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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume XL, Number Number 26 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, April26, 10,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ Child care symposium set Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Centercenter open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville
Music That Connects by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse
Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com
speech, occupa-
shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major ty for failing to do the proper Thechanges park additional impact on people’s therapy services – provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmental by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.oftaxes. It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property The Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing its the therapy theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. over 220 people The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to theaoff loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to theOswald subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Senior ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments concern group ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, a presentatation in Darby and contacted him, expressed a resident of the Waterkeepers West Fork. Heand has was attended by(the people from all over Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the thea project. Center official name) trap enthusiasts andgave hunting Bishop said “It organization’s 50 years of service, An open house celebration was for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and inliving school Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sotheyas hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root the was started by environment a bunch offar little old by John Dowd ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also built just of functions as a Last weekend the Bitter by John Dowd decreased since summit,” whichlevels animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular tripslimited. per dayRamsey, to the local lowering of staticpublished water both Broadwater County and been in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, according tothe Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit the Stevensville at thesupporting Humane Association participatBELN held in 2023. Mile and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in Hamilton. The event served Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai ed for first time in BitteraofLearning nationThethe Bitterroot Early Network (BELN) Wells, it can Concerns be a Woodchuck Road east the is proposingAccording to be to drilled deeper. Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. included system, and a gorgeous view a ribbon andapplicant incorpopayments contributors were the Three programs such as It The on continuing to al “slumber party” event. The Creek Road and is gearing up to host event partici- bydemanding job and peoplethe (DNRC) over thereasonable. Florence. The land isan being a 100-foot 100were also“something expressed about processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains totailored rated 2014. Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in honor of thededicate newtoingive a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. According to club expand Bitterroot shelter branded their pants insight the unique problems the childcare can and easily get burnt to outother on.” irrigators Wells said Hwy 93. developed by on Laura Watson of whole foot easement impacts the lack of information about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. She said the for the use Those payRock Park and theservices. Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, including tours of the event the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit sector isbuilding facing. The Early Insights: Screening of the problem comes from theMile “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was of is theand Florencepart Rural dependent on the Eight water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily The isarray now home total cost ments come ily of Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in an that program building, and of food and huge responsibility to honor opened the shelter to community Symposium is meant to be an informative and Bitterroot being a high growth area, represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby required information lies with care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. Along their terroot CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honor of thewith organization’s members who participated to stay provocative look at the life of early childhood eduwithout having proper infrastrucing company Professional $8,000 to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], the Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are it as were many who own programs, the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus the night with theraised animals, amongFire cators and caretakers. The event’s main feature will ture, but the problem is also nationConsultants Inc. (PCI). District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. 12 Schmiedeke be the screening aBetween documentary called “No Small wide in scope. A According to Wells, The proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can The surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the of Shriners andIn peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, noon Saturday and 12 noon The Sun- received Matter.” there are more that build up to gle-family residential use dozens of written overissues a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Montana Hope Project. It is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, The film follows an early childhood teacher, and the problem nationally, including the with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated laclub islocally utilized by local schools, little owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyceproviders Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the animals, fundraisingSee campaign to fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly,under-appreciation. gave her struggles with low pay and education many get. said this project courts, ashelter walking a wore playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are aleaves, waning See the CENTER, page 3 pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land on Fairgrounds Road Eventually, she goes to school again in order Regarding this last point, Wells ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, among Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. thepay in support thelease. shelter. to finda a99-year jobofthat does better. According to Ariexplained that these providers went to with Six years later, pandemic hit and construction others. in the works, costs but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humaneschool Association Board Membernot SuenecesMcCormack prepares to cut the ribbon Shelters all over the U.S. and ella Wells, executive director of the Bitterroot Early to shape children, skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive diOne Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured fifth from left, leads a gathering of people involved in the celebrating theanew animalHowever, shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael Howell. even out of the country held“hits the Learning Network, the film all the markers wethe opening sarily toofrun business. that had to take out a mortgage to finish the land to the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been ilton, may take exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility are seeing,” regarding childcare providers and their is only a small piece of the problem. on the property that had housed the Sue McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Trap Club members line up for a shoot. Photo by Kristin Kruse. the current shelter is located. The to this, as they were re-is apage See TRAP, See SHELTER, page hour period. The event fund-5 challenges. These kinds of businesses have huge pandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and particWells explained that, in her position with BELN, overhead costs and they generally do their vision is that by “outstanding John Dowdmodel do. Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville an byto Nathan Boddy cumstances, She adds that the ipants to raisedrop funds she haseach seenwork a dramatic in early childcare not charge enough forhaving what theyJunction. do, Ariella Wells, executive director of the Bitteroot Early Learning Network. to act pronow, and stay ahead of this.” the Stevensville business,” according to encountered people most important donate to theirCity respective shelters. vider numbers. These numbers have “tremendously Photo courtesy Ariella Wells. Hamilton Council met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said See SYMPOSIUM, page 14 Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim to mail way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing Individual businesses day, Marchcommunity 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is forthan people Association. will of a “medical center” rather just a also donated to the fundraiser, accessible, upcoming city projects. at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask questions also be celebrating 50 However, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more presented with Certificate of care” ping depot for FedEx, The new 12-acre campus will and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. isversation a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and Hospital, which about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe with those Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know co-owners, and been steps a lengthy fundand fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the slumber party, and a barbelier,to made ityear, into theMara opening.Police After Chiefthe time. Snavely. However, at the end of the Stephen open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating one of them, Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his thepresentation meeting,toduring the non-agenda items In the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoit up, shows the county, ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have been in the Burnt area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from by John Dowd try. retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but have been so successvation inofthe Bitterroot through on its tax collections and Many the participants that The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet hasthe a other Even he has never seen the whole thing During the public period Police comments. Hamilton Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that over they ful. Joined by showing revenues various projects and programs. spent the night were kids. During tional Forest (BNF) willRoberttoSteinThe Cowboy Ball atbecause the 50% Ravalli County Mikean Gibney has been working with put together itof had to becoached builtinin message forprogram you: oxygen tank. of the such council meeting, “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was “become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey projections One is their the party, participants hostslumber afool public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. This is LEGOs since he was six years old. For parts. “People just can’t get their head hoff stood to address the council. He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t around! He was home for the good things that happen able to uncover the to say they are and Marisa Neyenhuis, most departmentsshipwhile scholarship which took part in a program, “tortilla slap game,” this Wednesday, March some that know him, it seems like all around that kind of scale,” said Gibney. explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers Overstreet, two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. expenses have only or awards three winners who can 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page that 50 During years has ledtime, up to one big up, projWithto only foot by 20 foot that hosted byan the County Fish anddepartment’s and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” Her ing11 his experiof the nearly paperwork.” Other it’s going be a an20 event worthy oftoashop jubilee an attorney in that amounted 23% of three people allows them display interest in pursuing to share Association informationand Troutence ect: a full scale reproduction of the Batcontains other projects, there was no Wildlife Unlimthoughts were shared by several other with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, common tactics for and former council member, the public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in large to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developtle of Lexington, one of the most famous other way. However, he is getting ready ited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest the American Revolution. It is Freeman for the big unveil, to showcase the project lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion agenda battles In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly send-of claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with from a normal of his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management the second regular a project that easily overwhelms many in all its glory. of aAt proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in resent the IRS or is looking pretty good, One big savings was in of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. that hear the sheer scale of it. The project will be on display at the meeting of theSteinhoff, two-member According to was the issue re-roofing the city intending send atime package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds for ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. Now by John Dowd of that as the executive director. of the winners to receive a Mara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section. Photo by John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate February of 2021. that 51 is habit brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will betoheld on See BOOKS, page 18 should run. He that “We’ll dobeour ” Christine said “I job, have abecame bad of starting main conference room in Hamilton City it wasn’t going affect me,on but street According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. After County CFO Klarryse theofAdministration. county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, Al a member in 1988, andfor that event isinone the biggest in the itshop. was announced he would check was Savannah Deuter, agent 18 years here the Bitterroot, and also He went through damage material.” Zoom. See below for than Boddy. projects before I realize how much it’s Hall on January 11. According to Gibney, learned that it would only take just City Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes they was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns the Paper valley. For him, the experience has been On Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who graduated high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle in the Army for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 See COUNTY, page 10 gonna cost,” said Gibney. His more than there just weren’t a lot of places that could seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Fivethat fundraising skills, and discipline, have been put to in he was was no joke. “It 300 square foot replica of the pivotal display something so big. This will be the fused and unOver the victims that a loved one has hurting.” said he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him that he victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and all of it hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the currentfrom executive completed a she semester of college the last administration. In Hamilton, was recpotential but wishes similar meetings audience that was having good use as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee. told that cancer so I felt probably cost about firsthas time anyone has seen thing familiar with course ofbattle herbad landed in jail, orthe thatentire a prize about thethe track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According Ra- American to got network. He thenothers got onto the as board been “extremely rewarding.” for members, giving their report, director. Al gave told a history of thetochamand submitted herin transcript that within the commupublic comment, Crews ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held Freeman saidAlthe committee hopes to raise trouble streaming the meetmuch as a nice used car. assembled. the process, decade with has been won, but a fee needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original roof, which has in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof of compLeting nity would help her look out 2021. the council that those makto handle the the prosecution $50,000 this forbethe expansion of the rodeo and Staub Boxxe to paid of the With the 250th anniversary of the It year, was designed tofor berelease modular, and good. stated that the comsome significant leaks and Overstreet had breathe, like I their safety. ings onSteinhoff the internet. said the executive director. they have planned forShe the upcoming bers during that time that ledinsulation up to him associated courses. These are for At least one2020. Since then he has been the adviIn addition to the by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will country approaching, he wanted to do moved around a lot. He has a lot of experiing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been in the state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on YouTube October was being water Throughout he knew year. During the meeting, it was also taking on the position. the former chantwo of several criteria appliofthat thetime, potential victims she sor for Jodi, helping her transition into opportunity to learn In addition to the the heating custom leathpicious when has now commonly use a legitimate something special. For him, it is also a ence building big projects out of LEGOs, seven times already, and each time left will cut down on bill and “They need to be replaced. They’re getting banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy or aided whatand “The story of the Bitterroot Valley 55boarded, board members participated the role. Al will be retiring in August this announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf awards recognition toAfter Rose Allen Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready to personal mission, with an(right) ancestor ofthe with several ofbe his pieces displayed the taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can hard on metal.” Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in year. Al spoke, Jodi stood toin thank Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developworking but they had set up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local hisapproximately the anycustomgrab the package from aBellaire, porch having been in the battle. “I wanted Toy and Plastic Brick Museum in Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there gle and triumphs,” said Al. He said the organization’s history. According to him for all his help and to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another of these requiretreatment the boarding to had be to be provided with a ride isage notand a question and answer” ering, from 21 Covid-19. Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould in was front door when it arrives. commemorate him,” said the was doing, or overarching goal for the Chamber hasto $60,000 him, what meant toGibney, be as a six-month he was only supposed to held speak for year 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments iscity that each applicant started 11Ohio. years agoor but couldn’t be last to the bank well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covsession. “It’s public comment. ” did the work at no charge to opened at the same Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular cash, all of “They always direct thehe as well as use the display as a teaching Even with all that under his belt, ever, members of the public always been to keep businesses connect- appointment to“This the position lasted 12 the pandemic minutes. – has been upgraded ber for over 36 that years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to this The day after Overstreet. er the following agenda er, dissuading anymove worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there The Brittish troops inthe formation while Mike Gibney works on his huge replica of “Itool details of thethe which was to victim to send it, ‘no signature The mayor had said previousthe town. just wanted for people who may notcommon knowmoment much who had he tried to access years, and he enjoyed every cussing the plays “It’s sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership year. topics: surgery, was isfrauduwhen Icheck realized changeover, itrole willhunting remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being required,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife AssociSee LEGO, page the Battle of Lexington, build entirely out of LEGOs. Photo courtesy Andy Lasseter. about the battle, or the start of the counly that he would be answering publicly thank Joanoffor help-beenshe Thesays, Town offorStevensville recognized attorney Joan Mell, it. “It’s ride 29“This numbers have been “trending every 2 pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the first year we’ve ever done aup fully diagnosed with I was nota good art. After two months of renovations material. ThereFred are 16 artists in total lentlythat deThe Bank Secrecy Act ation. Photo courtesy Upchurch. said” Al. “I’mabound looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3questions from the public. ing me and helpingyears,” the town, when seniors are center, for filling in while town Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. taking Covidflags while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from ofattorney 1970 requires banks to being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public ofPictured Montanawith Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19. Mell are, l towill Overstreet, ered windows, Studio opened for“I patience as Jake’s she worked was obviously seriously enough. Staub’s firstwelcoming more. “We like all kinds senior citizen keep track ofr, withdrawals he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should beofprepared forsaid some its doors March 1.said mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new “It business feature Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2 bank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. hit will Jim Crews, former mayor to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some such cirStaub is Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants County Commissioners apwork is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensville proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contests by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business,Inthat hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change atthe all,space. andinvestigation. itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a video designed to her leatherwork, Karen is also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working to en1889, and the contest is still looking agricultural and leadership competito the state level and secured invitaby Since Michael Howell January 2, Exit1st, Realty in the some positive growth in the future. want to change a whole bunch right On Monday, April around 4:30 toAccording to Hamilton Police Depart- sale, the south portion was purchased to help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavaccomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber to provide courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twelve Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces furniture to RML the valley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th for the and next grounds level competition at the toevents. SEIS for A new record of decision forest products and jobs; toof unmitigated by Michael Howell Master Plan, the laboratoshowing the laboratory changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change will in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on byVictoria Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships by Howell year, the2023-24 facility took inthe just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Stery’s noise guidelines and monsurrounded byEven agricultural by John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all toart, put envelopes on January 18,participant’s for filingby objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which wouldschools in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed when the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and commissioners all work isHowell done her own twotook casing the love of and Florence inthe April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. Dr.Dominic Marshall Bloom, Assoitoring program, damages and land to theAccording north andto south and venville’s beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will a es might affect them. rights thatmain pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Exitroads Realty is still the to Lendman said that itand will not change venience Store. The Fortunately, engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by a drag, Draft treatment units. all the doors and then Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney Mcciate Director of Science Manremediation efforts following an followed up with a recent phoJasmin Shinn, founder and There are no paid employees; it’s an allThe annual Montana Rockies be no break from the music, and, “No according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it, the fransame company. Additionally, accordin. Photo by John Dowd. place after the suspect threatened and standard procedure in these types of put valentine cards in kopf, activities director The Stevensville Town CounPark, a 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging trucks, mostly, a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding ATRowner Smart Procedures is a softschools ininvolved the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural programvolunteer Casland, 1st get place individual tal Environmental Statement agement atdirector Rocky Mountain August 23 windstorm, and new tograph showing the extent of education Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.organization. Just up there and with play.” current of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot But said 12 executive ofnorth 1 Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer shooting See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed ware design company, now based in participate. Some of the schools even learn about a wide range of agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, DesLaboratory (RML) in Hamilton, and ongoing building construcresidential development now sur(Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will officer. “We have seen tremendous supAtsmall A Time Draft Horse Rescue it costs about $200 per month to feed Homes in Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked a piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour there and is a developed fishing access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The aim was Hamilton. However, after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. to Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-that defining stantreatment within anSaturday, recently delivered enda of the tion. old-growth rounding theVictor. grounds. He noted On April 13, the be“gentle theirManagement time, and for others Thein officers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate allareas are Butterfly Project, aan Bitterroot facility Corvallis, got nice these giants.” there are asking the community students Stevensville bridge, an item that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning opportunity toon see the Montana, the organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Hackyear update to the Ravalli County He began with some photothat the Master Plan adopted in Neely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the source Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the area designated for insect and resource and financial limitalife-saving measures to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost last week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in love with thegraphsespecially According tolopes. the orga-a time engaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Commissioners regarding the from thereceived 1960s and 1970s Last year the envethe music. This spring festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuproud ofcontest this during old-growth habitat disease treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were little love this special envelopes associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck forof $7500 See page 4Trevor meeting. The land ownership will now river and access pending the outcome of LABORATORY, see what use the land is to the town. city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and lopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting lance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motnot be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline dense pockets of dead and dythese horses. When they’re fi nally ready from representatives of JCCS, an Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. to be more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied over the area, andby beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest law en- had Michael four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are many cars out said what sheHowell tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch adoption, most can be driven or there, the necessary support viable populations having tothe dowith with theparticipation ingfor trees. They claim the area will been through their art contest. The even more, full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side from said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. But then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’t ridden, and some just become “pasture located in from Hamilton. Part of contest the logging idea came a similar art all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, the of old growth, new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place be awhere police officer.” Paige Trautwein was sworn in last week as Clerk center opened itsto doors in 2020 after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see of the bridge, was offered Town this of land. “It’s two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 That developpets.” selection forHouston, awarding that gift See DUI, page 10 they held in Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, by John Down first created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark rehabilitation of thelevy road after species. ” side The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departDistrict Court once again. She started working Tucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the is the incrediitment would be maintained andof utilized erty onon the west ofestablished the river,and then was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, 50 years.Creek To doRoad. this, theynoted will door tomistletoe some permanent and for $9.5According One theelected problems, acOne band that to return toof Conroy, theClerk festival’s issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely there have only interesting thecontinues project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits the scope Willow dwarf and in theasked courthouse in 2001 and was of just toeast the north of Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially consoltains Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last year, toofhave that To Johnny contendCampbell at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community conversations withispeople,” million, which Butler said cording toThis Butler, was, “we asthe Band, visiting purpose is “to promote and encourevent and investigation. However, been three of these types shootings. Court for the first time in 2012. year she will Park is the Summit Career Center, a or not needed in the community. They of itsphone environmental consespruce budwormyears. damage. County objects to in shifting Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the idate highway property into the Town The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell batteries (out of feature the beauty of the state and much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” commented to pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time Germany where she grew up around from Nashville. They will be joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information is available However, these are always a of danger begin herthe 12th year onquences the job.Ianalysis nonprofit organization that offers a at came up and with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the owner ofand land channel the deepest part the of Vickie Motley, parkat board memof Stevensville. think something in general financial burden of project to vegetation, officials that the the Bitterroot March 9th, 2024, the phone). Thismembers, isValley lastaIt’s minute info to give back toAugust the community, “We never know what to expect,” the top half, orisbecause above the district Hackett withdrawn in of vote 2020side Bitterroot Community has triedhave to dostated twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” the trustees were Bitterroot Community horses. She’s always been horse fan, was one ofValley the top four bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 and they this time. the job, but he added that fortunately, “Idone really enjoy my job,” said Trautwein, “ and I so free career training program targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly at the river on the northeast had channel. If you to develop ber, said that nothing had been RDO Equipment Co. to Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north if you don’t have batteries to recycle thought their once successful art said Hafer, saying that art entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which because helped the unsure ofThe exactly how theshe was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. event isworking abut all share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot is passionate about getters. The officer is currently on leave neither the norin any comjust keep onespecially itCollege every day to make things ed towards highly motivated people successful organization Denver, attempted to shut off river on for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem the access problem had been See STEVI, pageto 16 end of the Ravalli Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way toShe go. According come in“Crosspurpose.” all forms. District in Montana consists of current twelve Harris 8571 Running W. Road secretary, Sue Smith. was Theresilience vote will take place were to speak with the process worked. They were seems toworking have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it isCounty contrary to law forest to natural single-microphone type event, with When asked why he loves during this investigation, as iswake stanmunity members, harmed during That check followed inRavalli the horses. and her husband, a better. I’veadraft spent a lot ofShe time onbluegrass, the techages 18 and older in Wild both and called Itorganization offers similar and Alliance for the grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1side per next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Star Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that the misunderstanding about the 4 single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. disturbances like fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. nology of” itthe and working ontheir state committees Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to Stevens. military retiree, and two children ofdard a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed suit claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th. ing director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA Additional state qualifying events tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community for that bring e-filing and paperless courts free training, Summit offers six-month offered officials also to received species are listed in and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks orForest fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought ainto 20406-549-4171 agency failed to the best tained food be recycled Cardboard be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public foruse help with a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler, Montana.” mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment in the Willow forthis a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels can available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales place team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horse Atsaid rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously by athose high many believe it tobybe She probably the biggest achievewhoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20are horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stay on, but please remove lids. Sponsored by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individual community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t comAn artist’s rendering the proposed to house the RML Microscopy program ments besides the fact of just running a fiscally This program isdraft theofbrainchild of new building called “personal development,” which at night. The windows in the taking care of horses is Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, “All of cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Stevensville, with team members Kamryn Jones, Office of the Regional bulloftrout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the to testing first time they the the district was levy runcrew by the Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. pictured iswent Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminply with theMyla definition of old responsible office and program training her to Universibe the power duo the owner involves aptitude toAlso idennew building will beYahraus, like “reverse sunglasses and instead oflevy blocking light coming in will block theto light from going out an expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, page vice chair, Jean Butler, give it its best chance and to byESTIMATES public, they did after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality is 65 •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Ydoesn’t OUR HOME Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM of the Environmental habitat including meadows, In aThe letter to so the Forest fiinrst horse thatsaid wasDr. rescued 1 Horse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. best they can be in providing customer service and the Fort Owen Ranch and founder tify what each individual’s specific growth found in the Bitterroot so the building shine like a beacon the night,” Marshall Bloom. construction expected toistrator beFlorence, perispound. The following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Victor, would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of being significantly voted down the center,inand co-founder and of Execcompleted 2027. Photo courtesy NIAID. Paidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 21 ART, page SeeSee SUMMIT, page4 4college See COUNTY, page14 2 cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and theas old public. a community district twice, wentP.O. back
Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years
Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball
Massive LEGO project to blow minds scheduled Climbing Plan
Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good
Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds
Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting
New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task
Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video Rocky Mountain more participation
sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face County fire on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold Butterfly project draws some objections Laboratory update Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set forofficials Saturday Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance
sworn in Glass recycling
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