchuck Road east of the applicant is proposing to be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. double purpose. It included a ribbon Board, said, “This organization has system, and a gorgeous view and incorpopayments contributors were the Thre programs such as The Bitteron continuing to al “slumber party” event. Creek Road and shop after workers uncovered todedicate the Department of meeting, cityexpressed council approved additional samples and haul more thanway we could remove Florence. The land is honor being a 100-foot by 100werethe also about thecollect (DNRC) over thereasonable. process andfound while the of the Bitterroot Mountains toit rated in 2014. Mile Fire District, the Lone cutting ceremony in of the newMontana come such a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. According toThe club expand Bitterroot shelter branded their contaminated soil clearing Quality. WCEC/SET Engineeraffected the landfill ourselves, the public works direcHwy 93. including developed by while Laura Watson ofEnvironmental foot easement for “We the just use and contracting impacts to other irrigators thematerial lack of to information about is technically correct thata th the west. She said the Those in payRock Park and theservices. Rapp Fa members, hundreds of kids have facility, tours of the whole started about 50 years ago. I feel debris from the property. wanted to self-report and say what ing to conduct an environmental Missoula. tor came in and we both immedievent the “Slumber Pawty,” which “We’re bringing t Watson Homes LLC who was benefit of the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or duty to provide the statutor The building is now home total cost is ments come ily Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and an the array of foodwas andgoing on,” Farrenkopf said. hugeately sense of responsibility to hono The city discovered contamassessment of the site. The HamThe city plans to perform as agreed to self-report,” Farrenopened the shelter to community represented by the engineerDistrict and contribute 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 their“It’sFire terroot Health CEO, drink in honor of the organization’s who have come and ination last summer after public the rightto thing do.” Citythe Council approved the Mile muchlandowners. of the work as possible withthose kopf said. members who participated to stay$8,000 ing company Professional theto Florence Rural iltonand impacts on Eight 71 Ranch [the developer], t Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are were many volunteers who own programs, the club supports he said. 50th birthday. as contamination good as it can as we se works employees moved asphalt among Farrenkopf said that while the approximately $42,000 contract its own employees in an effort to make itThe is be believed said that Marcus the night with theraised animals, 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 Hedgeby John Dowd millings and found what appeared may have occurred last Tuesday. The assessment will control costs. The cleanup could the course to be associated historic The private non-profi t organization for the with nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12contamination The proposal ispark for sinThe ago, Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michaelexpense McMahon plication that the County ca The surrounding conSchmiedeke assessed, TMCSC received reduced for the Shriners andIn to $165,000 be a historic dumping site. many years the city is reinvolve drilling and boring holes become a significant for petroleum dumping, although offipeth, chair of the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, 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 with tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. Th TheItMontana Hopethat Project. Thesponsible for addressing Testing of soil found volatile it. “Even horizontally and vertically around the city.lHamilton has a $100,000organization cials do notconducted yet know exactly what isthe often said Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, to r,He Cola successfu Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated club is utilized by local schools, organic compounds, or VOCs. though it was done a long time ago, the affected area to determine insurance deductible before coverhappened at the site. little locally owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page with the animals, fundraisingSee campaign fund the n granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave saidto this project courts, ashelter walking a wore playhad they didn’t Teller Refuge, Boy Scouts Public Wildlife Works Director Donit is group our responsibility to clean that the extent of the contamination. age begins. The environmental assessment bookstores are a waning See the CENTER, pag pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land on Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four ny and Ramer saidHowever, the cityRanch, hasthe had amongup,” he said.Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce “We’re hoping we can find the limit the city fortunately is expected to provide the city withyea Triple Creek Director Al Mitchell holds theRamer groupsaid spell-bound as Bitbusiness. in support of the shelter. with a 99-year lease. theothers. property asChapter early asSix theyears later, The city ter initially some of it,”Board RamerMember said. accounted ex- pandemic hit and construction in the works, cost but folks thatsince own Roothandled Humane Association Sue McCormack preparesfor tothe cutpotential the ribbon Shelters all over the U.S. and See CONTAMINATION, 9 skyrocketed. As a result, thepage group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded 1930s, but officials do not know of the cleanup itself, but officials Officials also want to determine pense in its current budget, at least The current executive diOne Book Store, in HamJohn Bishop, pictured from left, leads a gathering people involved in the there were some celebrating the opening of the new animalfifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michaelof Howell. even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to fi nish the land to the organization where rector, Tomtake Allsop, has been ilton, event may exception delays due to the same during the same 24Bitterroot Health project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had housed Sueby McCormack, who serves on Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kristin Kruse. thethis, current shelter is located. The Hamilton to as they were reSee TRAP, See SHELTER, page hour period. The event is apage fund-5 pandemic. She sa shelter since 1984. theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and partictheir vision is tha by John Dowd do. According to Steinhoff, “We have just north of the Stevensville Junction. an “outstanding bytoNathan Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the ipants each workmodel to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important donate to their respective shelters. Hamilton City Council met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said Christine Staub, a driving falling victim to mail way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuc mo Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, Individual businesses day, Marchcommunity 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people Association. will of a “medical center” rather than jus also donated toprojects. the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, upcoming city at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask also be celebrating 50 However, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said thatquestions Marcus Dal The new 12-acre campus will care” for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more presented with Certificate of ping depot for FedEx, and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. Hospital, which is a critical access about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.”the Farrenkopf In recent years, theyShoppe provide primary, care, urgent care and Appreciation by Mayor DomiBoxxe versation with tho Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners throug There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it at hospital, was recently rated #4 in the specialty services. Two physicians have Farrenkopf is legally justified to you know and love co-owners, and been taking steps to a lengthy fund by fund bythe Victoria Howell me like a ton of of slumber party, and a barbelier, made it into the opening. After the time. However, at the end of the Police Chief Stephen Snavely. open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national ra ing to one of them, Mara Every year, the Ravalli accounting that, to su already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to the meeting, during the non-agenda items In his presentation to the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Asso-been up, shows thefaciliti count ing agency, outitof 351 similar 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 Howell. Victoria Howell being recruited. also be he said, with clinics in doingaresent to Covid, Greg home from There willby retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, bu have been so successvation in the Bitterroot through on its tax collections a Many ofthe thepublic participants thatperiod The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet has a During 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 slumber party, participants hoststood afool public meetingthe council. Fairgrounds will be held February is hoff to address He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t around! He was home for the good things that happen able to uncover the to departments say12th. they This are ship and Marisa Neyenhuis, 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 oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in During that time, amounted of three people allows them an interest in pursuing todisplay share Association information Wildlife and Trout Unlimthoughts were shared by several other ence with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, common tactics fo and former council member, the public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in larg to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey to speak on the dangers In discussion agenda In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly send-from a normal of claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe fill said Luther. The spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular of a proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, the first to be brought forward er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing to a scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one council and mayor how local Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual tional council members. meeting of the two-member According to Steinhoff, “I thought was the issue of re-roofing the city intending to send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli 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 section.that Photo John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate fo February of 2021. 51 by is brain Christine Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will beto held on See BOOKS, page 18 government should run. He “We’ll do our job,” said it wasn’t going affect me, but I street shop. According to Hamilton via FedEx. Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, on After it was announced that he would be Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and als He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only than Boddy. learned that it would take just City Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes was a frequent commenter Gibson retiring, he was asked to speak, and was got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, the experiencethey has be On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the who high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle the Army valley. for 21 years, his and 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 usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put in he was wasthe no joke. “It fused and unOver a loved has hurting.” said that he heard plow storage for other maintehosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law andand the current executive suggested to him that he victims, get involved peoplevictims all over that the valley,” and all of i completed a semester of college the last administration. In from Hamilton, was recpotential butuse wishes similar 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 Radirector. Al gave told a history ognized of the chamto network. Hethat thenothers got onto the board has been “extremely rewarding.” for members, giving their annual report, and submitted herin transcript within the commupublic Crews for in (virtual) were 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 when Ramsey told how it was notwhat very comment, mer,and it isspoke the original roof, which hasstepping in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about ber, about important memproviding proof of compLeting nity would help her look out 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rode and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsome significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said they have planned for the upcoming bers during that time that led up to him the executive director. 2020. Since then he has been the adv associated courses. These are for their safety. At least one Inhas addition to the been in the by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he sa surgery on October was being water taking on the position. Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition in year. During the meeting, it was also the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn and eachpicious In addition to the custom leathwhen 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 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 was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the customgrab the package from a porc Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there anygle and triumphs,” said Al.ering, He said theCovid-19. organization’s history. According towith him for cowboy all his help to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual balland – which actuall Another of these requiretreatment in the boarding to be had to be provided a ride is not a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, this 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 a six-month front door when it arrives. the was doing, or Mitchell has been with the Chamgoal for the Chamber has $60,000 him, what he was only supposed to held speak for yea 10 ments iscity that each applicant started 11the years agoor but couldn’t be last to the bank as well as to colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covsession. “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 the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This ersubmit the following agenda er, dissuading any worries thehad Bitterroot Valley before, so there details the which was to victim to send it, ‘no signatur The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access theplays years, andI he enjoyed every moment cussing the role hunting “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership 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 of recognized attorney Joan aup Mell, it. “It’s a good ride forStevensville 29“This numbers have been “trending ever she says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the first year we’ve ever done 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 in 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 and partaking,” 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 he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, pag is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should be forsaid some its doors March 1.said ofprepared mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new 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 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 to her leatherwork, Karen ishaze also RIver’s Mist was aneffects. art co-op, the from Texas, has been working to en1889, and theto contest is still looking agricultural leadership competito the level and invita by Michael Howell Since January 2,smoke Exit Realty inan the to some positive growth in the future. the southand portion was purchased tostate change a whole bunch right Sunset over Hamilton. The and fading makes for some impressive sun-ray Photo by John Dowd. sale, On Monday, April 1st, around 4:30 According Hamilton Police Departto help parents keep tabs on their children’s beha accomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations manage timber to provide Plan. courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twel Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of the previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Police, Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces furniture to A new the valley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. forest products and toof unmitigated SEIS record of decision changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change wilf in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell if it would be possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, showgrades. 95th State FFA the Convention in Billings 2023-24 district championships by Victoria Howell year, the facility took inthe just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rock not be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise has split affect buyers and sellers in the valle suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concern was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all county owned/maintained to put envelopes on January 18, for filing objecby Victoria Howell his property which would in effect with the highway, which is a state addressed when the private land wa a Mischief Room last May and commissioners all her work is done her twotook rights casing the participant’s loveown of art, Corvallis anddrag, Florence schools inthe April. for Stevensville include: $240,000 and spent every penny. venville’s main beckons visitors ies Bluegrass Association, there 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. Theby 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 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, according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold fransame company. Additionally, accord-mostly, in. Photo by John Dowd. place the and standard init, these types kopf, activities director put valentine cards Theafter Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-p and logging the letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides aprocedure site-speathe Forest Service press release set of easily accessible items that hadThe secret hid ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up. Just get up there and play.” current owner of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north ing to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1 Horse volunteer organization. But Shinn said reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting See EXIT, page at Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf really cil was split on whether to accept just to the north of the private piece of boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs to the state compartments where someone could stash some the exploration project. Ravalli County already has a signifon behalf of the city. According ment outweigh the risks to existing by(Draft John Dowd 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 aboutFestival a wide is range of agriculteam members Rahl,toKyra D SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass returning to For some of Quinn these bands, this w officer. “We have seen supAt A Time Draft Horse it costs about $200 per month feed Homes inHowever, Hamilton, isRescue liked the idea. He asked a small piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye aticant 45 miles pertied hour - there is aflask developed fishing access sit drugs orthe hide aand small of whiskey. The aim wa economy to agriculture, to West, “We wanted toare submit a an businesses, jobs, natural resources 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 within Victor. On Saturday, April 13, the be their first time, and for others th Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate all Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot these “gentle there are facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice asking the community students at schools Stevensville bridge, an that and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But I giants.” think it’sThen [the piece the full letter submitted by the tourism, recreation, public comment.” andwas communities downstream. The Hamilton City Council to hospitality, provide a The learning opportunity toon see t Montana, the organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Ha Neely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is resource and financial limitasource Objective to “Mainta area designated for insect and dards. Some objections to the life-saving measures to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was boost last week when she was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that Hamilton City Council follows: retail, arts and entertainment. West grew up in the Bitterroot Hamilton Mayor Dominick voted unanimously last week to 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 festival always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuespecially proud of this during atreatment time old-growth habita disease because of the tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck for $7500 Itenvepoints tomusic approximately 3,175city Valley and works guide. Farrenkopf said theand council had submit a and letter to the U.S. Forest meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of as a fishing see what use the land is to the town. “Iother tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state 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 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 Sheep Creek Rare Earth Explocounty jobs in sectors that could For her in particular, she is conseveral options for submitting Service opposing the proposed 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. had to be more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of Project “Release the Squirrels.” Ev from his wounds andawas pronounced seeing the member lowest law enaffected by changes to natural cerned about the potential effects comments, including inSheep Creek Rare Earth ExploraAbout four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he looked up the ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsration parents is,so “If you don’t look, for most can be driven or the accounting fiis rm with branch the necessary support viable populations ingfor trees. They claim the area bewill having tohaving dowith with theparticipation been through their artabout contest. The even more, full their knowledge to the test asmaintenance FFA Conduct of Chapter Meeting: te mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year. These bands play for free, and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton resources and quality of life, comof the project. “It’s gonna have dividual council members submit tion Project, citing concerns by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. The ago, a in resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. B then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’ located Hamilton. Part of contest the logging ridden, and some just become “pasture idea came from a similar art from all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Ha of old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, the of old growth, newdonated one will take the stage every half andTo: play, along with their friend Ti within a 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place beaanegative police officer.” District Ranger Pliley pared with the 40 to 50 potential effect on everything their own comments or submitting potential impacts towas the Bitterroot center opened itsto doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf to see tines to fill the of the bridge, offered Town this of land. “It’s where two was on the condition that looking long term, if you have prop See VALENTINES, page 10 pets.” selection for awarding that gift See DUI, page they held in Houston, Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership developett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz first in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. That first was to the drawing board. by John Down rehabilitation of thelevy road after species.” The letter notes tha tial toIn wildlife and tobank beetle, Douglas-fir bark hour. Ezzell bass. jobs associated with future dedownstream,” she said. aRanch statement as acreated group. Valley’s water, economy, agriculand Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the is the incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty onon the west side ofestablished the river,and th 1 Horse At A Time was was online voting and according ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, One of the problems, ac50 years. To do this, they will door to some interesting permanent and asked for $9.5 Re: Sheep Creek Rare Earth velopment discussed by project According to her, the issue is The council chose to present a ture, recreation and fisheries. One band that continues to return According to Conroy, the festiva issued a press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only the Draft SEIS limits the sco dwarf mistletoe and western the project is complete. Ravalli Willow Creek Road. together to decide what was needed just to the north of Fort Owen State potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially conso tains east of Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last toofhave that To Johnny contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from to JCCS branch manager, Andrea conversations withispeople,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community Exploration Project representatives. notpart about partisan but united That, alone, allows The letter, written by Hamilthe Campbell Band, visiting purpose isits “toenvironmental promote and encour the event andtenure investigation. However, been three these types shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a position. or not needed in theyear, community. Theypolitics County objects to in shifting of conseBitterroot National Forest spruce budworm damage. During the of former issues… It isof the fastest of the years. idate highway property into the Tow The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell phone batteries (out of feature the beauty of the state and much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen the charm,” commented to pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what th The council also asks the Forest about protecting the valley’s existanyone to “see where the city tonis City Council Member Jenny Germany where she grew up around Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time from Nashville. They will be memjoined by of age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information is available However, these are always a of danger of nonprofit organization that offers a at came up and with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the owner of land channel the deepest part the Vickie Motley, park board Stevensville. I think It’s somethin quences analysis to vegetati in general financial burden of the project officials have stated that the the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info to give back to the community, and “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett The Hamilton City Council Service to require independent ing resources and economy. “I just stands,” Farrenkopf said. West, was presented as a unified withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Communi horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program side targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly atthis the river ononce the northeast had channel. If you to develop ber, said that nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. the pileated woodpecker an agreement with the proposed to2more. Ravalli County and believe project is designed to improve from 10 a.m. tounsure p.m. at theevent north if you don’t have batteries toabout recycl thought their successful art said Hafer, saying art entries level to advance. The FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colto submits this comment regarding baseline andWestern ongoing monitoring think it adds more teeth to fighting Farrenkopf added that the proj-that comment from the council. The six on of exactly how the College was.” However, the College (BVCC) trustee and without success. campaign, which helped the soula, Idaho and The is abut all share the same love of bluegrass after Friends of the Bitterroot she is especially passionate getters. The officer is currently leave neither the officer, nor any other comed towards highly motivated people successful organization in Denver, attempted to shut off river access on for fishing, I would also see a problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, pag the proposed Sheep Creek Project of groundwater and surface-water this mine,” said West about subect is relevant to Hamilton because council members agreed to sign the end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 Running W. Road The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major secretary, Sue Smith. She was it is contrary to current law pine marten. forest resilience to natural project, the Ravalli County single-microphone type event, with a When asked why he loves bluegras during thisolder investigation, as is stanmunity members, were during draft horses. She and her husband, a That check followed inRavalli the wake ages 18 and in Wild both and called “Crosspurpose.” It harmed offers similar and Alliance for the themisunderstanding headwaters of Adelaide the day Bitterroot quality, flows, fisheries and the mitting the letter. of its potential connection to the letter and submit itElliott tothe theorganizaForest grounds. The is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling on Jun to organizers Lander, managThis will beinsects the ninth year they schools west ofprice thestream Continental Divide Star Greenhand: Meye about th speaking about on May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under impression that thein single stage. According to Mike Con“We realize these old growt Commissioners expressed and existing agreements.” disturbances like fire, Missoula, MT 59808 dard protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition to services, according to Stevens. military retiree, and their two children of a $25,000 gift in November See BLUEGRASS, pag Rockies filed suit claiming the River. aquatic habitat before significant To her, the possibility of Bitterroot River and resources Service ahead of the Sept. 13 public 8th. gallon. Jars and bottles that coning director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA Additional state qualifying even the college. public desired an independent nature of the community tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair free training, Summit offers The six-month offered species are listed i Forest officials also received and disease; reduce sedi- program concern over to drinks relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20fromcareer Tractor Supply. 406-549-4171 disturbance contaminated waterimpacts entering the support the city. He finished, comment deadline. agency failed to the best tained or food may be recycled Cardboard be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. chapter. Schools of alloccurs. classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public foruse help with a that Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler mentoring, support and friendship to“It’s 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 sources in the Willow As elected officials, we support The letter further calls for a watershed is especially concernsaying, the river that runs The Sheep Creek project is 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$7500 be giving away compete in FFA includAg Sales place team led Presenting a stated check for from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high many believe it toby be rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously whoever walks through their Stevens the first isJasmin RDOequipment.com responsible economic developcomprehensive environmental ing.“It’s just detrimental to everythrough ourwatershed; city, that$4,700 feeds ourthat proposed inbut, the headwaters ofto about 20 horses. She currently money according Shinn, clear whether there are othe roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek improve stay on, but please remove lids. Sponsored by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individua levy will 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 to r: Levi CPA, Andrea Simmerman, elk habitat and didn’t comThis program is the brainchild called “personal development,” which ment. Wemembers also Recycling have aKamryn responsibilrather relying on a thing Iof stand for,” West said. “I and feeds our parks.” thein Bitterroot River. The council’s taking care of draft horses is water Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County (RCR) an the Bitterroot, Lander said, “All of cludes prizes to the schools the Kalispell. Inreview addition to Stevensville, with team Jones Office ofthan the Regional Adminbull trout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the levy to testing first time they is went to the the district was able tothat levy program run by the Univers Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. Also pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and the ply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner of involves aptitude to idenity to protect Hamilton’s existing categorical exclusion and asks can’t imagine fishing over contamiWest said she brought forward letter questions whether the potenan 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 •FREE ESTIMATES INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR Hmineral OME IMPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator of commercial the Environmental In a At letter to the Forest including meadows, first horse that was rescued by 1 Horse A Photo by Victoria Howell. Fortfound Owen Ranch and founder tify what each individual’s specific potential future minnated water.” the habitat idea of having the council tialthe economic benefits of growth the Bitterroot per pound. The following will be acFor more information refer to t theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, address the concerns of the approved for the creation of being significantly voted down would be only the fourth of See LETTER, page 9 ing be considered when evaluating The council’s letter argues that exploration andand future develop- andsubmit the center, co-founder Exec-a joint public comment Paid 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.

Hamilton petroleum contamination Shelterreports hosts slumber ‘Pawty

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

Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good

scheduled

Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds

Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meetin

New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task

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

sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face 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

Hamilton submits letter against Sheep Creek

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

Davis for Senate Dist. #44

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN THE

SOUTHGATE To MALL Protect our Heritage 493-0051


Page 2--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Travelers’ Rest has full September lineup of public events Travelers’ Rest State Park, located near Lolo, has a full September lineup of free public events and is hosting the annual fundraiser for the park’s nonprofit partner. See all the details below. September 11: Fundraising event for the Travelers’ Rest Connection nonprofit

Attend a unique annual fundraising event, “A Taste of the 19th Century,” hosted by Travelers’ Rest Connection, the state park’s nonprofit partner. The event raises funds to support educational programs like school field trips and public programming at the state park. The event includes a dinner of Lewis and Clark Expedition-inspired cuisine from A Moveable Feast catering and

USCM Revised POO for Sheep Creek

This diagram would have been the most important graphic in the revised USCM Plan of Operation (POO) released July 1. Four years ago USCM and a partner mapped this diagram, which I very recently found. Look how very narrow is the variously dipping, vertical dike of igneous rock ore to be removed! IMO only, after blasting, at 8’ height, an average 4’ thickness of dike rock still bound to waste rock, at 173# a cubic foot of solid rock times 275’ length, ÷ 2000 = only 761 tons. 761 tons to be flown out, and trucked to a lab. So with lab results USCM can interest a mega size entity to do mega size mining at the USCM 11 square miles of claims at Sheep Creek. The USCM POO says 3,000 tons of block sample rock would be removed and flown out, then Lab tested. 3,000 tons=6,000,000 pounds ÷ 173# per cubic feet=1,284 cubic yards of previously solid rock. IMO 3,000 tons is a pretense to interest investors. If Adit 1 tunnel was not 275’ but 495’, removing 1,284 cubic yards of solid rock would allow increasing width and height from 5’X7’ to 11’X9’ 6” for all 495’ of tunnel. From what this old plugger has gathered, after blasting, depending on the degree, of fenitization, and crumbling of high calcium carbonatite dike rock, I'm guessing that much dike rock would remain still bound for 1.36 billion years to adjacent metamorphic augen gneiss and amphibolite. Free chunks of dike carbonatite and bound carbonatite/waste rock, would go to a Lab for mineral assay of minerals that must be removed from carbonatite dike rock. Before REE oxides can be systematically isolated. From what I read, unlike silica rock, it's deep sourced, alkaline carbonatite that contains REE. The USCM POO should have disclosed width and height of Adit 1 tunnel, and how much USCM would increase width and height. For instance going from say 5'X7’ to 11'X9’ 6”. (For 24” to 30” diameter vinyl air bag hung from the ceiling above an indicated track skid steer 9’ 6” long, standing 6’ to 6’ 6” in height. Along the north side of the tunnel wall, would hang 2” diameter pipes for compressed air, and high pressure water.) Increasing width and height would increase the cross section tunnel area by about 70 square feet X 275’=19,250 cubic feet=removing 713 cubic yards of solid rock. If USCM was truthful it would have disclosed current width/height dimensions and planned width/height dimensions. And how many cubic yards of fragmented, blasted out waste augen gneiss with amphibolite would have to continually come out of Adit 1 tunnel. One option, for about 180 days USCM could daily fly out over 3 cubic yards of waste rock to the staging area. Then transport tested as toxic waste to legal facilities. And have legal commitments to take all non toxic waste rock. Another option if permitted, outside Adit 1, stockpile waste rock, until after winter, and after completion of tunnel enlargement up to the 85’ long offshoot tunnel. Then, if USCM was assured of and did receive a MT DEQ issued backfill permit, USCM could haul stockpiled waste rock into that offshoot tunnel for perpetuity, above Sheep Creek. Although some would contain lead. Or arsenic. Or hard fiber asbestiform. Or radionuclides. IMO lacking a plan to do either option, USCM should not be able to receive a permit from MT DEQ, to open Adit 1 tunnel. BTW the USCM POO may have intended to deceive agencies and the public, so that USCM could own REE rich carbonatite rock bound with waste rock. If so, what are the legal implications? —Bob Williams, Stevensville

drinks from Lolo Peak Brewing and Lolo Creek Distillery. Visit with demonstrators to learn more about the park and its unique history, bid in a live auction and more. Tickets are available for purchase. For more information, call 406-273-4253. September 12: Bison hide demonstration Drop by from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to meet anthropologist and interpreter Billy Maxwell as he discusses the different uses of bison hides and demonstrates how hides were prepared as tipi covers by tribes in the 18th and 19th centuries. September 20: Creekside concert Join in the last of the summer’s Sunday Creekside Concert series from 3-4:30 p.m.

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Ednor Therriault’s good friend, Bob Wire, brings his blend of rootsy rock, traditional country and rockabilly glued together with humor and fun. This event is free to attend and open to all ages. Visitors are encouraged to bring something to sit on, bug spray and a favorite beverage (no glass containers, please). September 26: Bear aware event and kids’ program Drop by from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a free bear aware public event. Refresh on bear safety tips, practice with inert bear spray cans and connect with local experts. This free, family-friendly event has a variety of drop-in booths and activities. The “Trekker Kids” program series also returns for the fall season with a bear-themed kids’ program at 11 a.m. Learn about bear habitat and behaviors, followed by a beary cool craft. Weekly Saturday “Trekker Kids” programs are free to attend and welcome children four and up and their families. Email Luke Crews (luke.crews@mt.gov) for more information.

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

Find out more Travelers’ Rest State Park includes the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and is an important cultural site for the Séliš and Qlispé people. To learn more about the park and all of the public programs and events, visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/ travelers-rest.

BITTERROOT PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL presents

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Bitterroot Moment Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 3

Share your “Bitterroot Moment” “He is always willing to help wherever help is needed...” Barb Strom, Hamilton 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.

This picture captures Gordon Finney. He resides in Hamilton. He is always willing to help wherever help is needed. He walks up and down Fairgrounds Road picking up litter that seems to never end. He started this ongoing service on his own. Regardless of the heat, he continues. A shout out to kind and generous Gordon. Photo courtesy Barb Strom.

– Bitterroot Star Staff

Valley of the Moon Bridge closed until further notice Due to immediate safety concerns, the Lolo National Forest has closed the bridge and road leading into the Valley of the Moon area of lower Rock Creek after a routine bridge inspection revealed hazardous conditions. The closure officially affects Forest Service Road 34, Gilbert Creek Road, beginning at milepost 0.0 where it intersects Rock Creek Road. No public vehicle or ATV/UTV traffic is

allowed past where barriers have been installed. While this closure may adversely affect some public access to the west bank of Rock Creek, no area closure is in place, so the public lands adjacent to the creek remain available for public use. Further, an engineering assessment has deemed foot traffic to be within the structural capacity of the bridge.

Recreationists are encouraged to use caution when parking nearby to access the site as the closure effectively limits parking to accommodate local resident access, with property on the other side of the bridge. There are limited parking opportunities along Rock Creek Road in the vicinity of the bridge, and no parked vehicles may block two-way traffic on Rock Creek Road or block the space between

the barriers. Lolo National Forest staff are currently assessing the situation and evaluating options to address access needs to this part of the forest, including working with the impacted landowners. For more information on this and other closures please visit the Lolo National Forest alerts site.

Bitterroot National Forest recruits for advisory committee The Forest Service is recruiting applicants for the Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). The RAC is a way to get involved as a volunteer with your local national forest and help recommend projects for annual available Title II funds. Since 2001, RAC has approved more than $2.5 million in funding for projects that benefit National Forest System lands in Ravalli County. Committee members must

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reside within the State of Montana and to the extent practicable, reside within or have a vested interest in Ravalli County. Membership will have balanced and diverse representation and include individuals who are recreation users, members of environmental organizations, elected officials, Tribal representatives, school officials, timber industry, the public at-large and other interest groups.

Applicants will be evaluated based on their education, training and experience working with the interest area they represent, their knowledge of the geographic area covered by the Ravalli County RAC, their demonstrated commitment to collaborative decision-making and their contribution to the balance and diversity of the committee. A portion of the applicants will be nominated for the committee, and final membership

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will be selected by the Secretary of Agriculture. Completed application packets should be submitted prior to October 9, 2026. Selected candidates will serve a four-year term. Committee business is normally conducted during one or two meetings per year. Meetings usually last two to three hours in length and are held in-person or virtually, depending on the needs of the committee members.

More information about the Ravalli County RAC and how to apply for committee membership can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/r01/ bitterroot/working-with-us/committees or by contacting Stevensville District Ranger Seth Romocki at 406-777-7410 or seth.romocki@ usda.gov. Interested persons may also contact RAC Coordinator Tod McKay at 406-363-71oo or tod. mckay@usda.gov.

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Sports

Page 4--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Bitterroot Valley weekend

Here is the upcoming varsity schedule for Bitterroot Valley high school sports. Due to the Labor Day holiday, our print deadline was Friday, September 4, so last weekend’s final scores could not be included in this edition. Please check our website for updates. The schedule for the upcoming weekend is as follows:

Football

Corvallis plays at Whitefish on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. Darby - no game Florence plays at Fairfield on Friday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. Hamilton plays at Libby on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. Stevensville plays at Park (Livingston) on Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m.

Volleyball

Corvallis plays at Ronan on Thursday, Sept. 10. Darby plays at Florence on Thursday, Sept. 10; C squad starts at 4 p.m. Then Darby plays at Loyola on Saturday, Sept. 12; C squad starts at 10 a.m. Florence hosts Darby on Thursday, Sept. 10; C squad starts at 4 p.m. Then Florence plays at Arlee on Saturday, Sept. 12; the varsity game starts at 2:30 p.m.

Hamilton plays at Polson on Thursday, Sept. 10; C squad starts at 4:30 p.m. Stevensville plays at Butte Central on Thursday, Sept. 10; C squad starts at 4:15 p.m. Then Stevensville hosts Libby on Saturday, Sept. 12; C squad starts at 1 p.m. Victor hosts Seeley Swan on Thursday, Sept. 10; the first game starts at 6 p.m. Then on Friday, Sept. 11, Victor hosts Drummond; the first game starts at 6 p.m. Finally, on Saturday, Sept. 12, Victor hosts Charlo; the first game starts at 2:30 p.m.

Soccer

The Corvallis boys and girls soccer teams play at Hamilton on Thursday, Sept. 10, starting at 4:30 p.m. Then on Friday, Sept. 11, Corvallis hosts Frenchtown at 4:00 p.m. The Hamilton boys and girls soccer teams host Corvallis on Thursday, Sept. 10, starting at 4:30 p.m. The Stevensville boys and girls soccer teams host Polson on Thursday, Sept. 10, starting at 4 p.m. Then on Saturday, Sept. 12, the Stevensville girls play at Missoula Loyola at 10 a.m.

Golf

The Corvallis and Stevensville golf teams play at Eagle Bend in Bigfork on Thursday, Sept. 10, and Friday, Sept. 11, at Cabinet View in Libby.

The Hamilton boys and girls soccer teams host Corvallis on Thursday, Sept. 10. The girls game starts at 4:30 p.m., and the boys game starts at 6:30 p.m. Photo by Scott Sacry. The Hamilton golf teams play in Kalispell on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and Thursday, Sept. 10.

nual Corvallis Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 12, starting at 10 a.m.

Cross Country

The Hamilton flag football teams play at Missoula Sentinel on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m.

All the Bitterroot Valley high school cross country teams will be in Corvallis for the an-

Flag Football

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When students leave school for the weekend, the last thing they should have to worry about is having enough food to eat over the weekend. Every “backpack” program is unique to the community and school it serves. Generally a “backpack” will include enough food to replace the meals that children would receive at school (e.g. two breakfast options, two lunch options, two snack options, a can of fruit, and a can of vegetables).

If you are interested in receiving a grant, please complete the Meals for Backpacks grant application at www.townpumpfoundation.com. Questions can be directed to Bill McGladdery at: billm@townpump.com or 406-497-6951

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Legal Notices Wednesday, September 9, 2026

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DENNIS ROY WHEELER, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2026-17 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Lula Elizabeth Wheeler has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Lula Elizabeth Wheeler, 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 8-26, 9-2, 9-9-2026. MNAXLP David J. HagEstad, Esq. Patricia N. Morse, Esq. Sara M. Arno, Esq. HAGESTAD LAW GROUP, P.L.L.C. 2425 W. Central Ave., Ste. 200 Missoula, Montana 59801 Telephone: (406) 203-9303 Facsimile: (406) 888-6040 E-Mail: david@hagestadlaw. com E-Mail: patricia@hagestadlaw.com E-Mail: sara@hagestadlaw. com Attorneys for Petitioner/Personal Representative, Timothy A. Malachinski 9 MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of: HAROLD GEORGE MENDES, Deceased. Probate No. DP-41-20260000073-FI NOTICE TO CREDITORS (FOR PUBLICATION) Notice is given that Timothy A. Malachinski was appointed Personal Representative of this Estate. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to the 20 Personal Representatives at: David J. HagEstad, Patricia N. Morse, and Sara M. Arno HAGESTAD LAW GROUP, P.L.L.C. 2425 West Central Ave., Suite 200 Missoula, MT 59801 DATED this 7th day of August, 2026. By: Patricia N. Morse HAGESTAD LAW GROUP, P.L.L.C. Attorneys for Applicant/ Personal Representative, Timothy A. Malachinski BS 8-26, 9-2, 9-9-2026. MNAXLP John S. Masar LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 625-2682 jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MILES ANTHONY NELSEN, Deceased. Cause No.: DP-26-101 Dept.: 1 HOWARD F. RECHT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Sheryl J. West, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o LionWood Law PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this day of 24th August 2026 /s/Sheryl J. West, Personal Representative

c/o LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 LionWood Law PLLC /s/John S. Masar Attorney for Personal Representative BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16-2026. MNAXLP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING for LIBRARY BUDGET ADOPTION FYE 2027 North Valley Public Library District Board of Trustees completed the budget for fiscal year July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027, at the August 19, 2026 board meeting. The Board will hold a public hearing on the budget on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 3 PM, at which time the Board will take comment, then adopt the final budget. Any taxpayer or resident of the Library District may appear for or against any part of the budget. This public hearing will be held in the Library Community Room at 208 Main St., Stevensville. A copy of the budget is available at the Library. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Library Director Denise Ard at 777-5061. BS 9-2, 9-9-2026. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Laura Lea Berner: Laura Lea Berner, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-26-356 Dept No.: 2 - Lint NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is a notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Laura Lea Berner to Laura Lea Franklin. The hearing will be on October 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated August 25, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court /s/Catherine Di Gleria, Deputy Clerk of Court BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16, 9-232026. MNAXLP Public Hearing-Ravalli County Amendment to Ravalli County Subdivision Regulations The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM 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. Ravalli County Commissioners will continue to accept public comment in writing through October 02, 2026 at 5:00 PM. The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will continue the public hearing from September 17, 2026 to Tuesday October 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT and make a decision, by Resolution, to adopt changes to the Ravalli County Subdivision Regulations. 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. A copy of the proposed regulations will be made available on the Ravalli County Website. Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 9-2, 9-9-2026. MNAXLP Request for Bids (RFB) MRL (Montana Rail Link) Noxious Weed Spraying MRL Right-of-way Ravalli County The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners are soliciting Request for Bids for work to be performed which consists of applying foliar herbicides to state and county listed weeds along the MRL right-of-way in accordance with label specifications and as directed by the Ravalli County Weed District Coordinator. Location of this project is Montana Rail Link right of way from Blood Lane near Hamilton to Humble Lane near Corvallis. Herbicides

and additives needed for this project will be provided by the contractor. Chemicals will be chosen by the contractor based on noxious weeds present. Suggested equipment to complete job: ATV/UTV/Truck/Backpack(s), GPS/smart phone, and camera. Proposals must be submitted to the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second Floor) Hamilton, MT. 59840 no later than 4:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2026. Proposals will then be opened by the Ravalli County Commissioners at 9:30 AM on Monday, September 21, 2026 in the Commissioners Conference Room (Third Floor) at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT, with possible award of bid to immediately follow. For a copy of the full Request for Bid, contact the Ravalli County Weed Department at 121 South Tudor Street, Victor, MT during regular business hours or by calling 406-7775842. For questions concerning the Request for Bid process, contact Chris Taggart at the Ravalli County Commissioners Office – 406-375-6500. Chris Taggart Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 9-2, 9-9-2026. MNAXLP Public Hearing-Ravalli County Approach Permit Policy (Mandatory Sequencing) The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 11:30 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 adopt the new Policy: Approach Permit Policy (Mandatory Sequencing) 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 9-2, 9-9-2026. MNAXLP Public Hearing-Ravalli County Road Naming and Addressing Policy The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 16, 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 this public hearing is to take public comment and make a decision, by Resolution, to adopt the new Policy: Road Naming and Addressing Policy. 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. A copy of the proposed Policy is available on the County website. Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 9-2, 9-9-2026. MNAXLP RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 E-mail: countyattorney@ rc.mt.gov Phone: (406) 375-6750 Fax: (406) 375-6731 MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF: A.R., A YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE Cause No. DN 26-5 Dept. 1 Howard F. Recht SUMMONS/CITATION FOR PUBLICATION TO: Kerina Lynn Moslander YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an Petition for Emergency Protective Services and Temporary Legal Custody (“the

Petition”) regarding, A.R, the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been filed in Cause No. DN-24-8 in Montana Twenty First Judicial District Court, in Ravalli County by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 108 Pinkney St, Hamilton, MT 59840. The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Emergency Protective Services; Adjudication as a Youth in Need of Care; A Determination that Preservation / Reunification Efforts Need Not Be Provided; Termination of Parental Rights; and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is filed with the Clerk of District Court for Ravalli County, (406) 375-6710 and is hereby served upon you at this time. The child who is the subject of the proceedings, A.R, was born on November 15, 2013. The child’s father is Ryan Randles. The child’s mother is Kerina Moslander. NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 14th day of October, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., at the Ravalli County Courthouse located at 205 Bedford St., Hamilton, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition. NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitute a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you. WITNESS the Clerk of Court and the seal of the Court affixed this 26th day of August, 2026. /s/Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16-2026. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMIE LYNN MARTIN, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2026-102 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Victoria Hunt 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 Victoria Hunt, 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 9-2, 9-9, 9-16-2026. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCIS EDWARD JOSEPH PETERSON, Deceased. Cause No. DP 26-104 Department No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Victoria Hunt has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named 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 Ravalli County Public Administrator, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840, return receipt requested, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. Dated: August 26, 2026. /s/Bill Fulbright, Ravalli County Attorney BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16-2026. MNAXLP

Bitterroot Star--Page 5

Michael P. Talia Hanna Warhank JACKSON, MURDO, & GRANT, PC 203 N. Ewing St. Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-1300 Emails: mtalia@jmgattorneys.com hwarhank@jmgattorneys. com Attorneys for Trustee Linda C. Baker IN THE MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY LINDA C. BAKER, in her capacity as Trustee of the MARGARET E. DUNBAR REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, Plaintiff, v. JACOB L. DUNBAR, MONICA DUNBAR, ANA L. DUNBAR in her capacity as PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS H. DUNBAR, SALENA DUNBAR, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF DAVID W. POPHAM, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF THOMAS E. POPHAM, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ED WETHERILL, and ALL PERSONS, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, CLAIMING OR WHO MIGHT CLAIM ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, OR INTEREST IN OR LIEN OR ENCUMBRANCE UPON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF’S OWNERSHIP OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE, WHETHER THE CLAIM OR POSSIBLE CLAIM BE PRESENT OR CONTINGENT, Defendants. Cause No. DV-41-20260000291-QT Judge: Howard F. Recht SUMMONS THE STATE OF MONTANA sends greetings to the abovenamed Defendant: THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF THOMAS E. POPHAM This action is brought, among other things, to quiet title to land located in Ravalli County, Montana: See Exhibit “A”, attached hereto. The objection of this action is to quiet title in the name of the Plaintiff, as fee simple owner, free of all liens and encumbrances. If you claim any interest, lien, or encumbrance upon that real property, YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer Plaintiff’s Complaint to Quiet Title in this action which is filed in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment may be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in Plaintiff’s Complaint. WITNESS my hand the Seal of said Court this 26th day of August, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court /s/Michelle Goldman Exhibit A Legal Description Parcel 1 The SE1/4SE1/4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. Deed Reference: Book 78 of Deeds, page 378 and Instrument No. 600459. EXCEPTING THEREFROM Lots 1 and 12, Block 1, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. Deed Reference: Book 55 of Deeds, page 454. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM Lots 5 and 6, Block 6, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. Deed Reference: Book 53 of Deeds, page 332 and Book 53 of Deeds, page 440. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM a tract of land, described as follows: Beginning at the southeast comer of said SE1/4SE1/4, thence west 512.5 feet, thence north 310 feet, thence east 100 feet, thence north 218 feet, thence east 412.5 feet to the east line of said SE1⁄41⁄4SE1⁄4, thence south to the place of beginning. Deed Reference: Book 220 of Deeds, pages 407 and 408. EXCEPTING THEREFROM Highway right-of-way, formerly Northern Pacific Railroad rightof-way. Deed Reference: Book 163

of Deeds, page 973. EXCEPTING THEREFROM that portion deed to the State of Montana as recorded in Instrument No. 570103. EXCEPTING THEREFROM A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point twenty-five (25) rods west, and three hundred and ten (310) feet north of the southeast corner of section thirty-six (36), township seven (7) north, range twenty-one (21) west, Montana Meridian, and running thence due north two hundred and eighteen (218); thence west one hundred (100) feet; thence south two hundred and eighteen (218); thence east one hundred (100) feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806151. Parcel 2 A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point twenty-five (25) rods west, and three hundred and ten (310) feet north of the southeast corner of section thirty-six (36), township seven (7) north, range twenty-one (21) west, Montana Meridian, and running thence due north two hundred and eighteen (218) feet; thence west one hundred (100) feet; thence south two hundred and eighteen (218); thence east one hundred (100) feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806151. Parcel 3 A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point 25 rods West of the Southeast corner of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and running thence North 310 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence South 310 feet; thence due East 100 feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806152. Parcel 4 Lot 1 and Lot 12 of Block 1, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16-2026. MNAXLP Michael P. Talia Hanna Warhank JACKSON, MURDO, & GRANT, PC 203 N. Ewing St. Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-1300 Emails: mtalia@jmgattorneys.com hwarhank@jmgattorneys. com Attorneys for Trustee Linda C. Baker IN THE MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY LINDA C. BAKER, in her capacity as Trustee of the MARGARET E. DUNBAR REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, Plaintiff, v. JACOB L. DUNBAR, MONICA DUNBAR, ANA L. DUNBAR in her capacity as PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS H. DUNBAR, SALENA DUNBAR, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF DAVID W. POPHAM, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF THOMAS E. POPHAM, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ED WETHERILL, and ALL PERSONS, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, CLAIMING OR WHO MIGHT CLAIM ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, OR INTEREST IN OR LIEN OR ENCUMBRANCE UPON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF’S OWNERSHIP OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE, WHETHER THE CLAIM OR POSSIBLE CLAIM BE PRESENT OR CONTINGENT, Defendants. Cause No. DV-41-20260000291-QT Judge: Howard F. Recht SUMMONS THE STATE OF MONTANA sends greetings to the abovenamed Defendant: THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ED WETHERILL This action is brought, among other things, to quiet title to land located in Ravalli County, Montana: See Exhibit “A”, attached hereto. The objection of this action


Page 6--Bitterroot Star is to quiet title in the name of the Plaintiff, as fee simple owner, free of all liens and encumbrances. If you claim any interest, lien, or encumbrance upon that real property, YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer Plaintiff’s Complaint to Quiet Title in this action which is filed in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment may be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in Plaintiff’s Complaint. WITNESS my hand the Seal of said Court this 26th day of August, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court /s/Michelle Goldman Exhibit A Legal Description Parcel 1 The SE1/4SE1/4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. Deed Reference: Book 78 of Deeds, page 378 and Instrument No. 600459. EXCEPTING THEREFROM Lots 1 and 12, Block 1, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. Deed Reference: Book 55 of Deeds, page 454. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM Lots 5 and 6, Block 6, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. Deed Reference: Book 53 of Deeds, page 332 and Book 53 of Deeds, page 440. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM a tract of land, described as follows: Beginning at the southeast comer of said SE1/4SE1/4, thence west 512.5 feet, thence north 310 feet, thence east 100 feet, thence north 218 feet, thence east 412.5 feet to the east line of said SE1⁄41⁄4SE1⁄4, thence south to the place of beginning. Deed Reference: Book 220 of Deeds, pages 407 and 408. EXCEPTING THEREFROM Highway right-of-way, formerly Northern Pacific Railroad rightof-way. Deed Reference: Book 163 of Deeds, page 973. EXCEPTING THEREFROM that portion deed to the State of Montana as recorded in Instrument No. 570103. EXCEPTING THEREFROM A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point twenty-five (25) rods west, and three hundred and ten (310) feet north of the southeast corner of section thirty-six (36), township seven (7) north, range twenty-one (21) west, Montana Meridian, and running thence due north two hundred and eighteen (218); thence west one hundred (100) feet; thence south two hundred and eighteen (218); thence east one hundred (100) feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806151. Parcel 2 A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point twenty-five (25) rods west, and three hundred and ten (310) feet north of the southeast corner of section thirty-six (36), township seven (7) north, range twenty-one (21) west, Montana Meridian, and running thence due north two hundred and eighteen (218) feet; thence west one hundred (100) feet; thence south two hundred and eighteen (218); thence east one hundred (100) feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806151. Parcel 3 A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point 25 rods West of the Southeast corner of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and running thence North 310 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence South 310 feet; thence due East 100 feet to the place of beginning.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Recording Reference Instrument No. 806152. Parcel 4 Lot 1 and Lot 12 of Block 1, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16-2026. MNAXLP Michael P. Talia Hanna Warhank JACKSON, MURDO, & GRANT, PC 203 N. Ewing St. Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-1300 Emails: mtalia@jmgattorneys.com hwarhank@jmgattorneys. com Attorneys for Trustee Linda C. Baker IN THE MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY LINDA C. BAKER, in her capacity as Trustee of the MARGARET E. DUNBAR REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, Plaintiff, v. JACOB L. DUNBAR, MONICA DUNBAR, ANA L. DUNBAR in her capacity as PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS H. DUNBAR, SALENA DUNBAR, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF DAVID W. POPHAM, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF THOMAS E. POPHAM, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ED WETHERILL, and ALL PERSONS, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, CLAIMING OR WHO MIGHT CLAIM ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, OR INTEREST IN OR LIEN OR ENCUMBRANCE UPON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF’S OWNERSHIP OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE, WHETHER THE CLAIM OR POSSIBLE CLAIM BE PRESENT OR CONTINGENT, Defendants. Cause No. DV-41-20260000291-QT Judge: Howard F. Recht SUMMONS THE STATE OF MONTANA sends greetings to the abovenamed Defendant: THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF DAVID W. POPHAM This action is brought, among other things, to quiet title to land located in Ravalli County, Montana: See Exhibit “A”, attached hereto. The objection of this action is to quiet title in the name of the Plaintiff, as fee simple owner, free of all liens and encumbrances. If you claim any interest, lien, or encumbrance upon that real property, YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer Plaintiff’s Complaint to Quiet Title in this action which is filed in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment may be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in Plaintiff’s Complaint. WITNESS my hand the Seal of said Court this 26th day of August, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court /s/Michelle Goldman Exhibit A Legal Description Parcel 1 The SE1/4SE1/4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. Deed Reference: Book 78 of Deeds, page 378 and Instrument No. 600459. EXCEPTING THEREFROM Lots 1 and 12, Block 1, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. Deed Reference: Book 55 of Deeds, page 454. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM Lots 5 and 6, Block 6, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. Deed Reference: Book 53 of Deeds, page 332 and Book 53 of Deeds, page 440. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM a tract of land, described as follows: Beginning at the southeast comer of said SE1/4SE1/4, thence west 512.5 feet, thence north 310 feet, thence east 100 feet, thence north 218 feet, thence east 412.5 feet to the east line

of said SE1⁄41⁄4SE1⁄4, thence south to the place of beginning. Deed Reference: Book 220 of Deeds, pages 407 and 408. EXCEPTING THEREFROM Highway right-of-way, formerly Northern Pacific Railroad rightof-way. Deed Reference: Book 163 of Deeds, page 973. EXCEPTING THEREFROM that portion deed to the State of Montana as recorded in Instrument No. 570103. EXCEPTING THEREFROM A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point twenty-five (25) rods west, and three hundred and ten (310) feet north of the southeast corner of section thirty-six (36), township seven (7) north, range twenty-one (21) west, Montana Meridian, and running thence due north two hundred and eighteen (218); thence west one hundred (100) feet; thence south two hundred and eighteen (218); thence east one hundred (100) feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806151. Parcel 2 A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point twenty-five (25) rods west, and three hundred and ten (310) feet north of the southeast corner of section thirty-six (36), township seven (7) north, range twenty-one (21) west, Montana Meridian, and running thence due north two hundred and eighteen (218) feet; thence west one hundred (100) feet; thence south two hundred and eighteen (218); thence east one hundred (100) feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806151. Parcel 3 A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point 25 rods West of the Southeast corner of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and running thence North 310 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence South 310 feet; thence due East 100 feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806152. Parcel 4 Lot 1 and Lot 12 of Block 1, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16-2026. MNAXLP Michael P. Talia Hanna Warhank JACKSON, MURDO, & GRANT, PC 203 N. Ewing St. Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-1300 Emails: mtalia@jmgattorneys.com hwarhank@jmgattorneys. com Attorneys for Trustee Linda C. Baker IN THE MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY LINDA C. BAKER, in her capacity as Trustee of the MARGARET E. DUNBAR REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST, Plaintiff, v. JACOB L. DUNBAR, MONICA DUNBAR, ANA L. DUNBAR in her capacity as PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS H. DUNBAR, SALENA DUNBAR, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF DAVID W. POPHAM, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF THOMAS E. POPHAM, THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ED WETHERILL, and ALL PERSONS, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, CLAIMING OR WHO MIGHT CLAIM ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, OR INTEREST IN OR LIEN OR ENCUMBRANCE UPON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF’S OWNERSHIP OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE, WHETHER THE CLAIM OR POSSIBLE CLAIM BE PRESENT OR CONTINGENT, Defendants. Cause No. DV-41-20260000291-QT Judge: Howard F. Recht SUMMONS THE STATE OF MONTANA sends greetings to the above-

named Defendant: ALL PERSONS, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, CLAIMING OR WHO MIGHT CLAIM ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, OR INTEREST IN OR LIEN OR ENCUMBRANCE UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF’S OWNERSHIP OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE, WHETHER THE CLAIM OR POSSIBLE CLAIM BE PRESENT OR CONTINGENT This action is brought, among other things, to quiet title to land located in Ravalli County, Montana: See Exhibit “A”, attached hereto. The objection of this action is to quiet title in the name of the Plaintiff, as fee simple owner, free of all liens and encumbrances. If you claim any interest, lien, or encumbrance upon that real property, YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer Plaintiff’s Complaint to Quiet Title in this action which is filed in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment may be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in Plaintiff’s Complaint. WITNESS my hand the Seal of said Court this 26th day of August, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court /s/Michelle Goldman Exhibit A Legal Description Parcel 1 The SE1/4SE1/4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. Deed Reference: Book 78 of Deeds, page 378 and Instrument No. 600459. EXCEPTING THEREFROM Lots 1 and 12, Block 1, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. Deed Reference: Book 55 of Deeds, page 454. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM Lots 5 and 6, Block 6, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. Deed Reference: Book 53 of Deeds, page 332 and Book 53 of Deeds, page 440. ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM a tract of land, described as follows: Beginning at the southeast comer of said SE1/4SE1/4, thence west 512.5 feet, thence north 310 feet, thence east 100 feet, thence north 218 feet, thence east 412.5 feet to the east line of said SE1⁄41⁄4SE1⁄4, thence south to the place of beginning. Deed Reference: Book 220 of Deeds, pages 407 and 408. EXCEPTING THEREFROM Highway right-of-way, formerly Northern Pacific Railroad rightof-way. Deed Reference: Book 163 of Deeds, page 973. EXCEPTING THEREFROM that portion deed to the State of Montana as recorded in Instrument No. 570103. EXCEPTING THEREFROM A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point twenty-five (25) rods west, and three hundred and ten (310) feet north of the southeast corner of section thirty-six (36), township seven (7) north, range twenty-one (21) west, Montana Meridian, and running thence due north two hundred and eighteen (218); thence west one hundred (100) feet; thence south two hundred and eighteen (218); thence east one hundred (100) feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806151. Parcel 2 A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point twenty-five (25) rods west, and three hundred and ten (310) feet north of the southeast corner of section thirty-six (36), township seven (7) north, range twenty-one (21) west, Montana Meridian, and running thence due north two hundred and eighteen (218) feet; thence

west one hundred (100) feet; thence south two hundred and eighteen (218); thence east one hundred (100) feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806151. Parcel 3 A tract of land located in the SE1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4 of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point 25 rods West of the Southeast corner of Section 36, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, and running thence North 310 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence South 310 feet; thence due East 100 feet to the place of beginning. Recording Reference Instrument No. 806152. Parcel 4 Lot 1 and Lot 12 of Block 1, West Woodside, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16-2026. MNAXLP Kyle J. Workman State Bar No. 65442127 Workman Law, PLLC P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840 T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt.com courts@workmanlawmt. com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of MOLLY D. HACKETT, Deceased. Probate No. DR-41-20260000106-IT Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to BRUCE HACKETT, the Personal Representative, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 28th day of August, 2026 /s/Bruce Hackett WORKMAN LAW, PLLC /s/Kyle J. Workman, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 9-2, 9-9, 9-16-2026. MNAXLP 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 ESTATE OF JAMES RAY NOFFSINGER, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2026-75 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Jean Davis 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 Jean Davis, 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 9-9, 9-16, 9-23-2026. MNAXLP Lewis N. Stoddard, Bar No. 60723896 Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. 300 W. Main Street, Suite 150 Boise, ID 83702 Phone: 801-355-2886 Facsimile: 801-328-9714 lewis@hwmlawfirm.com Attorney for Plaintiff HWM File Number: MT21479 MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT RAVALLI COUNTY UMB BANK, National Association, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Legal Title Trustee of PRL Title Trust II, Plaintiff, V. Unknown Heirs and Devisees of the Estate of Linda M. Battista; Robert Battista; Collection Bureau Services, Inc. a Montana Corporation; CB1 Inc., dba CBM Collections; and Unknown Parties in possession of or with an interest in the real property commonly known as: 4584 EastSide Hwy, Stevensville, MT 59870, Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE Case No.: DV-41-20240000332-FO Under and by virtue of a Writ of Execution issued in the above-entitled action on August 14, 2026, I am commanded to sell at public auction all of Defendants’ rights and interest to the below described property: A tract of land in the N1/2 S1/2 SW1/4 NW1/4 of Section 13, Township 9 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as Tract A, Certificate of Survey No. 3350, Commonly known as: 4584 EastSide Hwy, Stevensville, MT 59870. Notice is hereby given that on September 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM on the front steps of the Ravalli County Courthouse at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 the above-described property will be sold to the highest bidder to satisfy Plaintiff’s judgment, with interest and costs. Date: 08/26/2026. Sheriff/Deputy Sheriff of Ravalli County, State of Montana /s/Steve Holton **WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND ANYONE INTERESTED IN BIDDING ON ANY PROPERTY NOTICED FOR SALE RESEARCH THE OWNERSHIP OF THE PROPERTY THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO BIDDING** BS 9-9, 9-16, 9-23-2026. MNAXLP

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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 7

Do you remember? by John Dowd Do you remember where you were during “9/11”? Many people ask that, and being as young as I am, I do barely recall. I was in elementary school, and they sent us home. It was September 11, 2001, and planes hijacked by terrorists had rammed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. My mother was in New York, as a flight attendant at the time. Obviously, we were concerned, but fortunately she was on a different plane. In fact, she took one of the last photos of the towers just hours before they went down. I may have been young and unable to remember much of where I was, but I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview one who remembers exactly where he was on that day. Joe Graziano was there, right in the middle of it. At 71 years old, Graziano is from Queens, New York, born and raised. He was also a New York Fire Fighter for over 20 years. A member of Ladder 13, Graziano was assigned to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. When the second tower was hit, they went in. According to Graziano, when they got there, his first thought was, “this is bad.” He remembers the area covered in glass and they could hear the awful sounds resulting from people hurling themselves out of the windows of the building, hundreds of stories above, contacting the pavement. “Slapping,” he described the sound. Graziano’s group went up to the 24th floor of the North Tower and after searching many floors they heard an explosion. As a fireman, he was taught there could always be secondary explosions, so they were not sure if it was another plane, the fire or whatever else. They didn’t know that it was the South Tower collapsing. The firefighters began searching huge office spaces inside, which Graziano described as “foot-ball field sized rooms.” With a lot of ground to cover, they had to be as efficient as possible, yet were simply overwhelmed with the situation.

There was only one clear stairwell, and so they started utilizing that to move people. During this, there was a young firefighter assisting an overweight man down the steps. The young man was from another company, and struggling with the man who seemed to be having a heart attack. Graziano separated from his company and the two firefighters assisted the man down the stairs. Every few steps they would ask the man if he needed a break, but the man declined. It was so bad, Graziano describes helping the man to even lift his feet, one step at a time. They came down into the lobby, where the younger firefighter separated from Graziano and the man. The young man went out one door, and Graziano helped the overweight man towards the door leading to an ambulance. Seconds after they exited the building, it collapsed on top of them. In those moments, Graziano pushed the man down and fell on top of him. “I didn’t want to leave him,” said Graziano. “I just thought, who’s gonna play ball with my kids?” said Graziano. He had always been a sports fan, and for him the fact that he couldn’t be there for his kids was at the top of his mind. According to Graziano, there was so much building and pressure that fell during the North Tower collapse that there was nothing left but literal tons of dust and loose paper. “The dust was unreal.” He described the dust getting everywhere, pressed into the pores of his face so much so that he could feel himself almost begin to swell. Fortunately, the debris and everything that fell on them was limited to “things I could get myself out of, thank God.” Buried by dust and paper, he was able to get up and get the man to the ambulance. However, after the fact, Graziano was left with asthma, COPD, herniated disks in his neck and back and a loss of feeling in several fingers. Nearly 3,000 people died during the events of 9/11, including civilians, law enforcement, ambulance teams and firefighters. Graziano always felt it was

My mother standing in front of the Twin Towers, hours before the events of 9/11, during her layover. This is one of the last known photographs of the World Trade Center before the tragedy. Photo courtesy Nanette Mayfield. an open question why he was “chosen” to live. He was the only one of his entire group to survive. In fact, he, the man, and the young firefighter were the last to come out of that building alive before it fell. According to Graziano, that man saved their lives. “He just kept pushing,” said Graziano. “Thank God he wouldn’t quit. As much as we saved his life, he saved our lives.” Speaking to

Valley organizations to host 9/11 events Several groups in the valley are holding remembrance events. Local Fire departments, police departments, Sheriff’s office members, emergency medical personnel, American Legion members and others recommend people take time this year to remember the tragedy of 9/11, and those that gave their time, lives and health for others during one of the darkest times in American history. This is the 25th anniversary of September 11, “Let’s not forget.”

Stevensville

The Stevensville Fire Department is hosting a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on September 10. The community is invited, and they will be meeting at Lewis and Clark Park at 6:15 p.m. They will announce names and speak about the tragedy. The fire department, as well as local police and others, will arrive

in a silent procession through town. According to the fire department, lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Seating will not be provided. According to Town officials, the Stevensville Town Council meeting will take place directly after. The Bitterroot Valley Elks Lodge invites the public to “A Day of Remembrance, September 11—Patriot’s Day.” The program begins at 6 p.m. with dinner available following the event. They hope to welcome the community to come together to remember the lives lost, honor the heroes who served and reaffirm gratitude for the freedoms cherished every day. The event will take place on Friday, September 11, at the Bitterroot Valley Elk’s Lodge located at 203 State St. in Hamilton.

“We will always remember.” 9.11.

Hamilton

Graziano about the aftermath, he spoke about traveling and talking about the events. He recalled a meeting with an older man who was a veteran present at Pearl Harbor, during the attack by the Japanese. The old man relayed a message to Graziano, which he relayed to me. The old man said, to everyone else, these events will fade away. For them, it is a bleak memory. A thing that happened, though horrific, that leaves an imprint, but only that. “But to you, It’s always gonna be yesterday.”

2001

The World Trade Center. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.

➢ 9/11/2001 

WE WILL NEVER FORGET 406-363-1111

Open 24/7 Stevi  Hamilton

Whi te si t t Fune ra l Ho me

314 Church, Stevensville  777Ǧ5711

Serving the Bitterroot since 1902


Calendar

Page 8--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

is always show-and-tell! Contact Kay Schrader at 406-360-7214 or schrader1501@blackfoot.net

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

206 E. Ravalli St. Hamilton, MT 59840

203 Main St.  Stevensville  777-0028

Three Mile bingo

Bingo games are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Early bird game 6:45 p.m., regular 6:45 p.m. at Three Mile Community Center, 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. For more information call 406-777-3710 or go to 3milecc.org.

406-363-4090

Traditional Anglican Services every Sunday at 10 a.m. staugustinehamilton.org Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the United Methodist American Baptist Church on N. 6th St in Hamilton. Use the south door. For more info call 406-5313375.

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.

Stevensville Al-Anon

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

Stevensville AA

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

Brown Baggers Al-Anon

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

Three Mile Coffee Club

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

BitterRodders Car Club

BitterRodders Car Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at 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

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.

Am Legion Post 94

Meeting 3rd Tuesday of month, 6 p.m., at the Legion Hall, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For info call Dave Hansen, 406-369-8843.

Am Legion Post 94 Auxiliary

Meetings 1st Tuesday of month, 6 p.m., at Legion Hall, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For info call Cheryl, 406-5314132 or email cherylburgmeier@yahoo.

Worship at 11:00 a.m. Free meeting space for nonprofits. Call Sue: 369-0406

Bitterroot Toastmasters

Afraid to speak up at work, your church or in the community? BitterScan the QR code for the full calendar. root Toastmasters can help you find your voice and speak with clarity and partner. confidence. For details about our weekly meetings, call Courtney at 406- 781Ravalli County 1186.

com

VFW Post 1507

VFW Post 1507 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 108 Main in Victor. For information contact Matt Walker, 541-852-7215.

Socrates Cafe

Am Legion Post 47

American Legion Ravalli Post 47 meets the 2nd Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 322 S. 2nd (corner of Madison next to 2nd St Sushi), Hamilton. Please contact us at american legionravallipost47@ gmail.com

Am Legion Post 91

Corvallis American Legion Post #91 meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the Corvallis Fire Department. Contact them at corvallispost91@gmail.com.

Am Legion Unit 91 Auxiliary

Corvallis American Legion Auxiliary Unit #91 meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at Corvallis United Methodist Youth Center, 352 Corvallis Cemetery Road. The Auxiliary has programs and projects to support veterans and Americanism. For info call Andrea, 406-381-6239.

Am Legion Post 134

American Legion Florence Post 134 meets the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Florence Rural Fire Hall. Contact: Robert Davis, Commander, 406-4935484. Post 134 holds a free pancake breakfast on the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.

Lions Club

The Hamilton Lions Club is a service club that works throughout Ravalli County. From eye and hearing assistance to High School scholarships, their motto is WE SERVE! Join them and have fun serving our county. The Hamilton Lions monthly meetings are the first Tuesday at 12 at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton and the third Tuesday at 5:30pm at the Ravalli Fun Center in Hamilton. For more information contact David Hill 406-369-2604.

Blizzard Doll Club

The doll club meets the second Thursday afternoon each month at a member’s home. There is a short business meeting to discuss the club’s charities, its annual doll show, and other business. There is generally a program about dolls, bears, toys, miniatures, paper dolls, and related subjects. And, there

The Socrates Cafe’ Philosophical Discussion Group welcomes you for a night of inspiring talks on topics ranging from philosophy to social issues to current events. It’s a time of social interaction and enlightenment. The group meets every other Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library downstairs meeting room. Coffee, tea and cookies are provided by the Library. People of all philosophies are encouraged to attend.

North Valley Public Library events

When Novels Were Novel - Thurs, Sept 10 at 6:30pm When we think “literature” a novel usually comes to mind. But the form as we know it today is a fairly recent development in book history, with many transformations along the way. This program travels the path of the novel, which started with readers like us and lead to libraries like ours, with more than one twist and turn along the way. Zoom option available. Library Board Meeting - Wed, Sept 16 at 3pm Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and the Public Participation are posted at northvalleylibrary.org. If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@ northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly. A link to Trustee contact information can be found at montana.gov.

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 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

The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Partly Cloudy

Cloudy

Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Few Showers

Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

77 / 50

75 / 47

73 / 48

72 / 44

71 / 45

69 / 41

67 / 42

Ambrose Creek Community Park

Board meeting Wed. Sept 9 at 7:30 p.m. Located at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Rd. Public welcome.

Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club

Are you a woman who is new to the area, entering a new stage in life, or just looking to meet some new friends? Then please consider joining us at the next meeting of the Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club. It will be held on September 10, at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. This month we will not have a speaker but instead will focus on our many special interest groups. This will be a great opportunity to meet new people. Hope to see you there!

Stevensville Library Book Sale

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.

Detailed Local Forecast

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

Today we will see partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of isolated rain, high temperature of 77°, humidity of 50%. Light winds. The record high temperature for today is 92° set in 1981. Expect cloudy skies tonight, overnight low of 50°. Light winds. The record low for tonight is 28° set in 1962. Thursday, skies will be cloudy, high temperature of 75°, humidity of 26%. Southwest wind 3 to 9 mph. Thursday night, skies will be cloudy, overnight low of 47°. South wind 2 to 6 mph.

Weather Trivia

Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This Week

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

What is chionophobia?

Elder and Dementia Caregiver Support Group. 4th Wednesday each month at 10:30 am. Golden Needle - 3637 Hwy 93, Stevensville.

Crossword Puzzle

Bitterroot Seven Day Forecast

Local UV Index

Council on Aging

?

Day Wed Thu Fri Sat

Answer: Chionophobia is the fear of snow.

Weather History Sept. 9, 1989 - The first snow of the season began to whiten the mountains of Wyoming early in the morning as a moist and unusually cold storm system affected the state for two days. By the morning of the 11th, a foot of snow covered the ground at Burgess Junction. Sept. 10, 1987 - A late afternoon thunderstorm roared through Austin, Texas, producing wind gusts to 81 mph and 2.17 inches of rain in just one hour. The high winds toppled six National Guard helicopters at the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport.

Peak Times AM PM 11:01-1:01 11:26-1:26 11:51-1:51 12:15-2:15 12:38-2:38 1:01-3:01 1:23-3:23 1:46-3:46

Day Sun Mon Tue

Peak Times AM PM 2:08-4:08 2:31-4:31 2:54-4:54 3:17-5:17 3:41-5:41 4:05-6:05

www.WhatsOurWeather.com

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

New 9/10

First 9/18

Sunrise 7:06 a.m. 7:07 a.m. 7:09 a.m. 7:10 a.m. 7:11 a.m. 7:13 a.m. 7:14 a.m.

Sunset 7:59 p.m. 7:57 p.m. 7:55 p.m. 7:53 p.m. 7:51 p.m. 7:49 p.m. 7:47 p.m.

Moonrise 5:13 a.m. 6:32 a.m. 7:49 a.m. 9:03 a.m. 10:17 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 12:41 p.m.

Moonset 7:23 p.m. 7:41 p.m. 7:58 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8:34 p.m. 8:55 p.m. 9:21 p.m.

Full 9/26

Last 10/3

Last Week's Almanac & Growing Degree Days Date 8/28 8/29 8/30 8/31 9/1 9/2 9/3

High 84 78 70 81 87 65 64

Low 52 49 44 38 46 47 46

Normals Precip 81/48 0.00" 81/47 0.00" 80/47 0.00" 80/47 0.00" 80/47 0.01" 79/46 0.10" 79/46 0.00"

Farmer's Growing Degree Days Date Degree Days Date Degree Days 8/28 18 9/1 16 8/29 13 9/2 6 8/30 7 9/3 5 8/31 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.

ACROSS 1. Every 5. Oh my __! (slang) 9. Stream 11. Wager 12. ___ Matisse, painter 13. Mix 14. Cereal 15. Portland locale 17. Miner’s goal 18. Takes by force 20. What a diner needs 22. Big Apple (abbr.) 23. Tin (abbr.) 24. Disallow 27. Short for aluminum 29. Snobs 31. Be fond of 32. Runs quickly 33. Afresh 34. Removes the water

DOWN 1. Repeat 2. Domain 3. Penny 4. Possessive pronoun 5. Petrol 6. Upon (2 wds.) 7. Mixes slowly 8. Not there 10. Booths 16. Broke 18. Not down 19. Registered nurse 20. Synthetic fiber 21. Serious 22. Naught 24. Energy 25. Attorney (abbr.) 26. Loch __ monster 28. Kitten’s cry 30. Cub

© Feature Exchange


Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 9

CONTAMINATION: City self-reports contamination near public works shop Continued from page 1 a better understanding of the contamination and help determine what additional cleanup may be required. Hamilton adopts 2026-27 budget The contamination discussion came as the Hamilton City Council also formally adopted the city’s 2026-27 budget during its meeting last Tuesday. Several resolutions were approved individually as part of the overall budget process, including resolutions addressing water and wastewater services. Rates for water and wastewater will increase by 2.6 cents on the dollar under the adopted budget. Farrenkopf said the increases are intended to help the city stay ahead of maintenance and improvement costs for its water and wastewater systems rather than allowing expenses to accumulate and requiring a larger increase later. “We wanna stay ahead

of water and wastewater. It’s a very expensive system to run,” Farrenkopf said. The mayor said he does not believe waiting until major repairs are necessary and then imposing a large increase is responsible either from a management perspective or for taxpayers. Farrenkopf added that the budget can be amended by the council if circumstances change. Residents can review the adopted budget through the city and can provide comments or concerns to the mayor or department heads. Any changes to the budget must ultimately be approved by the City Council. Farrenkopf emphasized that budget decisions are made by the council, rather than by the mayor or city employees. He said the budget process took Photo of the site. Photo courtesy Donny Ramer. approximately six months from start to finish and praised the work of city staff tionship between the mayor, the council and and council members. “There’s a great relathe staff,” Farrenkopf said. “I’m really proud

of the process,” he said. “I really appreciate everybody involved in that process.”

LETTER: Council submits letter opposing Sheep Creek Mine exploration project Continued from page 1 economy, property owners, businesses, taxpayers and natural resources. The question is whether the potential economic benefits of mineral development justify the environmental and economic assets being placed at risk. Based upon the information currently available, we do not believe that question has been adequately answered.

future development as significant economic development for the Darby area. Potential jobs matter. But a 5% impact to the 3,175 existing jobs would be approximately 159 jobs — more than three times the 40-to-50-job figure. Before accepting economic risk in exchange for potential development, that comparison deserves serious analysis.

An Existing Economy Worth Protecting Nearly 3,175 Ravalli County jobs — approximately one in five — are in sectors potentially affected by changes to our natural resources and quality of life, including agriculture, tourism, recreation, hospitality, retail, arts and entertainment. Ravalli County has approximately 1,134 farms generating nearly $41 million in annual sales. Tourism and recreation generate approximately $73 million in economic activity and support 607 direct jobs, including nearly $8 million spent with outfitters and guides and more than $4 million in associated retail spending. These are existing jobs and businesses, not projected benefits. Sheep Creek Project representatives have discussed the possibility of 40 to 50 jobs associated with

Water Is an Economic Asset The environmental and economic issues surrounding Sheep Creek cannot be separated. The proposed exploration occurs in the headwaters of the Bitterroot watershed. Water originating there moves downstream and supports agriculture, groundwater recharge, fisheries, recreation, businesses and communities throughout the valley. The City is particularly concerned about potential impacts to groundwater and surface water from drilling, excavation, sediment, fuels, disturbed mineralized material and other contaminants. Groundwater impacts deserve particular attention because they may not remain confined to the immediate project area or become apparent immediately. Before substantial disturbance occurs, independent baseline mon-

itoring should establish groundwater and surface-water quality, groundwater movement, stream flows, water temperature and relevant mineral constituents. Monitoring should continue during and after exploration so changes can be identified and measured. The fisheries supported by these waters are equally important. The West Fork supports Westslope cutthroat trout and federally protected bull trout. The Westslope cutthroat upstream of Painted Rocks Reservoir represents an important wild, genetically pure population. Protecting the cold, clean water and connected habitat upon which these native fisheries depend is both an environmental and economic concern. Economic Development Requires Due Diligence If the Sheep Creek Project is being presented as significant economic development, Hamilton and Ravalli County deserve a complete accounting of both sides of the ledger. That analysis should identify how many permanent local jobs will actually be created, how much local property-tax revenue will be generated, what costs could fall upon local governments for roads and emergency services, and what

YOU’RE INVITED!

RIVER ROOTED SEPTEMBER 12

HAMILTON RIVER PARK 4 - 7:30 PM

Live Music & Good Company! Duck Race for $$ cash $$ prize Delicious locally sourced dinner | beer, wine, cocktails & lemonade River Rooted is a celebration of our Bitterroot River and all it supports.

the potential consequences could be for agriculture, tourism, recreation, property values and existing businesses. A responsible investor evaluates both potential return and potential loss. Local governments should demand the same due diligence when the assets at risk belong to an entire community. The City’s Request The Hamilton City Council respectfully requests that the Forest Service: Require a comprehensive environmental review rather than relying upon a Categorical Exclusion, with particular attention to groundwater, surface water and downstream impacts. Require independent baseline and ongoing monitoring of groundwater, surface-water quality, stream flows, fisheries and aquatic habitat before significant disturbance occurs. Complete a meaningful economic impact analysis comparing projected jobs, wages and local tax revenues against potential impacts to the approximately 3,175 jobs associated with agriculture, tourism, recreation and related sectors. Evaluate potential impacts to agriculture, property values, tourism, recreation and the local tax

base, as well as potential costs to local infrastructure and services. Evaluate the reasonably foreseeable consequences of future commercial mine development, rather than viewing exploration entirely in isolation from the development it is intended to facilitate. Hamilton and the Bitterroot Valley already possess substantial economic assets: productive agricultural land, a nationally recognized river and fishery, a recreation and tourism economy, thousands of jobs, valuable private property and an exceptional quality of life. Mineral development may offer economic opportunity. But responsible economic development should create net value for the community, not transfer environmental and financial risk to existing residents and businesses. Before we risk our existing economy in pursuit of a potential one, the economic benefits should be proven and environmental safeguards should be in place. Respectfully submitted, Hamilton City Council The letter was signed by all Hamilton City Council members, including Kristi Bielski, Robin Pruitt, Dan Mitchell, Rod Pogacher, Darwin Ernst and Jenny West.

Be {Extra} Bear Aware This Fall! It’s that time of year when bears need more calories. This fall, berry crops are poor and other foods are scarce due to the hot, dry summer. You may see bears around, but this isn’t necessarily a problem—they may just be moving through. The problems occur when bears get into human or pet foods, trash, or structures.

For more info: Visit MT Fish, Wildlife, & Parks’ website: fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware For help with fencing, trash cans, or more info, contact your local group: Bitterroot Bear Resources BitterrootBears@gmail.com

Make your life easier and help bears move on  Clean grills  Take down bird feeders until winter  Keep pet/animal foods inside  Store trash inside, or, if outside, in a bear-resistant can  Use electric fencing around: • Chickens, bees, goats, pigs, etc. • Fruit trees/bushes

bitterrootwater.org/RiverRooted

$30 Tickets & More Info Special Thanks to our leading Event Sponsor.

protecting people and wildlife

Let’s keep Montana safe, clean, and bear-able!


Page 10--Bitterroot Star

Obituaries Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Obituaries are $75. Obituaries are limited to 350 words or less. $1 for every 10 extra words.

William ‘Joe’ LeCoure Stevensville - William “Joe” LeCoure, born on December 29, 1954 in Butte, America. He left us unexpectedly at his home on August 31, 2026. Joe lived to the beat of his own drummer, never timely, and always taking the long road. He never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone. He had a soft spot for the elderly, children and the underdog. He was a hard worker and provider for his family. Joe enjoyed and was content with the simplest things in life, good candy and pastries, random road trips, projects in the yard, soaking up sunshine and especially spending time with his family. Joe’s love for his wife, Tanya, was deep and unwavering. For nearly thirty years, she was his partner, his best friend and his beloved “Tawney”, He found so much joy in caring for her, even in the little things, like making her a PB & J each day. She was his person and he loved her with his whole heart. He fiercely loved and was extremely proud of each of his children, looking forward to their daily talks and texts. Joe had a deep, unwavering faith in God, starting his day with prayer and devotions, rarely missing a Sun-

day Mass. Joe is survived by his wife, Tanya; his children, Adrenne (Harvey), AJ (Olivia) and Liam (Ellie); his granddaughters, Dahlia, Iris and Anne LeCoure; his brothers, Steve (Claudia), Jacques (Roberta), Marc and Tom; his sister, Suzzie (Fred) Thomas; his mother-inlaw, Linda (Jerome) Yoder; along with an abundance of very special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gig and Jackie LeCoure; his brothers Bob and Ric LeCoure; his nephews, Scott and Matt LeCoure and Scott Thomas; his father-in-law, Barry Schlecht. A private family viewing will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Whitesitt Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Parish. A committal service will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. “Stick and move – don’t get caught flat footed” Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ellen Stenso Pernichele A Celebration of Life for Mary Ellen Stenso Pernichele will be held Sunday, September 13, at 634 Quast Lane in Corvallis, MT, at 3 p.m. Please RSVP to Gretchen 801-556-5587.

Death Notices Harry W. Johnson

Stevensville - Harry W. Johnson, 79, of Stevensville passed away Friday, August 28, 2026 at The Living Centre in Stevensville. No formal services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Edward ‘Ed’ Robert William Black

Hamilton - Edward “Ed” Robert William Black, 47, of Hamilton passed away Monday, Aug. 24, 2026 at Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital from cancer. He will be laid to rest in Washington. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

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37 29 XXXVII, Number 30 XXXVII, Number 28 XXXIX, Number 29 XXXVII, Number

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Opinion

Bitterroot Star--Page 11

Why does our President seem more interested in painting things gold than taking care of the people here at home who are struggling with prices of everything from gas to groceries to housing? Let’s remind our congressmen that we are ALL their constituents who need them to do more! Mary Ann Darby Hamilton MT

This proposal needs Montana Congressional support and Montana political advocacy. Success securing the funding would be a major accomplishment and look good for any Montana politician. So forget Sheep Creek: establishing a production-scale process to extract REEs from Butte sludge would obviate the need to develop a mine at Sheep Creek, thus saving critical habitat, valuable water and pristine forest lands. Bill Leith Hamilton

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Sheep Creek prognosis

A prime indicator for the success or failure of a business enterprise is termed the “Current Ratio”. This is simply that the business have twice the cash reserve required to pay current operating expenses. Mr. Osterman, and those associated with him, are very aware of this basic function of financial analysis and have made every effort to prevent any determination of the current, or projected current ratio. This is indicative of several facts. First, that a primary operating principal of their proposed operation is concealment and, logically, manipulation. This is the first warning sign, there are others. The sequence of events that could reasonably be expected to take place are as follows: The restricted working capital will require a cash flow they cannot meet. Hence they would be forced to rely on revenue from current processing or the injection of capital from a new source. There is neither. The ore will be stockpiled at a location within the valley where the radioactive dust and asbestos fibers will contaminate a large area due to prevailing winds. Radioactive and asbestos contamination increase. Heavy lift, rotary wing aircraft (helicopters) have very high operational and maintenance costs. The projected reliance on such aircraft speaks to a very high cost element central to the operation. Once again, there is not the necessary cash reserve to maintain a critical function. Loss of the ability to extract the ore would lead, then, to an accumulation of ore at the operating site. Airlifting is a high risk activity with mishaps a common occurrence. Additional environmental stress. As the scheme falters, public awareness grows, profits and potential investors are non-existent. Costs continue their upward climb as efforts are made to compensate for organizational shortcoming and planning deficiencies. Those systems installed to control environmental damage will fall into disrepair. Comprehensive ecological damage will result. The water table is contaminated. Additional environmental stress. Once the operational and financial faults are revealed the proposed scheme will be seen for what it is. Meaningful analysis having revealed what lies beneath the surface (pun intended). No matter how the elements of the operation are positioned, the end result is failure. The Bitterroot Valley and all it entails will have been permanently damaged for a lost cause. YOU CAN PREVENT THAT. William (Bill) Campbell Conner

Thank you, Dolly!

I believe if there is one thing we can all agree on, it is the positive impact that Dolly Parton has had on American Culture. Dolly was a force of nature…a true spirit of “live and let live” and a singular positive influence on so many lives! Perhaps Dolly‘s greatest gift was the Dolly Parton “Imagination Library”reading program begun in 1995 which, over the years, has provided more than 300 million books to young readers through local libraries, including our own! Dolly took on this project because, among other things, her father was illiterate. Dolly was the fourth of 12 children, and she wanted her family to all have the gift of reading. This little girl from Pittman Center, Tennessee has had a more positive impact on the world than all the politicians combined. She will be sorely missed for her universal message of Peace, Tolerance, Caring, and Positive Spirit! Tom Tunny Hamilton

Ambulance at the bottom of the cliff

I heard about a little town built near a cliff. It was a pleasant place, except people occasionally wandered too close to the edge and fell off. Children were especially at risk.

The townspeople came up with a radical idea: build a fence. It wasn’t complicated. It didn’t need computers or consultants. It simply had to stand between the people and the cliff. But the town needed money, so it applied for a government grant. That’s when the fence became complicated. The government ordered a study to determine whether falling off a cliff was actually dangerous. Then came a survey, an environmental review, and probably a committee to decide whether the word “cliff” unfairly stereotyped steep terrain. Eventually, three federal employees arrived to present their findings. You can usually tell how seriously the government considers a problem by how many people it sends to explain why it can’t solve it. After months of research, the experts concluded that a fence would not be practical. Instead, they recommended stationing an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also proposed building a hospital nearby to treat everyone after they fell. Now, that’s government efficiency. Why spend a little preventing an accident when you can spend millions treating the injuries afterward? Naturally, the ambulance will need several crews, a supervisor, a garage, and an administrative office. The hospital will need doctors, nurses, accountants, and a public relations department to announce the success of the cliff-safety program. Meanwhile, the townspeople will still be asking, “Couldn’t we just build a fence?” They’ll be told there is no money left. It was spent on the ambulance, the hospital, and the study proving the fence was too expensive. There is a serious lesson beneath the foolishness. We often wait until people fall before helping them. We treat illness instead of encouraging health. We respond to addiction, homelessness, crime, and family breakdown only after lives have reached the bottom. An ambulance is mighty important after somebody falls—but a fence at the top might keep them from needing one. Perhaps the townspeople should pass a hat, buy some lumber, and build the fence themselves. They’ll probably finish it before the government completes the paperwork for the ambulance. Bob Spitzer Stevensville

High noon

It is High Noon for the Bitter Root river, the people of western Montana and Gray Cooper will not be coming to our rescue. The strategic minerals mine planned for the headwaters of the Bitter Root River represents a continuation of Montana’s three century old history as a 3rd world resource colony. From beaver pelts, gold, copper, silver, timber to the present critical minerals boom they all represent an capitalist philosophy of rape, ruin and run. Unfortunately for the river and western Montana the federal agency responsible for the river’s fate is thoroughly compromised by the corruption of a political regime that has no bottom. While the responsible action would be to summarily reject this mine. Montana’s Political leaders will jump on board proclaiming the mine is necessary for national security ect.. Hopefully a monkey wrench can be thrust through the mine’s heart and end for good its vile threat to the river’s existence. Bill Bakeberg Hamilton

Keep going

It’s great that our Montana congressmen have finally stood up and said no to a President Trump action: they think importing less expensive beef is a bad idea ! (yep!) But wait - there’s more! Why are we alienating our good friends in Canada? Why are we renaming lakes and gulfs? Why are we STILL in Iran?

Get to know your Democrat neighbor

When I read the August 26 LTE by Richard Parker from Stevensville, I just could not let it go without responding. Where on this green earth are you getting your information about what Democrats believe? Almost everything you said was outright false. Yes, there is as diverse of views among Democrats as there is among Republicans. But I know a lot of Democrats and I don’t know one who is a communist, one who doesn’t’ think we should have immigration reform, one who is a militant, one who is antisemitic, one who thinks defunding the police is a good idea, one who even knows anything about ANTIFA, anyone who supports “super high” taxes (whatever that means), or someone who doesn’t think we should enforce our election laws. If you would bother to get to know your Democratic neighbor and have a conversation about what kind of nation we want and how to govern, you would soon conclude that someone is feeding you a pack of lies. Why? I can only conclude the reason is to scare you so they can take advantage of you. Democrats believe in equal opportunity for all Americans; that includes economic justice, environmental justice, and treating your neighbors as you would have them treat you. What is so scary and alarming about that? Margaret Gorski Stevensville

Sheep Creek is also unnecessary

Why develop a new mine at Sheep Creek when there are economically retrievable, easily accessible concentrations of Rare Earth Elements ready for the taking in Butte? A recent study by West Virginia University (WVU) estimated that the Berkeley Pit in Butte could produce as much as 50 tons per year of rare-earth element (REE) oxides, plus roughly 18 tons per year of cobalt. In fact, REE-bearing sludge from the Berkeley Pit at Butte is already being shipped to West Virginia for concentration into usable rare earth minerals—a technology developed by WVU, based on assessments/assays by the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG). Further, a WV company, Mission Critical Minerals has been formed to commercialize the technology. The Berkeley Pit’s acid mine waste contains nearly ten times the concentration of REEs than other potential mine waste sources, such as the coal-mine drainage sources being studied in the same WVU program. Moreover, about 45% of the Pit’s REE waste contains heavy REEs— a bonus, because heavy REEs such as dysprosium, terbium and yttrium can be considerably more strategically valuable than the more abundant light REEs. MBMG’s data likewise show substantial concentrations of yttrium, dysprosium, erbium and other important REEs in the Berkeley Pit sludge. Now, the Montana Mining Association has submitted a funding proposal to the Department for a Montana Resources REE concentrator, and a November 2025 report said the Department of Defense was considering a $75 million grant to Montana Resources for construction of this concentrator (the status of this proposal is not evident). My takeaway is that a perfect opportunity exists to develop a major, Montana-based industrial facility supporting the nation’s need for REEs. Plus, establishing a production effort in Butte would dovetail nicely with efforts to clean up the Berkeley Pit superfund site. Another bonus: its funding would obviously generate needed jobs in Butte.

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

A wise leader…

A wise leader would never start wars! Hegseth’s renaming the Department of Defense to department of war with testosterone for military personnel is a true sign of a weak, insecure child mentality. America doesn’t start wars, until now, only assists and finishes wars - keep department as Department of Defense. Peter Lethenstrom Stevensville

Vote yes on CI-132, vote for Eddy

I’ve lived in the Bitterroot Valley since 1993, and I’ve spent the better part of my leisure time in my canoe. So when I discovered a half dozen or more fences across Mitchell Slough — strung with barbed wire and stretched tight above the water — I was alarmed. Some weren’t even holding cattle. They were deterrents, plain and simple. We won that fight, and every stream access fight since, for one reason: Montana’s courts answered to the Montana Constitution, not to a political party. This November, two votes decide whether that survives: CI132, which would lock nonpartisan judicial elections into our Constitution, and Amy Eddy — the candidate for the open Supreme Court seat who refuses to take party money. In the early 2000s, I filed a portage request over those fences with the Ravalli County commissioners. They dragged their feet — nearly every one openly hostile to Montana’s Stream Access Law. A couple of us took commissioners down the Mitchell Slough in our canoes so they could see the hazard themselves. With Fish, Wildlife and Parks staffers helping along the way, we took on well-financed landowners — including investor Charles Schwab and ‘80s rock icon Huey Lewis — who wanted to keep the public out. The landowners tried to claim Mitchell Slough was a private ditch — that man, not nature, had made it. But the Montana Supreme Court ruled unanimously in 2008 that the slough is a natural stream, open to all of us under the Stream Access Law. As the justices noted, “The claim that man has made the Mitchell Slough is a bold one, indeed.” Article IX of the Montana Constitution states that our waters belong to the people. But that foundation is cracking. Last year, the Legislature passed House Bill 39, legalizing direct contributions from political parties to judicial candidates. The Montana Republican Party has already given $20,000 to a Supreme Court candidate. A judge who owes party bosses will be expected to rule like one — including the next time a fence goes up on a public stream. CI-132 answers that with a single sentence added to the Constitution: judicial elections shall remain nonpartisan. Amy Eddy, a Flathead County district judge since 2015, is experienced, steady, and respected across the political spectrum. Her opponent, Dan Wilson, has headlined Republican Party events and accepted partisan cash — which always has strings attached. Stream access was never a left-versusright fight. Hunters, anglers, and ranchers of every party won it together. This weekend I’ll float the Bitterroot from Bell Crossing to Stevensville. Vote yes on CI-132, and vote for Amy Eddy — so the next generation inherits open rivers, and courts that keep them that way. Andy Roubik Corvallis

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.


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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 13

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Page 14--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Organic Bulk Foods

Local Produce

Black Angus Beef

Great Wine

Taste Local & Save at BFM!

At the Fork, we are loaded with Sweet Carrots and Farm Fresh Eggs to delicious Local Coffee Beans! You will love our great selection of local Brews, from Draught Works to Kettle House Brews! So shop the store with Local Flavor, & Save Time & Money! — Scarecrow Fest Coming Soon! — Draught Works Local Brews

Local Headquarters! CHICKEN THIGHS

WHOLE PINEAPPLE

$2.00

$1.00

Local Medium Eggs

Sushi Grade Ahi Tuna

lb

Bone-In!

lb

Delicious!

$1.00 $ 11.99 doz

lb

Organic Girl Salad

Fuji Apples

RUSSET POTATOES

$2.00 10lb

Wilcoxson ’s Huckleberry Ice Cream

Local Sweet Carrots

$ .99

$8.99

$ .00

Boneless Pork Loin Chops

Roma Tomatoes

Crisp Celery

9

6pak

1/2 gal

2

2lb bag

U.S. No. 1

Red Seedless Grapes

$2.00 $3.00 lb

lb

Black Angus London Broil

Black Angus Top Sirloin Steaks

$1.00 $4.00 lb

5oz

$6.99 $8.99

Whole Cantaloupe

Earthbound Organic Salad

Reser’s Rotini with Mushrooms

lb

lb

Hill ’s Sausage Tender Bites

$2.99 $1.00 lb

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Black Angus Round Steak

$3.49 $7.49 lb

lb

Chicken Drumsticks

Boneless Pork Loin Roast

$1.00

$5.00 $3.00 $5.00 $2.29 $2.79 10oz

lb

pak

lb

Pacific Seafood EZ Peel Raw Shrimp

Local Yellow Onions

Fancy Navel Oranges

Bakery Fresh Croissants

Farmland Bacon

lb

$

11

.99 16oz

lb

Black Coffee Beans

$1.00 $2.00 $4.00 $5.99 $ 12 .99 12oz

lb

lb

4ct

16oz

El Monterey Frozen Taquitos

English Cucumbers

Bakery Fresh Chocolate Eclairs

Litehouse Salad Dressing

12oz

20oz

ea

4ct

20oz

gal

Bone -In Pork Spare Ribs

S&W Canned Beans

American Beauty Pasta

Kellogg ’s Raisin Bran, Special K

Freschetta Pizza

Bakery Fresh Strudel Bites

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$3.00 $7.99 $2.00 $5.00 $5.00 $3.99 $3.00 $1.00 $1.00 $3.00 lb

15oz

12-16oz

9.6 -15oz

18.8 -30oz

18ct


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