Bitterroot Star - January 5, 2021

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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent

‘The Volume XXXVII, Number 25

’ ! l a c o L Best at

www.bitterrootstar.com

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

A place to come in from the cold

Nightly warming shelter to provide respite for those in need

which is the problem. Locke says that wages in the Bitterroot Valley simply can’t pay for the limited housing that does exist, especially since the upset of the housing market during the COVID pandemic. “You can get a job any day of the week,” says Locke, but “you can’t afford a Bitterroot house on Bitterroot bucks.” Ultimately, what Locke is most concerned about right now is making it clear to people that those who need to avail themselves of services provided by Bitterroot Family Shelter are “ordinary folks who are in a tight spot.” He adds that they are our friends and neighbors and that, “It could happen to you and me. Most folks are only a month’s paycheck away from being on the street. There’s a lot of people that still think

by Nathan Boddy

For those in need of a warm place to sleep, the newly established shelter at 869 Sleeping Child Road just south of Hamilton will come as a tremendous relief. The warming shelter opened its doors last Wednesday the 29th when the temperatures dove into single digits. One of the first to seek refuge for the night was a working family with a two-year-old child. Founder of Bitterroot Family See SHELTER, page 2 Shelter, Gary Locke, says that their case was fairly typical. “They had a Exterior of the recently opened Warming Shelter at 869 Sleepheater go out in their motor home,” ing Child Road, Hamilton. Photos by Nathan Boddy. he says, obviously frustrated with the Stacey Umhey, Executive Director of SAFE misunderstandings some people have about the (Supporters for Abuse Free Environments), warming shelter. “This is not a homeless shelter,” who said, “We are in crisis.” he says. “This is a warming shelter that will be Locke says that this ‘crisis’ can be available during the nighttime hours.” illustrated by an annual point-in-time Locke may have his hands full with the many survey, which has been conducted annually services that Bitterroot Family Shelter provides to by the Bitterroot Family Shelter and the residents of the Bitterroot Valley, but is quick to Bitterroot Affordable Housing Coalition point out that he is not acting alone. “This is not for much of the last twenty years. Locke a ‘Gary Locke Project,’” he says. “This is a serious admits that the numbers aren’t perfect, but community effort.” Indeed, the non-profit routinely a clear change took place in 2019 when the partners with hundreds of local volunteers, number of estimated homeless in Ravalli business and churches in the area to address County jumped from an ongoing average of the overwhelming and rising needs that many 40-44 up to 100. The number jumped again Montanans face, being everything from hunger to in 2020 to 188. “That’s a pretty significant periods of homelessness. From the thousands of jump,” says Locke. meals it provides at participating churches, to the Local organizations are not the only provision of basic needs, the organization is at the ones with their fingers on the pulse of forefront of trying to address a growing situation. the housing crisis, however. The Pew “We’ve been trying to tell everybody that there’s Charitable Trust has conducted a study a problem,” says Locke. of the housing situation in Montana and It is no secret that housing is critically short in concluded what Locke continues to point the Bitterroot Valley, a fact which leads to a slender out. Their recent release report entitled, margin of safety for many Bitterrooters. The “Montana Housing Shortage,” issued in Bitterroot Affordable Housing Coalition recently November of 2021, says plainly, “Housing made an updated presentation to the Ravalli hasn’t kept pace with population growth in County Commissioners about the state of housing Gary Locke of Bitterroot Family Shelter talks about the need for Montana.” in the valley. Its findings were summed up by a warming shelter and other housing issues in the Bitterroot. But it’s not just availability of housing

Recreational marijuana

County offices being reorganized by Michael Howell

The Ravalli County Commissioners have approved a resolution of intent to realign the structure of local government offices by repealing the consolidation of the County Auditor’s office with the County Attorney’s Office and instead, through a complex process, consolidating the County Auditor’s office with that of the Clerk of District Court and consolidating the office of Public Administrator with the County Attorney’s office. Deputy County Attorney Clay Leland described the process to the Commissioners explaining that currently the office of Public Administrator is not associated with any other office in the county. As a result, he said, any See COUNTY, page 2

County approves match for Corvallis sewer grant by Michael Howell

Ravalli County is one of the “green” counties in the state where a majority of the voters opted for legalizing recreational use of marijuana in the last election. There was no mad rush to the local dispensary near Stevensville this New Year’s Day as the law went into effect, but there were a few happy customers. When one of the salespeople apologized for his slightly awkward service, saying, “I’m sorry, I’ve never done this before,” the customer quickly replied, “Neither have I.” The 20% sales tax that is added to the retail cost of the products is expected to raise about $48 million annually in the state by 2025. Marijuana taxes will contribute to the general fund and special revenue accounts for conservation, veterans’ services, substance abuse treatment, healthcare, and local governments. The general fund is expected to net $4 million. Photo by Michael Howell.

The Ravalli County Commissioners last week approved allocation of up to $1.077 million to be used as matching funds in a grant application by the Corvallis Sewer District under the American Rescue Plan Act for a $3.162 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade and improvement project. The Corvallis Sewer District currently serves over 500 active residential sewer connections in the Corvallis area, plus the Corvallis School District facilities and approximately 60 commercial hookups including office, retail, food service and other businesses. The wastewater treatment plant which discharges into groundwater began services in the late 1970s and early 1980s, serving the original Corvallis townsite. In the 1990s growth in the area led to additions and annexations See CORVALLIS, page 5

Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Shelter: critical resource County continued from page one

continued from page one

that homeless folks are dangerous, that they are the ones standing in front of Walmart with a cardboard sign, waiting for handouts or money. The truth is, these are families who are working.” Families, in specific, can fall into the cracks. Locke says that their studies show that 75% of all homeless are women with children, but that the majority of beds in shelters are available only for single adults. This disconnect puts women and children at a higher risk as they end up staying in, or finding themselves in, dangerous situations while trying to keep their kids out of the cold. Locke is a third generation Montanan who comes from the Hi-Line area, but says, “My heart is in the Bitterroot Valley.” His more than 40 years in the Bitterroot have seen him stay busy with everything from the Job Service to real estate, but it was his time working with the Salvation Army that opened his eyes to homelessness. “That’s

Coffee bar at the Bitterroot Family Shelter’s new warming shelter. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Donated items at the Bitterroot Family Shelter warming shelter. Photo by Nathan Boddy. where I met the homeless that we have,” he says. “Before that, I was ‘plum dumb.’” For information on the warming shelter and the other services provided by Bitterroot Family Shelter, their website is: www. bitterrootfamilyshelter.com or call/ text (406) 239-8833.

time there is a court case involving that office the County Attorney’s office must first be appointed by the court to represent the administration. He said the new arrangement of offices will resolve that issue, but it will take some time to accomplish it. The first step would be to place the consolidation of the County Attorney’s office with that of Public Administrator on the general election ballot in 2022. If approved, it would become effective Jan. 1, 2023. The next step would be taken when the Clerk of District Court comes up for election in 2024. At that time, the position of Clerk of District Court will be combined with that of County Auditor on the ballot. This consolidation would become effective January 1, 2025 when the newly elected Clerk of District Court/Auditor takes office. Finally, the 1988 resolution consolidating the Auditor’s office with the County Attorney’s office would then be repealed effective December 31, 2024 with the new arrangement becoming effective the next day, that is January 1, 2025. Following two publications of the resolution of intent, a public hearing will be scheduled to consider final adoption of the new resolution.

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LONE ROCK ADULT EDUCATION - WINTER/SPRING 2022

◆ADULT SEWING – ALL LEVELS Instructor: Faye McCrumb Class Fee: $10.00 12 Hours/6 Classes Tuesdays 6 – 8pm Jan. 18, 25 • Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 This class is designed for students of all ages and levels. We will be focusing on the proper construction of a lined garment from the beginning to the end product if that is what you choose to do, as there will be other options that can be discussed. This would be a great gift idea for men or women! If you love to sew, this is the class for you! You will need to bring your own SEWING MACHINE to class. ◆GARMENT ALTERATIONS Instructor: Faye McCrumb Class Fee: $10.00 12 Hours/6 Classes Thursdays 6 – 8pm Jan. 20, 27 • Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 In this class you will learn the best and proper ways to repair or alter for size corrections. You will need to bring your own SEWING MACHINE to class. ◆EXPLORING DRAWING & SKETCHING ZOOM CLASS Instructor: Diana Haker Class Fee: $10.00 12 Hours/ 8 Classes Tuesdays 5 – 6:30 pm Feb. 15, 22 • Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Apr. 5 This is a beginning or refresher course in drawing and sketching that will explore different techniques and mediums that are used by artists. Drawing and sketching is the first basic skill that one needs to learn and develop before exploring other art mediums. This course will give you the necessary skills to develop your drawing skills quickly. You will need to purchase this list of supplies: 1. Drawing pencil set with HB through B6 pencils 2. Vinyl or kneaded eraser 3. Drawing pad of good quality drawing paper, size 11” x 14”

4. Ballpoint pen, black -medium or fine point 5. Pencil sharpener Facilities Needed for Virtual Art Class Since this is a ZOOM class, participants will need a computer or other device that has a video/microphone or camera/microphone that can access the internet and use a video conferencing app. A table or a desk with a chair and good lighting are recommended. Your instructor will provide instructions for joining the class with ZOOM. Join us for an evening that will enhance your creativity!

◆EXPLORING COLOR PENCILS - METHODS & MATERIALS - ZOOM CLASS Instructor: Diana Haker Class Fee: $10.00 12 Hours/ 8 Classes Thursdays 5 – 6:30 pm Feb. 17, 24 • Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Apr. 7 This is a beginning course exploring the different techniques and methods of producing art with colored pencils. Professional quality-colored pencils were first manufactured as early as 1908 by the German company Faber-Castell. They give the artist the ability to draw with the pleasure of painting. Artists like the use of colored pencils because of the control they offer in their art pieces. This course will give you the necessary skills to use colored pencils in your art creations. You will need to purchase this list of supplies: 1. Set of 24 student-grade colored pencils 2. Vinyl or kneaded eraser 3. Drawing pad size 11x14 of good quality drawing paper with good tooth 80# or greater 4. Cotton tipped swabs 5. Pencil sharpener Facilities Needed for Virtual Art Class Since this is a ZOOM class, participants will need a computer or other device that has a video/microphone or camera/microphone that can access the internet and use a video conferencing app. A table or a desk with a chair and good lighting are recommended.

Please REGISTER EARLY so that your class will get the number of participants needed to ensure that it will not be canceled. ALL PAYMENTS need to be sent in to Lone Rock Adult Education after you register if you are doing a ZOOM CLASS. If the class is at the school, payments will be collected the FIRST NIGHT of class. SENIORS (60+) years of age get a 50% DISCOUNT on all class fees. The cost of the class is a one-time fee. FOR MORE INFORMATION about the courses being offered please call JULIE BACHMAN at 210.5129. • PHONE in your registration by calling Julie Bachman at (406) 210.5129. • EMAIL your registration to: adulteducation@lonerockschool.org. • MAIL your registration to: Lone Rock Adult Education Attn: Julie Bachman, 1112 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville, MT 59870

Your instructor will provide instructions for joining the class with ZOOM. Join us for an evening of creative fun! ◆CARD MAKING MADE EASY Instructor: Amy Grassey Class Fee: $10.00 6 Hours/ 3 Classes Tuesdays 6 – 8 pm Feb. 8, 15, 22 We are back for our 4th year! Each class will highlight a different card making technique and theme. Participants will have the opportunity to make several cards, meet new friends, and learn about stamping, the use of watercolors, and embossing. Join us for an evening of creative fun! ◆SOCIAL SCRAPBOOKING Instructor: Amy Grassey Class Fee: $10.00 6 Hours/ 3 Classes Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm Mar. 8, 15, 22 We are back to scrapbook together in person! Yay! Each night we will construct a 2-page layout featuring a different technique to enhance the pages. Join our group and learn some fun easy ways to create beautiful pages while making new friends!

◆MUSCLE -TONING Instructor: Doris Swanson Class Fee: $10.00 5 Hours/5 Classes Mondays 6:30 – 7:30 pm Jan. 24, 31 • Feb. 7, 14, 21 This class is designed to condition your body with resistance training workouts. We will focus on every muscle group with the intent of improving your strength, endurance, and muscle tone. If you want to condition your body for more strength, this class is for you! Recommended for all fitness levels. DUMBBELLS AND A MAT ARE PREFERRED.

◆THE EDGE/CIRCUIT Instructor: Doris Swanson Class Fee: $10.00 6 Hours/6 Classes Mondays 6:30 – 7:30- pm Feb. 28 • Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28 • Apr. 4 Designed to push you to the edge of your limit, but have fun in the process, this class will fire up your metabolism and target your cardio, strength, and muscle endurance without going over the edge. Join us for an hour of exercise that will enhance your health benefits in many ways! Recommended for all fitness levels. ◆OULA DANCE FITNESS Instructor: Karinna Blodgett Class Fee: $10.00 8 Hours/8 Classes Thursdays 6 - 7pm Jan. 27 • Feb. 3, 10, 17 • Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24 Oula merges high-intensity cardio with easyto-follow choreography, mindfulness practices, and a culture of inclusivity - all to an energetic pop soundtrack. Every Oula class empowers participants to challenge their bodies and process their emotions through music, movement, and most importantly, a community connection! Join us for an evening of awe-inspiring exercise and a lot of fun! ◆LET’S TALK RAISING AND MARKETING SHEEP IN WESTERN MONTANA - OOOPS (Ovine Operations, Opportunities, Practices and Systems) Instructor: Gary Leese Class Fee: $10.00 16.5 Hours/3 Classes Saturdays 10am- 3:30pm Jan. 22 • Feb. 19 • Mar. 19 This class will cover sheep raising fundamentals such as breeds, management, facilities, and possible markets. It will also include information about some basic feed options and ration building. In addition, there will be discussion on wool breeds as well as hair breeds, lambing concerns, and predator problems. Join us for in-depth understanding of raising and marketing sheep in western Montana!

NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: EMAIL: NAME OF CLASS(ES):

Mail this registration form to: Lone Rock Adult Education; attn. Julie Bachman, 1112 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville, MT 59870

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Bitterroot Star -- Page 3

MAPS kicks off 2022 with drones, music, animation, and film classes

What stories will you tell in 2022?

MAPS Media Institute’s afterschool media arts classes continue in 2022 with exciting selections in design, film, music, and new technologies. “Ravalli County 8th to 12th graders will have incredible creative opportunities in the new year,” says Clare Ann Harff, MAPS Executive Director. “From building drones and character drawing for animation, to creating music from scratch and a promotional video for the Ravalli DUI Task Force, MAPS studios will be hopping this winter!” MAPS instructors aren’t the only ones excited to launch into new media art platforms. MAPS students are also looking forward to the new classes, like “Sky Robots,” taught by local tech wizard John Springer. “Almost every film you watch these days has drone work in it. In addition to learning to fly them, race them, and build them, I’m excited to learn about all the jobs available for drone pilots,” said MAPS teaching assistant and Corvallis High School student Jacob Domsalla. In addition to the drone building class, students can explore the art of digital animation and how to bring characters to life. While many students enjoy digital drawing on iPads and tablets, learning how to make illustrations move in realistic ways is an entirely different art form. Amanda Estrada, the instructor of “It’s a Moving World: Character Drawing for Animation” class, is a professional 3D prop and environment artist who works with design teams all over the world. Janna Williams, MAPS Communications & Marketing Director, said, “I am excited to see

MAPS student teaching assistant, Quin Vulk, on screen in the editing room. how the students make the shift from still form to movement. Many love the world of anime and video games. An opportunity to work with an established artist in this field is not something always available to young artists. Showing them how to make their artwork in mediums like those will be very exciting.” For the musicians and those interested in learning about music production, local musician Cove Jasmin is teaching “Songs from Scratch.” As Cove explains, “Not only will students learn the fundamentals of song creation and create original pieces, but they’ll also learn how to plan and organize a studio session - a chance to hone their production chops.”

W O O D P L A N K O N S A L E

Filmmaker Dan Molloy will be back in the MAPS studio in 2022. Molloy’s experience as an independent filmmaker and creative consultant with a history of working in the motion pictures and film industry has not only placed him on film sets of popular shows such as “Yellowstone” but has also honed his ability to inspire young filmmakers in a professional setting. In the “Making a Difference Through Film” class, students will produce a short promo video for the Ravalli DUI Task Force, a long-time supporter of MAPS. Take a quick trip to mapsmediainstitute.com for class overviews and to learn more about its statewide programming. “At a big picture level, MAPS is all about using

media arts to teach and encourage communication skills. Skills which help students express themselves articulately and effectively, no matter what their interest, no matter what their career path,” said Harff. “Knowing that, MAPS just has one question - what stories will you tell?” • All abilities welcome! • Students may enroll at any time. • Afterschool Classes run January May 2022. • All classes are free-of-charge for 8-12th grade students. • MAPS is open 3:00pm – 7:00pm Monday thru Thursday. For more information about MAPS, or to enroll, visit mapsmediainstitute.com.

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Bring your cardboard to recycle for $10/ yard or make a larger donation to help our student-athletes do what they love! We appreciate your support for our kids and teams. Please help spread the word! Contact Steve Curley for more info: 406-369-0859 S&D Trucking is open at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10-2 for cardboard recycling. $10/ yard. Call 406-369-0559 for more details.

Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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ADULT EDUCATION ADULT EDUCATION

SPONSORED BY THE STEVENSVILLE OF TRUSTEES SPONSORED BY THE STEVENSVILLE BOARDBOARD OF TRUSTEES The followingisisa list a listof courses of courses be offered during 2022Adult session. Adult Education The following whichwhich will bewilloffered during the 2022the session. Education registration eachevening evening course willduring be during firstmeeting, class meeting, registration forforeach course will be the firsttheclass or you mayor you may pre-register by mailing the registration fee along with your name and pre-register by mailing the registration fee along with your name and the coursetheyoucourse wish toyou takewish to take to: Adult AdultEducation, Education,Stevensville Stevensville Schools, 300Street, ParkStevensville, Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870. PublicPublic Schools, 300 Park Montana 59870. Adults mayalso alsopre-register pre-register the Stevensville High School office withVernon Vickiestarting Vernon starting Adults may at theat Stevensville High School office with Vickie January 10th. willwill fill on first-served basis. Most classes begin will duringbegin during January 10th.Courses Courses fillaonfirst-come, a first-come, first-served basis. Mostwillclasses although somesome classesclasses vary (asvary indicated). Some courses charge will charge the week weekofofJanuary January24th, 24th, although (as indicated). Somewillcourses if needed. Courses need aneed minimum of 8 students in most cases to avoid for books booksand andmaterials materials if needed. Courses a minimum of 8 students in most cases to avoid cancellation. Complete course descriptions, starting dates, and fees are enclosed. For more cancellation. Complete course descriptions, starting dates, and fees are enclosed. For more information, callcall777-5481 extension 129. 129. information, 777-5481 extension COURSE COURSENAME NAME ADULT VOLLEYBALL ADULT VOLLEYBALL ADULT WEIGHT ADULT WEIGHTLIFTING LIFTING ALL THINGS ALL THINGSGOOGLE GOOGLE CPR/AED FIRST AID CPR/AED FIRST AID CREATIVE WRITING FOR CREATIVE WRITING FOR BEGINNERS BEGINNERS FINANCIAL FINANCIAL WORKSHOP WORKSHOP FLY FISHING 101 FLY FISHING 101 FUNDAMENTALS OF FUNDAMENTALS OF DRAWING DRAWING FUNDAMENTALS OF FUNDAMENTALS OF FLY TYING FLY TYING FUNDAMENTALS OF FUNDAMENTALS OF WATERCOLOR WATERCOLOR GENTLE YOGA GENTLE YOGA HATHA FLOW YOGA HATHA FLOW YOGA HERBAL MEDICINE MAKING 101 HERBAL MEDICINE MAKING OIL PAINTING 101 OIL PAINTING PIYO PIYO SEW FUN MONDAYS SEW FUN MONDAYS

INSTRUCTOR MEETING TIME COURSE FEE INSTRUCTOR MEETING TIME LENGTH COURSE LENGTH Lori Lewis WED. 16 HOURS $20 Lori Lewis WED. 16 HOURS 6:30-8:306:30-8:30 Trae Williams MON. &MON. WED. & WED. 32 HOURS 32 HOURS $30 Trae Williams 5:30-7:305:30-7:30 AngieAngie ArmourArmour WED. WED. 20 HOURS 20 HOURS $20 6:00-8:00 6:00-8:00 Melissa Henderson WED. & THURS. 8 HOURS $10 Melissa Henderson WED. & THURS. 8 HOURS 6:30-9:00 6:30-9:00 Angie Armour TUES. 20 HOURS $20 Angie Armour 20 HOURS 6:00-8:00TUES. 6:00-8:00 Cody Velin TUES. 8 HOURS $10 Cody Velin6:00-8:00TUES. 8 HOURS 6:00-8:00 Bob Prince MON. Starts 15 HOURS $15 Bob Prince6:00-7:30MON. Starts 15 HOURS Feb.21 Kiana Fecteau TUES. 6:00-7:30 Feb.21 25 HOURS $25 Kiana Fecteau TUES. 25 HOURS 6:00-8:30 Wes Wells TUES. 6:00-8:30 30 HOURS $30 Wes Wells6:00-9:00TUES. 30 HOURS 6:00-9:00 Kiana Fecteau THURS. 25 HOURS $25 Kiana Fecteau 25 HOURS 6:00-8:30THURS. Andrea Buchanan THURS.6:00-8:30 10 HOURS $10 6:45-7:45THURS. Andrea Buchanan 10 HOURS Andrea Buchanan THURS.6:45-7:45 10 HOURS $10 8:00-9:00 Andrea Buchanan THURS. 10 HOURS Andrea Buchanan TUES. 8:00-9:00 20 HOURS $20 7:00-9:00 Andrea Buchanan TUES. 20 HOURS Mike Mickelson MON. 7:00-9:00 Starts 25 HOURS $25 6:30-9:00MON. Jan. 31 Starts Mike Mickelson 25 HOURS Libbi Hyde WED. TUES. 6:30-9:00 Jan. 10 $10 31HOURS 6:30-7:30 Libbi Hyde TUES. 10 HOURS Starts Colleen Koeplin MON. 6:30-7:30 30 HOURS $30 Jan. 31 6:00-9:00 Colleen Koeplin MON. 30 HOURS 6:00-9:00

OVERSTOCKS ONE-OF-A-KIND DISCONTINUED CLOSE-OUTS

Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

Corvallis: sewer project continued from page one with new subdivisions being added to the south and east. The last time the treatment facility was expanded was in 2001 when a third lagoon cell and additional treatment components were added. Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Corvallis Sewer District, board member Erik Hoover, who is employed by the county as manager of Emergency Services, told the commissioners that his board began looking at FEE to improve the system options last $20year for a couple of reasons. One was a significant increase in levels of solid waste coming into the$30 system such as wipes, rags, Q-tips and other items that cannot be$20 processed through the existing system. The problem eventually led to the shutdown of two lagoon $10 to clean out the garbage. A cells third lagoon cell was added in a nearby $20 building to keep the system running while the two other lagoons were being drained and vacuumed. He$10 said the new arrangement was awkward and created a lot of noise in $15 the neighborhood. Another issue, according to Hoover, is periodic permit $25 violations in which the effluent exceeds the allowable levels of e-coli. Hoover said that the problem $30 was related to the existing chlorine treatment system in use at the plant. He said that the District $25 conducted a competitive solicitation and chose Morrison-Maierle to help develop $10 a Preliminary Engineering Report for making the necessary upgrades to address the issues. $10 Aaron McConkey, a MorrisonMaierle engineer, said his company took $20 a 20-year look at the system and identified deficiencies that needed to be addressed. He said a lot$25 were due simply to age since the plant was constructed in 1979. He said $10the permit violations they were experiencing were not regular or seasonal in nature and were mostly

$30

related to the chlorine treatment inconsistencies. Two public meetings were held in the process, according to McConkey, the first to explore deficiencies and the second to explore alternatives. The outcome, he said, was a preferred option that includes replacing the chlorine treatment system with a new ultraviolet disinfection system, to add new head works screening, some new pipe re-configurations and upgrades to aeration system in the lagoons. The plan also involves consolidating all the blowers into one room and converting to quieter motors. The cost of the project to address all these near-term issues is estimated at $3.162 million. Traditionally, the legislature allocates funding for water and sewer projects every two years. Currently, $625,000 in grants is available but it would leave the district having to raise the rest through a state loan program. Hoover told the commissioners that the opportunity has now come up to get funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The plan involves seeking a $1.58 million ARPA grant, that would be matched by $1.077 million from the county’s Secure Rural Schools funding, two planning grants for $30,000, and $474,000 from the Corvallis Sewer District cash and reserve funds. Hoover said he was optimistic about the grant application. He said the district applied for the grant during the last application but was not accepted. Their application ranked 103 out of 350 with only 70 being funded. “If we had this match at that time, we would have made the funding limits,” said Hoover. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the grant application.

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Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Stevi school construction project nears completion by Victoria Howell

fairly big projects that still need to be completed include Flint Olsen, President of Quality the maintenance building, the bus barn and new classrooms Construction and Tyson Watson, a consultant who represents the school on the north end of the high district’s interests, gave an update on school. the school construction project at the All the construction people December school board meeting. have been working diligently to complete this project, Olsen According to Olsen, the project said. There have been no is nearing completion and the shut down days related to the punch list on the approximately construction. $20 million school construction Academic classroom areas project is currently being worked have all been moved into. through. The updated timeline for Books are being placed on the project completion is the end shelves in the library. And of April. The project was originally the library was expected to planned for completion in January be open when the students 2022, but with delays in material came back to school after the shipments and additional work that Christmas break. The high needed to be done, the timeline school commons area and the had to be extended. Approximately administrative area should be $2.5 million has been added to the project. However, no additional done by the end of January, work days have been added. Some said Olsen. Olsen said the commons All-Natural Angus Beef and Heritage Pork, area is one of pasture raised without the toughest to any added antibiotics work on because or hormones in the of its location in beautiful Bitterroot the center of the school. He said Mountains! that’s one reason the main entry isn’t finished – because it’s the easiest and best The Stevensville School Spelling Bee was held on December 20th. Grades 4-8th competed access point for (36 contestants from classroom competitions). Pictured are 1st Place Winner Zane Svaren and the crews and 2nd Place Winner Everett Lehnen. They are both in 7th Grade. These two boys will represent equipment. the school in the Scripps County Spelling Bee in Hamilton on Tuesday, February 22nd at 7:00 Watson, pm in the Hamilton Middle School Auditorium. who acts as the district’s lead abatement. Watson said there Dr. Bob Moore, school representative, said that have been $143,000 in price impacts, superintendent, said these are the 277 added scopes but the entire project is still under very preliminary numbers for the of work are a result of budget. “We’re still sitting in the construction costs. There are still unforeseen conditions. green,” he said. many unknowns for the bus barn, “We all knew, this was The latest budget report lists total career and technical education center, going to be a challenging projected cost for the elementary remodel of old bus barn, demolition renovation project.” school project at $7,710,171.11, of the old maintenance shop building, Some challenges with a total available budget of etc. “We also have costs for extended are the Covid situation $7,905,085.00. The latest projected construction timelines,” said Moore. 406-802-4372 • orders@doublekranchmt.com as well as the supply cost for the high school project is “We will have a much clearer picture 3096 KK Ranch Road, Darby, MT chain issues. Others $17,124,91.19, with a total available in January/February.” Order online: doublekranchmt.com include asbestos and budget of $17,296,289.47.

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New Year, New Law Office in the Bitterroot Valley

We need you.

Overstreet Law Group announces the opening of a general practice law firm in Stevensville. Greg Overstreet has 29 years of experience and currently serves part-time as the Stevensville City Attorney.

406-209-8592 • www.OverstreetLawGroup.com

Join our Bitterroot Health team! Bitterroot Health is hiring CMAs, LPNs and Patient Access representatives.

Thank You! Your continued support of o our business is greatly appr appreciated! We look forward to helping you with your heating needs in 2022

PAID externships for new Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs). VERY competitive pay for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Entry level Patient Access Representative positions with FULL benefits. Sign on and retention bonuses available*

View all open positions at BitterrootHealth.com/jobs (406) 375-4407 HumanResources@bitterroothealth.org * Contact Human Resources for more information regarding bonuses

1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton • 363-2211 • bitterroothealth.org

Opinion Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Working together

Trump and Biden both agree, COVID jabs for you and me. So, go today and do what’s right, The jab’s the way we’ll win this fight! Marshall Bloom Hamilton

Now is the new past Focus your attention on a single breath with the intention of remembering how it feels Relax Slowly inhale and exhale Now fill our past with relaxing moments. Tim Peterson Corvallis

Folks need to investigate more and help folks locally

I read two opinions recently from Heather C-R, and Mary F-T. I felt they raised well-intended needs. I question several from the latter, Mary, her sarcastic disparagement for giving reducing free child education, affordable housing, etc. I paid for my college. My parents survived raising 5 kids without Federal assistance. Morals in the USA have been corrupted by ‘free’ money. It is not free $, it is money redistributed by leaders violating the US Constitution to buy power. It has occurred for decades and with $30T in debt, it must stop! Govt should not do everything. In the past neighbors helped one another. Where in the US Constitution for our Federalist Republic are these deemed legal? They are not. Solution, change the constitution, don’t use a simple [temporary] majority in the congress to by-pass it! Myself, in the past 50+ years have seen the Fed govt explode. All they do is skim off overhead for themselves [Obama raised all their pay in his terms], then send less to the states. Hate Trump? Aside from select news, it appears your sources do not tell facts: Trump managed to create energy independence, low gas prices, brought back manufacturing, had China on their heels. Many days we heard of companies coming back to America to produce goods previously made in Asia. We had the lowest unemployment rate in fifty years, minority unemployment lowest on record. The middle class was raised to new heights. Incomes rose in every metro area. The bottom 50% of American households saw a 40% rise in net worth. Small business confidence saw highs never seen before. Juxtapose that with what you had to see in the past 12 months! Open borders, illegals invading the US,

military cuts [now China & Russia, even N Korea threatening others], rampant inflation on fuel & food! Lastly, explore facts. What’s in the BBB bill, and not reported? The US govt is to provide 50% of the salary of all media people! Govt paying them? Hmm. No, that will never affect bias in reporting on stories?! 80,000+ IRS employees to explore all US citizens taxes, now and in past years. Not just the 650 billionaires in the US. They want the Fed govt to take over elections, NOT require IDs. Ha! Many blue states require a stupid vaccine passport, but no ID! Recall that the US Constitution require elections to be run by the states. Again, trying to bypass the law of the land that they all swore to uphold! BBB would be hugely inflationary, per the CBO! In the past 20-25 years, both parties have been guilty of violations, and here we are. I implore folks with closed minds to try a news source they’ve avoided. Mary, Fascism awaits…yes. After all the lockdowns, projected more vaccine passports, etc., it will not come from a republic govt oriented leader, but from the current Dem/Communist/Socialist power-hungry government in control. The highest per capita income in the US? 1950’s it was Detroit making cars. Then thru 2010 it was LA and Silicon Valley, making computers & software. Know where it is now? Since 2010, Washington DC where they make nothing but laws and regulations! I watch many news outlets, from CNN, MSNBC, CBS to Fox News and Newsmax. I see stories that some of them do not report, or do not explain well. I suggest you try the same, be open-minded and help save our republic. Don Lorenzen Stevensville

Flags

You don’t see a lot of flags in Germany since Hitler, especially not national flags. Many people consider them jingoistic – exaggeratedly and aggressively “patriotic” – and in the first half of the 20th century they had quite enough of that and it destroyed their country. Without the admittedly self-interested generosity of the United States, it would still be recovering. I don’t know that Germans are any more humble than anyone else, but they are trying to learn from history. Ryan Zinke was in Hamilton for a County Commissioners’ meeting several weeks ago, presumably because he has his eye on the new Montana Congressional seat, and the first thing he said when he spoke was, “I’m a patriot. That means I stand up for …” – I missed the exact words but understood them to be “the national anthem” and/or “the Pledge of Allegiance.” Is that what it means to be a patriot? Not to me, and I’m pretty sure I am one. Long ago I tried really hard to expatriate to Germany, but ultimately I realized that this is my home, specifically Montana, at least partly because in my childhood here I felt safe and surrounded by kind people who, however much education

they did or did not have, cared about other people and what really seems right, not just what others told them. It feels less that way these days. It seems as if a lot of folks who identify with a Wild West that never really existed except in movies and paperback novels feel threatened as the world – inevitably – changes, and at least some of them think that charging around like Cavalry with flags flying shows how much they love their country. I think that’s a pretty cheap kind of “patriotism,” like that of the “patriots” who stormed the Capitol Building in Washington, DC, a year ago to try to prevent our elected government from functioning … with the encouragement of a man whose only loyalty is to himself. Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Hamilton

Responsible covenants for Bobcat Lane HOA

In my opinion, the board’s response to my concerns for: 1. Commercial use of property for leasing or renting a portion of a home 2. Blocking the area in front of the stop sign (resolved by county authorities) 3. Misuse of yard lights (used as spotlights) 4. Unleashed dogs taking runs at pedestrians or leashed dogs. Items 2, 3, & 4 have been resolved by common sense and the commercial logging has ended. The rationale for not allowing boarding houses is that the membership is held liable, to these renters, for property or physical injuries, they cause or receive, on our road and common areas. In effect, we members are the landlords, liability insurance. To make this clear, an insurance company will spend $20,000 to file for a court hearing. Our membership will have to defend ourselves, spending tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the seriousness of the issue or injury. The landlord’s share is only 5%! My concern is for the rights of the owners, to be protected, by our covenants and declarations. They both help to provide for our physical and financial well-being. I sponsored a powerful law firm to look after the best interests of the membership. Accordingly, beneficial changes were made to help all members. The bad side of the complaint is where the board lawyer stated, “There is nothing referencing that this association has anything to do with the original restrictive covenants and any enforcement of those covenants.” (May 29, 2020). Also, “Therefore, nothing obligates the association to enforce. but allows any owner that opportunity.” To my way of thinking, this makes your “appointed” board deaf, dumb, and useless. The Montana Nonprofit Corporations Act specifies that annual general meetings, to be fair and reasonable to owners, notifications must be given at

Bitterroot Star -- Page 7

least ten days, but not more than 60 days prior to the meeting. Although, I have resided here since Sept. 2017, I have never been given notice of any meeting held in a public place. An HOA is an organization that sets and upholds rules in order to maintain and enhance property value in housing communities. If you buy into an HOA you automatically become a member, be part of a representative democracy. with a ballot given to each property owner, as you agree to abide by the rules. Commonly a president, vicepresident, and secretary-treasurer are elected by secret ballot. My first month as a resident, my neighbor, an original founder of the HOA, related spirited complaints about the many dangerous potholes found on the two-year-old asphalt road. But, I related to him, the president’s annual meeting notes (Aug. 2017) indicated the “potholes” would be filled prior to the expiration of the contract... (Sept 24, 2017). He exclaimed, “The repairs filling the dozens of potholes, with the same hot asphalt had not been done, yet this was already Oct. 2017.” The president was responsible for the contract, which called for asphalt to be applied over bare dirt. What ignorance! A compacted 3-4-inch base must be applied, prior to the addition of asphalt. The goal for the asphalt was to eliminate road grading and to minimize dust conditions. The next contract called for the asphalt road to be buried under a thin layer of gravel! The month following (Nov. 2017) as I walked my dog, on this latest surface (loose gravel over hard asphalt) I slipped and slid, as if walking on marbles spread all over a tile floor. I was alerted by several members that the blue-collar labor on the road for decades was excellent. However, recent contracts offered by the board were more harmful than beneficial to the membership. No progress, instead regress, as once again, the road needs frequent grading using heavy equipment! The protective covenants were not designed for our membership. Instead, they were a temporary “bare bones” method for governing, by the developer, as houses were being built. Montana prohibits selective enforcement of HOA covenants and declarations. When there is non-enforcement of the rental covenants, this choice would allow for professional mechanics and other similar gainful occupations. As a former vice-president (10 years) of a condo-association HOA, my duties involved all legal and maintenance contracts. This included everything outside the paint and flooring of each unit. For ten years I was also active in a 234 residence HOA, had responsible and reasonable governance, with covenants that helped protect the value of homes and lots. For example: all buildings in addition to the house must be beside or behind the home (never in front of the residence). This prevented the addition of unsightly commercial-like structures to be seen from the See MORE LETTERS, page 15

Bitterroot Star staff Jesse Mullen Owner

Alyssa DePompa Publisher

Victoria Howell Editor & Advertising Sales editor@bitterrootstar.com

Nathan Boddy Reporter nathanboddy09@gmail.com

Kevin Schumacher Advertising Sales kevin@bitterrootstar.com

Scott Sacry Advertising Sales scott@bitterrootstar.com

Information about your Bitterroot Star Printing information The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co. The advertising and editorial content deadlines are Fridays at 5 p.m. We strive to cover all the news and information important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea or want some event publicized, call us at 406-777-3928. Our Mission The Bitterroot Star is a team of caring individuals who ethically and responsibly strive to deliver essential news and information to our local community. Correction Policy The Bitterroot Star strives to be accurate. If you see a factual error in a Bitterroot Star news story, please notify the editor immediately and we will print a correction in the next issue. Our View/Letters Star editorials sometimes appear at the top of this page and are written from the position of the newspaper, usually with the influence of several people, and in the hope that they will carry the weight of our decades of leadership. The personal columns and letters appearing elsewhere on this page, and others, represent the opinions of single individuals and do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes and encourages your letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication; letters should be 600 words or less and may be edited. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specific, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. A signature, address and telephone number (for verification, not publication) are required. We will not publish letters that are libelous or scurrilous in nature. Letters of thanks are offered at a reduced price in our display ads. Member 2016

Member 2021

Page 8 -- Bitterroot Star

Gamblers Anon

Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.

WIC clinics

Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library.Call 406-802-7180 for more information.

Family Shelter

The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 2398833.

Stevensville Al-Anon

The Stevensville Al-Anon Family Group meets the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College St. Enter the church through the Fellowship Hall door next to the parking lot. Masks are required and social distancing is practiced. For more information about the meeting, call Mary at 529-3951. Visit https:// al-anon.org for general information about Al-Anon.

Brown Baggers Al-Anon

Brown Baggers Al-Anon meets Tuesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Open Minded Expressions Art Studio, 201 Daly Street, Hamilton. For more information, call 406-3630060.

Three Mile Coffee

Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For information call Colleen at 777-3710.

BitterRodders Cars

BitterRodders Car Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st in Hamilton. Everyone welcome. For more information call 961-3136.

Victor Senior Center

Serving meals at the Center Monday Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. You can still order and pickup meals to go on Monday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Bridge every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Pokeno 2nd and 4th Friday at 1 p.m. For info or to volunteer call 642-3320.

Calendar Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Hamilton Senior Center

Open for lunch Monday, Wednesday, Friday, serving from 11:45-12:30 p.m. Bridge, Sundays & Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Canasta (Hand and Foot), Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Cards/shufflers provided. $1. Pinochle, Fridays, 1 p.m. All supplies provided. $2. Flea Market, every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Center is located at 820 N. 4th Street.

Golden Age Club

Pinochle, every Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. Coffee provided; wrapped candy OK, no food please. $2. Light exercise Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-10:00 a.m. 50 cents. Quarterly Membership Meetings: 1 p.m. at the Golden Agers facility Thursdays: January 6, April 7, July 7, October 6, 2022. All dues-paid members welcome. Bring questions/ideas. The Club is located at 527 South 5th Street.

Stevensville Senior Center

Stevenville Senior Center is now serving meals at the Center Monday thru Friday at 11:30 am. You can still pick up your weekly meals on Monday at 11 am to 11:30 am Coffee Club at 8:00 am M-F Exercise 10:00 am Tuesday and Thursday Quilters the second Tuesday of each month 6:00 pm Pinochle Saturdays at 7 pm Afternoon Pinochle Fridays 12:15 pm Bridge Mondays at 12:15 pm

Victor Masons

Victor Masonic Lodge 43 meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on Main Street above Farmers State Bank. For any questions or membership information call 406-381-1250.

Sapphire Quilt Club

2nd Tuesday of each month, Senior Citizens Center, Stevensville. Doors open 6 p.m. Start 6:30 p.m.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church youth center (to the east of the church). Located on the corner of Corvallis Cemetery Road and Eastside Hwy. Big white church. Any questions please call Ginny Wigen, coordinator, 406-544-9186.

St. Mary’s Parish Mass

Join us for Mass every Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. (currently NO Mass scheduled for St. Joseph’s in Florence).

Soul Suppers

Soul Suppers in Stevensville served every Wednesday! Free home cooked meals with a message served every Wed. evening at 6 p.m. 100 Mission St. For more information, contact Corey at (406) 214-8708.

Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group

The Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group, formerly called the South Valley Civic Group, has reorganized. We are looking for new members and volunteers. Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:15 pm at the Darby Library. Please join us.

Quantum Group

The Quantum Group of the Bitterroot invites you to attend its monthly meetings. You needn’t have knowledge of quantum physics to enjoy learning about this exciting field of science that affects our daily lives. Topics alternate each month between Science (particles, fields, etc. and their practical applications) and the Metaphysical aspects of quantum physics. Meetings feature presentations and discussion WHEN: The last Wednesday of each month. TIME: 6:30pm to 8:30pm WHERE: St. Francis Catholic Church Community Center, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton ENTER: Please enter through the North-facing door. Call 363-0683 for additional information.

American Legion Post 94

Meetings 3rd Tuesday of month, 7 p.m., at 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For Info call Chuck, 253-380-7016.

American Legion Post 94 Auxiliary

Meetings 1st Tuesday of month, 6:30 p.m., at 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For info call Cheryl, 406-531-4132 or email cherylburgmeier@yahoo.com

Lions Club

The Hamilton Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesdays at noon at BJs restaurant 900 N First Street in Hamilton. Guests and prospective members are welcome to attend. For more information check https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/hamiltonmt/.

Grief Support Group Join us as you grieve and mourn the loss of your loved one/ friend. All welcome. Mondays, January 10th - February 14th, 3:00pm - 4:00pm at Ministry on Main: 126 Main St., Hamilton. Please contact Home Health and Hospice of Montana Chaplain, Jonathan Sardella, for more info: jonathansardella@hhandhofmt.com

Laundry Love free laundry appointments

Laundry Love Hamilton invites our homeless and Lowincome neighbors to bring their clothing into Fast & Fluffy, 115 Pine, Hamilton, to wash them for free. We supply laundry detergent, fabric softener, quarters, and hygiene bags. When you call, text message, or message through either Facebook or website we will need to know your first name, the day you would like to come in, the size of your family, and how many loads you have. When making an appointment we just need to know the day requested. There is not a specific time you need to come in that day with the exception of all laundry must be in the machines no later than 7:15 pm. All supplies are delivered by 8:30 am to allow flexibility for our guests to come in before/after work, while children are at school or when you have a ride. No proof of income is needed. We do request at least a 24-hour notice. Phone #: 360-7763, Email: laundrylovehamiltonmt@gmail.com or Facebook:@llhamiltonmt

Stevi Garden Club

On Wednesday, January 5, at 1pm the Stevensville Garden Club will meet at the Kootenai Creek Clubhouse, 43 Clubhouse Way. Kimberly Richardson, MSU Ravalli County Extension Agent, will speak on mole, vole and gopher control methods. Please call Colleen at 2733973 for more info.

String quartet concert

Bitterroot Baroque’s sister organization, Baroque Music Montana, based in Bozeman, is presenting a string quartet concert in Missoula on January 5, 2022. Sara Levy’s Salon: Quartets of Mendelssohn and Bach will be performed January 5 at 7:30 pm at the UM Recital Hall, Missoula. Tickets $30/$5 students. Join Baroque Music Montana’s international quartet cast in

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Main St. Stevensville • 777-0028

Worship at 11:00 a.m. In this Church there shall be no outcasts. exploring the musical life of Sara Levy. Sara Levy was the favorite student of Johann Sebastian Bach’s son and Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn’s great aunt. A brilliant and history loving pianist, Sara Levy was at the center of Berlin’s musical life at the turn of the 19th century. This program includes selections from the Bach family including “Art of Fugue” paired with a fugue by young Bozeman composer Athena Carson, a French battle piece about the Napoleonic Wars written during the occupation of Berlin, and Felix Mendelssohn’s Op. 80 String Quartet composed in remembrance of his sister Fanny. Pieces are performed on period instruments and historical bows by musicians in historic performance style, notable for a rarely heard lens towards Mendelssohn’s early romantic work. Musicians are Davina Clarke & Carrie Krause, violin, Lindsey Strand Polyak, viola and Sarah Stone, cello. For tickets, go to baroquemusicmontana.org.

Reagan Republican Club

The next informal non-negative Ravalli County Reagan Republican Club will be Thursday, January 6 at 9 a.m. at Glen’s Café, Florence for a no host breakfast. Come and join in with your questions and legislative ideas for civic and respectful discussions. For more information call 406-369-1965.

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, January 7, 2022 at noon at The Frontier Cafe; HWY 93 in Stevensville. Our guest speaker will be Pascal Redfern talking about the Special Select Committee on Judicial Accountability and Transparency. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 P.M. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Christmas Tree disposal

Jan 7-9 Located at the City of Hamilton’s Public Parking Lot on the corner of Pinckney and North 4th Street. No yard waste, garbage, tree stands, or decorations please. cityofhamilton.net Public Parking Lot 200 N 4th St

Culture Crawl Art Walk

Saturday, Jan 8, 11-3pm Join in on the second Saturday of every month for the Culture Crawl, a walking art tour featuring artists at Hamilton studios. culturecrawlhamilton

Hamilton Players auditions

Auditions for “My Way” Jan 9 & 10 at 7pm Roles available for 2 men and 2 women, character ages 21-60. Auditions will consist of 3 parts: music, movement, and directed activity. Please, no prepared songs or scenes. Everything you need to audition will be provided/taught at auditions. Masks are required at the Playhouse. Show dates: TBA (end of February thru mid-March). hamiltonplayers.com 100 Ricketts Rd

Public Land Solutions — Outdoor Recreation Stakeholder Outreach Meeting p.m.

January 11, 2022 at 6:00

Public Land Solutions (PLS) is a non-profit recreation consultant, and we are working with the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority to complete a county-wide recreation review and report. The goal is to identify opportunities to improve and support recreation assets in the county such as roads and trails, boating and fishing access, climbing areas, etc. PLS would like to hear from you about the public lands you visit within the county to meet the needs

of all stakeholders. PLS will be hosting two Virtual Zoom meetings with the same agenda -- Jan 11th and 12th at 6pm. The agenda for each meeting will be the same for both dates: introduce PLS staff, attending stakeholders and project goals; begin discussions on the various recreation assets in the region, both those that are functioning well and those that need restoration or improvements. We want to hear your experiences about the places you visit. To get access to the link for this meeting, please visit www.publiclandsolutions.org/ ravallicounty (use password: ravallicounty). Please share comments and add your name to receive future updates on the project.

Hamilton school board meetings

Regular board meeting Tuesday – January 11, 2022 6:30 p.m. – Washington Elementary – Room 13 The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will broadcast the meeting via ZOOM and LIVE on the HSD#3 Facebook page. You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www.facebook.com/HamiltonSchoolDistrict3

Museum activities

Free Family Activities at the Ravalli County Museum Saturdays 10-12pm Jan 8 - Aurora Borealis Jan 15 - MLK Dream of Peace Jan 22 - Stringing Beads Jan 29 - 3D Groundhogs ravallimuseum.org 205 Bedford St

Alpaca sanctuary hay donations

Safe Haven Llama and ALpaca Sanctuary in Corvallis is in need of 140 to 160 bales of grass or grass/clover, grass/ alfalfa mix hay. With the hay shortage from draught this past year the cost of hay and feed has gone up in price and has been bought up not leaving much out there for those who need it. Char Hakes said that this has never happened before in the 30 years she has been in the llama/ alpaca rescue. People used to always donate hay to Safe Haven until about 5 years ago. Especially now since the farms have been put into subdivisions, their is no one to hay the small acreages. Safe Haven has enough hay to get them into March, hopefully, but with the frigid cold she is having to feed more. Safe Haven does not have any equipment to be able to handle the large square or round bales so they are in need of 60# to 80# bales. Safe Haven also sells their manure compost so the hay must not have any sprays or weeds in it. If anyone in the area can help please contact Char at 406-961-4027. They also need it delivered if possible. The llamas and alpacas of Safe Haven thank you so much.

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.

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Bitterroot Star -- Page 9

County airport to receive $790k from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Following the passage of his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced he secured approximately $790,000 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding for Ravalli County Airport over next five years as a part of the law. Tester also announced the first allocation of these funds, $159,000, for Fiscal Year 2022. “Ravalli County Airport is essential to keeping Hamilton connected and

Ravalli County’s economy strong,” said Tester. “This funding from my bipartisan infrastructure package will ensure that our airports can make urgently needed repairs, continue to grow and support Montana travel, and create good paying jobs in the process.” The funding Tester announced last week is a part of approximately $144 million for 69 Montana airports he secured through his bipartisan infrastructure law. The funding will be awarded

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over five years through FAA Airport Improvement Grants, which can be used to construct or repair runways and taxiways as well as make terminal and gate improvements. Tester was the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to vote for the legislation. Tester worked across the aisle for months to negotiate this agreement with a group of five Republicans, four Democrats, and the White House. Tester’s law is projected to create more than

800,000 American jobs and lower costs for businesses by making targeted investments that will strengthen our nation without raising taxes on working families. As a lead author of the bill, Tester made sure that the law does not raise taxes. He secured significant wins for Montana in the law, including $2.82 billion for Montana’s roads, highways and bridges; up to $100 million for the Milk River Project and $1 billion to complete all authorized rural water

Keeping the “Real” in Real Estate Sharon Dedmon

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projects through the Bureau of Reclamation; $42.45 billion for broadband deployment to low-connectivity areas across the country; and $3.37 billion to reduce wildfire risk nationwide, among others. Tester also worked to ensure that all iron, steel, and construction materials used for these projects must be made in America. Stevensville will receive $159,000 in Fiscal Year 2022 for repairs, upgrades, and expansion under the new law.

Pre-Paid Simple Cremation

$2,200 406-363-1111

January 3, 2022 Posting Date

Page 10 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Study: climate change, invasive species drive native trout declines UM News Service

“These scenarios seem to be playing out in our backyard In a new study published in with native and invasive trout.” Science Advances, University The study also highlights of Montana researchers found the importance of using and that climate change drives maintaining long-term datasets native trout declines by reducing covering large regions to shed stream habitat and facilitating light on the complex ways the expansion of invasive trout climate and invasive species species. work in concert to affect native “This study had three species. main questions: How have “It’s exciting to have the the distributions of native opportunity to use data and invasive trout shifted in meticulously collected over Montana over the last 30 years, decades in Montana to how will they change in the convincingly answer complex future, and what factors are questions like these,” said causing those changes?” said David Schmetterling, fisheries Donovan Bell, the study’s lead research coordinator for author and a doctoral candidate Montana FWP. in UM’s Wildlife Biology Andrew Whiteley, a study Program. co-author and UM associate To answer those questions, professor, said Montana already Westslope cutthroat trout and a bull trout swim in the Flathead River system. Photo courtesy of scientists from UM, the U.S. has lost populations of coldJonny Armstrong, USGS. Geological Survey and Montana adapted native fish species, Fish, Wildlife & Parks quantified and this likely will continue as temperatures and appear poised to “Our two native trout species in the impacts of climate change on climate change progresses over this prosper during future climate change. Montana will decline in the future the distributions of five trout species century. The culprit for declines of both unless appropriate conservation (native westslope cutthroat trout and “This is particularly troubling in a native trout species is likely climate action is taken,” Bell said. “Our bull trout and invasive brook trout, state where cold-water fisheries now change, researchers found, but the results suggest that tailoring brown trout and rainbow trout) in contribute nearly $650 million a year specific mechanisms of the declines conservation strategies to specific the northern Rocky Mountains. They to our economy,” said Whiteley, who varied by species. species and specific climate-change used an expansive long-term dataset studies fisheries and conservation Bull trout, a threatened species threats is important for native fish collected and maintained by Montana under the Endangered Species Act, genetics. “But all is not lost for conservation.” FWP, analyzing close to 22,000 data these economically, ecologically and require cold streams with adequate For example, the conservation points from electrofishing surveys in culturally important species as long flow. But warmer water temperatures of bull trout in streams and rivers Montana’s streams and rivers over as appropriate conservation action is and lower summer water levels may be better aimed at protecting, the past 30 years. taken.” – both driven by climate change – reconnecting and restoring critical The researchers found native bull UM study co-authors include Bell, have degraded stream habitat and cold-water habitat. On the other trout and westslope cutthroat trout Paul Lukacs and Whiteley from the likely caused declines of bull trout. hand, suppression of invasive trout occupancy – defined as the amount of Meanwhile, westslope cutthroat trout species likely is more effective for the University’s W.A. Franke College of stream where a species is present – Forestry and Conservation and Diane were strongly limited by the presence conservation of westslope cutthroat declined by 18% and 6%, respectively, of invasive trout species, including Whited from UM’s Flathead Lake trout. between 1993 and 2018 and are brook trout that can outcompete “Globally, climate-induced changes Biological Station. USGS co-authors predicted to decrease by an additional native trout, and rainbow trout that include Muhlfeld, Timothy Cline and to aquatic habitats are predicted 39% and 16% by 2080. Although Robert Al-Chokhachy. Montana FWP readily hybridize with westslope to threaten at least one-third of invasive brook trout also were authors include Ryan Kovach and cutthroat trout. The threat from freshwater fishes, and some invasive expected to decline, invasive brown Schmetterling. invasive rainbow trout is particularly species could take advantage of such The study is online at https:// and rainbow trout have expanded concerning as their range is changes,” said Clint Muhlfeld, a www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv. their range due to rising water expanding due to climatic warming. USGS scientist and study co-author. abj5471.

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Shop with a Cop

Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

Board of Realtors releases 2021 stats The Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors has released year-end statistics for real estate sales in the Bitterroot Valley. The median home price in 2021 was $404,000 versus $350,000 in 2020. Average days on the market was 60 days, down from 76 days in 2020. Total sales volume in 2021 was $555,345,780. 895 units were sold; 44 sales are pending. The number of listings remained steady month to month throughout 2021. The list-to-sale price was above asking for most of the year, however, things have eased a bit and have leveled off to 97% of list price on average. The Absorption Rate is steady at 1.65. This data was provided by the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors MLS Data Systems.

The first “Shop with a Cop” program took place this holiday season with Police Chief Mac Sosa (pictured at left) and the other officers of the Stevensville Police Department taking children for a special shopping spree. Eight children were taken to Walmart where they could buy gifts for themselves and their family members. They then came back to the police station where they had pizza and wrapped the presents. Photos courtesy of Kristin Kruse, Stevensville Police Department.

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Page 12 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Stevensville ‘People’s Choice’ decorating winners

“Frozen Wonderland” by Myles and Ariel Almaguer, 117 College Street, took top honors in this year’s Verry Merry Yard Decorating Contest in Stevensville. The entries were voted on by the public.

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Valley Drug and Variety was the 2021 Parade of Trees winner with their tree “Winter Wonderland”, pictured at right. The tree was designed by Dina, who contributed many one-of-a-kind items she had collected over the years. This tree, along with other select trees, was auctioned off to raise money for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the Bitterroot. The fundraiser was organized by A2Z Personnel, and altogether more than $16,000 was raised for the program which provides a free book a month to participating children ages 0-5. A2Z Personnel’s “Grinch Scene” was the 2021 winner of the Very Merry Window Decorating Contest. The scene was complete with a Grinch on the roof! “Thank you to all the businesses that participated in this year’s decorating contests,” said Liz Cook, who organized the contests. “All the entries this year were great! Also a thank you to all the Stevensville residents that entered in the yard decorating contest. You made our community look great for the holidays.”

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Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Chuck Stranahan’s

Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

Flyfishing Journal

Bitterroot midwinter: sublime and passionate folly It is a late afternoon in early January 2022 as I write this. Before starting I took a break to look outside, and saw pink and salmoncolored swirls of clouds amid the gray covering that shows, if you look closely, a subtle light purple coming out of the gray. There are places where small shafts of light break clean against small patches snow toward the mountain peaks. I tell Jan, “Come look! We’re almost too late; it’s quite a light show.” You could tell where the brighter colors might have been, just long seconds ago. At that moment a flock of geese, then two, then three, fly low over the house toward the mountains in the west, silhouetted by the fading colors above the peaks. I open to sliding glass door so I can hear them – Jan is used to my exuberance about such things so she doesn’t object to the rush of chilled air that sweeps into our living room. I listen to the geese, watch them land in the fields west of us, and slide the door shut. The keyboard beckons. I have a column to write. Even for the intrepid angler these days, there isn’t much fishing to write about. We’re anticipating the onset of colder weather and it’d be old news by the time the publishing and printing deadlines passed if I wrote it; I did that once recently and touted winter fishing that never was by the time the paper was in circulation.

Fishing, then, would be sheer folly. But sometimes folly for its own sake, when you have the opportunity, is fun. It beats reading about the year-end murder rates in Chicago or Baltimore, where the children might grow up (or be murdered) without hearing the winter cries of wild geese instead of their own, and whose sunsets are silhouetted by tall square soot-stained buildings instead of jagged snow-clad mountain peaks – if they see them at all. We are fortunate to live here. We tell that to ourselves, and to each other. What we make of it, how we experience it, is something each of us owns for ourselves. Many of us live because our fishing is a vital part of our lifestyle. And our fishing becomes the sort of thing that a favorite poem of mine describes as passionate folly. Passionate folly. I like that. Maybe it’s because so much of my own life is consumed by what others might see as non-productive or pointless, but which I see as intrinsically beautiful or fulfilling in its own moments – call it passionate folly. That’s not a bad way to describe the arcane and apparently senseless task of attaching dead animal and bird parts to little twisted pieces of steel, nor whipping the end-products

Chuck

Stranahan

around over a river with an expensive he fishes in winter might fade into the vapor of the past; call it passionate high-tech graphite shaft to land them folly. in front of fish that will be returned If he’s good at it there might be art to the river when caught instead of in the graceful rhythm of his cast, and eaten. the slow streaking of his line against Passionate folly. the skyline; the satisfaction of landing And yet, in those benign that cast exactly as he intended when enterprises, there is something more. Maybe many things more. Lots more. he made the stroke just a moment before might be, for him, a sublime Take the man with the graphite moment. shaft standing alone in the river: He finds that sublime experience what is he doing there, really? Is he in that precarious moment when it trying to catch a fish, or is that only all comes together, and that’s why part of it? he’s there, where his passionate folly The other part, the part separate from the actual moment of catching a approaches the sublime. fish, the broader reason that he’s there, are at the RAVALLI COUNTY CLEANING heart of it. Residential, Commercial, Construction, Standing in a river, Move In & Out Cleaning Services immersed in the rhythmic exercise of Melissa & Robert Adkins waving that graphite 406-239-5491 | 406-210-9394 shaft over the water puts ravallicountycleaning@gmail.com him in closer touch with LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED what might seem “out there” most of the time; he becomes more at one with it and at the same time more at one with himself. That’s why he might go out on a winter day when the chances of catching a fish are slim to none but his soul needs refreshment. There is a deep-seated and fervent urge for him to do this, even when the frenetic evenings of summer hatches and frenzies of trout splashing the surface of the long pool

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Page 14 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

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Legals Wednesday, January 5, 2022

MONTANA 21ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Guardianship of HECS: Bridget Rae Sampson, Petitioner. Case No: DG-21-41 Dept. 2, Judge Lint Notice of Hearing on Guardianship of a Minor Child This is notice that Petitioner has asked to become the guardian of a minor child. The hearing will be on 01/27/2022 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli county. Date: December 10, 2021 Paige Troutwein Clerk of Court By: Deputy Clerk of Court BS 22, 29, 1/5 ___________________ William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Office PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 Facsimile: (406) 552-0153 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF DONALD D. COOK, Deceased. Cause No.: DP-21-120 Department No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, David F. Cook, return receipt requested, ℅ Nelson Law Office PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 21st day of December, 2021. /s/ Bill Nelson Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ David F. Cook Personal Representative BS 12-29-21, 1-5, 1-12-22. ___________________ PUBLIC NOTICE Town of Stevensville Notice is hereby given that a vacancy exists in the office of the Town Councilmember - Ward 1 created by the resignation of elected councilmember Jaime Devlin. Town Council will appoint a Stevensville resident to fill the unexpired term of the position vacated on the

Town Council. The term expires December 31, 2023. Qualifications to serve as a Town Council member are as follows: * Must be a citizen of the United States * Must be a Stevensville resident for at least 60 days * Must live in Ward 1 (the area is North of 5th Street and North of Central Avenue) Any qualified person interested in being considered for appointment to the position of Town Council may make an application to the Town of Stevensville. Applications are available online at https://www.townofstevensville.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/ town_council/page/98/102018_council_application. pdf and at Town Hall at 206 Buck Street Stevensville, MT 59870. Completed applications can be dropped off at Town Hall or mailed to PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 5, 2022. For more information contact Town Hall at (406) 7775271. Attest: Jenelle S. Berthoud, Town Clerk B.S. 12/29/21, 01/05/22 ___________________

PUBLIC NOTICE Town of Stevensville Notice is hereby given that a vacancy exists in the office of the Town Councilmember - Ward 2 created by the resignation of elected councilmember Sydney Allen. Town Council will appoint a Stevensville resident to fill the unexpired term of the position vacated on the Town Council. The term expires December 31, 2023. Qualifications to serve as a Town Council member are as follows: * Must be a citizen of the United States * Must be a Stevensville resident for at least 60 days * Must live in Ward 2 (the area is south of 5th Street and South of Central Avenue) Any qualified person interested in being considered for appointment to the position of Town Council may make an application to the Town of Stevensville. Applications are available online at https://www.townofstevensville.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/ town_council/page/98/102018_council_application. pdf and at Town Hall at 206 Buck Street Stevensville, MT 59870. Completed applications can be dropped off at Town Hall or mailed to PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 15

Applications must be received by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, January 5, 2022. For more information contact Town Hall at (406) 7775271. Attest: Jenelle S. Berthoud, Town Clerk B.S. 12/29/21, 01/05/22 ___________________ RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. PO Box 1917 Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Email: ravallilaw@montana.com Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Estate of: HELEN L. THRASHER; Deceased. Case No.: DP-21- 168 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jill Deppel, the

Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A.Weber, PO Box 1917, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 27 day of December, 2021. Jill Deppel Personal Representative BS 1/5, 1/12, 1/19 ___________________ REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR VICTOR WASTEWATER IMPROVEMENTS The Victor Sewer District is seeking a Statement of Qualifications from a professional firm for wastewater collection and treatment systems engineering, planning and grant administration services for potential system improvements at the District’s wastewater facilities. For a Request for Qualifications Package which includes the Scope of Services; Submission Requirements; Selection Process; RFQ Schedule and Deadline for Submission of Qualifications, or if you have any questions, please contact Sonja Kearney, Office Manager at victorsewerbilling@ gmail.com. BS 1/5, 1/12

More Letters continued from page seven road, which would add blight to the community! My 50 years of real estate experience indicates that a better covenant package would be available to help govern the HOA. The need may be to have several volunteers, never connected to the HOA board, to locate a more appropriate group of declarations and covenants. When successful, this would prevent future serious liabilities for our rustic and attractive community. Secret ballots allow members’ opinions to be presented each year, at a public place, allows democracy for all! The final examples of why better governance is needed are as follows: When the board attorney’s opinion is that the association has nothing to do with the original covenants, does this mean a member mechanic can have a wrecking yard, a carpenter can have a sawmill, and both can erect buildings to assist with those professions, or other like hobbies? Friends and others may stay in mobile homes, while pit bulls are welcome. When sold, the new 12-acre lot owners may cut and harvest their trees for sustained yields! This allows every hobbyist to have their way with the lots, which were purchased in good faith. They may trust that some selected covenants would not be enforced. The understanding of this paragraph illustrates the need for more appropriate protective covenants. This, as a necessity, should be pursued. In conclusion, it would be best to consult with a real estate attorney. Richard Schwinger Hamilton

Time to consider a Convention of States

In August of 2020, we wrote an opinion opposing Modern Monetary Theory (or MMT, the “too good to be true” idea that the federal government can spend unlimited amounts of money, regardless of revenue, in order to benefit the country and the economy). We disagreed with MMT on the strongest terms. Since that time, the federal government has added $8.4 trillion dollars to our national debt, which now stands at $29.2 trillion. We appealed to the common sense that the government cannot fix everything, own everything, or control everything. We warned that printing unlimited quantities of money despite deficits would

be inflationary, and that other countries that have gone down this path have destroyed their economies and currencies. (German currency became worthless and Germans lost everything due to hyper-inflation from 1920 -1923). The numbers are now in. November consumer price inflation checked in at 6.8% while producer price inflation is pacing at 9.6% annualized. Used cars are up 31% year over year, energy is up 33%, and housing prices have increased 18.6%. Food items like meat and eggs are up 14% and 11% respectively. To exacerbate the inflation problem, supply has been decreased due to government regulation related to the pandemic and otherwise. Labor productivity has fallen at the fastest rate recorded in the past 60 years, and farm productivity is down. An accelerating supply of money chasing after fewer goods and services presents a horrifying inflation scenario. We are sorry to report that the fiscal 2022 federal budget continues to accelerate long-term deficit trends and spends $6 trillion dollars despite a $4 trillion income. These numbers do not include the potential “Build Back Better” plan. For fiscal year 2022, entitlement spending is expected to be $3.9 trillion. Interest on the debt is projected at $.3 trillion. An alarming 100% of revenue is spent on entitlements (Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, childcare payments, unemployment, etc.) and interest on the debt. This means that to pay for national defense or infrastructure, we must borrow from foreign nations or just print money that will debase our currency and lead to even higher inflation. Are we so foolish to think that China or other foreign adversaries will continue to fund our military by buying US debt? How can the poorest among us afford double digit increases in food prices? Affordable housing and transportation are unattainable with price inflation at 18% and 31%. How is this just? These long-term trends are unsustainable. Either we stop it, or a foreign power will subdue us, taking our land, resources, and liberty when we are too financially weak to defend our nation. A solution to Washington’s political malfeasance is a Convention of the States. The United States Constitution provides the states the constitutional power to bring the

federal government to heel when both political parties in Washington have lost all sense of reality. Reagan said it best: “We can’t depend on Congress to discipline itself… we must rely on the states to force Congress to act on our amendment. Fortunately, our Nation’s Founders gave us the means to amend the Constitution through action of state legislatures… That is the only strategy that will work.” Ronald Reagan SOTU address, 1984 (speaking of the article V state process for a balanced budget amendment.) Please learn more and email your legislators in support of a Convention of States by signing the petition for a Convention of States here. Rep. Terry Moore Sen. Tom McGillvray State Rep. Terry Moore represents House District 54 in Billings and is a CPA who worked 35 years in the financial services industry. Sen. Tom McGillvray represents SD 23 in Billings and worked as a Certified Financial Planner for 27 years.

Remembering Bob Dole

With the unrelenting talk about election fraud, I’ve decided now to clear my conscience and disclose that I voted twice for President in 1996. No, it wasn’t an act of voter fraud. As a delegate to the Republican convention that year, I voted to nominate Bob Dole as the Republican candidate. I voted for him again at my polling place in Whitefish in the general election. Colin Powell, who I felt could have been a great and unifying President, was my first choice that year, but I was more than comfortable with Dole. My primary reason for that was a personal not a political one. A few years earlier, as a teacher at Flathead High School, I was the faculty sponsor of the Teen Age Republican Club when Dole was the keynote speaker at a Western States Republican Conference at the Outlaw Inn in Kalispell. As it turned out, his talk was scheduled for 4:00 so I was able to take about 15 of my students to the event after school. When we arrived though, the large meeting room was packed. The staff told me that no more chairs were available. The students and I were lined up against the outer wall, disappointed that we wouldn’t be able to see the speaker. But then suddenly Dole himself appeared

and approached the young people, offering his left hand and warmly greeting each one. (His right arm was largely paralyzed due to terrible wounds he suffered heroically rescuing a fellow soldier during WWII.) When he came to me he told me that he wasn’t going to enter the meeting room until my students could, too. In a matter of minutes, hotel workers came scrambling on to the scene with chairs from other rooms, which they crammed into the ballroom, and the students quickly filed into them. Then Bob Dole, with his radiant smile, took the podium. Dole was considered a possible Presidential candidate at that time, and typical of the sardonic wit that for both good and ill became his trademark, he commented that some of his critics were saying that because he was the Republican National Chairman at the time of the Watergate burglary, he should be disqualified from running. Dole denied anything to do with Watergate, adding that, “I was doing another job up in Chicago that night.” There are countless examples of his wry humor, but one that particularly stands out in my memory was when the earnest Jimmy Carter promised to the American people with his customary toothy smile, “I will never lie to you,” Dole wryly commented, “Gee, I thought every time he told a lie he grew another tooth.” His first choice for the Republican nomination in 2016, was Jeb Bush, but loyal soldier that he was, he supported Trump in the general election that year. I was sorry to see him continue to support his party right or wrong in 2020. To his everlasting credit, however, Dole refused to buy Trump’s perpetual fraudulent lie that the election was stolen, and congratulated Biden on his victory. In one of the last official acts of his long life, Dole returned to his native Kansas, and visited the common people in every one of the 105 mostly rural counties in the state, thanking them personally for the opportunity they had given him to serve. A Republican to the end, Bob Dole was no demagogue and no danger to democracy. He will be remembered well, I think, in the annals of time. Bob Brown Whitefish Bob Brown is a former MT Secretary of State and State Senate President.

Page 16 -- Bitterroot Star

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