Bitterroot Star - January 18, 2023

Get your tickets now for popular Cowboy Ball

by Victoria Howell

By the time February rolls around, Bitterrooters are ready to get out and shake of the winter blahs. There’s no better place to do that than the Cowboy Ball. But you’d better hurry and get your ticketsthis event sells out fast and there will be no tickets sold at the door!

The 11th annual Cowboy Ball at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds will be held on Saturday, February 11th. The ball is held every year as a thank you to the sponsors of the Rockin’ RC Rodeo and to raise money for improvements to the rodeo arena and equestrian facilities at the fairgrounds.

This year a steak dinner will be served, prepared by the University of Montana Catering Department. The cost per person is $75, or $500 for a table of 8 and $375 for a table of 6. The “sweetheart” tables for 2 are already sold out. Every dinner ticket includes two drink tokens.

“We did raise the prices on the tables,” said Rod Freeman, chair of the Fair Rodeo Committee and the Cowboy Ball, “but we’re doing a steak

A public forum entitled “Our Montana Constitution Under Fire” will be held Saturday, January 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bedford Building, 223 S. 2nd in Hamilton.

The public forum, sponsored by Ravalli County Democrats, is about keeping our state constitution strong and preserving our freedom and quality of life. Over 50 bills have been proposed already by legislators to amend our Constitution. The bills target independent redistricting, the right to a clean and healthy environment, our nonpartisan judiciary branch, and the right to privacy.

Mae Nan Ellingson will speak about what the Montana Constitution

dinner this year.” Doors open at 5 pm. Dinner starts at 6 pm. The band starts at 8:30 pm and runs until 11:30 pm, with country music by “406.”

The cash bar will be provided by The Rainbow Bar.

“We’re adding more bartenders

meant when it was written and what it means to us now. She was the youngest delegate “in the room where it happened” in 1972 when the Constitution was written. She will address challenges to the Constitution and how you can help preserve our Constitution.

Ellingson is chair of the non-proft, non-partisan Friends of the Montana Constitution.

Looking ahead, Constitutional amendments must be approved by voters. These evolving challenges could make for an extraordinarily complicated and expensive 2024 election.

The event is free and open to the public, and lunch will be provided.

Catholic Men of the Bitterroot Valley: Have you been desiring to commit more to your Catholic faith, but are unsure of how to do it? Are you longing to connect in deeper friendship with other men of faith?

and we also worked with the caterers to speed up the dinner fow,” said Freeman. He said the 4-H horse program will be selling desserts. The Darby High School SkillsUSA chapter will once again help out.

The event includes a live and silent

auction, rafe, and two rounds of “heads and tails” with a rife as the grand prize for each.

Freeman said the money raised this year will go towards an added set of bleachers at the arena. He said there will be a special “paddle call” for that during the live auction. The bleachers are anticipated to cost about $25,000, and most likely will be installed on the southwest side of the arena. He said the small bleachers there now will probably be moved somewhere else where they can still be used.

“Because the rodeo is free to attend,” said Freeman, “and also a great one, every year it’s standing room only. The additional seating is really necessary.”

Freeman added that the event is also in celebration of being awarded “Platinum Rodeo of the Year” in 2022 by the Northern Rodeo Association.

For tickets call the fairgrounds, 363-3411. The reservation deadline is February 3rd.

“And of course we’re celebrating Valentine’s Day - it’s a great date night at a great price!” said Freeman.

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Catholic Men of the Bitterroot Valley: have you been desiring to commit more to your Catholic faith, but are unsure of how to do it? Are you longing to connect in deeper friendship with other men of faith? Do you want to contribute more in service to your parish? This retreat is for you. Come as fathers and sons, brothers, friends and neighbors

Do you want to contribute more in service to your parish?

This retreat is for you.

Come as fathers and sons, brothers, friends and neighbors.

Are You All In?

Men’s Retreat Presented by Fr. John Martin, S.J.

8:30 - 3pm Feb 4, 2023

St. Francis of Assisi Pastoral Life Center 411 S 5th St, Hamilton, MT

Register now: call or email the St. Francis of Assisi parish office, or drop by (406-363-1385, mail@stfrancishamilton.org)

Free will offering

Fr. Martin is a member of the Ravalli Jesuit Community in Missoula. Originally from the San Francisco area, he attended Carroll College for 1 year, and then graduated from the University of Notre Dame. He then served 3 years as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, including a tour in Viet Nam at the end of his 3 years. Following military service he spent 2 years on a sailboat in the Pacific, including an 18 month voyage from Hawaii to Australia. Fr. Martin has served in parishes and in province administration. Prior to joining the Jesuits he worked in business, including the Southern Pacific Development Company.

Fr. Martin is a member of the Ravalli Jesuit Community in Missoula. Originally, from the San Francisco area, he attended Carroll College for 1 year, and then graduated from the University of Notre Dame. He then served 3 years as an infantry ofcer in the Marine Corps, including a tour in Viet Nam at the end of his 3 years. Following military service he spent 2 years on a sailboat in the Pacifc, including an 18 month voyage from Hawaii to Australia. Fr. Martin has served in parishes and in province administration. Prior to joining the Jesuits he worked in business, including the Southern Pacifc Development Company.

Tickets to this year’s Cowboy Ball will not be sold at the door so organizers advise that you purchase them ASAP as this event will sell out.

RESCUE: helping cats and kittens stay alive, fnd homes

do cats. Diane Parker [the owner of All Hearts] inspired me on this journey when I started pulling cats out of shelters.”

Schnarr is connected to shelters across the nation, and sometimes they ask for help when they’re full so that they don’t have to euthanize for space. She said euthanization is more common than people realize but the shelters are very quiet about it.

Over time, as her service has become more wellknown, Schnarr has been able to take in a lot more local surrenders. For example, “in December we took in fve cats from Stevensville and 13 from Pablo, 18 adult cats in all. I also got a kitten on Christmas Day from someone locally who was allergic,” said Schnarr.

She said she gets them all spayed or neutered. “St. Francis Pet Hospital in Darby gives us a lower rate for spay and neuters which is greatly appreciated,” she said. Anyone can donate to St. Francis, specifying that it should go towards Heidi’s Kittens. She also works a lot with Burnt Fork Vet Clinic in Stevensville.

“I do the vaccines and we can treat some of the respiratory infections with vet oversight,” said Schnarr. “Then we put them up for adoption.” She has a website, a Facebook page, and also puts adoptable animals at PetSmart in Missoula. “I have volunteers that clean and feed everyday at PetSmart. People can adopt the same day.”

Heidi works full time as a music teacher at Corvallis High School. She has always loved cats. But she said that for a long time she didn’t know that healthy cats and kittens were being euthanized across the nation. “When I frst found out, I saw that there were volunteers who transported dogs from the south. I did that and got curious about the whole situation. Some shelters have policies that animals have to be spayed and neutered before they are adopted out. Obviously, kittens can’t be spayed or neutered, so they end up growing up in the shelter. I know the shelters are doing the best they can, but sometimes they just can’t deal with certain situations. That’s why I started this. Healthy kittens can fnd homes. Once I found out that I could make that happen, I got busy.”

Schnarr said she has about half a dozen regular volunteers, and about a dozen volunteers that help out sporadically: cleaning, taking animals to the vet, and fostering animals. Schnarr didn’t say how many cats she could handle, but said she’s down to six cats at her house right now.

Once a month, Heidi’s Kittens holds an adoption event at Country Store in Stevensville, on the third Saturday of the month (not in January). Schnarr said the store has been very supportive of her eforts.

The adoption donation is $100 for kittens and $75 for adult cats. Cats ready for adoption have been spayed or neutered and are up to date on vaccines. Adopters sign a simple agreement. Outdoor and barn cats are placed for free.

Anyone interested in adopting can fnd more information on the website: heidiskittens.com. If people are interested in fostering, Schnarr said it’s best if they have a place to separate the cat for about two weeks to avoid any transmission of disease.

Heidi’s Kittens also takes donations of cat food and cat litter. To make a donation, email heidischnarr@gmail.com

When Schnarr heard that the Bitter Rooot Hu-

mane Shelter closed their doors to cats and kittens, she said she left her phone number with them. “I am interested in furthering a partnership with them,” said Schnarr. “I look forward to working cooperatively with all other rescues and local shelters. We’re not in competition. We all have the same goal.”

“Cotton” was available for adoption at PetSmart as of Monday.

Shiann Minton, one of Heidi Schnarr’s “wonderful fosters,” with “Butterfy.”

Nora Healy is a ffth generation Montanan. She graduated from the University of Montana with her Bachelors in Nursing in 2011. She went on and completed a graduate degree in advanced practice nursing and a certifcation in family medicine in 2019. For the last 2 1/2 years she has been providing comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment. As a Family Nurse Practitioner at Sapphire Community Health she provides family medicine and behavioral health needs. She enjoys caring for residents in her rural community. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

It was also noted that there will be no lawn or garden watering within the subdivision using groundwater from the wells. The commercial water use in the subdivision will consist of approximately 700 gallons per day per lot, for a total of 3.12 acre-feet. The 10-acre feet available to this subdivision is to be allocated evenly, with each lot receiving 2.5 acre-feet of groundwater from exempt wells.

Lee said a portion of an existing irrigation ditch will be placed in a culvert.

It is estimated that the subdivision will add approximately 388 vehicular trips per day to the road system. The entrance to the subdivision will be of of Bell Crossing West. Lee said that as he understood it, Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) has already conducted a study of trafc at Bell Crossing intersection which includes a recommended solution, “but planning and funding for that solution are still a ways out.” He said that the County Commissioners have been ”super-supportive” in their eforts in getting MDOT to implement “an engineering solution” to a trafc problem that already exists.

According to Lee, the plan now was to start up with the installation of the infrastructure and the mitigation work this spring.

“Ultimately our aim is to get all the infrastructure in and meet all the mitigation requirements and get Final Plat approval,” said Lee, “then basically just sit on the property. We are certainly not in any hurry to develop the property at this point. But what

we do want to do is be ready when the right opportunity presents itself.”

“This is very much a light commercial complex that we are hoping to encourage, including professional ofces, clinics, and such. There is currently no one at all lined up to do anything here,” he said. “It’s a part of our business plan that goes quite far out into the future. This is just part of that.”

STEVI: council says another water study needed

drainage plan signed of by DEQ.”

A number of other people commented on the water problems. Jason Garrard, who lives at 112 Pine, said the property in the proposal runs around his property. He said the high groundwater has produced a wetlands-type environment with cattails and ducks. He said at one point he put in a ditch, which doesn’t really drain anywhere, but does collect the excess water so it doesn’t food his house. He also mentioned that the proposed two-story structures would block people’s views, and had concerns about the single access point and trafc on Pine and Eastside Hwy. “Who will pay for water damage in the future,” said Garrard.

Betty Curry, who owns property on E. 2nd, said, “I think if they let this project go through and they build up, it’s going to put me in a hole. I don’t agree with this project.”

Council member Stacie Barker noted that the letter that adjacent property owners received regarding the property had a smaller total acreage amount than what Horlacher had stated in his presentation. He explained that a portion of the acreage is outside the town boundaries and so does not come under the Town’s review. Barker said that the letter was “deceiving” the public. She also asked whether the project could be downsized from the 41 units.

“We actually aren’t maximizing the density of the units,” said Horlacher. “We are trying to do something that allows people to be here… The average rent of all properties [in the valley], new, old, is $950…” He said the cost of building has gone up and “shrinking the project doesn’t make a lot of sense for us.”

Horlacher said that although the backyards are small, “this is a diferent type of living. People who choose to live here will have a smaller area.” He didn’t think the trafc would be that bad and the development would bring needed tax revenue to the town, as well as families who would be an economic beneft to the local businesses.

Although the plan uses the most current information available regarding the Town’s water capacity, the council remained unconvinced that there actually was enough water to serve a development of this size and wanted to wait until another review of the Town’s water system was done.

Council members also expressed concern over the density, the trafc, and

the drainage problems. The council ultimately voted not to approve the proposal. The vote was 3-0, with Cindy Brown abstaining.

The council then voted to have HDR Engineering, who is currently under contract with the Town studying various water issues, do a review of the Town’s water system, including capacity.

In other business the council:

Unanimously approved the mayor’s recommendation of Melanie D’Isidoro or Nathan Huling for prosecution services for City Court at the rate of $150 per hour

• unanimously approved spending up to $10,000 from the Jean Thomas Fund for pool repairs

• unanimously consented to the

mayor’s appointment of Karen Wandler to the Police Commission

• unanimously approved Skydive Montana’s request to have their attorney and the town attorney meet to review and discuss waivers for skydiving at the Stevensville Airport

• approved withdrawing a motion to elect a council president. Bob Michalson will continue to serve in that capacity.

Under council comments, Michalson thanked Police Chief Mac Sosa for putting the yellow safety fags at the crosswalks on Main Street. Michalson also publicly thanked planning board member Angela Lyons for her work on updating the subdivision regulations.

FOOD: Haven House food bank continues to be busy

and out of Haven House stays fairly constant.

Haven House relies on food from donations and federal government assistance, but also purchases from all of the Hamilton grocery stores. As a point of reference, Williams says that 40 tons of food was purchased in 2022 from local grocers. Also last year, Haven House accepted 62 tons of ‘gleaned food’ (food that was at or nearing expiration and couldn’t be sold), as well as a tremendous 73 tons from individual donors.

“I know it sounds amazing, doesn’t it?” she asked, adding, “It’s a large amount of food and we have absolutely no complaints.”

Despite the high numbers,

More Calendar

over, all drivers are welcome. This new program features laws and updates specifc to Montana, defensive driving, winter driving, new vehicle technologies, to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no driving tests or written exams and Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers. Certifcates are good for 3 years! Class fee: $20.00, AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. To sign up, call Jones-Korman Insurance, (406) 363-6583. For further information call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 369-0149.

TEDxHieronymusPark

TEDxHieronymusPark is Hamilton, Montana’s independently organized TED event. This community gathering will unleash new “ideas worth spreading” in a day flled with brilliant speakers, great food, and amazing conversations! The

third annual event themed “RISE” will be held on January 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn and Conference Center. The day will feature 12 speakers including local community members with innovative ideas, live performances, dynamic videos, and deep dialogue about poignant topics. Lunch is provided. Be prepared to share an exceptional day of learning and inspiration in Hamilton, MT. Visit www.TEDxHieronymusPark.com to learn more and purchase tickets!

Emergency Preparedness classes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly Emergency Preparedness classes. They are held at 7pm at the Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: February 9: “Sanitation— How to Manage with Minimal Waste-water, Showers, Cleaning; March 9: “Cooking that Wheat—Recipes and samples of great tasting food that maybe you hadn’t considered; April 13: “Alternative Cooking Methods (Apple Box & Wonder Cookers) and Fire starters (assembling them). You can attend any or

all classes. Classes typically run 60-90 minutes. Call 513312-5494 with questions.

Three Mile Cofee Club

Three Mile Cofee Club will have a special guest at their Wednesday, February 1st meeting. The topic wiill be “What You Should Do After You Call 911.” The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Everyone is welcome. Good cofee, conversation, and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For more information call Colleen at 777-3710.

3 Mile Irrigation

3 Mile irrigation sub-district will have a special meeting on Thursday, February 2, 7:30 p.m. at the Three Mile Community Center, 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road.

Lone Rock Park Board

Lone Rock Park Board will meet Wednesday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Three Mile Community Center, 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Public welcome.

Volunteer tax return preparers needed

Every year from February

it is worth remembering that Haven House provides a service that focuses on a relatively small geographic area and a fairly consistent group of users. The 1800 or so that Williams says are served by Haven House become familiar to the volunteers who work there.

“We know just about everyone who walks in the door,” she says, many of whom come in once a week. Those who register with Haven House are allowed to collect one of the prepared food boxes each month, the contents of which can be customized to include

everything from meat to fresh veggies and canned goods.

“People have a choice of what they want,” says Williams, but says the boxes are comprised of “everything that can go on the table.” In 2022, Haven House gave out 3937 boxes.

The Haven House food pantry is located at 316 North 3rd Street on the east (alley side) of the building, and is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 2 pm and Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7 pm. The phone number is (406) 363-2450.

to April, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers prepare tax returns free of charge at the Hamilton Senior Center for anyone who needs it, especially those 50 and older with low income. Due to Covid and the loss of volunteers, fewer returns have been prepared but AARP is trying to rebuild the program. If you are comfortable with numbers, good with computers, and like meeting new people, consider becoming a volunteer. You do not need to be a member of AARP to volunteer and if you have no previous experience preparing taxes, you’ll get the training you need and receive IRS certifcation. If you are not interested in preparing taxes, you can still volunteer in other ways. For more information, visit www.mttaxaide.org, or leave a message at the Senior Center, 406-363-5181.

NV Library events

Library Board Meeting – Wednesday, Jan 18 at 3pm

North Valley Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 18 at 3pm in the Community Room. The meeting is open to the public. Agendas are posted on the website at northvalleylibrary.org. If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. 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. Wild & Weird Wednesdays with Science Ofcer Lisa – Wednesday, Jan 18 at 4pm

Explore the universe, both micro and macro, and learn the science mysteries behind the natural word. Expect fun activities with Legos®, paper planes, food, and more. Children will soon be formulating their own hypotheses, experiments, and documentation in order to participate in a grade-free science fair at the end of the summer. Be sure to register as this program will get flled soon and we need to know how many supplies to have on hand. Concepts taught are geared towards ages 8-12, but younger scientists/ siblings 6-7 welcome. Parents/caregivers must register themselves as well as each child attending.

Meditation for Busy People with Martha Piersma – Thursday, Jan 19 at 6:30pm

If your New Year’s resolution is to be more mindful, present, and resilient to the ups and downs of the day, you will appreciate this practical introduction to meditation with Martha Piersma, founder of The Natural Joy of Being. Learn techniques you can practice anytime, anywhere, sitting up, walking, and even with your eyes open. You will learn practices to help lay the foundation for a successful meditation habit. Registration required.

Art Exhibit Submissions Accepted – January 19 to January 25

Submissions will be accepted at North Valley Public

Library for the 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland Art Exhibition 2023 from January 19 through January 25. Adults, teens, and youth (ages 6-12) are invited to submit their original drawing or painting on the theme “winter wonderland.” Review the full guidelines and download the submission form at northvalleylibrary.org under Calendar or by calling the Library at (406)777-5061. Best of Show ribbons will be awarded to one winner in each category during the Winter Wonderland Art Exhibit held Thursday, January 26 at 6pm.

Reserve the NVPL Community Room

Organizations are welcome to reserve the NVPL Community Room for events that are civic, educational, cultural, intellectual, entertaining, or benefcial to the community. Events held must be free of charge and open to all. To apply, go to northvalleypubliclibrary.org under My Library Services.

Star Calendar Policy

The Bitterroot Star will run Calendar items for non-proft organizations free of charge. Deadline for each Wednesday’s paper is each Monday at 12 noon. Submit your item by email to: editor@bitterrootstar.com. For more information contact Victoria at 406-777-3928.

Of all the things to procrastinate on, a cancer screening shouldn’t be one of them. Especially since Advanced Imaging makes it easy. Walk-ins are welcome. The procedure takes 15 minutes. The positive effects last considerably longer.

Junction Plaza (by

Wireless) U.S. Highway 93 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.

Stevi athletes sign letters of intent

by Scott Sacry

Victoria Uskoski and Daphne Engel from Stevensville High School have signed letters of intent to play sports in college next year, Engel for volleyball and Uskoski for soccer.

In November, Daphne Engel accepted a scholarship to play volleyball for the Lady Broncos of Hastings College. Hastings College is located in Hastings, Nebraska and is an NAIA school that plays in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Engel was an All State selection and the coMVP of the Southwestern A division this year for the Stevensville Volleyball team. She chose Hastings after visiting the college. “The players and coaches were very inviting and positive,” said Engel. “I was able to practice with the

team and watch one of their games and it was a great experience.” Engel plans to pursue a career in Exercise Science at Hastings.

Last week, Victoria Uskoski accepted a soccer scholarship at Walla Walla Community College, which is located in Walla Walla, Washington. The Walla Walla Warriors play in the Northwest Intercollegiate Athletic Association (NWAC) conference. Uskoski was a four-year starter for the Lady ‘Jackets soccer team and an All State selection this last year. She chose Walla Walla after a recent visit to the school. “It was a great ft,” said Uskoski. “The coaches and players were awesome and I’m super excited for the opportunity.” Uskoski plans to enroll in the pre-veterinary program at Walla Walla.

Stevi

Verizon

Stevensville’s Daphne Engel accepting a scholarship to play volleyball at Hastings College next year.

Stevensville’s Victoria Uskoski accepting a scholarship to play soccer for Walla Walla Community College next year.

Pre-Paid

portrays itself as a grassroots organization, but in truth most of this well funded organization’s funds come from a few donors with many sending six fgure donations. Ask yourself WHY and WHO is behind this COS?

And when you are asking why a Convention of States, ask yourself if you are okay opening up the Constitution? WHAT IN OUR CONSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE NEEDS TO BE CHANGED? Remember Article V states “The Congress,” not the States, will convene and set the rules for the Convention. And you trust Congress to make changes to the Constitution? With the current political climate where more than two dozen members of Congress have been indicted for felonies since 1980, do you trust these politicians? Trust Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schif, or Mitt Romney or Jon Tester? You bet I don’t want to put my faith in the politicians who have in fact ignored The Constitution for decades.

That said, how about your local politicians, do you trust your locally elected ofcials to represent you? Why won’t Ravalli County ofcials look into election fraud, for instance? If you are going to put your trust in local politicians, you might want to consider that two local legislators took nearly $100,000 from the COS organization. Yes, both Wayne Rusk and Jason Ellsworth took nearly six fgures between them in the recent campaign. What did the COS buy there? Why is the COS targeting Montana?

I encourage you to do your own research on this issue. There is more to this than I realized until I dug deeper. Read the COS info Helen Sabin and others are promoting and then read some other information and make your own decision. I did a bit of research on the

Better health care for Montanans

Good health care is something that every single one of us will need during our lives, making it a policy topic that is critical for all Montanans. Health care is also an area that the federal government has taken a large role in, somewhat limiting what we can do at the state level.

Despite that, Republicans have been able to accomplish a lot of good health care work at the state Legislature in recent sessions. Most of that work has been done with three main goals in mind: increase transparency, reduce costs, and give patients more options to access health care.

simultaneously: prices and services are transparent upfront, costs are reduced for many routine medical needs, and now patients have brand new options. Along similar lines, we also passed legislation to allow doctors to directly dispense many medications to their patients, again saving on costs and hassle.

The session before that, we put in place a state reinsurance pool to help stabilize the individual health insurance market and keep rising insurance costs more under control.

by Jason Ellsworth

On the transparency front, we passed a major bill last session to give the Insurance Commissioner more insight into the practices of pharmacy beneft managers, whose opaque operations have been blamed for drastic increases in prescription drug prices.

One of the most bipartisan bills last session was a massive expansion of telehealth, giving patients much more access to health care aside from in-person visits. To make telehealth more accessible to more Montanans, it’s also important to note that we passed a generational investment in broadband that is going to improve internet access for tens of thousands of Montanans.

We also expanded Direct Patient Care, which allows Montanans to contract directly with their provider for services without involving an insurance company. People still need health insurance for major, unexpected medical expenses, but expanding DPC hits all three goals Republicans have focused on

This session we’re looking to build on all that good work with the same three goals in mind: more transparency, lower costs, and more options. A couple simple bills addressing naturopathic doctors already had their frst hearing in the Senate this week and more bills are on the way.

We also have a couple signifcant health care items on deck for this session in addition to the key framework already mentioned. We must shore up our mental health care system and the State Hospital in Warm Springs. Another major topic that the House is taking the initial lead on is addressing reimbursement rates for nursing homes to ensure that Montana’s seniors can have accessible and reliable care.

All of this is a great start and I’m excited to see what more we accomplish on the health care front this legislative session.

Sen. Jason Ellsworth (R-Hamilton) serves as the President of the Montana Senate.

SJ2, promoted by Jason Elllsworth and others, is coming up for a vote in the Montana Legislature shortly. Here are a couple references: guardtheconstitution.com Glenn Beck renewamerica.com Search: Convention of States Tim Hancock Stevensville

The first thing to know about trout in winter is that they don’t eat as much and don’t move around as much to take their food as they do during the summer.

That should be obvious. Problem is, many first-time winter flyfishers ignore the obvious and fish during the winter months as they would in July. They look for hatches and see none, and fish on the surface anyway. Either that, or seeing a hatch of midges or diminutive black stoneflies, find themselves poorly equipped to deal with it.

by Chuck Stranahan

Trout are cold-blooded creatures and as the water cools below fifty degrees they become less and less active in stages, from half-asleep until they seem to go semi-comatose – but they still have to eat.

They won’t move very far to eat something. I had a friend tell me once of a trout he hit right on the nose with a big stonefly nymph. That’s something you’d expect it to eat at other times, and they’ll eat those big nymphs during winter, too, but not always. The bump on the nose seemed to startle this trout just enough to make it move out of the way to let that big fly go by.

That was the last of several good drifts my friend made with the stonefly nymph. He was standing on a rock outcropping above a slow-moving run on the Clark Fork. He had spotted the trout on a previous trip and planned an unconventional approach that put him in position to get those decent drifts with an unorthodox cast and pre -

sentation. He could see everything in the cold, clear water as it transpired.

You may not get that bird’s eye view of the trout you intend to catch, but two lessons can be learned here: one, go slow and methodical. Two, don’t be afraid to try an unconventional approach if that’s what it takes to get the right drift.

He eventually caught the trout – a brown trout that went well over five pounds, but that’s another story. The point of this part of the story is that you can do that – hit the trout right on the nose, or seem to, and move them out of the way during the cold-water winter months. It help to show them what they’re most likely to eat.

The stonefly nymph, for me, serves as a sinker more than a fishing lure – but that doesn’t leave me disappointed if a trout hits it.

Smaller flies, bigger results

The flies I depend on are much smaller. They’ll run from a size #14 on down to a sparsely tied #20, tied on a short-shanked hook to resemble an insect that is much smaller.

Winter trout tend to hold in one place and feed reflexively. They’ll eat what looks familiar and triggers that unconscious “Food – me eat” reflex.

We see reflexive feeding during the summer months when trout are actively feeding on the surface and won’t touch anything but a well-pre -

sented fly that, to them, looks exactly like the last natural they ate.

Same thing occurs during the colder months although we can’t see it. The trout see a myriad of food items, mostly small, suspended in the currents drifting past them.

Get small with your fly – start there. My ‘bucket list” of winter flies (what I mean by bucket comes later) includes a #14 through #18 Zebra Midge in red and the original black, a #14 or #16 Bird’s Nest, a #16 or #18 Soft Hackle Hare’s Ear or Starling and Herl, #18 through #22 Red, Black, or natural Copper Brassies or unweighted Frostbite patterns, a Chromie in the same sizes, and a #8 Golden Burlap Nymph to get the smaller flies down if needed.

Look before you cast

Then, take a few minutes to just look – this cold-blooded creature in cold water isn’t going to move around much, wants to eat in place instead of moving to where the food is, and needs shelter. Fish the places that meet those criteria.

The holding and feeding area you’re looking for might be just a small portion of a pool or a run –the best steelhead flyfisher who ever lived, Bill Schaad, called it the bucket. Your fly has to be in the bucket to score.

The steelheader would comb out the bucket in a series of casts spaced just a few inches apart. The successful winter trout fisher does the same thing. When the trout won’t move far, you’re playing a game of inches.

A small Red Zebra midge will often fool a winter trout. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Kathryn Wood Williams, Kathryn Wood Williams, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-2022459

Dept. 2

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Kathryn Wood Williams to Anna Kathryn Victoria Boykin.

The hearing will be in February, 2023, date to be determined. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 27th day of December, 2022.

Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court

Nydell

BY: Timothy

Deputy Clerk of Court BS 12-28, 1-4, 1-11, 1-18-23.

Notice to Mainstem Bitterroot River and East Side Subbasin (76HA) –Bitterroot River Water Users

MOTION TO AMEND STATEMENT OF CLAIM

(Pursuant to Section 852-233(6), MCA)

A Motion to Amend Statement of Claim 76H 214635-00 has been fled with the Montana Water Court by Claimant Town of Stevensville, seeking to amend the place of use for claim 76H 214635-00 to its projected service area encompassing the boundaries of its reasonably projected growth. Stevensville’s Motion to Amend requests an enlargement of its place of use based on projections of population growth through the year 2075. Stevensville does not seek any other modifcations to Claim 76H

214635-00. By fling this Motion, Claimant is asserting that this amendment is necessary to accurately refect the service area Claim 76H 214635-00 is entitled to.

The entirety of Claimant’s Motion may be viewed on the Montana Water Court webpage at: https://courts. mt.gov/Courts/Water/Notices-Info/PublicNotices

OBJECTION DEADLINE

Any response or objection to the Motion to Amend must be fled with the Montana Water Court, P.O. Box 1389, Bozeman, MT 59718, 1-406-586-4364, within 45 days of the date of the last newspaper publication of this notice, by March 6, 2022, in accordance with Section 85-2-233(6), MCA. Please indicate “CASE 76HA-6002-A-2022” on any response, objection, or other correspondence related to this Motion to Amend. BS 1-4, 1-11, 1-18-23.

Naomi J. Cheeney Special Administrator Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES P. MCDONALD, Deceased. Case No.: DP-23-03 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Special Administrator of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the

notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Naomi J. Cheeney, Special Administrator, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 9th day of January 2023.

/s/ Naomi J. Cheeney, Special Administrator BS 1-11, 1-18, 1-25-23.

LEGAL NOTICE

Stevensville School District has disposal items available for bid. If you have questions about the items available, please contact the Greg Sheller at 406-7775481x352 or shellerg@stevensville.k12.mt.us. Sealed bids will be accepted in the District Ofce until 4:00 Friday, January 27, 2023. Please make sure and provide contact information

with your bid(s). BS 1-18-23.

Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MELVIN CHARLES MOOERS, Deceased. Case No.: DP-23-05 Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their

claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Alan K. Mooers and Donald K. Mooers, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 10th day of January 2023.

/s/ Alan K. Mooers, Co-Personal Representative /s/ Donald K. Mooers, Co-Personal Representative BS 1-18, 1-25, 2-1-23.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC

SALE Notice is hereby given to the person hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of a lien in the amount of $450, Venture West Storage, LLC, located at 1008 Hwy 93 N. Victor, MT, 59875, will sell the contents of storage unit C-5, occupied by Rebecca Phillips, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Venture West Storage, unit C-5, on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. BS 1-18-23.

Forest Service issues decision on Mud Creek Project

Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Matt Anderson has signed a Decision Notice and Finding of No Signifcant Impact for the Mud Creek Project on the West Fork Ranger District. The decision authorizes the forest to move forward on the fuels reduction, vegetation management, and transportation system project southwest of Darby.

The project area encompasses approximately 48,486 acres including the West Fork Bitterroot River–Rombo Creek watershed, and portions of Nez Perce Fork–Nelson Lake, Little West Fork, Lloyd Creek, Lower Blue Joint, and Painted Rocks Lake watersheds. The area is accessed by the public mainly from the West Fork Highway and Nez Perce Road.

“Our goal is to reduce the threat of negative impacts from wildfre and insects and disease to the forested areas around our neighboring communities,” said Dan Pliley, West Fork District Ranger. “Neighbors in the area have voiced the need to address fre risk and forest health in the West Fork and we have listened and incorporated their input. This project will also allow the opportunity for cross-boundary fuels reduction with state and private partners to enhance forest health on both public and private lands.”

Objectives of the project include:

• Improve landscape resilience to disturbances (such as insects, diseases, and fre) by modifying forest conditions and fuels

• Reduce crown fre hazard potential within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and community protection zone

• Improve habitat and forage for bighorn sheep, mule deer, and elk

• Design and implement a suitable transportation system for long term land management

Several road segments in the project area need maintenance and repairs to address resource concerns including chronic sediment sources that reduce water quality and fsh habitat.

Fire suppression eforts since the early 20th century have resulted in forest stands characterized by high stem densities, hazardous fuels build up, and stressed tree conditions. The

Bitterroot Community Wildfre Protection Plan has identifed the project area as a ‘high priority’ for fuels reduction.

In addition, the Montana Forest Action Plan identifes the area as having high wildfre risk to communities and infrastructure. Of particular concern is increased fre risk because 43% of the project area is located within the WUI.

The project proposes a suite of road and trail system changes, vegetation treatments, improved recreation opportunities, and prescribed fre. The proposed action also involves project-specifc amendments to the forest plan direction for elk habitat efectiveness, elk thermal cover, old growth, and course woody debris.

Project planning was completed with participation and input from local collaborative organizations and partners such as the Ravalli County Collaborative (RCC), Bitterroot Forest Collaborative (BFC), and Ravalli County Of Road Users Association (RCORUA).

Over the next few months, the West Fork Ranger District plans to work through the implementation planning process to identify specifc treatment units and activities. The public, Tribes, and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Forest Service at workshops and provide feedback for the proposed treatments identifed. Once the implementation plan in completed, treatments within portions of the project area could begin as early as this summer.

The Environmental Assessment, Decision Notice, Finding of No Signifcant Impact, and analysis for the project is available online at: https://www. fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55744. These documents will also be available for review at the Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s Ofce at 1801 N. First Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, and the West Fork Ranger District at 6735 West Fork Road, Darby, MT 59829.

For additional information concerning the Mud Creek Project, contact Dan Pliley, West Fork District Ranger at (406) 821-3269.

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