GRIEF: extremely difcult but there is help available
continued from page 1
Bitterroot Valley. A Stevensville native, Howell has worked with TGRC for the last 10 years, providing compassionate grief and trauma support for youth and adults including support groups, bereavement camps, and individualized one on one support.
“While we do have clinicians on our team,” said Barrett, “we believe you don’t have to be a counselor to efectively support a neighbor, friend or partner who is grieving. And yet, a lot of people don’t feel they have the skills [to do that]. So a lot of what we do is ofer programs to help people with that. And we ofer programs so people don’t feel so isolated in their grief and loss.”
Dr. Barrett has focused on stabilizing, strength-oriented support for trauma survivors and family systems since 1994. Specializing in nature-based grief support, she has facilitated over 100 bereavement groups and grief camps since 1996 in Montana and six other states, and ofered facilitator training and supervision for over 20 years. She serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) and as a Senior Consultant for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) as well as on the Leadership Team of Project Tomorrow Montana. She provides interactive training throughout Montana and at national conferences. In 2019, Barrett received the Community Educator Award from the Association of Death Educators and Counselors (ADEC).
Barrett said Tamarack GRC grew from a dream in 2008 to the current thriving organization with 14 staf members. One of Tamarack GRC’s signature events, founded by Barrett, is “A Camp to Remember.” Launched in 1997, these grief camps were part of a former program called Seasons before transitioning to Tamarack GRC.
“I was honored to be part of that team in 1997,” said Barrett. “I believe grief camps are the single most important way we can help grieving kiddos.
And now we have added the mini-camps, a one-time three-hour ofering. We load up the van with all the camp fun, fostering all the goodness of our original camps in a three-hour time span. Howell coordinates those [mini-camps] and does a marvelous job.”
“Additionally, our hope and goal is to shore up and strengthen eforts that are already happening in the valley - with schools and care professionals,” said Barrett. “We ofer grief support groups in the school setting and activities during and after school that involve practicing coping skills.”
Suicide risk awareness and prevention, as well as support for suicide survivors, is another area where Tamarack GRC provides help. Along with the TGRC team, Howell provides suicide awareness training in the schools. She has a specialized interest in compassionate peer support for those grieving a death by suicide – when she was 11 she lost her brother to suicide – and focuses on postvention activities as a critical part of suicide prevention eforts in her work at TGRC.
“Our [suicide] rates in Montana have been among the worst in the nation for over 50 years,” said Barrett. “Survivors of suicide are at high risk. And that ties into our mission - the more efectively we can support survivors, we create the space to support one another.”
Barrett noted that there are grants available to help fund these workshops.
The new location in Stevensville will also ofer one-on-one grief support for adults.
If someone is seeking support in the valley or virtually, call the main line at 406-541-8472, and staf members can talk you through the diferent oferings, both individual and group.
You can also go online to www.tamarackgrc.org and click on the “contact us” tab at the bottom and fll out a request for services form. Anybody interest-
RANGE: help needed
continued from page 1
there will be a public comment opportunity available to the public. Dave Hedditch, club vice president, said people should watch out for that opportunity and provide feedback. Hedditch has been in charge of the project for the last three years. According to him, with the range growing in popularity, they really need to impress the importance of this project on the government. Hedditch said the range saw over 2,200 shooters in October alone, and then another 1,000
in November. “For a little range, this gets a lot of use,” said Hedditch. Anyone interested in learning more about the Whittecar Rife and Pistol Range can call (406) 363-7078. The range is open Wednesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Diagram of the layout of the Whittecar Rife and Pistol Range west of Hamilton. Unfortunately, the actual range is not nearly so uniform.
ed in support for themselves or for someone else, or for your school, business or organization, can also just call the ofce.
“We want to honor people’s unique experiences as they move through the world,” said Barrett.
“I think being alone or isolated in your grief can make an already tough experience much harder,” said Howell. “I’m honored to get to be of support to those experiencing grief across the lifespan. We can’t take the pain of grief away from one another, but we don’t have to go through it alone.”
The following poem by Mary Oliver is one of Howell’s favorite poems about grief.
Wild Geese
You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world ofers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and excitingover and over announcing your place in the family of things.
Editor’s Note: Aubrey Howell is the author’s daughter.
Hamilton council kicks off new year
by Nathan Boddy
The Hamilton City Council kicked of 2025 by hearing a presentation by Ariella Wells, Executive Director of the Bitterroot Early Learning Network (BELN). Wells’ presentation began by emphasizing the importance of early childhood education for the well-being of the children, but also for “community resilience and economic stability,” of a region.
“Research consistently shows substantial returns on investment in early childhood education,” she said, citing studies that show a $16 dollar return on every $1 invested. That fnancial beneft, says Wells, manifests itself through “improved educational outcomes, health savings, and reduced social spending.”
Wells cited studies from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry which indicate that in 2023, more than 21,000 Montana parents were unable to participate in the labor force due to family responsibilities and lack of child care, and an additional 45,000 were “underemployed” due to the same reasons.
This, said Wells, “translates to roughly 80% of the state’s labor force.”
Wells encouraged support of two pieces of proposed state legislation, House Bills 2106 and 1787, which collectively aim at increasing access to childcare for Montana families. Furthermore, she asked the council to consider the value of partnerships between government and local businesses, non-profts and child care providers. Such partnerships, she asserted, could broaden the scope of childcare services and integrate them into economic development plans.
“By supporting early childhood education, we invest in our community’s future economic stability and social health,” she said.
As their frst annual meeting continued, the council voted to re-elect Councilor Robin Pruitt to another term as Council President, then followed by assigning council representatives to the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board and the North Hamilton Urban Renewal District. Each of last year’s assigned councilors volunteered to continue in their roles, Mitchell, West and Ernst, respectively.
The councilors also reappointed willing members of the public to the Zoning Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment. The only change, as noted by Town Planner Matthew Rohrbach, is that Alyssa English, who had previously served on the Zoning Commission, will no longer be on that body as she has taken a position as a Planning Technician with the city.
“We’re going to be soliciting applicants for the Zoning Commission,” said Rohrbach, adding that the chosen member is required to live within city limits. “So, if you know of anyone who wants to join, please have them contact myself or the mayor,” he said.
Rohrbach also provided each of the councilors with a hefty binder which contained application and information for a major subdivision which he said would come before them at a public hearing on Tuesday, January 21.
“I just wanted to encourage you all to take a look over the next two weeks,” he told the councilors, informing them that the application is for a proposed major subdivision, annexation and zone map amendment for a 24.5 acre parcel which lies on the
northwest corner of the intersection of Fairgrounds Road and the Eastside Highway. The subdivision would see the development of 212 dwelling units over the course of the next 10 years. The application has been submitted by the Bitter Root Stock Farm Holdings, LLC, which requested that the subdivision be completed as a Planned Unit Development (PUD). PUDs are a type of master-planned area which overlays an underlying zoning district, and does so through integration of specially approved standards that focus on the form of constructed buildings and quality of design. PUDs are permitted under the Hamilton Municipal Code.
According to the Request Summary as provided by city staf to the Planning Board and Zoning Commission, “The applicant has requested a zoning designation of Residential High Density district with a PUD overlay (RH/PUD). Planned unit developments allow for deviation from Hamilton’s zoning, subdivision, and/or public works standards (without having to go through the variance process) in exchange for community benefts and innovative, quality design that would not be achieved through development in strict conformance with existing regulations and standards.”
Both the Planning Board and Zoning Commission have reviewed the application package for the D Lazy S Meadows subdivision, and forwarded their recommendations to the council, who will have ultimate say over its approval.
Ravalli Street improvement plan moves forward
Hamilton’s Ravalli Street has been in need of improvements for years, and it is now set for reconstruction. Planning and saving for the project began as far back as 2013 and a Preliminary Engineering Report was developed in 2014. According to the Ravalli Street Preliminary Engineering Report of 2014, Ravalli Street provides a key link between neighborhoods east of US Highway 93 and parks, schools, and other destinations west of US Highway 93. Improvements to Ravalli Street were recommended in both the 2009 City of Hamilton Transportation Plan and the 2012 Non-Motorized Transportation Plan to address sidewalk connectivity, bicycle routes,and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defciencies.
Ravalli Street is classifed by the City of Hamilton as a Collector Street from US Highway 93 to 4th Street and a Local Street from 4th Street to 9th Street. 4th Street and 7th Street are also classifed as Collector Streets within the project area.
The right-of-way width for Ravalli Street west of US Highway 93 is 80 feet. Numerous encroachments (fences and structures), mature trees, and landscaping elements exist within the right-of-way.
The existing asphalt width is approximately 24 feet and is approximately centered in the right-of-way. Ravalli Street generally does not have curb and gutter, and has limited drainage facilities. The existing asphalt on Ravalli Street is overall in fair condition. Asphalt defciencies generally consist of fatigue cracks, longitudinal cracks, traverse cracks, patches, and edge cracks and are at a low to moder-
ate severity. Concrete sidewalks exist on both sides of Ravalli Street in various locations, but lack continuity and ADA accessible curb ramps.
The PER made the following recommended alternative:
“The recommended alternative is based on an evaluation of project goals and objectives, and comments received from City Council and a Complete Street Resolution, as well as neighborhood residents. The recommended alternative consists of reconstructing Ravalli Street with on-street bike lanes and parking between US Highway 93 and 4th Street, and a bicycle boulevard consisting of shared bicycle/travel lanes with parking pull-outs, between 4th Street and 9th Street.
“Curb, gutter, and sidewalks are recommended throughout the project with curb bulb-outs at the intersections to shorten pedestrian crossings. A curvilinear alignment is recommended between 4th and 9th Streets to minimize impacts to property improvements and provide trafc calming. A trafc calming circle is recommended at 7th Street.”
Public Works Director, Donny Ramer, has taken lead on this project since starting at the City eight years ago. Though it has taken several years to get to this stage, the project has been and will be worth the wait.
“We were going to advertise for bids in winter/spring of 2024 but held of due to increased construction costs from the original estimate,” said Ramer. “Many meetings and presentations have been held during this process. Since the December 2023 meeting, we have continued coordination with the property owners along Ravalli Street that have had concerns about the project, and accommodated requests where
we could.”
“We ofered two landscaping options to the property owners for the project. Turf/native grass and a low water ‘xeriscape’ option,” said Ramer. There will be three diferent road sections for the project. The frst section from 1st Street to 4th Street will be wider to accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and other non-motorized transportation. The second and third section will see the footprint narrow a bit to calm trafc and encourage safe driving through those sections, said Ramer.
Bids for the project were opened on December 20th. There were three bidders, with William Civil being the lowest bidder at $2,967,298.00 for the complete project from 1st Street to 9th Street. The contractor would like to start work mid-March 2025 and hopes to complete the project by the end of the summer 2025. A recommendation of award is being prepared and will be brought to City Council on January 21, 2025.
Submitted by Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf
A view across the proposed D Lazy S Meadows subdivision property as seen from Fairgrounds Road. Photo by Nathan Boddy.
Ariella Wells of Bitterroot Early Learning Network spoke to the Hamilton City Council on January 7th, 2025. Photo by Nathan Boddy.
Fish and Wildlife Service proposes update to grizzly bear
Endangered Species Act listing, management plan
by Michael Howell
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a proposed rule clarifying the geographic area where grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are subject to protection under the Endangered Species Act. The agency has also proposed revisions to the current protective regulations to provide additional management fexibility for authorized agencies and individuals experiencing conficts with grizzly bears. Accompanying the proposals the agency has also published an independently peer-reviewed updated Species Assessment (https:// iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/266676) that compiles the best available scientifc information to help inform decision-making.
“This reclassifcation will facilitate recovery of grizzly bears and provide a stronger foundation for eventual delisting,” said Martha Williams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director. “And the proposed changes to our 4(d) rule will provide management agencies and landowners more tools and fexibility to deal with human/bear conficts, an essential part of grizzly bear recovery.”
Grizzly bears were listed under the ESA in 1975 throughout the lower 48 states, including areas outside the historical range of grizzly bears. The Service’s proposed rule would revise that listing to establish a single distinct population segment (DPS) encompassing areas in Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, where suitable habitat exists and where grizzly bears currently reside or are expected to establish as populations recover. The grizzly bear DPS would retain threatened status under the ESA. The proposed action removes ESA protections outside the newly proposed DPS, where grizzly bears do not occur and are not expected to inhabit in the future.
The proposed action comes in response to petitions from the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to establish DPSs and delist grizzlies for the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, respectively, and fnds these petitioned actions “not warranted.” The agency claims that after a thorough review of the best scientifc and commercial data available, it found grizzly bear populations in those two ecosystems do not, on their own, represent valid DPSs.
Agency ofcials believe that establishing a single DPS encompassing all six recovery zones will provide a comprehensive and scientifcally based framework for recovery. They state that grizzly bear distribution has signifcantly expanded, largely due to the commitments of state, federal, and
Tribal agencies.
“These partners have played a key role in the on-the-ground management of grizzly bears for over 40 years by dedicating signifcant resources toward monitoring and management; in addition, private landowners have made sacrifces to accommodate grizzly bears,” it states in their announcement. “The Service also recognizes that recovery of small and extirpated populations relies on contributions from highly resilient populations. Maintaining all recovery zones together in one DPS will increase the speed of recovery in remaining ecosystems and the overall viability of grizzly bears, increasing the likelihood of successfully delisting the entire DPS by
addressing the species’ recovery needs as a whole.”
According to the agency, “Grizzly bear expansion is challenging for local communities and working lands, and the Service is committed to a collaborative approach and helping partner agencies, private landowners, and livestock producers by providing additional management tools. Management tools can be implemented along with important safeguards to promote connectivity and resiliency that are necessary for delisting. The proposed 4(d) rule recognizes the need for added fexibility and responsiveness on private lands and areas where grizzly bear populations are impacting private landowners and livestock producers
zones. Credit: USFWS.
while continuing eforts to promote conservation in areas crucial to the eventual delisting of grizzly bears in the lower 48 as a whole.”
The public is invited to comment on the proposed rule to designate a single DPS and the associated 4(d) revision during the 60-day comment period following its publication in the Federal Register. More information on the proposed rule (including supporting materials) and how to participate in the public comment process, can be found on the project’s webpage at https://www.fws.gov/grizzlyrulemaking.
Montana’s U.S. Senator Steve Daines responded to the agency’s proposal in a news release stating, “Today’s announcement is incredibly frustrating for Montana. For decades, Montana has followed the science and as a result, the bear has more than recovered in the Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems. Continuing to move the goalposts on recovery is only harming the bear and putting our Montana communities at risk. This is a shameful partisan play, and I’ll be pushing back every step of the way.”
Mike Senatore, Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs for Defenders of Wildlife, released a statement saying, “The NCDE and GYE grizzly bear populations have both come a long way since their listing in 1975, but both have farther to go. Defenders is pleased that this species remains listed under the ESA, and that USFWS is cognizant of the work that still needs to be done to ensure resilient, connected grizzly bear populations into the future. As with all decisions of this nature, however, the devils are in the details, and we look forward to examining them closely.”
“Grizzly bears on the brink of extinction were one of the main drivers behind Greater Yellowstone Coalition’s founding over 40 years ago,” said Executive Director Scott Christensen. “Thankfully, grizzlies are no longer on the brink, but the decision to maintain protections for bears demonstrates more work remains. Our goal is to ensure that any future transition to state management maintains and builds upon this conservation success long into the future… While living with grizzly bears isn’t always easy, we know that management policies driven by wildlife experts, not politicians, can create the conditions that allow people and bears to thrive on shared landscapes. Today’s announcement acknowledges the challenges grizzly bears still face, and at the same time provides an opportunity to achieve meaningful recovery while employing more tools for people living alongside bears.”
Snowpack rebounds after slow start to winter season
Water year 2025 got of to a dry start in the mountains of Montana and northern Wyoming with minimal precipitation recorded across the region for the frst half of October. Moisture arrived in mid-October, but abnormally warm temperatures meant it fell primarily as rain or a mix of rain and snow, even at upper elevations. For most basins, the frst snow at all elevations occurred late October. November brought a mixture of snowstorms that beneftted the mountains of southwest and northwest Montana, while drier conditions were experienced elsewhere. “Dry conditions persisted for the frst half of December throughout most of Montana until the tide began to turn just before the New Year with a true winter system bringing much needed snow to the region,” said Eric Larson, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Hydrologist. The brunt of the winter storm arrived on December 26 and lasted through the end of the year, however a series of smaller storms continued through the frst week in January. In general, precipitation totaled 2-5 inches through January 7
across the highest elevations in western Montana. “Snow depth increased by approximately 20-40 inches at those elevations, which nearly doubled the snowpack at most locations,” said Larson. Noisy Basin SNOTEL in the northern Swan Range has received about 9.5 inches of precipitation since December 26 and on December 31 reached 97 inches of depth, a new record high for that date. Northern Wyoming basins and the Upper Clark Fork of Montana received slightly less snow from the recent storm and have slightly larger snowpack defcits to overcome.
Despite recent snow accumulation, snowpack percentages remain slightly below normal across most of Montana. As of January 7, Montana’s snowpack ranges from 63% of median in the Powder River basin to 105% in the Flathead. Other basins with near normal conditions include the Smith-Judith-Musselshell, Gallatin, Madison, Bitterroot, Lower Clark Fork, Kootenai, and Flathead. All other basins are currently reporting 60-80% of median snowpack conditions. Regardless of the region, there is still a signifcant portion of winter ahead, and snowpack conditions can change substantially between now and when they are most critical. In Montana, the mountain snowpack generally peaks in April, and conditions at that time will provide a more accurate indicator of the upcoming spring snowmelt season.
A full report of conditions on January 1 can be found in the monthly Water Supply Outlook Report available on the Montana Snow Survey website. In addition, real-time snow survey data can be found at nrcs.usda.gov/ montana/snow-survey.
Grizzly bear. Credit: U.S . Fish and Wildlife Service.
A map of the proposed DPS boundary overlayed with the existing six grizzly bear recovery
Medicaid expansion debate will affect other health policy issues
by Mike Dennison and Sue O’Connell | KFF Health News
A last-minute change to a 2019 bill put an end date on Montana’s Medicaid expansion program, setting the stage for what is anticipated to be the most signifcant health care debate of the 2025 Montana Legislature.
In recent interviews, legislative leaders predicted a vigorous debate over keeping the Medicaid expansion program, which pays the medical bills of more than 75,000 low-income Montanans at an annual cost of about $1 billion to the federal and state governments. They also expect the topic to seep into other health policy decisions, such as the approval of new spending on Montana’s behavioral health system and regulation of hospital tax-exempt status.
“It all kind of links together,” said state Sen. Dennis Lenz, a Billings Republican and chair of the Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Safety Committee.
Legislators from both parties also expect lawmakers from the GOP majority to continue to pursue abortion restrictions, despite a November statewide vote making abortion a right under the Montana Constitution.
The Medicaid expansion debate, however, looms largest among the health care topics.
“This is defnitely the elephant in the room, so to speak,” said Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, a Belgrade Democrat.
Montana expanded Medicaid, initially for four years, in 2015, through a coalition of minority Democrats, some moderate Republicans, and a Democratic governor. A similar coalition renewed the program in 2019, but at the last moment, Senate Republicans tacked on an end date of June 30, 2025. That put the matter in the lap of this year’s legislature.
Republicans still hold strong majorities in the state House and Senate, whose leaders voiced concerns about the expansion program.
This time around, the governor — Greg Gianforte — is a Republican. Last year, the Gianforte administration completed a postpandemic eligibility reassessment that cut the number of expansion enrollees from a high of 125,000 people in April and May 2023 to approximately 76,600 people as of October, the most recent data available.
Gianforte has included funding for Medicaid expansion in his proposed budget, which must be approved by the legislature to take efect. His ofce
said he wants “strong work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents” to take part in the program. Spokesperson Kaitlin Price said the governor “has been clear that the safety net of Medicaid should be there for those who truly need it, but that it will collapse if all are allowed to climb on it.”
GOP legislative leaders clearly are skeptical of the program, saying it won’t continue without some “sideboards,” or additional requirements of enrollees and providers.
Whether any expansion bill passes “will depend on the people pushing it,” said Senate President Matt Regier, a Kalispell Republican who opposes expansion. “If there is no give-and-take, it could be an interesting vote.”
Flowers said he knows getting Medicaid expansion through the Senate will be tough. Republicans hold a 32-18 majority, and the GOP caucus leans conservative.
“There are a lot of my colleagues on the Republican side that are ideologically opposed, and I think you’re going to see that in their consistent voting against reauthorizing,” Flowers said.
Medicaid, funded by both the state and federal governments, provides health coverage for certain groups of low-income people. Expansion extended Medicaid coverage to nondisabled adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level — about $20,800 a year for an individual in 2024.
The 2010 federal Afordable Care Act opened Medicaid to this new group of adults, starting in 2014. But a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling said states could choose whether to adopt the change, and 40 have done so.
Republican state Rep. Ed Buttrey said he would sponsor a bill to reauthorize Medicaid expansion without an expiration date, but many GOP lawmakers remain unconvinced that expansion is needed, viewing it as a costly, unnecessary welfare program.
“I understand there are some pros to Medicaid expansion, but, as a conservative, I do have issues with — I guess I can’t get around it — socialized medicine,” said House Speaker Brandon Ler (R-Savage).
In September, representatives from a pair of conservative-funded think tanks made a case for ending Medicaid expansion, saying its enrollment and costs are bloated. The consulting frm Manatt, on the other hand, said more people have access to critical treatment because of Medicaid expansion.
At the least, it appears many Republicans want to require partici-
pants to work, pay premiums, or meet other conditions, if the program is to continue.
Premiums and work requirements are in Montana’s law right now. The Biden administration, though, nixed both, so they haven’t been in efect. Montana Republicans expect the incoming Trump administration to be more open to such provisions.
Democrats say Medicaid expansion has succeeded on many fronts: covering thousands of low-income workers, helping keep rural health care providers and hospitals afoat, and bringing hundreds of millions of federal dollars into Montana’s economy. The state pays 10% of the program’s costs, which totaled about $962.4 million in fscal year 2024. The federal government picked up $870 million of that tab.
“With all that, it’s just stunning to me that there could be opposition,” Flowers said. “There is just no reason for us, collectively as a state, not to support this.”
Democrats will have their own expansion bill, brought by Rep. Mary Caferro of Helena. She said the bill would remove the work requirements and premiums, shine more light on the contracting activities of the state health department, and reopen some public assistance ofces that have been closed. It also would make expansion permanent.
“We’re 10 years into this program,” said Rep. SJ Howell of Missoula, the Democratic vice chair of the House Human Services Committee, which debates health policy legislation. “I think that continuing a cycle of uncertainty for patients and providers doesn’t make sense.”
Legislators also see the expansion debate tying into other health care discussions.
Regier and Lenz said Montana’s nonproft hospitals — strong supporters of expansion — have benefted greatly from the program and may need to give something back in return. One possibility: more government oversight of the “community benefts” that hospitals must provide to receive tax-exempt status.
They also noted that Montanans pay a fee for hospital stays to support the Medicaid program and that a fee on hospital outpatient revenue helps pay the costs of Medicaid expansion. Those fees and the resulting money raised for hospitals may merit review, they said.
Meanwhile, backers said Medicaid expansion underpins one of the governor’s major policy priorities, to
improve the state’s behavioral health system. Gianforte has proposed spending up to $100 million over the next two years on 10 recommendations made by an advisory commission that reviewed the system for the past 18 months.
If Medicaid expansion ends, many adults would lose access to the mental health and addiction treatment system that Gianforte wants to improve, advocates said, while treatment providers would lose a signifcant source of revenue.
Money for the behavioral health changes would come, in part, from a $300 million fund created by the 2023 legislature. Lawmakers plan to scrutinize Gianforte’s proposals during the budgeting process. Howell said Democrats want to look at whether the changes would use enough of the $300 million fund quickly enough and on the most pressing needs.
Meanwhile, Republicans said they’ll likely introduce bills on abortion — even though Montanans approved Constitutional Initiative 128 by a 58-42 margin in November. CI-128 said the right to an abortion cannot be “denied or burdened” except by a “compelling government interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”
“It’s not going to slow us down in our pro-life positions,” Ler said of CI-128.
At a minimum, GOP leaders said, some of CI-128’s terms should be defned.
“With a very poorly written ballot initiative like that, we need to say, ‘What does that abortion industry look like under CI-128 and what’s our role as a state?’” Regier said.
But state Sen. Cora Neumann, a Bozeman Democrat on the Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Safety Committee, said the CI-128 vote provided a strong mandate for the right of privacy.
Enacting restrictions would lead to “that slippery slope of what’s next, if we allow legislators to rule on what’s happening in the doctor’s ofce,” she said. “What kind of can of worms could be opened to other invasions of privacy?”
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF, an independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Bitterroot Health CEO joins Montana Hospital Association Board
John Bishop, Chief Executive Ofcer of Bitterroot Health, has been elected to the Montana Hospital Association (MHA) Board of Trustees. Bishop will serve as Trustee for Region 1, covering Northwestern Montana and including Ravalli County. His two-year term began Jan. 1.
A Montana native, Bishop joined Bitterroot Health as CEO in 2018. Previously, he served in leadership roles in several hospitals in Oregon, and as CEO of Madison Valley Medical Center in Ennis. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy from Montana State University.
During his tenure at Bitterroot Health, Bishop has led several transformative projects that have signifcantly expanded access to both primary and specialized care in the Bitterroot Valley. Notable achievements under his leadership include the opening of a state-of-the-art Dialysis Center, a new primary care facility in Darby ofering urgent care, rehabilitation, and pharmacy services, and a comprehensive clinic in Stevensville featuring primary care, urgent care, imaging, laboratory services, a rehabilitation center with a therapy pool, and specialty services. Additionally, Bishop spear-
headed the development of the new Oncology, Infusion, and Wound Care Center in
Hamilton and introduced new specialties such as Midwifery, Nephrology, Neurology, ENT, and more.
The MHA Board Trustees serve as the primary decision-making body of the association. As an MHA Board Region Trustee elected by fellow members, Bishop joins a group of dedicated healthcare leaders from across that state that guide MHA to meet its mission to advocate for the interests of members in their eforts to improve the health status of the communities they serve.
“I am honored to serve on the Montana Hospital Association Board of Trustees
and represent the Bitterroot Valley on a statewide level,” said Bishop. “This opportunity allows me to collaborate with healthcare leaders across Montana to ensure our communities have access to the highest quality care. At Bitterroot Health, we’ve made great strides in improving and adding new services, expanding access to care for the people of the Bitterroot Valley, and I’m excited to bring that same commitment to advancing healthcare for all Montanans through my work with the MHA.”.
For more information about MHA Boards and Councils, visit mtha.org.
John Bishop
Report from the House Report from the Senate
This is the frst of a series of reports from Helena meant to keep you informed on happenings at the state capitol. Besides discussing the important issues of the day, I’ll also provide you some insights into how the Legislature operates.
The Montana Constitution requires the Legislature to meet in Helena each odd-numbered year for up to 90 legislative days before adjourning. A “legislative day” is a workday, i.e., any day either the House or the Senate “gavels in” to conduct business. The 2025 session convened on January 6th.
For example, I chair the subcommittee tasked with overseeing the budget of each of the state’s education-related agencies, which include the Ofce of Public Instruction, the Ofce of the Commissioner of Higher Education, the Board of Public Education, the School for the Deaf & Blind, the Montana State Library, the Montana Historical Society, and the Montana Arts Council, for which the proposed twoyear budgets total over $3.5 billion. In February, I’ll update you on the progress of HB 2.
by Rep. David Bedey
R, HD 86
The current legislative calendar shows April 30th as the 90th legislative day, with almost every Saturday after January 18th scheduled as a legislative day. If the 2025 Legislature completes its business prior to April 30th, it may adjourn early, which has typically been the case.
The one constitutional duty the Legislature must accomplish prior to adjourning is to pass a balanced state budget, which is referred to as House Bill 2 (HB 2). Following the progress of HB 2 as it moves through the Legislature will give you a good idea as to when legislators might fnally come home.
The HB 2 process starts with the House Appropriations Committee’s consideration of the biennial budget proposed by the governor for fscal years 2026 and 2027. Between now and mid-February, fve appropriations subcommittees will be conducting hearings to evaluate each section of the governor’s request.
The House of Representatives has been operating smoothly since day one. But as you may have heard, the Senate got of to a rocky start last week as its leadership spent several days trying to reverse modest changes to committee membership made by a majority vote of the full Senate. The changes amounted to converting one committee from full time to “on call” and limiting its role to confrmation hearings on the governor’s cabinet appointments. This in turn allowed the committee’s members to be reassigned to two other full-time committees where their experience and expertise can be brought to bear. Two Republicans and one Democrat were reassigned to each of these two committees. In the end and contrary to the histrionics of some, the Senate remains frmly under the control of the Republican majority while Republican majorities slightly increased in both committees. With this tempest in a teapot now behind us, we can all get down to the work of legislating on behalf of the citizens of Montana.
HIGHLIGHTS: Week 1 at Legislature
continued from page 1
Montana Department of Justice Criminal Investigator Brian Cassidy said the Internet Crimes Against Children Division received 2,640 tips of internet sexual abuse in 2024 — a near 560% increase over the past ten years.
Cassidy said AI has increased the complexity and danger of online sexual abuse against children.
As the previous proponents have stated, this plugs a lot of holes and gaps that we have currently in our laws that are being used to exploit
children across the state,” Cassidy said.
Cassidy said certain cases involved a perpetrator manipulating an existing photo of a minor with AI, while others saw AI being used to translate an ofender’s message to sound more like a child.
HB 82 would also create charges for “grooming” a minor, which the bill’s proponents say could help prevent sexual abuse cases early. The 16page bill would also allow sting operations to arrest and charge ofenders.
There were no opponents to the bill at the hearing Thursday.
Clayton Murphy is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. Murphy can be reached at clayton. murphy@umconnect.umt.edu.
Montana Republicans hit ground running at 2025 Legislative Session
The Republican majority in the Montana Senate kicked of the 69th legislative session in Helena with the typical fanfare, as lawmakers gear up for several months of hard work on the issues that matter most to Montanans. In the coming months, the Senate will strive to pass a balanced budget, deliver on tax reform, and reclaim the legislature’s power from an overreaching judiciary.
However, the Senate started the session by working across the aisle to honor a Montana hero: Staf Sergeant Arthur Rambo, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War and posthumously awarded a Silver Star for his actions. On Wednesday, the Senate fast tracked legislation to memorialize Rambo by naming a bridge after him in his hometown of Libby.
by
ans. Republicans and Democrats banded together and unanimously moved the legislation through the Senate and on to the House, where it is likewise poised to pass in the near future. Although there may be partisan struggles ahead, we started the session as partners on a bill that all Montanans can get behind. I am here at the Capitol to get work done and push vital legislation past the fnish line. It was easy to honor one of our state’s many veterans, but not all bills can expect such overwhelming support.
Sen. Jason Ellsworth R, SD 43
The bill prompted lots of heartfelt testimony from the public during a committee hearing, demonstrating that sometimes the seemingly small issues are the ones nearest and dearest to Montan-
Nevertheless, I will work around the clock this session to break through roadblocks and pass legislation that makes lives better for everyday Montanans. The legislative session is of to a slow start, but in the weeks to come, I will keep readers here in Ravalli County and across the state informed about what Republicans accomplish here in the Senate.
With any luck – and lots of hard work – I will have numerous accomplishments to share by the end of this historic session.
Montana economy and generative AI focus of Economic Outlook Seminar
After a pandemic-era boom in which Montana had one of the fastest-growing economies in the U.S., Montana’s economy is growing at a slower rate, according to a University of Montana economist.
“In recent years, Montana’s economy has boomed as its population swelled and new residents flocked to the state,” said Jeffrey Michael, UM’s new director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research. “Not any longer.”
While high housing costs have applied the brakes to in-migration, tourist visits set records in 2024, and hospitality, construction and health care propelled job growth higher as other sectors slowed, he said.
Michael and a team of BBER economists and industry experts will begin their nine-city tour at the end of the month to provide the economic forecast for the state and national economies. The seminar series begins Jan. 28 in Helena and runs through mid-March. BBER will celebrate its 50th anniversary for the Economic Outlook Seminar.
ficial intelligence and what it means for Montana businesses.
The seminar theme, “Montana’s AI Future: Rethinking How to Staff and Run Your Business,” addresses advances in computing power and machine learning, which have spawned an avalanche of innovations and investments that mimic what human brains do at higher speeds and lower costs.
Gladen’s keynote presentation will focus on how Montana businesses can creatively leverage AI.
The seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the following cities:
Helena – Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Helena Great Northern Hotel
Great Falls – Wednesday, Jan. 29, at the Hilton Garden Inn
Missoula – Friday, Jan. 31, at the Hilton Garden Inn
Billings – Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Big Horn Resort
Bozeman – Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Commons
Butte – Thursday, Feb. 6, at the NorthWestern Energy General Office
In addition to an in-depth look at Montana’s economy, the 50th annual seminar features keynote speaker Paul Gladen, UM associate vice president for research and economic development, who will discuss arti -
Kalispell – Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Wachholz College Center
Sidney – Tuesday, March 11, at MSU Richland County Extension
Miles City – Wednesday, March 12, at Sleep Inn and Suites
For more information about the seminars or to register, visit EconomicOutlookSeminar.com or call 406243-5113. Registration is $99 and includes lunch. Webcast streaming live from Bozeman is available in addition to in-person options. Continuing Education credits are offered for both the webcast only and in-person options. Established in 1948, BBER is the main research unit of UM’s College of Business. Bureau researchers engage in a wide range of applied research projects that address different aspects of the state economy, including survey research, economic analysis, health care research, forecasting, wood-products research and energy research. For more information visit bber. umt.edu or call 406243-5113.
An Ode to Local Militia
They’ll turn this country upside down, Though their average age is 67. One way or another they fgure, They’ll soon be in heaven. Fear the Geriatric Revolution!
Their minds get confused now, As conspiracy theories loom bigger. It may only be dementia, But they can still pull a trigger. Fear the Geriatric Revolution!
“Onward!,” their leader commands, And they march as fast as tricky tickers permit.
“Oh, General! That’s my last heart pill; Revolution won’t afect Medicare, will it?” Fear the Geriatric Revolution!
The machine gun opens fre, And they all dive in the ditch. The machine gun misses, But the diving causes fve broken hips.
Fear the Geriatric Revolution!
“Maybe we can outlast them,” the rest of us say,
“They can’t live forever.”
But whether they get to heaven on this tack, Now that’s a diferent matter. Fear the Geriatric Revolution!
Danny Tomlinson Hamilton
Speaking truth to power
Speaking truth to power is important, and it needs to be acknowledged and supported.
In 2024, the Ravalli county commissioners held hearings on election integrity. Using these hearings to inform the public that their limited authority stops at the county election process was a good thing. What they did not do was demand that hearing testimony be limited to local election details and procedures. That was a missed educational opportunity resulting in multiple forums to spread election integrity lies. They did not speak truth to power. 93% of American voters now have confdence in the 2024 election results. Is it not remarkable what happens when a presidential loser does not lie about election results? Where are the local election deniers now?
Representative Liz Cheney (R-WY), when awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, spoke truth to power as follows: “Donald, this is not the Soviet Union. You can’t change the truth and you cannot silence us. Remember all your lies about the voting machines, the election workers, your countless allegations of fraud that never happened? Many of your lawyers have been sanctioned, disciplined or disbarred, the courts ruled against you, and dozens of your own White House, administration, and campaign aides testifed against you. Remember how you sent a mob to our Capitol and then watched the violence on television and refused for hours to instruct the mob to leave? Remember how your former Vice President prevented you from overturning our Republic?
We remember. And now, as you take ofce again, the American people
need to reject your latest malicious falsehoods and stand as the guardrails of our Constitutional Republic—to protect the America we love from you. https://bsky.app/profle/lizcheney. bsky.social/post/3leuot7f2dc2x
Residents of Ravalli county, you too can speak the truth to power. Do your part to support local election results to strengthen our democracy. Speak truth to power by calling or emailing the Clerk and Recorders Ofce to say “Thanks for a job well done.” (406) 375-6555)-(elections@ rc.mt.gov)
Archie L. Thomas & Merry Schrumpf Corvallis
Spewing hate
Mark Snider is outrageously vindictive and hateful. Mark Snider is not as smart as the American voters who voted overwhelmingly for Donald John Trump. Only Lawfare against Trump has been used from 2015 when he decided to run – all complete lies. Thank God for a reprieve from Mark Snider’s democracy autocracy.
Jerry Esmay and his former opinion in the Star puts the insanity down, along with the smarts displayed by the American voters.
Hurrah for MAGA and America. I stand for the sovereignty of God over Mark Snider.
Richard Parker Stevensville
Open letter to Montana Legislature
I am curious if you members of our Legislature have to have a number of people killed on our highways because of impaired drivers before you are willing to pass legislation that actually deters people from drinking and driving. You have had many opportunities to do so and the numbers keep rising. Thanks to you, we rank almost near the top of the 50 states, on a per capita basis, for the number of deaths on our highways due to impaired drivers. There are examples of legislation in other states that actually serve as a deterrent, and you have had proposed bills before, one in the last few years from Representative Greef that didn’t get out of Committee. If you really want to deter people from driving while impaired, pass a law that results in the vehicle, as long as it isn’t stolen, being confscated after a certain number of DUI convictions, say two or three, and mandatory jail sentencing for the second conviction that increases in time as the convictions increase. I am sure there are more ideas on how to deter people from driving while impaired, but you have to do something as what you are doing now (nothing) will ensure more deaths, injuries and ruined lives for many families. Do you have a reason for ignoring the data?
Sonny LaSalle Hamilton
Bathroom bill
Women deserve respect, earn admiration, and expect that the government will hear them, will listen to them, and will protect them in the spaces where they are most vulnerable. That’s why I introduced HB 121 to guarantee that in Montana, women and children can safely enter a restroom, changing room, overnight sleeping quarters at public facilities, women’s shelters, and correctional institutions. That means that the government cannot force biological wom-
en and girls to unwillingly share their private spaces with biological men. Here in Montana, the Legislature has attempted to make this crystal clear in previous sessions. Yet an activist Supreme Court continues to thwart the will of the people at every turn. So here we are again, trying to pass a law to protect something very basic: the safety and dignity of Montana women.
The Obama and Biden Administrations tried to rewrite the defnition of women to further a harmful political agenda. Fortunately in Montana, we know what – and who – women are. We know that women do tough things, all while raising a family. But we also know that over half of incarcerated women are survivors of sexual assault or abuse and often women seeking shelter are survivors of domestic violence. All women deserve to know that no matter the situation they have value and dignity.
HB121 reinforces the basic reality that men and women are biologically diferent. I will continue to fght for Montana’s women and children.
Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe HD39, Billings
Respect international law
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Montana Representatives Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke both voted in support of this bill. Zinke calls the Court a “corrupt international body.”
However, in its statement regarding these warrants, the ICC contends that there is reasonable evidence to conclude that Netanyahu and Gallant “intentionally
and knowingly” deprived the civilian population of Gaza of food, water and medical supplies, including anesthesia.
Furthermore, according to the ICC, this lack of anesthesia forced doctors to perform amputations on adults and children with no safe ways to sedate them.
Dr. Mike M. Mallah is a trauma surgeon from Charleston, S.C. who volunteered at a hospital in Gaza. In an interview, Mallah’s voice shook as he described “anesthesiologists who don’t have anesthesia who are holding people down and singing to them so that they can comfort them and do their surgery.”
And according to a doctor from Gaza, “Because of the shortage of painkillers, we leave patients to scream for hours and hours.”
The ICC, which also issued an arrest warrant for one of the few surviving leaders of Hamas, is not equating Israel with this terror group. Rather, the ICC is evaluating Israel’s actions against the standards of International Humanitarian Law.
Terry Hansen Milwaukee
Selway-Pintler Back Country Horsemen
The Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen meet the 2nd Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Forest Service ofce in Hamilton (enter through the rear door). Come enjoy refreshments and conversation. For additional information contact Kathy Hundley at 406-363-8230. Visit the website at bchmt.org/wp/spwbch/ or their Facebook page for more information.
A Course of Love study group Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480
Yoga for Veterans FREE to veterans, frst responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm at the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-5307175. Come see us on 1st Friday in May ‘bout 1800 for more info! We’ll be in front of Active Care Wellness on Main in Stevensville MS Support Group
Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Cofee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www. nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail.com
Republican Central Committee
The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee regular monthly meetings are held the frst Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Place Church, 273 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. All are welcome to attend.
Bitterroot Celtic Society
The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.
North Valley Library Board Meeting – Wed, Jan 15 at 3pm Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and the Public Participation are posted on the Library’s website. 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.
Preserving Montana’s Oral Histories & Traditions – Thurs, Jan 16 at 6:30pm This program guides participants on how to interview, collect and archive oral histories in their communities.
Candi Zion, author of Winifred Oral History Project, In Between People: The Metis of Central Montana, and Walkin’ Down the Middle: The Hi-Line Metis, teaches program attendees to how to conduct interviews in their communities, for future generations. From picking subject matter, fnding interviewees, knowing the correct questions to ask, and transcribing interviews, Preserving Montana’s Oral Histories and Traditions looks to give community members across Montana the tools and confdence to preserve their local history. Zoom option available.
How to Use Your New iPhone & iPad — Thurs, Jan 23 at 6pm
Did you get a new iPhone or iPad for Christmas? Or maybe you’ve had yours for awhile and would like to be more confdent using it. During this hands-on program, we will practice navigating Apple products, customizing settings and fnding useful features, as well as answering specifc questions or problems you may have. Participants are encouraged to bring their own device but iPads will be provided if needed.
HHS Bands citrus sale fundraiser
The Hamilton High School Bands are currently taking orders throughout the month of January for their annual Citrus Fruit Fundraiser. The band sells navel oranges and ruby-red grapefruit in 20lb and 40lb boxes, and mandarin oranges in 5lb boxes. The
proceeds from the sale go to help fund music, instruments, tuxedo cleaning and repair, and festival entry fees. The citrus fruit will be delivered the frst week of March, just in time for Spring. If you would like more information, or to place and order, please call the HHS Bandroom at 375-6060 ext. 5216.
Hamilton school board
Governance Committee
Thursday – February 6, 2025
12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room
The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg
Regular Board Meeting
Tuesday – February 11, 2025
6:30 p.m. – District Ofce –Conference Room
The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube.com/@ HSD3Boardmtg
Trout Unlimited
The frst Bitter Root Trout Unlimited meeting of 2025 will be Thursday, January 16 at the Hamilton Elks Club at 203 State Street in Hamilton.
The featured speaker will be Lisa Ronald, Western Montana Associate Conservation Director for American Rivers. The title of Lisa’s presentation will be “Protecting Rivers in the Bitterroot for Fish and People.”
Lisa will provide an introduction to American Rivers and its river protection work in western Montana. She will focus on ways Bitterroot residents can protect rivers in the Bitterroot from threats like mining, sedimentation, and pollution. Lisa will also talk about the upcoming Bitterroot National Forest Plan revision process and advocacy against mineral exploration.
This will also be the annual membership meeting and ofcers and board members for 2025 will be elected.
The program will start at 7 p.m., but you can join BRTU starting at 5:45 for a brat and a brew, featuring the Elks Club’s famous beer cooked bratwurst for just $10.
There is no
charge for admission and the public is invited to attend. For additional information, contact Dave Ward or Marshall Bloom.
Grief support programs at Tamarack Grief Resource Center Missoula Jan. 21st, 5:30 - 6:30pm: Journaling Workshop Jan. 24th, 9:15 - 10:15am: Book Club (In person) January’s Book: Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult Jan. 27th, 5:15 - 6:30pm: Grief After Suicide and Traumatic Loss Adult Support Group Jan. 30th, 3 - 6pm: A Mini Camp to Remember -- Winter Wonderland Ongoing: 1:1 Support / Counseling Stevensville Ongoing: 1:1 and Group Support
Virtual/Statewide Jan. 16th, 5:30 - 6:30pm: Adult Virtual Roundtable -- Building Balance When Times are Tough: Practicing Self-Care Amidst Grief Jan. 28th, 5:30 - 6:30pm: Book Club (Virtual) January’s Book: Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult Ongoing: 1:1 Support / Counseling Visit tamarackgrc.org to explore Grief Support opportunities, check the calendar for upcoming programs, or contact TGRC about receiving support for yourself or a loved one: Missoula/Stevensville: 406-541-8472 or info@tamarackgrc.org
Pachyderm Club
The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, January 17 at 12 noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Rob Livesay, Ravalli County Planner, who will be speaking on subdivisions and water rights land classifcation for tax purposes. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
BItterroot Birding
Alliance
Bitterroot Birding Alliance Program: Nocturnal peeps: what nights sounds can tell us about shorebird
migration in Montana Bitterroot Birding Alliance’s January program will feature a presentation focused on shorebird migration and a project to detect these birds by their fight calls. Ecologist Kate Stone with the MPG Ranch will share some of the surprising results about the shorebirds migrating over the Bitterroot Valley - species you might never see or even expect. Shorebirds cover huge distances during spring and fall migration, passing over entire states without touching land. Because most shorebirds migrate at night and daytime shorebird identifcation challenges many birders, we understand very little about their migration through Montana and the Intermountain West. However shorebirds make unique fight calls while migrating, and we can often identify them to species based on these calls.
Join BBA for a glimpse into the scientifc process of innovation and discovery during our January virtual program which will take place on Monday, January 20 at 7 p.m. You will need to register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/BOsWvJQTTlOzuJX7sDot5g
After registering, you will receive a confrmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Knotty Knitters Guild
Knotty Knitters Guild meets the 4th Tuesday of every month except July, August and December at 6 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. The frst meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, Jan. 28th. You can also bring your knitting project to visit and knit with friends or get help with questions on Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00. Any questions call 406-3815123 or just show up on Friday!
Calendar postings are free to non-profit groups. Submit by emailing to: editor@ bitterrootstar.com
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Florence basketball defeats Stevi, Corvallis
Florence basketball is of to a strong start to the 2024-2025 season. The Florence girls have won six straight games and have a 7-1 record. The Falcons are currently ranked #8 in the latest girls Class B 406mtsports. com poll.
Florence head coach Shane Meinhold has a well-rounded team with a deep bench, with multiple girls capable of leading the team on any given night. The Florence boys lost their frst three games, but the team is starting to fnd their form and have won fve games in a row and have a 5-3 record on the season.
Florence head coach Shea Bradshaw’s team has a good mix of youth and experience and the team is full of athletes who compete hard and know what it takes to win.
These two Florence teams faced of against Bitterroot Valley foes Stevens-
ville and Corvallis last week. Florence won all four games, as both the girls and boys teams defeated the Class A ‘Jackets and the Class A Blue Devils.
Florence 76, Stevensville 15
On Tuesday, January 7, the Florence girls played at Stevensville. The deep and experienced Falcon girls were too much for the young and inexperienced ‘Jacket girls. Florence was up 31-7 after the frst quarter and 57-10 at halftime and cruised to the lopsided victory.
For Florence, Maggie Schneiter led the scoring with 12 points, Madigan Hurlbert had 10, Ali Meinhold scored 9, Jaden Fisher had 9, Kenzy Pickering had 9, Kendyl Meinhold had 8, Emory Ralston had 7, Shelby Crocker scored 6, Taylor Pyette had 4, and Alex Nelson added 2.
Florence 53, Corvallis 27
On Thursday, January 9, the Florence girls traveled to Corvallis. The
B-ball around the ‘Root
Corvallis
The Corvallis boys and girls basketball teams played Class B power Missoula Loyola on Tuesday, January 7. The Corvallis boys hosted the #1 ranked Rams, while the Corvallis girls traveled to Missoula to play the #2 ranked Breakers.
In the boys game, the young Blue Devil squad was outmanned and outgunned. They fell behind 14-53 at halftime and lost 30-77.
In the girls game, the Blue Devils kept it close early, trailing 11-17 after the frst quarter, but the Breakers hit the gas and Corvallis couldn’t keep up as the Blue Devils fell 36-66. For Corvallis, Ella Varner had 18 points.
Darby
The Darby boys and girls hosted Superior on Friday, January 10.
In the girls game, Darby lost 4968. The Tigers were hindered by a cold second quarter where they were outscored 8-22. For Darby, Hadley Heiland led the scoring with 19 points, Georgia Fisher had a solid game with 16, Austin Hackel had 6, and Natalie Anderson and Ella Bush each added 4.
In the boys game, Darby was doomed by a slow frst half where they fell behind 16-41. The Tigers rallied in the second half, but fell short, losing 54-65.
For Darby, McCoy Townsend had a monster game, scoring 29 points. Leif Nelson was solid with 11, Jordan Browning had 5, Oliver Long had 3, and Daniel Stewart and Abe Atkins each added 2.
Then Saturday, January 11, both Darby teams traveled to Plains. In the girls game, Darby lost 40-41 in a heart breaker. Darby was solid in the frst three quarters and led 35-27 going into the 4th quarter. But they went cold in the fnal frame, getting outscored 5-14 and losing by one point.
The boys game was a low scoring afair. Darby was up 16-10 at halftime and held on to get the 40-34 victory.
Hamilton
The Hamilton boys played at Bigfork on Tuesday, January 7. The Broncs stampeded out to a 30-17 halftime lead, then held on for the 52-48
game was close in the frst half as Florence led 25-14 at halftime. Florence outscored Corvallis 22-4 in the third quarter to take a commanding lead en route to a 26-point victory.
For Florence, Kenzy Pickering led the way with 12 points, Emory Ralston had 10, Maggie Schneiter had 8, Madigan Hurlbert and Jaden Fisher each scored 7, Ali Meinhold had 4, Kendyl Meinhold and Shelby Crockern each had 2, and Taylor Pyette added 1.
Florence 68, Stevensville 37
On Thursday, January 9, the Stevensville boys hosted Florence. The Falcons outscored the ‘Jackets 32-8 in the second quarter and rolled to the 68-37 victory.
Florence got big games from Brody Duchien and Jake Schneiter. Duchien
scored 19 points while Schneiter had 18. Also for Florence, Bridger Alexander and Kade Anderson each had 8, Mason Arlington had 6, Levi Winters had 5, and Mose Smith added 4.
Florence 67, Corvallis 44
On Saturday, January 11, the Florence boys hosted Corvallis and won 67-44. Florence led 19-16 after a competitive frst quarter, then the Flacons slowly distanced themselves from the Blue Devils over the next three quarters to gain the 23-point victory. Florence had a well-rounded attack. Jake Schneiter led the way with 18 points, Brody Duchien had 13, Bridger Alexander had 11, Levi Winters had 10, Mason Arlington and Mose Smith each had 6, and Schoenfeld Grant added 2.
victory.
For Hamilton, Canaan Magness led the way with 16 points, Asher Grifn, Landon Wetzel and Tyler Jette each had 9, Kaden Gum had 5, and Gage Bierer added 4.
On Saturday, the Hamilton boys traveled to Columbia Falls where they struggled to get it going ofensively and lost 38-60.
The Hamilton girls played at Bigfork on Thursday, Jan 9 and lost 33-64 to a strong Valkyries team. For Hamilton, Meryn Leonardi led the scoring with 11 points, Nellie Dickemore had 5, Ella Grifn and Ashlynn McKern each had 4, Elise Carroll had 3, Annalise Lewis and Mariah Domingo each had 2, and Loretta Hanson and Tricia Wilson each added 1.
On Saturday, the Hamilton girls hosted Columbia Falls and lost 41-48. The Lady Broncs had an up and down game. They led 16-5 after one quarter, then went cold in the next two quarters and were behind 28-34 going into the 4th quarter where they couldn’t make up the diference and lost 41-48.
For Hamilton, Ashlynn McKern had a big game with 21 points, Meryn Leonardi had 8, Ella Grifn, Tricia Wilson and Mariah Domingo each had 3, Loretta Hanson had 2, and Annalise Lewis added 1.
Victor
The Victor boys and girls basketball teams hosted Alberton on Thursday, Jan 9. In the girls game, Victor defeated Alberton 42-19. In the boys game, Victor was defeated 35-63.
On Saturday, Jan. 11, both teams went to Pablo to play Two Eagle River. The girls game was a thriller that came down to the wire. With 18 seconds left in the game, Victor had the ball and the score was tied 55-55. Victor’s Chloe Pollan grabbed a rebound of a missed shot and was fouled with four seconds left to play. Pollan missed her frst free throw, but buried the second one to give Victor a 56-55 lead. On Two Eagle’s ensuing possession, Pollan stole a pass to seal the victory for Victor.
In the boys game, Victor lost to Two Eagle River 43-83.
Ribbon cutting held for Stevi Hall of Fame Wall
The Stevensville Hall of Fame Wall was ofcially unveiled in a ceremony at the Stevensville High School on Thursday, January 9 before the start of the varsity basketball game between Stevensville and Florence.
Stevensville Wall of Fame board member Steve Lewis spoke to the gathered audience and board member Vickie Vernon cut the ceremonial ribbon.
The Stevensville Hall of Fame Wall consists of individual plaques with the names of the Hall of Fame inductees for each year. The Wall’s most prominent feature is a framed TV that has a looping video with pictures and bios of all the Hall of Fame inductees.
Lewis thanked his board members and the community, but also gave special thanks to the STARS Foundation. “We wanted to acknowl-
edge STARS for all their help and highlight all that they have done to make this all possible,” said Lewis. “Without their help, none of this would have happened.”
The ceremony also served as an opportunity to showcase the STARS Foundation and its goal of raising money for new tennis courts and track and feld facilities for Stevensville. Mock photos were on display showing what the new facilities would look like once the money is raised.
The 2024-2025 Stevensville Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony will take place on February 1, 2025 at St. Mary’s Family Center from 6 to 10 p.m. The 2024-2025 inductees are: Ted Ray, Dr. Fred Costello, Billy Wark, Tom Tucker, Mike Goicoechea, Ralph Serrette, Firman Ray, and Kim Anderson.
Stevensville Hall of Fame board member Vickie Vernon cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the Stevensville Hall of Fame Wall on Thursday, January 9 at Stevensville High School. The Wall features a framed TV running a loop of the inductees’ pictures and biographies. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Florence’s Mose Smith (#23) battles Stevensville’s Tanner Brown (#11) for a rebound during Florence’s 68-37 victory over Stevensville in Stevensville on Thursday, Jan. 9.
Photo by Scott Sacry.
Stevensville’s David Laufenberg (#14) looks to deny the ball from Florence’s Bridger Alexander (#0) in the Florence/Stevensville game on January 9. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Obituaries
Paul L. Rennaker
In Loving Memory of Paul L Rennaker
March 10, 1954 - January 3, 2025
We are sad to announce the passing of Paul L Rennaker, age 70, on January 3, 2025. Paul was born on March 10, 1954, in Hamilton, Montana. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother,and friend who will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Diana Rennaker; children Shannon (Jef) Hansen, Melissa (Ryan) West, and David (Sheridon) Rennaker; grandchildren Lyndsey, Brandon, Delaney,Savannah, Ada, Alissa, and Carson; Sister Sharon (Herb) Goddard, and Brother Gary (Jerri) Rennaker. Preceded in death by parents Violet Rennaker Nelson and Thomas Rennaker, brother Thomas Rennaker and son Thomas Rennaker. Paul’s family was the heart of his life, and his presence brought comfort and joy to those around him.
Paul retired after a 30-year career at Ravalli County Electric Co-op where he was known for his expert knowledge, dedication, and strong work ethic. He was a valued contributor to the Co-op and was well respected by his
Lloyda G. Krout
Victor - Lloyda G. Krout, 86, of Victor, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at her apartment in Grizzly Peak of Missoula. She was born August 23, 1938, in Missoula, daughter of Lloyd and Zella Heggen.
Lloyda was raised in Florence, graduating from Florence-Carlton High School. In 1956, she married Stevensville boy, Robert Krout. Bob joined the Air Force, so they moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Lloyda worked for Mutual of Omaha and took care of their frst born, Kathy.
In 1961, Lloyda and Bob returned to Montana where she worked some jobs in between raising all three children, which became her priority: Kathy Lynn, Michael Lloyd, and Ronald Duanne. She retired with husband Bob after managing their bus service, L&B Busing.
Lloyda volunteered in the children’s activities, including scout leader, 4-H leader, PTA, Booster
colleagues and peers. Paul worked tirelessly in the outdoor Montana weather without complaint to restore power to homes and provide a great life for his family.
Michael Allen Wenger
Corvallis - Michael Allen Wenger, 79, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at his home in Corvallis surrounded by family.
He was born September 17, 1945 in South Bend, IN to George J. and Mary E. Wenger.
Michael graduated from Soquel High School in Soquel, CA in 1963. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 17, 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1969.
Michael was married on October 2, 1966 to Linda M. Lovett of Santa Cruz, CA. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage. Michael became an Ordained Minister in 2001. He and Linda pioneered Los Banos Family Worship Center until retiring and moving to Corvallis, MT in 2015.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, a
Jean R. Davidson
Stevensville - Jean R. Davidson, 92, peacefully passed away at The Living Centre in Stevensville on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Jean was born March 6, 1932, the second youngest child of Arthur and Mary Masterson of Darby, Montana. She grew up on a cattle ranch south of Darby with her six siblings.
On September 6, 1950, Jean married Frank in Hamilton. They walked hand in hand through life for 54 years and raised three children: Carol, Frank, and Edwin. They lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming, New Baltimore, Michigan, Mountain Home, Idaho, and Hamilton, Montana. Jean moved with Frank to Stevensville in 1995. She enjoyed gardening and always had beautiful lawns and plentiful gardens.
Jean is survived by her daughter, Carol; sons, Frank and wife Lynann, and Edwin and wife Michelle; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and her six siblings.
Jean was loved and a respected friend to many throughout the Bitterroot Valley.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Stevensville. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Accompanied by a twinkle in his blue eyes and the twitch of his mustache, Paul’s laugh was truly contagious. Paul found great happiness in life’s simple pleasureshunting, fshing, camping, stargazing and tending to his vegetable garden. Whether it be trying to capture the beauty of the moon in a photo, carefully arranging the lights on the Christmas tree he scouted weeks earlier while on a hunting trip, or meticulously planning out the vegetable rows for his garden, Paul was a perfectionist.
Paul showed his love through actions. He was a man of integrity, generosity, and quiet strength, always there for those in need without hesitation. His loyalty and devotion to his family will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A small family gathering will be held to honor his memory later this year, and his ashes will be spread in the great outdoors, a place he loved and felt at home. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com
Rest in peace, Paul. You will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.
Club, voting poll judge, school and activity bus driver, and Florence Community Church activities. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, crossword puzzles, and cooking.
Lloyda is survived by her brother Larry Heggen (wife Alice), daughter Kathy Stuart of Spokane Valley, son Mike Krout (wife Shelly) of Victor, son Ron Krout of Helena, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Preceding in death is her husband Bob Krout, sister Leandra Cady, father Lloyd Heggen, and mother Zella Heggen.
Pallbearers are Mike Krout, Ron Krout, Jef Riehle, Bryce Krout, Brian Riehle, and Sarah Krout.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 18, 11 a.m. at Florence Carlton Community Church with Pastor David Blackwell ofciating.
A reception will follow graveside service at the church. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
sister, Suzanne McCoy and a brother David Wenger. Survivors include his wife Linda of Corvallis; three sons, Michael Wenger, Jr., William Wenger and his wife Marina, two grandsons, River and Maverick, and Andrew Wenger, all of Corvallis.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the New Life Foursquare Church, 303 Cole Avenue, Darby, MT with Rev. John Yuhas ofciating. A reception will immediately follow the memorial at the church. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Death Notices
Joel Baylink
Corvallis - Joel Baylink, 88, passed away at home on December 20, 2024. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Guy Boso
Missoula - Guy Boso, 70, passed away at home on January 9, 2024 after a fght with cancer. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Midwinter meanderings, 2025 vol. 2
When you gink your fly, remember George. Charlie Brooks was a great storyteller and angling writer. His “The Trout and the Stream” and “Larger Trout for the Western Fly Fisherman” were already classics when we were having dinner after a day of fishing in the early ‘80’s.
We shared stories about people we both knew. The stories Charlie rolled off in his distinctive Texas drawl had me laughing so hard that I could barely finish my steak.
by Chuck Stranahan
Charlie was a couple of decades my senior, a hulk of a man and slightly hunched over at his massive shoulders who must have stood about 6’4” and weighed around 240 pounds. He towered over me and was strong and athletic in his approach to a trout stream. His books kicked off the use of big nymphs fished deep in heavy western currents.
We finally got around to sharing our experiences with George Gehrke. I don’t recall what Charlie’s stories, but I had a few, too. We kept each other in stitches. George’s life unspooled like a collection of humorous vignettes for those who knew him.
We were at the end of the exchange when Charlie said, “Ya know one thang about George that ah can’t stand, though? He always calls me Chuck!”
I started to laugh – again – uncontrollably. “What is it?” Brooks tried to ask through my laughter. I finally half-giggled, “He always calls me Charlie!”
You don’t call a Charlie a Chuck or vise versa. It grates our sensibilities.
“You don’t suppose he’s got us confused, do you?” Charlie shot back. We both laughed harder.
George had pet nicknames for his friends. Brooks and I were in that circle.
So was Jim Repine, or Mr. Alaska as he was known a few decades ago. He pioneered today’s Alaskan fly fishing lodge that offers fly fishing guide service, rustic lodging and good food to Alaskan fly fishers.
Jim later introduced that same business model in South America – fly fishing for big trout in Chile and Argentina. When Alaska shut down he’d
hit the U.S. fall-winter trade show and club circuit before heading to Chile for their summer – our winter.
On his way to Alaska in June he’d stop in the Bitterroot Valley where his friends George Gehrke and I lived. When Jim and I fished together the stories inevitably turned to George. Again, most of the Gehrke stories were hilarious. I remember one that wasn’t.
Jim was stuck at LAX airport in Los Angeles due to a cancelled flight, knew he’d miss a show date in Portland, and decided to pass the time by calling his friends. He called George - and when George learned that Jim was stranded and just killing time, he yelled, “Wait right there! I’m coming!” Click.
In record time George had his private plane, a twin engine Beechcraft that he had modified, on the ground at LAX. Jim was surprised to see an intense George Gehrke walking at a near trot toward him and looking especially wide-eyed through the thick myopic glasses that bulged between his receding hair line and chin, saying, “Where’s your baggage? Let’s go!”
The takeoff, steep climb to altitude and leveling off at cruising speeds pushing past 240 mph (stock Beech’s do about 204) left Jim white-knuckled while George calmly explained how he achieved his plane’s over-the-top performance.
Jim made his club date on time. George flew back to Hamilton.
George didn’t see this as going out of his way at all. A friend needed help and he was able give it. Simple as that.
Fly fishermen know George Gehrke as the name behind Gehrke’s Gink, the first easy to apply synthetic gel fly dressing. When fly fishers say they’re going to gink their fly with any of today’s dressings, linking the product to its use traces back to George.
In addition to Gink, George designed and produced the groundbreaking first CNC machined Marryat fly reel.
He sent a pre-production test reel to tackle rep Les Eichorn who was headed for the Bahamas and hard-running bonefish. Les’s first bone hit speeds that spun the spool off the frame and into the ocean, trailed by an unfurling corkscrew of line as the fish kept running. The wrecked tackle scene could have come out of a cartoon.
Les pondered: “How do I tell George?” When he finally called, George immediately recognized the voice and blurted, “I know! I’m working on it!”
He was an engineer, an inventor, an iconoclast,
a genius, a delightful madman, a craftsman, and for those of us who knew him well, a delightfully amusing and deeply loyal friend.
George left Hamilton around 1990 and moved to Asotin, Washington where he lived until his passing. He visited me one last time shortly before his death, but that’s another Gehrke story.
Merle Unruh
New Heart Center opens at Community Medical Center
Community Medical Center in Missoula celebrated the grand opening of its new Heart Center last week with a ribbon cutting. The new 19,000-square-foot facility has two new cath labs, eight pre-op/recovery bays, 12 outpatient exam rooms and expanded clinical and ofce space and is located on the Community Medical Center campus of South Avenue. The project, which broke ground in March 2023, was made possible by a $17.9 million investment by Lifepoint
Health.
“Heart disease is a huge national and international problem – the world’s leading cause of death,” said Dr. Matt Weiss, cardiologist at Community Medical Center. “As a preventive cardiologist, it saddens me to know that 50% of people who had a heart attack didn’t know they were at risk. We’re here to help people live healthier lives. This new facility will enable us to care for more people in need of preventive and urgent heart
care.”
“This is an exciting day for our team at Community Medical Center as we welcome patients to the new Heart Center,” said Greg Cook, CEO of Community Medical Center. “This new facility will help meet the healthcare needs of our growing population today and into the future. Montana’s retirement-age population has grown since 2000 and is expected to continue growing through 2030. As we look to the future, Community Medical Center is committed to ensuring we expand access to services, technology and healthcare professionals to meet the needs of our community.”
The Heart Center is a partnership between Community Medical Center and Billings Clinic to provide out-
patient cardiology services, such as preventive and diagnostic cardiology, as well as interventional cardiology services including treatment for coronary artery disease, 24/7 heart attack (STEMI) coverage, electrophysiology, cardiac rehabilitation and cardiac ultrasound services. The Heart Center is also part of Community’s Limb Preservation Program, providing endovascular therapy for PAD (peripheral arterial disease).
Tigris
Tigris
Tigris is a clever girl and very treat motivated, so with the right training, who knows what she can accomplish!
Community Medical Center is a health system comprising adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. The 151-bed hospital in Missoula is part of Lifepoint Health and Billings Clinic. Community Medical Center is proud to be the only hospital in Montana to earn The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certifcation in Perinatal Care, to have achieved Western Montana’s only Chest Pain Accreditation, and the Cancer Center is accredited by the Commission on Cancer for advanced clinical care, scientifc research and technological inventions. Community Medical Center is a Leapfrog ‘A’ Hospital, recognized for its commitment to patient safety and quality care. For more information about Community Medical Center, call (406) 728-4100 or visit CommunityMed.org. For more information about Lifepoint Health, visit LifepointHealth.net.
Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.
“The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy – and Why It Failed c.2024, Flatiron
It takes just a split-second. That’s all that’s needed for plans to go sideways, and for disaster to hit. A wrong turn, a broken tie-down, slippery steps, or an open door or gate could change your life. An inattentive driver, a loose bottle cap, a million things can happen fast and there you are. So just be careful. Keep your eyes open and, as in the new book “The JFK Conspiracy” by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch, don’t let your attention split of.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was already a hero when he ran for President of the United States in 1960.
Trouble was that despite his bravery during World War II on a PT boat in the ocean near Japan, despite that he’d risked his life to save the lives of men on the wrecked boat, despite that he’d had experience in the Senate for many years, nearly half of voting Americans were dead-set against him taking over the White House. The election of 1960 was, in fact, one of the 20th century’s closest races but in the end, Kennedy defeated Nixon and he prepared to become the President that following January.
While controversy continued to swirl and many Americans grumbled about the GOP’s defeat, one New Hampshire resident, seventy-threeyear-old Richard Pavlick, known to his neighbors as “a man full of grievances,” decided that this election outcome would ruin the country, and he wasn’t having it.
Hinting to friends and to his local postmaster about his plan, Pavlick traveled from New England, south
to Palm Beach, Florida, with an idea in mind. He’d pack his 1950 Buick full of dynamite that he’d recently purchased, he’d get near the Kennedy compound – which was easily located, too pub-
lic, and too-easily approachable – he’d fip a switch and drive hard, right into Kennedy and his detail.
by Terry Schlichenmeyer
It wouldn’t take more than a few seconds, but he had to find the right time to do it. Pavlick didn’t want to hurt anyone he considered blameless. He only wanted to fix a problem…
So many things come to mind when reading “The JFK Conspiracy.”
One must consider the times, America’s love of John Kennedy and the adoration of his wife, the fact that instant news wasn’t a “thing” yet, the end of the Cold War, hidden politics, presidential infidelities, and how this country seems now to have been so innocent.
Authors Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch address all that in a river of nostalgia, first reminding readers of Kennedy’s womanizing and his past service, explaining the PT-109 incident for modern eyes. From there, they raise the bar on tenseness, in a careful back-and-forth between the election, the ramp-up to inauguration, Kennedy’s first days in office, and Pavlick’s madness. Why Pavlick failed is astounding, especially in light of the focus inside modern terrorism. Why this account isn’t in many history books rounds things out nicely.
The more things change, the more they stay the same? Perhaps you’ll think so, as you read “The JFK Conspiracy.” Find this book and it’ll grab you, lickety-split.
The Bookworm Sez, LLC
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Legal
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
Notice is Hereby Given that the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville will hold a Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 172 amending chapter 24 and establishing a no parking zone at and around 515 Main Street, Stevensville, MT and Ordinance No. 173 repealing town code sections 10-117 through 10-125 and adopting new town code sections 10-126 through 10-131 regarding land use variances.
1st reading of Ordinance No. 172 and 173 will take place at the 01-09-25 Town Council Meeting and the 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 172 and 173 will take place at the 01-23-25 Town Council Meeting.
Comments may be given on the 1st reading of Ordinance No. 172 and 173 orally at the Public Hearing Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 6:30 pm and at the 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 172 and 173 at the Public Hearing on January 23, 2025, at 6:30 pm. Comments can also be given to the Town Clerk at PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870, email townclerk@townofstevensville.gov or before 5:00 pm in person on the scheduled Town Council meeting day. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-777-5271.
Attest: Jenelle S. Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 12-18-24, 01-15-25.
MNAXLP
MONTANA 21ST JUdicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Mary Susanne Gillham Rosett, Mary Susanne Gillham Rosett, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-412024-0000442-NC
Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Mary Susanne Gillham Rosett to Hatchet Susie Rosett.
The hearing will be on January 22, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at
the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 9th day of December, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court By: Catherine di Gleria
Deputy Clerk of Court BS 12-25-24, 1-1, 1-8, 1-15-25.
MNAXLP
LEGAL NOTICE
The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a public hearing for a Ravalli County Open Lands Bond project on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) of the County Administrative Building located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. The project is called Grof Park (21 acres) and is located west of Victor along Chief Victor Camp Road (Tax ID# 908950). The project is a 21-acre land acquisition that is proposed to be a community park near Victor. The Bitter Root Land Trust will be the owner and manager of the property, holding title until a suitable public entity capable of policing and maintaining the property is found Bitter Root Land Trust is the applicant. Information describing the proposals are available for inspection at the Planning Department, located at the County Administrative Building, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the public hearing and will be forwarded to the BCC for consideration at the public hearing. The public may comment verbally or in writing at the hearings. Comments and information submitted at the public hearing will be considered in the decision. Submit email comments to: planning@rc.mt.gov, and questions can be asked by phone at 406-375-6530.
BS 1-1, 1-8-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Candice Gayle Clarke, Candice Gay-
le Clarke, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-24-457
Dept. 2
Jennifer B. Lint
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Candice Gayle Clarke to Candice Gayle Clarke-Jessop.
The hearing will be on February 13, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 31st day of December, 2024.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
By: Michelle Goldman
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 1-8, 1-15, 1-22, 1-29-25.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING-RAVALLI COUNTY
Fee Increase FOR: Airport Lease form – recording fees
The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, Montana. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public comment and make a decision, by Resolution, to amend the recording fee for the Ravalli County Airport Lease form.
If you would like more information contact the Commissioner’s Ofce at 406-375-6500. 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
PUBLIC HEARING-RAVALLI COUNTY FOR: Septage Treatment and Composting Preliminary Engineering Report
The Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public meeting on Wednes-
day January 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Ravalli County Commissioners Chambers, Ravalli County Administrative Center, 215 S 4th St, Suite A, Hamilton, MT 59840 for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the on-going Septage Treatment and Composting Preliminary Engineering Report. The County’s consulting engineer, Morrison-Maierle, will provide an overview of the planning process, summarize the existing and future conditions, and discuss defciencies of the septage treatment systems with Ravalli County. All attendees will have the opportunity to express their opinions regarding this project. Public attendance is encouraged. Written comments may be submitted to Aaron McConkey, Morrison-Maierle, Inc., 1055 Mount Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
If you would like more information, contact the Commissioner’s Ofce at 406-375-6500. 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 1-8, 1-15-25.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING
Annexation of Property Into the Victor Rural District (Application No. 223)
THE RAVALLI COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 11:30 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room located at the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S. 4th Street (3rd foor) Hamilton, Montana. The purpose of this public hearing is to hear a petition by Benjamin Kolb for Parcel #s 862510 and 956810; that their properties be annexed into the Victor Rural Fire District with decision by Resolution.
BS 1-8, 1-15-25.
MNAXLP
OG-25-01-008
LEGAL NOTICE
The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on foodplain application FA24-14 for work proposed within the FEMA regulated foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Geof Foote and the project is located at 5502 Klements Lane, Florence, MT in Section 12, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, Ravalli County. The shop dimensions are 40’ x 60’ with two 10’ x 40’ covered parking areas attached to the north and south side of building. The lowest foor of the shop will be above elevated the 100-year foodplain and wet food proofed with food vents. All construction will be completed in accordance with the Ravalli County Floodplain Regulations. Detailed information regarding this application is available for review at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt.gov) and must be received by January 29th, 2025 (Reference Application #FA-24-18).
BS 1-15-25. MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID
AGGREGATE MATERIALS
The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners is now accepting proposals for the delivery of 2025 through 2026 AGGREGATE MATERIALS SUPPLY. Sealed proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, until Monday 4:00 P.M. MST on JANUARY 27, 2025. The proposals received will be publicly opened and read aloud at 11:00 a.m. MST on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third foor), Hamilton, MT.
Contract documents may be examined or obtained at the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department
ofce at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840. Questions relative to the standard and special provisions may be directed to the Ravalli County Road Department at (406) 3632733. Questions relative to the bid process may be directed to the Ravalli County Commissioners Ofce at (406) 375-6500. No proposal may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of proposals, which is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. MST on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Ravalli County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities therein, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible proposal determined to be in the best interests of Ravalli County Chris Taggart, Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Ofce BS 1-15, 1-22-25. MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE
CORVALLIS COUNTY
SEWER DISTRICT
The Board of Directors of the Corvallis County Sewer District will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 5:30 pm for the purpose of taking public comment on a proposed resolution to increase the one-time service fee for new connections to the wastewater treatment system from the current fee $5,000.00 connection fee to $10,000.00 connection fee. The public hearing will be held at the Corvallis Fire Station #1, 317 Woodside Cutof Road, Corvallis Mt. For written comments, please send letters to PO Box 134 Corvallis Mt 59828 or by email to ccsdmontana@outlook.com. For more information, please call Erik Hoover at 406-5305953. BS 1-15, 1-22-25. MNAXLP
