didn’t intend this project to be a record. But along the way, he found out that it just might be. Part of the reasoning behind the public display will be to gain public recognition for its sheer size. He says he is 99% certain that he has gotten a record, at least as far as a reproduction of the Battle of Lexington. In all his research, nothing else in that vein has come close, “nothing this big.” His project may also be eligible for the largest LEGO build by square footage made by an individual person ever.
appear as they were, including ones that no longer stand at that location. Roads, fences and everything appears as it would have.
In total, the build took two years to create, and used around 54,000 individual pieces, some of which had to be custom ordered. This mainly included many of the uniforms, weapons, etc. The display will showcase all 77 militiamen, and 400 of the first troops onto the green during that fateful day. It also includes “around 100 people from town wanting to see what was going to happen.”
The display includes all of the scene, like a snapshot, just before the first shots were fired. Buildings
Vall ey Tire
Triple 7 Liquor
Stevensville Community Foun dation
Gibney’s research has been ongoing over the last few years. He has attended two reenactments held at Lexington in the last three years and has hours of research online and multiple books to source for the historical accuracy. He even had to take a second job to help pay for the project. According to Gibney, “Delivering pizzas helped put this project together. It couldn’t have happened without it.”
Gibney explained that he has always had a love for these things. He has gone to several conventions and has started a couple of clubs. Also an avid LGO collector, Gibney said, “I just enjoy seeing people say, wow, this is cool!” Additionally, he says he simply just wanted to see if he could do it.
For those interested in seeing the project and following it, they can find the Facebook page for it by searching the LEGxingtOn Project.
COUNTY: another term for Huls, Trautwein
Continued from page 1
Darcy Hansen State Farm
“doing the best that I can for the people” who elected her to office. County Commissioner Dan Huls was also sworn into office for a second term. Huls, who has served as Chairman of the Ravalli County Board of Commissioners for two years now, was selected as chairman once again and said he was “honored to do so.” He said the past term was both challenging and rewarding.
“Once back in the day when I was heavily involved with the Planning Board as a volunteer, I said being a commissioner was the stupidest job in the world and why would anyone want to do that, but I’ve actually enjoyed
Vall ey Drug & Variety
Eastsiide Ace Hardware
Edward Jone
myself very much,” said Huls. “It’s been good so far and I’m looking forward to four more good years. Hopefully we will have more successes and keep Ravalli County the last best place that it is.”
Huls said that in the coming year the Commissioners will be tackling the revision of the Ravalli County Subdivision Regulations but will be waiting until after the legislature is done with the Subdivision and Platting Act and other things that may impact the county. He said the county’s Natural Resource Policy was also due for an update and they had already started the ball rolling in that regard.
American Legion Post 94
American Legion Auxiliary
Above, Dan Huls is sworn in as County Commissioner.
Below, Paige Trautwein is sworn in as Clerk of District Court.
Book sale set for Bitterroot Library
Quality reads for a great price— that’s the driving idea behind “For the Love of Books” pop-up sale put on by Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library. The one-day event on Saturday, February 8, will have books across categories for adults, youth, and kids. The book sale kicks off the Friends’ 50th year of community volunteers supporting the Library, a milestone that will be marked by other events throughout the year. Ahead of the sale, the Friends are fielding book donations from the community, an ongoing effort that gives people a worthy way to clear their own shelves while benefiting the library.
“This is a perfect time of year to clear out books you don’t want to keep and make room for new-to-you titles you’ll find at the sale,“ said Heather Perez, Friends Member-atLarge. “We love seeing whole families come in to look for their next favorite reads. It’s a fantastic way to support the library and cross paths with your neighbors.”
“For the Love of Books” will offer quality used books plus audiobooks and vintage collectible books for an affordable price. Adult categories include fiction, Montana and the West, nature/outdoors, biography, gardening, cooking, crafts/DIY, poetry, classic literature, and coffee table books.
Young adult readers will find a good selection of fiction and nonfiction, and kids can browse board books and early reader titles.
Book donations are gratefully received on Wednesdays and Fridays during Library open hours. The blue donation bin where books can be placed is located in the alley east of the Library entrance on State Street.
“For the Love of Books” will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the downstairs Community Room of the Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State Street, Hamilton. All books are priced at $2/inch or $20 for a Friends 50th Anniversary canvas tote with as many books as will fit. All proceeds benefit
the Library. For information about the sale, contact BitterrootLibraryFriends@gmail.com. Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, is a group of community volunteers dedicated to supporting the Library’s mission. The Friends assist with a variety of adult and youth programs, put on book sales, maintain the popular Book Gazebo, and distribute free books in locations around the community. The Friends is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accepts tax-deductible donations that benefit the Library. To learn more or become a volunteer, contact BitterrootLibraryFriends@gmail.com.
Preparing for winter driving conditions
by John Dowd
With snow finally hitting the valley, a local survival expert offers some things to keep in mind regarding winter safety on the roads. Lee Scharff spent many years with Search and Rescue in Ravalli County, and spent a career training Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks personnel and other members of law enforcement in wilderness survival. He was a Hasty Team member and president of the Ravalli County Search and Rescue. For him, survival has been more than a hobby.
Scharff’s passion for keeping people safe is what led him to help others after he retired. When looking forward to the upcoming winter months, Scharff looked back at a lot of accidents and numerous rescues he has been on during the winter. According to him, many people going to and from work and regular daily activities could be at risk. Montana is generally known to have severe cold weather conditions during the winter. With this year’s snowfall looking like it may live up to past years, Scharff is worried.
The first week of the year saw significant snowfall late in the week. It was so bad that local tow company owner and manager, Justin Lattin, with Ambrose Creek Towing, had a lot to say on the matter. According to him, that Friday he pulled out over 20 cars. He also mentioned some important things to note, for example, how some calls to the tow truck company are given higher priority. Anything determined unsafe to other pedestrians, such as vehicles and wrecks directly on the highway, are given first priority.
This means, if a person goes off the road and calls for a pull or a tow, they could be waiting a long time.
“If you go off the road, and you’re not prepared for the winter, you could be in trouble,” said Lattin. At very busy times, it could be more than six hours before a tow truck could get to a person, which bolsters Scharff’s point that being prepared for winter on the roads of Montana is essential. If a car dies, or runs out of gas, a person may have no way of generating heat other than by their own body.
Scharff says that survival comes down to being as prepared as possible. His motto is, “Survival favors those most prepared.” Much of Scharff’s career was winter survival related. He spent a lot of time on snowmobiles, and recalled doing law enforcement training for a number of agencies in the state. It was a significant course, near Hungry Horse, and he led the survival portion of it. One of the big things he harped on, and still does, is the compounding of mistakes.
A person can probably survive doing one or two things wrong, but as the weather gets worse, and things get hairy, that safety window closes. Survival then comes down to making as few mistakes as possible, and using a person’s most valuable tool: their head.
Scharff recalls that many of his notable rescue searches involved a person who fell into this category of compounding mistakes. Scharff said, proceeding on stubbornly can end in death. He spoke of a circumstance that occurred many years ago on Thompson Pass, where a mother and son were trying to go over the pass in the winter. They were from out of town, and got stuck in the snow. Instead of turning around, or even walking back the way they came
on foot, they decided to go forward, further into the wilderness. They probably thought civilization was just over the next hill. They both perished.
Scharff said winter survival around a vehicle comes down to a couple of things. Having a separate way to create heat, other than the vehicle, is key. A person should have the tools to create fire, or produce heat if their vehicle is down and they are stuck for a long time. In the wilderness, it’s important to consider the why, where or how. Having the right tools, doing so near the fuel and not creating a raging fire for no reason are good things to think about. He also said, a person should have the skills beforehand. It’s a mistake to buy equipment and not use it until it is needed. Practice, practice, practice.
The second important thing to have in a vehicle during the winter is extra clothing. Scharff recommends boots, coats and even pants that are designed for the weather outside. If a person gets stuck, they can throw those on and survive until help arrives, which could take many hours. He also recommends carrying clothing enough for anyone else that may be riding along. For parents, that includes their children, and for couples, it includes their spouses. Scharff reminisced about always bringing an extra pair of long thermal underwear, and always needed to buy new ones after lending them out. He said he preferred that scenario over seeing people freeze.
Finally, he recommended a candy bar, or something to boost one’s
energy after waiting a long time in the cold. The human body burns a lot of calories when it is trying to keep warm. This can speed up the process of starvation, but more immediately, a person can run out of available calories. Trying to stay warm on an empty stomach is much harder.
For those interested in getting a little more involved in their survival and emergency education, Scharff will be holding survival courses in late January and early February. “I really enjoy teaching people,” said Scharff. “If I can teach two classes and make a difference in one outcome, I’ve won.”
These courses are done through the Lone Rock Adult Education program. They are each four days, split up over two weeks. There are no overnights, and Scharff will bring all equipment. The first course will take place January 22, 29,
February 3 and 5. The second course will take place February 10, 12, 19 and 24. Classes are $25 per person, and participants must be adults. Registration for courses should be done through Lone Rock School. Interested participants can call (406) 210-5129, or go to the Lone Rock School website, lonerockschool.org. Parties can also email registration to adulteducation@ lonerockschool.org, including name, address, phone number, email address and the course name and times.
Lee Scharff points at a map of the Darby area, reminding about rescue calls he has made in the area. He spent a lot of time in all the National Forests and wild areas of the Bitterroot, even into Idaho. Photo by John Dowd.
LABORATORY: RML to expand facility
2009 remained basically unchanged in the revised plan adopted in 2015, but the time has come to review the plan and make whatever changes may be required.
According to Bloom, the production of a master plan is deliberate and typically occurs over multiple years. He said the process involves setting goals, collecting and analyzing data, reviewing planning principles and developing concepts. It also involves issuing a draft plan and environmental analysis or even an Environmental Impact Statement before a final plan is adopted. Public comment is sought and considered throughout the process. They have been working on one now for well over a year. The existing plan is available for public review upon request.
He said in 2003 he recognized that the laboratory was situated in a residential area and should probably adopt some noise criteria “that probably ought to be as strict as anything in the state of Montana.” They consulted with acoustic scientist John Connolly of Big Sky Acoustics and adopted a daytime standard of 55 decibels from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a nighttime criteria of 50 decibels from 7p.m. to 7 a.m. for steady ambient sound.
“This accounts for the steady noise that you would hear,” said Bloom, “not a backhoe or a vehicle backing up or construction traffic, but steady noise levels on a normal day.”
A set of over a dozen acoustic monitoring stations was set up around the perimeter of the campus grounds as well as a few out in the community along Desta and Montana streets to measure the sound levels.
In 2003, all the stations fell below the standards set, but after the recent
construction of a new building the levels fell even lower at most of the stations. Bloom attributed the drop in noise levels to the design of the ventilation systems installed in the new building. The system is checked once or twice a year and any problems with old ventilation systems on the older buildings are addressed to bring the levels back down. Bloom said the three things that they hear about are noise, lights and traffic, and all those things are being addressed in the new Master Plan.
Bloom said that during a severe windstorm this summer on August 23, a legacy Ponderosa pine on campus toppled and crashed into one of the houses on campus, damaging the porch and a nearby fence. Nobody was in the building at the time, and nobody was injured. The building was condemned until repairs could be made and the building made safe for use. The fencing damage was repaired immediately after the storm. The home was
originally used to house the Director of the laboratory but no one lives in the house now due to security concerns and it is currently used for offices.
“When this happened, we realized we needed to look at other big trees on campus and assess their health and stability,” said Bloom. As a result, one large pine estimated to weigh about 50 tons was identified for removal and a few others will be topped.
A “cookie” was cut out of the trunk of the large tree that was blown over and is being dried and polished and the rings will be counted and a timeline established for events that occurred during the tree’s lifetime. It is estimated that the tree is between 150 to 200 years old.
“What we will be able to do is mark WWI and WWII as well as the bombings of September 11,” said Bloom. “We will mark the time that Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever was identified and discovery of Lyme disease at the lab and other such things
and place it in the visitor center as an historical exhibit.”
A new building to house the animals used in research at the lab has been constructed but the animals have not yet moved in because they need to be sure that the autoclaves, cage washing and drying machines are all working properly.
Another building is currently under construction that will house what Bloom calls a “world class microscopy program” that uses electron microscopes and other equipment that is currently spread around the campus. Some of the electron microscopes are over two stories high so the new building will have a basement to help accommodate the equipment.
The windows in the new building will be like “reverse sunglasses and, instead of blocking light coming in, will block the light from going out so the building doesn’t shine like a beacon in the night,” according to Bloom. The construction is expected to be completed in 2027.
A new building to house the animals used in research at Rocky Mountain Lab in Hamilton has been constructed on the laboratory campus. Construction is complete and the animals will be transferred to the new facility as soon as it is determined that the autoclaves, cage washing and drying machines are all working properly. Photo courtesy of NIAID.
Duck Drive: UM students band together for conservation
by Libby Riddle, UM News Service
On an early summer morning at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in a remote corner of southwest Montana, Liv Lundin, a recent graduate of the University of Montana Wildlife Biology Program, hunted for a rare bird nest among the cattails. While navigating the knee-deep mud, Lundin spotted a small bowl of flattened vegetation with three small eggs inside.
“It’s a lot of hard work,” Lundin said. “Every morning we try to be on the water by 7 a.m. – some days paddling over 14 miles. But the first nest I found, I was like, ‘This is worth it. This is so worth it.’”
Lundin grew up in Alaska and worked as a structural firefighter for eight years. Lundin planned to work in fire full time after college but fell in love with wildlife biology through UM’s program.
After graduating in May 2024, Lundin took part in a long-term project on the breeding success of lesser scaup, a diving duck native to Montana. Populations are dwindling across North America but thriving on Lower Lake at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. UM researchers and conservation partners aim to find out why.
Jeff Warren, a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, established the Lesser Scaup Project at Red Rock Lakes in 2003. Amidst a wildfire in the Centennial Valley, he wrote a funding proposal to study the population dynamics of the declining duck species.
“In wildlife, most of our knowledge comes from short studies – often just 2 to 3 years,” Warren said. “To truly understand how populations respond
the ducks to be marked and released.
“It’s a lot like a cattle drive,” Lundin said.
Thomas Riecke, the James K. Ringelman Chair in Waterfowl Conservation at UM, led the drive. After Riecke and volunteers quietly paddled a few miles to locate scaup, the normally soft-spoken professor shouted orders across the lake, instructing the canoes to form a U-shape around the ducks.
The canoes approached the ducks
Unlimited, carefully weighed a duckling – 300 grams, equal to the weight of a can of soup. On another team, Riley Stedman – who took time off work as a wildlife biologist with the Bureau of Land Management to attend the banding weekend – read off the number on a small silver band before using specialized pliers to close the band around a duckling’s leg, twisting it in circles to make sure it wasn’t too tight.
The duck will wear this band for
over time, we need longer studies that capture the variability driven by weather and wetland dynamics.”
Warren’s two decades of work uncovered essential insights into the reproductive success and survival strategies of lesser scaup on Lower Lake. The scaup project established a long-term dataset that helps managers design conservation efforts that can be implemented in places where scaup populations face challenges.
“This project started because there’s been such a significant loss of western mountain wetlands,” said Laura Wallace, a UM Wildlife Biology master’s student and a technician on the scaup project. “These safe havens for breeding and migrating birds are incredibly important.”
Wallace and Lundin spent their summer monitoring scaup nests for Warren’s nest success project, which is part of the larger scaup conservation effort. And this project is not the only long-term data collection on scaup populations Warren has spearheaded at the refuge. Every year, volunteers from around the state converge in the Centennial Valley for the annual banding drive at the end of the summer.
As a survival strategy, female scaup and their ducklings form groups of hundreds of ducks. On an early September morning, UM students, refuge staff and volunteers from government agencies and conservation organizations climbed into canoes to capture
carefully, trying not to scare them into diving underwater. Volunteers had to be careful not to paddle too slowly, or the ducks could weave around the canoes and hide in the grassy islands that dot the lake. Once in position, Riecke and volunteers used their canoes to drive the birds toward a wire mesh trap bracketed on either side by 20-meter-long wing nets.
“As we get closer to the trap, we get them to ball up,” Lundin said. “We’ve got this ball of 300 ducks … and we just push them into the trap.”
This was the tipping point of the drive. Canoes slowly peeled away as the ducks moved down the funnel formed by the nets. Once one or two birds made the plunge into the trap, the rest followed. The students jumped out of their boats and waded waist deep to join the ducks in the trap. What followed was a mad dash to scoop birds into perforated boxes and onto canoes that would ferry them to shore as quickly as possible.
Once back at the boat launch, deemed “Banding Landing,” volunteers on deck with experience in sex identification of ducks helped sort the birds into male and female boxes. From there, volunteer banders set up in the shade of vehicles to protect the ducks from the hot sun and began the hours-long task of banding nearly 300 birds.
On one team, Cooper Heaton, a UM senior and founder of Griz Ducks
the rest of its life.
“It’s really cool to be a part of banding whenever you can because it’s one of the oldest and [most] wellkept records we have for wildlife,” Stedman said.
When a banded bird is spotted or harvested, and that band number is reported, scientists and managers can learn more about the survival rates and migration of the whole population. This helps wildlife professionals make important decisions for the future of the species. Over half of the lesser scaup marked prior to the hunting season in North America are banded at Lower Red Rock Lake.
Equally important to the demographic data is the community created around the volunteer banding drive. Among the hundreds of volunteers who have contributed to the Lesser Scaup Project over the years are children and students who had the chance to hold a duckling in their hands.
“Having volunteers come out to band ducks is not just about collecting data,” Warren said. “It’s about
connecting people to the land and the birds.”
As the volunteers prepared to release the banded scaup back into the lake, Warren and Riecke explained to the assembled crowd that in a month these ducklings will begin their migration to Mexico. By participating in this project, volunteers helped USFWS gain essential insights into the habitat available to these ducks, which is important in aiding their annual migration.
“This research isn’t just about the scaup,” Warren said. “It’s about the larger landscape and what it takes to conserve migratory species across their journey.”
UM students are making a tangible impact on waterfowl conservation while also learning important skills for future careers in wildlife work.
“Students have the opportunity to go to this place, learn but also make an impact,” Riecke said. “It’s a great way for students to say, ‘I worked on a wilderness area on foot and kayak, so I do have those skills.’”
Although new to waterfowl research this past summer, by the end of the banding effort, Lundin helped lead the drive and taught visiting students proper duck-handling techniques. Across the two weeks of banding drives, UM students, faculty and alumni, as well as volunteers from other agencies and nonprofits, contributed over 1,200 volunteer hours. They also helped release 800 newly banded birds.
“This project has been going on for 20 years, and I hope it continues until the lake dries up – hopefully never,” Wallace said. “There are trends in these populations that you can’t see without long-term data [like this].”
At the end of a long day of banding, Lundin watched volunteers line up along the lake’s shore, each with a box of birds in their hands. Warren counted to three, and the boxes flew open, releasing the birds back onto the water in a flurry of flapping wings and feet. The ducklings quickly formed ranks behind the adult females and swam off in a line.
In the spring, Lundin will begin master’s research with Riecke, investigating population trends in waterfowl using these long-term banding datasets. But more importantly, Lundin eagerly awaits returning to the Centennial Valley next summer for the annual banding drive.
“This experience really brings home the point that conservation isn’t just in your backyard,” Lundin said. “It’s continent-wide and everywhere in between.”
UM alum Liv Lundin attaches a tag to a young lesser scaup duck. This tag will help scientists track the duck back to this refuge if it is recovered later. Photo courtesy Liv Lundin.
Volunteers from Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy and the University of Montana release newly banded ducks back onto Lower Red Rock Lake. UM photo by Elizabeth Harrison.
City of Hamilton 2024 year in review
by Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf
For the City of Hamilton, 2024 was a productive year with many notable accomplishments. Every City Department made contributions to the city’s success. Here is a brief synopsis:
• The City partnered with SAFE, the Human Resource Council, Salvation Army and other community individuals and organizations to work on solutions for temporary emergency shelter needs in the Bitterroot Valley. A comprehensive Bitterroot Valley Community Support List was generated and made available on the City’s website; that resource list us current for the 2024-25 winter season.
•The First Presbyterian Church partnered with the City to create the Sunrise Family Refuge, a free emergency shelter able to house families in need on a temporary basis.
• Through generous contributions by the City and Town Pump Charitable Foundation, a small fund was created to provide temporary emergency shelter during the coldest weather months at local hotels. Additional funding has been sought through grants and discussions are ongoing regarding more permanent solutions.
• The City website was updated and the City invested additional time and resources into enhancing its technology to make City information and services more accessible electronically.
• The City continues to provide an event venue through its Community Center at City Hall, making space available for local organizations and events at affordable cost.
• The City’s new fire station saw use for its first fire season; the Volunteer Fire Department responded to a large number of calls not only for fires in the Hamilton Fire District, but also in response to several major windstorm events that caused damage to public and private trees and property. The City is pursuing emergency disaster support through the State to help offset some of the public expense of the storm cleanup.
• The Hamilton Fire Department answered 359 calls for service. An increase of 53% from 2023. They responded to 16 structure fires and 25 motor vehicles accidents accumulating over 5,200 hours of time by 27 volunteers.
• In addition to regular park and trail maintenance, the Parks Department secured grant money to get a new bathroom at Claudia Driscoll Park that will be installed in late spring 2025. They completed underground irrigation at the Dog Park, River Park, and Hieronymus Park and installed new playground components at Claudia Driscoll Park. They planted trees in Claudia Driscoll park and many street boulevards. Major clean up was completed after the August windstorm.
• The Hamilton Police Departent was awarded a grant for a second School Resource Officer. They started a program for self reporting crimes and suspicious activity not in progress. Purchases of new equipment were made to improve police service provided to the community.
• Public Works made progress on Marcus Street’s Transportation Alternatives grant & RAISE grant. The North 3rd Street Water main was replaced as was the Madison Street sewer lining. Downtown sidewalks were replaced and/or repaired. The ARPA Waste Water Treatment Plant project was complet-
ed, improving efficiency of City sewer.
• The Planning Department began a comprehensive Zoning Update and worked in unison with the Public Works Department reviewing annexation and subdivision requests.
• The City worked in partnership with a multitude of non-profits, civic groups, businesses and individuals to strengthen and grow the social fabric that makes up the City of Hamilton. As mayor, I am proud of these accomplishments made by City Staff and our Community Partners and I look forward to another successful year in 2025.
3C Cattle Company
Bitterroot Health, Stevensville
CHS Mountain West Co-Op
Diamond D Ranch Insurance
Edward Jones, Cody Velin
Engle & Völkers, Nicole Jones
EXIT Realty, Carrie Brushia
406 Winterization
Ag West Farm Credit
Dawn Arey
Bar MW Meats
BE Forest Products
Beartooth Bead Company
Bitterroot Disposal
Bitterroot Furniture
Blacksmith Brewing Co.
Blue Line Cerakote
Brandon Braaten & Josh Perkins
Brassbound Barber - Bryan the Barber
Josh Brown
Burnt Fork Market
Capital Family Mortgage, Renee Endicott
Clearwater Credit Union
Conlin’s Furniture
Costco, Missoula
EXIT Realty, Bitterroot Valley North
Family Pharmacy
Farmers State Bank
Gilleard Show Stock
Harper’s Bitterroot Valley Les Schwab
Janel Jones, FNP
Missoula Motor Company
NextHome Bitterroot Valley
Double Up Outfitters
Steve Elliot
Tim & Carol Ford
Scott & Jennie; & Judy Grasser
Johnny Gould
Flying F Service, LLC
Halo
Hixson Studio
Joe’s Studio
Jones Leather and Livestock
Linda & Steve Kauffman
Kearny Ag Products
KS Design & Rentals
KT Express Lube
Lakeside Lodge
Buzz & Joanna Leonard
Lifeline Produce
Little Trail Creek Cabins
Lost Trail Ski Area
Geno Mapelli
Marsh McLennan, Stevensville
Rapp Family Foundation Ravalli County Farm Bureau
Save the American West
Summit Career Center
Weber & Company CPAs
Weigand Sports
Whitesitt Family
Stevensville Hardware
Stockman Bank
Super 1, Stevensville
Kelly McFadgen & Kevin Roebke
Missoula Paddleheads
Montana Knife Company
Montana Saws
Steve Morton
Jeff & Vicki Motley
Trevor & Heidi Motley
Murdoch’s of Hamilton
North Coast Electrical Supply
Abigail & Tyler Pendergast
Pink Grizzly Greenhouse
Rooster Ridge Pheasant Club
Scheels of Montana
Jaimie Stanek
Stevensville FFA Chapter
Bob & Laurie Sutherlin
The 327 Boutique, Stevensville
The Montana Chocolate Company
Tire Rama, Stevensville Valley Drug
Western Building Center, Stevensville
Whitetail Golf Course
Funds raised at the New Year’s Funds raised at the New Year’s Eve Gala support leadership Eve Gala support leadership development in the field of development in the field of agriculture for nearly 200 FFA agriculture for nearly 200 FFA members in Stevensville Schools. members in Stevensville Schools. The Stevensville FFA Alumni & Supporters is a The
City of Hamilton resident Jim Harden and his faithful companion, Montana, pose for a photo at the grand opening of the new Hamilton Fire Station on April 20, 2024. Photo by Dominic Farrenkopf.
Grizzly recovery proposal threatens our safety, way of life
In early December, 2024, the environmental law organization, Earthjustice, drafted a petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address the agency’s upcoming decision on delisting some or all grizzly bear populations from their status as a threatened species in the lower forty-eight. This petition, submitted on behalf of fourteen regional and national groups, including Friends of the Bitterroot, argues that grizzly recovery has not yet been achieved, citing record levels of human-caused grizzly mortalities and a lack of population connectivity; however, the document fails to adequately address the danger that grizzly bears pose to Western residents. Grizzly presence in regions of human habitation creates an environment of continual human-bear conflict, which can often result in severe injury or death to the person involved. This petition responds with a radically anti-human approach to grizzly management, prioritizing bear habitat and security over human safety, public land access, and foundational American rights.
The petition appeals to the management strategy laid out by Dr. Christopher Servheen in his report, Proposed Revisions to the 1993 Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan, which recommends that the U.S. Forest Service restrict public land access, stating, “Increasing numbers of human users in grizzly bear habitat on National Forest lands . . . requires that the USFS begin to evaluate and then implement systems to identify important grizzly bear use areas . . . and then implement a system to manage levels, timing, and distribution of human use of these important wildlife use areas” (pg. 33). In their efforts to shelter a so-called “symbol of the West,” the environmentalists seek to destroy the freedom and spirit of adventure that has defined Western life for generations. This is a bold-faced attack against the right of every outdoorsman to explore, utilize, and enjoy the lands that he owns as an American citizen, and it should serve as a reminder of the environmentalists’ ultimate desire to remove all humans from the grizzly’s range. Furthermore, they wish to interfere with private property development by “bring[ing] together public and private partnerships to openly begin to build partnership solutions to assist counties in their land management evaluation and decision processes.” This is done in order to “improve the evaluation of the impacts of private land development in grizzly range and assist county and other government entities as they evaluate developments and propose mitigation and management actions to reduce the detrimental impacts of such developments” (Servheen, pg. 35). While such efforts are emotionally gratifying in the face of human population increases and development of rural land across the West, the long-term consequence of these initiatives will be an overbearing governing body, guided by radical organizations that take it upon themselves to dictate what a landowner shall and shall not do with his property. This breach upon private property rights will jeopardize both human
Opinion
and livestock security by promoting bear presence within privately owned areas while simultaneously restricting what defensive strategies may be employed by the landowner.
While Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are expressing an increasing need for a grizzly hunting season to manage bear numbers at a level that the states deem prudent, this proposal hopes to provide permanent protection within connectivity areas as well as extensive hunting restrictions within primary ecosystems, assuring us that “[s]port hunting is not necessary to balance grizzly bear numbers with their available habitat because grizzly bear populations regulate their own numbers by increased subadult mortality and reduced survival as populations reach carrying capacity” (Servheen, pg. 29). Such a statement, while not entirely untrue, is absurd from a wildlife management perspective. When wildlife populations are governed solely by the laws of nature, they generally follow what is termed a “boom-bust” cycle in which populations rise until they deplete the natural resources upon which they depend, then fall dramatically to a level that the wasted landscape can sustain, only to rise again as resources recover. This is a cruel cycle, defined by disease, starvation, local eradication of vulnerable prey-animals such as moose, and increased predation on livestock as wild food sources decline. Sport hunting (a term that is often abused and misconstrued by environmentalists, but which properly refers to a limited and individual mode of hunting as opposed to market hunting or commercial hunting) is the means by which mankind ethically harvests the surplus animals from an ecosystem, minimizing human-wildlife conflicts and averting large-scale die-offs by maintaining a healthy, sustainable population while simultaneously raising critical conservation funds through the purchase of hunting licenses, archery equipment, firearms, and ammunition. This proposal’s willful disregard for these realities underscores the anti-hunting agenda that drives the pro-grizzly faction.
However, the root issue is not our disagreement over hunting being a necessary tool in grizzly management or over limits being placed on land usage. These are only symptoms of a nationwide ideological shift that has begun to champion imagined rights of nature over the true and foundational rights of mankind. Like all life, mankind requires resources and adequate living space in order to thrive, and this brings him into conflict with large predators. Historically, we maintained a human-first mindset, prioritizing agriculture and human safety over the preservation of predator species, and thus grizzlies were nearly eradicated from the Western U.S. But as our population shifted from an agrarian lifestyle to our modern urban existence, and technological developments eased the struggle for everyday necessities, we discovered leisure to pursue nonessential, idealized restoration projects, for which the urban dweller bore little inconvenience. Educated into an increasingly secular worldview, we lost sight of the sanctity of human life, rejecting the created God-likeness of man in favor of a naturalistic identity, and we began to exalt “Mother Nature” over humankind, considering it a light thing to displace and endanger people for the benefit of an animal.
Progressive thinkers envisioned a Western landscape that was stripped of all human development and returned to the wild. Insisting that the natural order of this world must be liberated from human interference, their paradigm refuses to recognize that mankind is an integral part of this natural order and that, as masters of this world, we have the native right to displace competing predators and manage our ecosystem in a manner conducive to our present and future benefit.
The home page of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website is headed by the mission statement, “Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” At one time, the benefit of the people truly was the leading goal of our conservation efforts, but for many years now, the ideological deterioration among the public and within our wildlife agencies has produced policies that disregard the interests of humans in order to satisfy this misguided desire to free nature from the hand of man. However, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s obligation to the American people still remains, and to compromise the safety and freedom of local communities for an idealized project of widespread sentimental acclaim is inconsistent with the agency’s mission. We must prioritize the welfare of mankind over that of predator species, recognizing that humans will naturally displace dangerous animals with which they come into conflict. The petition submitted by Earthjustice is indifferent to this welfare and entirely imbalanced in its priorities, and as such, it must be rejected.
The USFWS is scheduled to make its decision by the end of January, 2025. It is critical that they hear from the people for whom they manage North America’s wildlife. Please contact them by email through their website: www.fws.gov/contact-us
Or by mail to: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC 20240 Daniel Krebs Hamilton
I’m your huckleberry
On 12/24, Mark Snider dared us to “Fact Check This.” I know this is an Opinion page, but fact checking these lies and innuendo is like shooting a string of fish… in a cage… inside a barrel… with a shotgun.
The “conservative Republican” he refers to is Liz Cheney. A woman who in a very conservative state recently got slaughtered at the polls, so maybe she is not “conservative,” or a Republican. Didn’t she just endorse and tour with Kamala’s money laundering operation?
She was Vice Chair of the January 6 Sham Committee. You know, the one that they had to get a Hollywood producer and director to do for maximum effect on Prime Time TV! That is called a Show Trial, folks, perfected by Communist dictators.
Her star witness, Cassidy Hutchinson, said she was disgusted by Trump’s behavior, but somehow continued working for him for three months after that, and wanted to work for his post-Presidential staff. When she was denied that position, she ran to Liz Cheney, and was interviewed four times. The first was
uneventful, then she was coached by Cheney (verified from text messages) who also told Hutchinson to fire her attorney and use a Cheney-friendly one. Cheney was so focused on taking down Trump that 15 of her staff went to the Washington Post with concerns about her unlawful heavy-handed approach.
Hutchinson testified Trump physically assaulted Secret Service agents, forcing them to go to the Capitol. She heard that thirdhand from SS agent Ornato who heard it from SS Agent Engel. Both testified under oath later that it never happened. The Mainstream Media took a thirdhand account of a lie as the truth and shoved it down your throat for years, just like “suckers and losers” and saying White Supremacists were “fine people.” Both enormous lies spewed by the media and Biden/Harris.
Trump kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of Mar-A-Lago years ago for disgusting behavior. Epstein had a painting of President Clinton (a frequent visitor of Epstein Island) in a dress in his home. If Trump had any ties to Epstein, you can guarantee it would have been leaked, so your claim is a lie.
As for voter fraud, there is plenty of evidence out there from multiple states with some currently being investigated. You chose to listen to a media that lies and tells you there is none at behest of the people who stole the election. This is the same media that vehemently told you Joe Biden is fit and fine and wanted four more years of him. Yet now we all know he was not even in charge for 90% of his presidency and is ready for a memory care facility. They also told you Capitol Police died on January 6 which is completely false. There was not one death of an officer on or due to January 6. A repeatedly disciplined rogue Cap Police officer killed an un-armed Trump supporter though, but that is oddly overlooked. Where was your outrage when BLM/Antifa et al were burning down government buildings, private businesses, and doing actual harm to citizens and police (some who died) and getting set free by Soros-funded judges?
They have tried to impeach Trump twice (both on fabricated lies), put him through the Mueller Probe, made up 91 charges against him with the help of the White House and billionaires like Reid Hoffman, tried to bankrupt him with fabricated civil suits (Yes, E. Jean Carroll is a serial rape accuser and liar), and tried to assassinate him twice. So, after all of this and a “mugshot” from a fabricated case so they could call him a felon, he won the election handily. Why? Because people with common sense who see right through this baloney have spoken.
Bill Cavanaugh Corvallis
Which guy are you?
Decades ago I saw this business slogan. “We cheat the other guy and pass the savings on to you.” It is funny in a kind of tongue in cheek way yet dangerous national policy. 50% of the US voting population decided in the last presidential election that they were not the other guy. All Americans now get to determine if they are the other guy or just missed the savings?
Archie L Thomas & Merry Schrumpf Corvallis
Selway-Pintler Back
Country Horsemen
The Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen will meet this Thursday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Forest Service office in Hamilton (enter through the rear door). Come enjoy refreshments and conversation. For additional information contact Kathy Hundley at 406-3638230. Visit the website at bchmt.org/ wp/spwbch/ or their Facebook page for more information.
A Course of Love study group
Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.
Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480
Florence American Legion
Florence American Legion Post 134 is having a free pancake breakfast on the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.
Knotty Knitters Guild
Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month except July, August, December, and January at 6 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. You can also bring your knitting project to visit and knit with friends or get help with questions on Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Any questions call 406-381-5123 or just show up on Friday!
Yoga for Veterans FREE to veterans, first responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm at the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-5307175. Come see us on 1st Friday in May ‘bout 1800 for more info! We’ll be in front of Active Care Wellness on Main in Stevensville
MS Support Group
Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Coffee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group
that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www. nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail.com
Republican Central Committee
The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee regular monthly meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Place Church, 273 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. All are welcome to attend.
Bitterroot Celtic Society
The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-profit organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.
North Valley Library
Fiber Arts Club—Thurs, Jan 9 from 12-1:30pm
Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting? Bring your work-in-progress, problem piece, or brand-new pattern and enjoy the company of like-minded crafters during this informal Fiber Arts Club. There will be no presenter or expert teacher but rather a cozy place to gather, tea, and a community of yarn and fiber artists like yourself. All experience levels welcome. Free Range Arts & Crafts for Adults—Thurs, Jan 9 at 6pm
The craft vault is open and everything from needle felting to clay sculpting awaits. Enjoy a coloring book, practice with pastels,
or bring your own project to finally finish, it’s up to you.
Board Meeting – Wed, Jan 15 at 3pm Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and the Public Participation are posted on the Library’s website. If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@ northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly. A link to Trustee contact information can be found at montana.gov.
Preserving Montana’s Oral Histories & Traditions – Thurs, Jan 16 at 6:30pm
This program guides participants on how to interview, collect and archive oral histories in their communities.
Candi Zion, author of Winifred Oral History Project, In Between People: The Metis of Central Montana, and Walkin’ Down the Middle: The Hi-Line Metis, teaches program attendees to how to conduct interviews in their communities, for future generations. From picking subject matter, finding interviewees, knowing the correct questions to ask, and transcribing interviews, Preserving Montana’s Oral Histories and Traditions looks to give community members across Montana the tools and confidence to preserve their local history. Zoom option available.
HHS Bands citrus sale fundraiser
The Hamilton High School Bands are currently taking orders throughout the month of January for their annual Citrus Fruit Fundraiser. The band sells navel oranges and ruby-red grapefruit in 20lb and 40lb boxes, and mandarin oranges in 5lb boxes. The proceeds from the sale go to help fund music,
instruments, tuxedo cleaning and repair, and festival entry fees. The citrus fruit will be delivered the first week of March, just in time for Spring. If you would like more information, or to place and order, please call the HHS Bandroom at 375-6060 ext. 5216.
Hamilton school board
Regular Board Meeting Tuesday – January 14, 2025
6:30 p.m. – District Office –Conference Room
The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. Governance Committee Meeting
Thursday – February 6, 2025
12:00 p.m. – District Office
Conference Room
The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg
Regular Board Meeting
Tuesday – February 11, 2025
6:30 p.m. – District Office –Conference Room
The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube.com/@
HSD3Boardmtg Garden Club
Stevensville Garden Club’s monthly meeting will be Wednesday, January 8, at 1 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 184 Pine Hollow Rd. Guest speaker Casey Ruple from Caras Nursery will present her program, Orchids 101. Also, a 1/2 off special ($10 membership dues) now through June 2025. Call Colleen at 406-273-3973 for more info.
Women Newcomer Club
Are you new to the Bitterroot Valley or a long time resident? You’re invited to join the Bitterroot. Women Newcomer Club is a fun group of women. Sign up for the club’s special interest groups, such as Card Games, Dice Games, Mah Jongg , Lunch Groups. The next meeting is January 9 at 10 a.m. at the
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Sports Bitterroot wrestlers in Ronan
The wrestling teams from Corvallis, Darby, Florence, Hamilton, and Stevensville competed alongside 20 other western Montana high schools in Ronan on Friday, January 3 and Saturday, January 4 for the aptly named Western Montana Boys & Girls Invitational.
Team results
In the boys team standings, Corvallis finished 4th, Florence finished 8th, Stevensville took 15th, Hamilton took 18th, and Darby took 23rd.
In the girls team standings, Corvallis took 9th, Darby took 14th, Stevensville took 17th, Florence took 21st, and Hamilton finished 22nd.
Individual results
For the Corvallis boys , Chase Davis won the 103 division, Kahle Hill placed 3rd at 118, Colton Snyder placed 3rd at 175, Sean Davis placed 4th at 126, Castin Borkholder placed 5th at 157, Aidan Emerson placed 5th at 215, Kade Bowles placed 6th at 165, and Byron Stoker placed 6th at 138.
For the Corvallis girls , Jocelyn Covington won the 140 division, Kaelynn Vanderpool placed 3rd at 110, and Sam Weidow placed 3rd at 190. For the Darby girls , Logan Paddock placed 2nd at 140, Halana May placed 5th at 155, and Tayler Rust placed 6th at 115.
For the Darby boys , Eli Spross placed 3rd at 215. For the Florence boys , Rowan Miller placed 2nd at 132, Max Rosenthal placed 2nd at 138, Brett Riley placed 4th at 157, Jett Murray placed 4th at 175, and Isaac Nicoson placed 6th at 144.
For Hamilton , Noah Guisinger placed 3rd at
190. For the Stevensville boys , Todd Whitescarver placed 2nd at 144, and Benjamin White placed 3rd at 138.
For the Stevensville girls , Avery Faler placed 3rd at 105, and Keenya Gibson placed 3rd at 130.
Hamilton Broncs battle Polson
The Hamilton boys and girls basketball teams hosted Polson on Saturday, January 4th. The girls played first and Hamilton lost 38-42. Then the boys capped off the night as the Broncs defeated the Pirates 63-43.
In the girls game, Hamilton led 10-5 after one quarter, 17-15 at halftime, and the score was tied 28-28 going into the final quarter.
The Lady Broncs looked to be in control of the game and led 34-31 with six minutes left in the game. They then went cold down the stretch and were outscored 4-11 to finish the game, losing 38-42 in a game that could have gone either way.
For Hamilton, Ella Griffin led the scoring with 11 points, Ashlynn McKern had a solid game with 10, Annalise Lewis had 7, Meryn Leonardi had 5, Bryn Cianflone had 3, and Loretta Hanson added 2.
In the boys game, Hamilton controlled the game throughout and won comfortably 63-43. The Broncs jumped out to a 15-8 first quarter lead and were up 28-15 at halftime and cruised to a 20-point victory.
Canaan Magness and Tyler Jette led the way for Hamilton. Magness scored 22 points, and added 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and
2 steals. Jette had 17 points with a team-high 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Landen Wetzel had a solid game with 11 points, making three 3-pointers, and a hustling Kaden Gum had 8 rebounds.
Hamilton’s defense held Polson to 34% shooting on the game, while Hamilton shot 50%. The Broncs controlled the glass, out rebounding the Pirates 38-19.
Falcons soar past Copperheads
On Saturday, January 4th, the Florence boys and girls basketball teams hosted Anaconda. Both teams scored blowout victories with the Florence boys winning 67-46 and the Florence girls winning 61-28. The boys jumped out to a 32-19 halftime lead and controlled the second half to win 67-46. For Florence, Brody Duchien led the scoring with 16 points, Mose Smith had 15, Bridger Alexander had 13, Jake Schneiter had 10, and Wes Potter had 7. Levi Winters, Mason Arlington and Kade Anderson each added 2.
In the girls game, Florence outscored the Lady Copperheads 19-4 in the second quarter and cruised to a 61-28 victory. For Florence, Ali Meinhold had a big game with 21 points, Emory Ralston had 11, Kendyl Meinhold had 8, Maggie Schneiter had 7, Kenzy Pickering had had 6, Taylor Pyette had 4, and Shelby Crocker and Jaden Fisher each added 2.
Basketball roundup
The Darby boys and girls basketball teams had the daunting task of playing Missoula Loyola on
Saturday, January 4. The Loyola boys are ranked #1 in Class B rankings (406mtsports.com), while the Loyola girls are ranked #2 in Class B rankings. The Darby boys lost 41-93, and the Darby girls lost 24-74. The Victor girls played Philipsburg on Friday, January 3 and lost 30-50. For Victor, Nichole Bugli had 13 points, Asia Parks had 7, Whitney Bugli had 4, and Kayden Allred added 2. Then on Saturday, January 4, Victor’s boys and girls hosted Two Eagle River. The Victor boys lost 30-75, while the
36-42.
Victor girls lost
Hamilton’s Ashlynn McKern calls out the play in Hamilton’s game against Polson on Saturday, January 4 in Hamilton. The Hamilton girls lost 38-42 and McKern scored 10 points. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Hamilton’s Kaden Gum defends a Polson player in the Broncs 63-43 victory over the Pirates on Saturday, January 4 in Hamilton. Gum had 8 rebounds in the game. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Corvallis’s Jocelyn Covington won the girls 140 division at the Western Montana Invitational in Ronan on Saturday, January 4. Darby’s Logan Paddock took 2nd place. Photo by CHS Girls Wrestling.
Midwinter meanderings, 2025 vol. 1
The rivers run low, flow slow and cold in winter.
It amazes me, every year, that so much life could abound, dormant beneath the seemingly still currents that I see in winter. Even the water that gurgles and trickles over the riffles seems to run slower –although in my mind I know that physically it doesn’t.
There will be three, four, five times as much water running in the rivers in the spring when the trout are breaking the surface everywhere to feed on the myriad of bugs, like them, that now lie dormant, semi-comatose, and still except for enough motion to keep them alive, on the bottom.
the harsh tug out of their lie wakes them up, the fight they put up can be sluggish. I often used to attribute this to cold water temperatures.
by Chuck Stranahan
It amazes me that the river in winter could contain so much life – even enough for one particular hatch with hundreds of trout showing themselves, breaking the surface to feed on the uncountable numbers of insects that seemed to miraculously appea on a particular day, in the moments I might watch them. And I think with amazement: this goes on, and on, all through the summer and into the following fall, until again the water temperatures drop and this cold-blooded and invertebrate community of life again goes nearly dormant, and seems to disappear.
During the depth of winter trout will manage to feed themselves but that’s about all. They won’t move further than necessary to take in nutrient. They won’t chase anything very far to catch it if something plentiful drifts by closer often enough to keep them nourished. They eat in a half-sleep and don’t jolt into wakefulness unless the something jerks them out of their somnolence.
And then, when hooked and
When I first came to the Bitterroot Valley in the mid-eighties, the skwala hatch was not the national phenomena that it is now. I was told, “This is a local hatch. Don’t be tellin’ your California friends about it or they’ll all be comin’ up here and ruinin’ it for us.”
I did as I was told. The hordes arrived anyway. My eventual bookings, when I got wise, didn’t add much to the traffic on the river.
The fish we caught then were sluggish. At last most of them were. They were skinny nd out of shape. My presumption was that the trout were reacting to cold water temperatures, not feeding, and were therefore out of shape. There were ice shelves across the river in some places, most years, that apparently dropped the temperatures below to the point where trout would do no more than sustain life.
I was wrong.
The fires of 2000 produced years of healthy, robust trout from the first time they saw the hatches of springtime after their cold winters. These trout were well-fed, as fat as you’d expect to see them later in the season, and hard-fighting from the time the hook was set until they were in the net.
The difference? Nutrition brought in by the burns. Fire ash breaks down into potash, nitrogen, and potassium, the same ingredients in Miracle-Gro. These elements feed the algae and plankton on the bottom of the food chain, which in turn feed the abundance of insects that feed the trout.
Roderick Haig-Brown was a
magistrate judge in British Columbia and author of thirty-odd books about the outdoors. His most enduring works are about the trout, steelhead and salmon of his native waters.
I’ve read a couple of Haig-Brown books but not all of them. His prose style is compelling, lyrical in places, and always carries his deep understanding and connection to his subjects – the magnificent fish in his native waters and their environs.
Haig-Brown, in my view, ranks right up there with writers like Aldo Leopold, John Muir and other conservationists whose deep-seated passion for their subject drives the prose style that conveys it.
I’ve read his classic “Fisherman’s Fall” and some of the others, his so-called season books including
“Fisherman’s Winter,” “Fisherman’s Spring,” and “Fisherman’s Summer,” and have always been drawn to the title of his book, “A River Never Sleeps” but have never read it.
I’ve often wondered if that book is about what he knew of life beneath the water, especially in winter, that he seemed to absorb by osmosis?
What I’ve learned recently is that “A River Never Sleeps” is the initial expression of his conservation ethic and the dilemma he faced: we know what needs to be done, he states, but refuse to do it. The same is true here.
When I’ve recovered from a modest amount of holiday spending this winter I intend to order “A River Never Sleeps” and read it.
In this course, you will learn the alphabet in Sign Language, hand shapes for making signs and communication in ASL. You will learn through natural communication: who, what, where, when, sentences and questions/fingerspelling/nouns/pronouns, etc. Join us for an evening of meeting new people and having a lot of fun!
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 with the German company Faber-Castell. Colored pencils give the artist the ability to draw but at the same time the pleasure of painting. Artists like to use 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. We will explore different types of colored pencils from wax based, oil based and watercolor based pencils.
Supplies:
1. Set 24 student-grade colored pencils
2. Vinyl or kneaded eraser
3. Drawing pad size 11 x 14 of good quality drawing paper with good tooth 80 # or greater
4. Cotton-tipped swabs
◆ BEGINNING SKETCHBOOK
Instructor: Diana Haker
Class Fee: $25.00
12 Hours/8 Classes
Tuesdays, 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 11, 18, 25 • Mar. 4, 11, 18, 25 • Apr. 1
This is a course for anyone who wants to draw in a sketchbook. This is for anyone who wants to relax and have fun sketching, doodling or making visual ideas. You will discover how fun, imaginative, illustrative and inspirational working in a sketchbook can be. You do not need fancy, expensive supplies. A simple sketchbook with a pencil will work. You will learn many principles that can be applied to your own sketchbook. Remember, you don t need special skills. This is a course for anyone who wants to draw in a sketchbook or start journaling with sketches. Learn how to relax and have fun sketching, doodling or making visual ideas. You will discover how fun it is to make sketchbooks, journaling and making visual ideas come alive. We will cover other mediums used in sketchbooks such as watercolor, colored pencils, ink, etc. Join us for some creative fun!
Supplies:
1. Set of different pencil softness HB to 6B
2. Sketchbook bounded 6” x 9” of good quality paper or other size that you would like to try
3. Vinyl or kneaded eraser
4. Black ball point pen
◆ ENERGY MEDICINE - A NEW PARADIGM IN NATURAL HEALING
Instructor: Dr. Bruce J. Grandstaff
Class Fee: $25.00
Instructor Fee: $5.00 (Paid directly to the instructor)
Robert Kennedy stated, “The United States has the highest rate of chronic disease in the world. ” This is an introduction to approaching health restoration with
energy matching for identifying the cause and correction of health challenges. How to detect and heal emotional causes, electro-magnetic causes, structural issues, nutritional deficiencies, food and environmental intolerances, and immune challenges. If these things are of interest to you, this class would be very informative. Join us for a better understanding of the health issues that surround our country. Two (2) make -up days for March 5th and 12th will be determined by the participants.
◆ SURVIVING THE OUTDOORS - SESSION 1
Instructor: Lee Scharff
Class Fee: $25.00
6 Hours/4 Classes Mon. & Wed., 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Jan. 27, 29 • Feb. 3, 5
This course will explore how to survive in the outdoors, with the motto being, Survival favors those most prepared.” We will cover first -aid, food, water safety, proper clothing, tent, sleeping gear, maps, compass, cell phone, body condition – mental/physical, medications weather reports, and much more! Join us for informational sessions on how to prepare for the outdoors!
◆ SURVIVING THE OUTDOORS - SESSION 2
Instructor: Lee Scharff
Class Fee: $25.00
6 Hours/4 Classes
Mon. & Wed., 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Feb. 10, 12, 19, 24
This course will explore how to survive in the outdoors, with the motto being, “Survival favors those most prepared.” We will cover first -aid, food, water safety, proper clothing, tent, sleeping gear, maps, compass, cell phone, body condition – mental/physical, medications weather reports, and much more! Join us for informational sessions on how to prepare for the outdoors!
Please REGISTER EARLY so that your class will get the number of participants needed to ensure that it will not be cancelled.
ALL payments will be collected the FIRST NIGHT of class.
Betty Jean Pittensbarger Norton
October 10, 1938 may have seemed like a normal, mundane day to many. Sure, there were some exciting headlines: The Yankees beat the Cubs and won their 7th World Series, Merrill got a Hole-inOne, and German troops advanced and occupied the Sudeten Region of Czechoslovakia. In Wibaux, MT, however, one of the greatest events of the century was about to take place.
Betty Jean Pittsenbarger Norton, not necessarily world famous but notorious none the less, made her debut into this world. I am not sure whether Bernice Bair Pittsenbarger and Loyd Austin Pittsenbarger were aware of the overall impact their daughter would have on the individuals that had the honor of meeting her, but I can surmise that they were definitely aware that they had encountered something special.
Betty inherited a strong work ethic from her parents who had to extensively travel to keep in work. Her father was in construction, building dams and welding in the shipyards for the war. Her mother also worked and welded in the shipyards, took care of the ranches they had, and kept trap lines. Betty survived Scarlet Fever as a toddler in Colorado, lived in New Mexico, Wyoming and Washington before starting school in Willard. She attended many schools across Montana, often picking up and moving mid-year. While living in Livingston, she met her future husband Bernard Monty Norton. It was her junior year of high school when she purchased her 1939 Harley Davidson 1500 cc. Monty thought she was crazy and it’s probably one of the reasons he fell head over heels for her. After graduating business college, she married Monty on June 15, 1957.
Betty held many different types of jobs ranging from secretarial work to nursing, owning her own
business (The Happy Bungalow in Turah), and finishing up as a cook for the Victor Senior Center. Her energy and reserve seemed to know no bounds and she reluctantly retired in March of 2020 at the ripe young age of 82 years. She lived a full life, raising registered Morgans with their prized stallion Jet Morgan (affectionately known as Abe) and hogs on the ranch.
Betty’s life was not easy, but it taught her to be the woman we all grew to know and love. There wasn’t a task she wouldn’t tackle head on. She vivaciously met every challenge and had more drive and energy than people half her age. There aren’t many people that would go bowling right after hip surgery or complete a league while fighting Leukemia, but Betty did so with vigor and a smile. The alley floor definitely felt that 13 lb bowling ball landing halfway down the lane, I think we all did. She enjoyed comradery and laughter amongst her friends at bingo on Tuesdays and Saturdays and never turned down a game of cribbage. The truth is, she is part of a dying breed. She was a Harley riding, snowmobile driving, cow wrestling, pig tying mama that could cook a good meal, keep a home, and still have room to love and accept any straggler that wandered through her door. She meant what she said and said what she meant, she didn’t pull punches and she was never ashamed to say what was on her mind. She joked like a sailor and loved to shock people with dirty wit. She was tender, tough, and perfect.
On December 20, 2024, Betty left the pain of this world and traded it in for the peace of the hereafter.
She is survived by her four children, Collette, Rena, Aleta, and Craig; eight grandchildren, Jesse, Cristie, Dezi, Kendra, Andrew, Josiah, Michael, and Briana; nine great grandchildren, one great
Brett Michael Carl Kester
Brett Michael Carl Kester was born in LasVegas, Nevada a few minutes after his twin sister Rheann on 29 Jan 1984. Michael passed away unexpectedly on Christmas day 2024. Family members had gathered together to celebrate the birth of the Savior when Michael slipped into eternity. Michael grew up in Hamilton graduating from Hamilton High School in 2002. He became an eagle scout and then served two years in Sao Paulo, Brazil as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
After returning home he attended the U of M, BYU I, and the University of Utah. He received his M.S in microbiology and later his PhD.
Michael enjoyed the ocean, snowboarding, skateboarding and our beautiful mountains as well as his many friends. Michael adored his son Jaden.
Michael enjoyed working for the City of Salt Lake. He also worked for Boeing. While in Hamilton he worked at A Thaiger.
Michael is survived by his mother Betty
Dorothy May Newell
Dorothy May Newell was born July 3, 1927, in Opheim, MT to Cloyd Stahl and Beatrice Stahl nee Larson. She passed away peacefully December 28, 2024, in Hamilton, MT at the age of 97. Dorothy was joined by her sister and lifelong best friend, Marilyn in December of 1934. The family packed up and moved across the state to Hamilton in the early 1940s. Dorothy originally felt claustrophobic going from the open plains of Eastern Montana to mountains of the western side of the state, but she came to love Bitterroot Valley. It was where she raised her family. Her daughters Barbara and Connie, and her son David.
Betty Antanavage
Dorothy was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church. She loved sewing, gardening, and baking, especially cookies. This earned her the nickname of the “Cookie Lady.” She was the first to volunteer to help in the community. She spent years organizing the fundraising dessert reception for the Hamilton High School Cultural Exchange Club, served coffee at the church for countless funerals and other events. She left this world a better place, because she was here.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Barbara Large’, and her brother-inlaw, Walter Warren.
She is survived by her daughter Connie Olson
Betty Antanavage, a longtime resident of the Bitterroot Valley, passed away peacefully at The Springs of Missoula Memory Care on Monday, January 6, 2025.
Born on October 28, 1937 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, Betty moved to the Bitterroot Valley in 1984 with her beloved late husband, Joseph Antanavage. Together they explored the beauty of Montana and shared a passion for gardening and sporting activities. They cultivated a beautiful garden and home that became a cherished gathering place for family and friends.
Betty was not only an active gardener, but also a spirited participant
great grandchild, and countless “adopted” children, grandchildren, and granddogs. Betty was also blessed with an innumerable number of friends she cherished over the years, especially her lifelong friends Mike and Laurie Sorom.
A Celebration of Life is planned on June 15, 2025.
Kester, son Jaden Kester and sisters Katherine (Steve) Hart; Velvet (Beau) Rominger; Rheann (Alex) Visisviriyachai and many nieces and nephews. Michael will be remembered for his courtesy, loving kindness and for a smile that would light up any room. A funeral service was held Monday January 6, at 1 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Hamilton. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
(Bob), son David Newell, grandchildren, Blaine Olson, Amber Bell (Matthew), Kristi Newell-Vieth, and Brooke Newell, sister Marilyn Warren, nieces Tracy Warren and Kelly Jones (Kent), six great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. As well as many in the community who thought of her as family.
A memorial service will be held at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton on Saturday, January 11, at 11 a.m. followed by a cookie and coffee reception in honor of the Cookie Lady. A private interment will take place this spring at Riverview Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com
in various sporting activities with her husband. Whether it was hiking and camping in the picturesque mountains or fishing in the local streams, she, along with her husband, embraced every opportunity to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors.
Betty is survived by her three children and eight grandchildren.
Betty will be remembered for her unwavering love, her nurturing spirit, and her ability to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula. In accordance with Betty’s wishes, funeral services will be private. Condolences may be left for the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com
Carolanne Saylor
The Bitterroot Valley lost a bright light when Carolanne Louise Glocker Saylor, “Carol,” left us on 12/31/24. Carol passed away at home with her family and beloved pets at her side.
Carol was born in San Francisco, CA on September 13, 1953 to Albert and Janet Taube Glocker. She was a graduate of Miramonte High School, and subsequently attended Diablo Valley College and the College of Alameda. Carol worked in her father’s family printing business for more than 20 years, acquiring experience in every aspect of small business and honing her talents. She maintained close friendships with friends from these years throughout her life.
During the 1970’s and 1980’s, Carol was an active volunteer for a number of political campaigns and community organizations, such as the JayCees of Lafayette, CA, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and others. She was proud to be co-founder and Director of the Bay Area Young Republicans 1978-81.
Carol married Steve Saylor on January 19, 1985, and welcomed daughter Anna Janelle Saylor in 1986. The Saylors moved to the Bitterroot Valley on Mother’s Day 1992 and soon began building their forever home on Sheafman Creek.
For most of her career, Carol followed in her father’s footsteps, never straying far from printing, graphic design, advertising sales, copywriting and consulting, both as an employee and working for herself. She worked at Bitterroot Marketing, Insty-Prints, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, Allegra Printing, the Ravalli Republic and others. Her natural organizational talents led her to spend time as Executive Officer of the Bitterroot Building Industry Association, and Administrative Assistant at the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce.
You’d be hard pressed to find a person with more volunteer positions or accolades. Carol was a co-founder of the Bitterroot Scottish Irish Association, worked on the Advisory Council to Trapper Creek Job Corps, sat on the Bitter Root Event Center Board of Directors, the Job Service Employers Council and so many more. It was at the Bitterroot
Valley Chamber of Commerce where Carol really found a home. She held a number of both paid and volunteer positions, beginning as an Ambassador in 1993, and later sitting on the Board of Directors, serving as Chair of the Marketing Committee and many more. Throughout the years, Carol received a number of awards, including Volunteer of the Year and later the prestigious Laurel Award for her many years of community service.
After her retirement, Carol continued to maintain her involvement in the Bitterroot Valley as Admin on popular Facebook pages including Bitterroot Eats, Bitterroot Valley Community Events and others right up until her passing.
As much as Carol loved her community, she valued her home and family more. She became a grandmother with the birth of Benjamin; his brother Zachary would later be the youngest. When grandchildren Solomon and Max (Maggie) joined the family, Carol never hesitated to take an active role in their daily lives. Whether it was teaching Sol to cook or Max to bake, cheering on their combined achievements in Taekwondo, or simply greeting them after a day at school, being a grandmother was her proudest achievement.
Carol lived in and for her kitchen. It was a joy to her to preserve the harvest, and make treasured family recipes like pfeffernusse cookies and sauerbraten. She loved to create fabulous desserts to share with friends and family alike. She served as a judge in baked goods at the Ravalli County Fair, and helped choose the ‘best Fair food’ from among the vendors.
For all of her achievements and accomplishments, the thing that Carol Saylor did better than anyone throughout her 71 years was maintain friendships. No one had a better recall of names or how people were connected than Carol. It didn’t matter how brief the interaction or how long it had been since they met, Carol picked up the threads of that friendship seamlessly.
Carol is survived by her husband Steve of nearly 40 years, their daughter Anna Saylor, grandchildren
Burrow,
and
13, bonus daughter Jennifer Saylor Child (Justin), grandchildren Benjamin, 16, and Zachary, 10. Carol had a number of spoiled pets over the years, most recently rescue dog Zena and a pair of kittens. She will be sorely missed by her ‘Hat Club’ friends and all that knew her. Rest in peace, Girlfriend. Carol’s friends and acquaintances are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Bitterroot River Inn from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. A light brunch will be served. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bitter Root Humane Association or Habitat for Humanity Ravalli County. Whitesitt Funeral Home of Stevensville has assisted the family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.
As we welcome the New Year, we are filled with gratitude for the trust you place in us. Let 2025 be the year you prioritize your health and well-being.
Primary Family Care Diabetic Care Immunizations Health Physical Well Child Checks Women’s Health
Sapphire Community Health provides wellness exams for all The Bitterroot Valley, with easy scheduling and a variety of payment options, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and a sliding fee scale.
Becoming a patient is easy, with little to no wait for scheduling a new patient appointment. Call Sapphire Community Health today at 406-541-0032 to schedule your appointment. Start the New Year right — make your health a priority!
Solomon
14,
Max (Maggie) Burrow,
Help prevent blood shortages by giving blood now
Donors have chance to win trip to Super Bowl LIX during National Blood Donor Month
The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give lifesaving blood in the new year to help keep the blood supply strong this winter. Type O negative blood donors and those giving platelets are especially urged to give now to keep critical blood products on the shelves for patients in need.
The start of the new year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood products as the threat of severe winter weather builds and can often lead to widespread blood drive cancellations. Additionally, an active cold and flu season may prevent people from keeping donation appointments as they rest and recover from illness. During National Blood Donor Month, the Red Cross celebrates those who generously roll up a sleeve to help save lives and urges those who are feeling well to make and keep donation appointments to help the blood supply stay on track throughout the winter.
Don’t sit on the sidelines − kick off 2025 with a blood donation. To book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood
Donor App, or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
For the sixth year, the Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering in January for National Blood Donor Month to invite football fans and blood donors to join our lifesaving team and score big for patients in need. As a special thank-you to donors for helping address the need for blood during the critical post-holiday time, those who come to give Jan. 1-26, 2025, will be automatically entered for a chance to win an exciting Super Bowl LIX giveaway. The trip includes access to day-of in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 7-10, 2025), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities Jan. 6-26:
Florence
1/20/2025: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Florence-Carlton Community Church, 20075 Old Highway 93
1/21/2025: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Christian Life Center, 3801 S Russell St.
SYMPOSIUM: panel to look at child care provider struggles
Continued from page 1
even though what they charge often looks very expensive. This means even with those “low” prices, many families in areas like the Bitterroot cannot afford to send their children there.
Wells touched on the fact that there are no monetary state incentives to help keep these businesses operating, and things the legislature has recently been doing under the guise of improving the situation are actually making it worse.
“Montana’s early care and education system faces significant challenges due to limited state-initiated investments,” said Wells. “The primary state-funded contributions are matching dollars for federal initiatives, such as the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). This limited funding results in only 9% of eligible children under five receiving CCDBG assistance, leaving many families without support.”
Consequently, families often encounter high child care costs, with
center-based infant care averaging $11,700 annually. This financial burden can consume up to 34.7% of a single parent’s income, making quality child care unaffordable for many.
To address these issues, the Montana Association for the Education of Young Children (MAC) is advocating for legislative measures aimed at improving affordability for families and enhancing compensation for ECE workers. The proposed bills include:
HB 2106: Expanding Best Beginnings Scholarship eligibility to the maximum federally allowable level, thereby increasing access to child care assistance for more families.
HB 1787: Providing categorical eligibility for Best Beginnings to workers in child care
thru January
facilities, including owners and directors, ensuring that those who care for children can also afford quality care for their own families.
Establishing a program to provide funding to child care facilities to improve wages and benefits, addressing the low compensation that challenges the recruitment and retention of qualified ECE professionals.
“These legislative efforts aim to create a more equitable and sustainable child care system in Montana, benefiting children, families, and the broader community,” said Wells.
On top of that, insurance nationwide now avoids covering early childcare providers and “anything related to child care,” out of fear. Wells further explained, “Montana’s child care providers face growing challenges with liability insurance, as premiums have risen sharply, nearly doubling from an average of $1,397 in 2019 to $2,335 in 2022. In addition, 41% of surveyed providers reported being dropped by their insurance carriers since 2019, often because these carriers no longer cover child care facilities in the state. To address this issue, the Economic Affairs Interim Committee has proposed policy options such as exploring a captive insurance model, which would require child care providers to form an association
to negotiate better terms collectively. Another approach under discussion is the establishment of a state-administered reinsurance pool, which could help mitigate costs and provide stability. Both options underscore the urgent need for systemic solutions to support Montana’s child care providers in maintaining affordable and reliable coverage, ultimately benefiting families and the workforce.”
According to Wells, their upcoming event is meant to speak directly to the investment of time, which affects early development and how that can change a child’s life significantly for the long term. This trickles down to careers, life choices and can even spread to siblings.
The film screening will be followed by a panel of experts in various fields, including childcare, local and state government, as well as medical professionals. Throughout the event, attendees can fill out question slips which will then be given to the panel to address.
“We really want it to be solutions based, talking about what’s happening at the state and local levels,” said Wells.
For Wells, and others in the field, their hope is to create solutions that are more “proactive instead of reactive.” They have seen that for every dollar spent on childcare infrastructure, around $16 is saved down the line in other areas of the economy. Interested parties can register ahead of the event, by January 10. The event is $15 for participants, and free to childcare providers. There will be raffles and a hot meal. The movie starts at noon. For childcare providers, one of the biggest hurdles is the fact that their profession is “not paired with the respect that it should have.”
Wells said they are often looked at as glorified babysitters, when in fact, “they are shaping children’s lives.”
BELN hopes to change these attitudes and assist some change in making a difference in these providers’ lives, and the lives of future generations.
“The Heart of Winter” by Jonathan Evison
c.2024, Dutton
$28.00 3 58 pages
To have and to hold from this day forward.
It’s a promise made on a happy day, for richer or poorer, for better for worse. Those vows mean that you’re bound to someone you’ll love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in health. As in the new novel, “The Heart of Winter” by Jonathan Evison, those promises last for as long as you both shall live.
The moment Abe Winter laid eyes on Ruth Warneke, he was twitterpated. Smitten.
It was 1953, and Ruth was unique: smart, confident, outspoken, a woman among girls at her college. Abe pursued her clumsily, but he eventually won her over.
She was pregnant when they married in 1954 and in a few short years, there were three small children in the household. Abe became a busy insurance salesman with his own office, and he eagerly purchased a small farm outside Seattle on which to raise the kids. Ruth gave up her dreams of poetry and Paris to become a wife and mother, and she was resentful.
Through the decades, there were indiscretions (Ruth’s) and blatantly thoughtless actions (Abe’s). There was a surprise fourth child, just when they thought their family was complete. There’d been friendships, hurts, loss, and healing, the “kids” were grown and gone and had grandkids of their own now..
As Abe celebrated his ninetieth birthday with family, he believed that it would be his last and he silently thought about tying up loose ends so his “Ruthie” and their old dog, Megs, could
get along without him. Seventy years was a long time together, a long time to be married to someone,
but Abe couldn’t imagine a different life. Their vows said for richer or
by Terry Schlichenmeyer
poorer. In sickness and health. They’d stay that way until death they would part…
The first thing you need to know about “The Heart of Winter” is that you may cry. It’s not going to be a major snot-cry, but you might expect tears. Bring tissues, in case.
Spanning two generations and seventy-plus years in an ordinary marriage, author Jonathan Evison tells a comfortable, not-so-ordinary tale of love and patience made uniquely special because his characters have such rich lives and big flaws. All of them, in fact, are imperfectly human and individually crafted with nuances that feel exactly right, given their positions within the tale, good, bad, and both. One of them appears, though she’s not really even there. This realism – surely, we all know somebody like Abe and Ruth, like their children, like their friends – makes this novel surprisingly emotional and, for some readers, could make it hit pretty close to home. Also, know that if you hate such things, this novel isn’t maudlin or sappy or convoluted. Instead, like real life, it twists and unwinds perfectly.
If a love story that’s not quite a romance is what you want to start your new year, this dance with your reading soul is it. For you, “The Heart of Winter” is a novel you’ll want to have and to hold.
The Bookworm Sez, LLC
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Legal
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
Notice is Hereby Given that the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville will hold a Public Hearing for Ordinance No. 172 amending chapter 24 and establishing a no parking zone at and around 515 Main Street, Stevensville, MT and Ordinance No. 173 repealing town code sections 10-117 through 10-125 and adopting new town code sections 10-126 through 10-131 regarding land use variances.
1st reading of Ordinance No. 172 and 173 will take place at the 01-09-25 Town Council Meeting and the 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 172 and 173 will take place at the 01-23-25 Town Council Meeting.
Comments may be given on the 1st reading of Ordinance No. 172 and 173 orally at the Public Hearing
Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 6:30 pm and at the 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 172 and 173 at the Public Hearing on January 23, 2025, at 6:30 pm. Comments can also be given to the Town Clerk at PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870, email townclerk@townofstevensville.gov or before 5:00 pm in person on the scheduled Town Council meeting day. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-777-5271.
Attest: Jenelle S. Berthoud, Town Clerk
BS 12-18-24, 01-15-25.
MNAXLP
MONTANA 21ST JUdicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Mary Susanne Gillham Rosett, Mary Susanne Gillham Rosett, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-412024-0000442-NC
Dept. 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Mary Susanne Gillham Rosett to Hatchet Susie Rosett.
The hearing will be on January 22, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 9th day of December, 2024.
/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court
By: Catherine di Gleria
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 12-25-24, 1-1, 1-8, 1-15-25.
MNAXLP
William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Office PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 3633181
Email: wmziplip@gmail. com
Attorney for Petitioner, Tami Morgan MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JONATHAN WAYNE GUAHUNGA, Deceased.
Probate No. DP-24-138
Dept. 2
NOTICE OF HEARING OF PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL, DETERMINATION AND HEIRS AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Tami Kay Morgan has filed in the above Court and cause a Petition for the formal probate of the Will of Jonathan Wayne Guahunga, deceased, for determination of testacy and heirs, and for the appointment of Tami Kay Morgan as Personal Representative of said Will and estate. For further
information, the Petition, as filed, may be examined in the office of the clerk of the above Court.
Hearing upon said Petition will be held in said Court at Hamilton, Montana (205 Bedford Street, Suite B), on the 16TH day of January 2025, at the hour of 1:30 o’clock a.m., at which time all interested persons may appear and object.
Dated 17th day of December 2024
/s/ Bill Nelson
William J. Nelson, attorney for Petitioner
Tami Kay Morgan BS 12-25-24, 1-1, 1-825.
MNAXLP
LEGAL NOTICE
The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a public hearing for a Ravalli County Open Lands Bond project on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) of the County Administrative Building located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. The project is called Groff Park (21 acres) and is located west of Victor along Chief Victor Camp Road (Tax ID# 908950). The project is a 21-acre land acquisition that is proposed to be a community park near Victor. The Bitter Root Land Trust will be the owner and manager of the property, holding title until a suitable public entity capable of policing and maintaining the property is found Bitter Root Land Trust is the applicant. Information describing the proposals are available for inspection at the Planning Department, located at the County Administrative Building, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the public hearing and will be forwarded to the BCC for consideration at the public hearing. The public may comment verbally or in writing at the hearings. Comments and information submitted at the public hearing will be considered in the decision. Submit email comments to: planning@rc.mt.gov, and questions can be asked by phone at 406-375-6530.
BS 1-1, 1-8-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Candice Gayle Clarke, Candice Gayle Clarke, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-24-457 Dept. 2
Jennifer B. Lint
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Candice Gayle Clarke to Candice Gayle Clarke-Jessop.
The hearing will be on February 13, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 31st day of December, 2024.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
By: Michelle Goldman
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 1-8, 1-15, 1-22, 1-29-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Kathryn Joyce Snyder, Mary Kathryn Joyce Snyder, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-2024412 Dept. 1
Howard F. Recht
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the
District Court for a name change from Kathryn Joyce Snyder to Kathryn Joyce Engelhardt.
The hearing will be on February 12, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 2nd day of January, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
By: Catherine di Gleria
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 1-8, 1-15, 1-22, 1-29-25.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING-RAVALLI COUNTY
Fee Increase FOR: Airport Lease form – recording fees
The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, Montana. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public
comment and make a decision, by Resolution, to amend the recording fee for the Ravalli County Airport Lease form.
If you would like more information contact the Commissioner’s Office at 406-375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number or by email at commissioners@ rc.mt.gov
Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 1-8, 1-15-25.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING-RAVALLI COUNTY FOR: Septage Treatment and Composting Preliminary Engineering Report
The Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public meeting on Wednesday January 22, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Ravalli County Commissioners Chambers, Ravalli County Administrative Center, 215
S 4th St, Suite A, Hamilton, MT 59840 for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the on-going Septage Treatment and Composting Preliminary Engineering Report. The County’s consulting engineer, Morrison-Maierle, will provide an overview of the planning process, summarize the existing and future conditions, and discuss deficiencies of the septage treatment systems with Ravalli County. All attendees will have the opportunity to express their opinions regarding this project. Public attendance is encouraged. Written comments may be submitted to Aaron McConkey, Morrison-Maierle, Inc., 1055 Mount Ave, Missoula, MT 59801
If you would like more information, contact the Commissioner’s Office at 406-375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number or by email at commissioners@ rc.mt.gov
Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 1-8, 1-15-25. MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING Annexation of Property Into the Victor Rural District (Application No. 223) THE RAVALLI COUNTY
Great gift idea!
Saving the Mitchell by journalist Michael Howell of Stevensville, is the inside story of how a group of wealthy landowners in the Bitterroot tried to privatize Montana’s waters.
“No one else could have told this story with as much clarity, accuracy and insightful nuance as Michael Howell has done,” writes Greg Pape in the Introduction. Saving the Mitchell is “a well-written and well-vetted true story, a book that will take its place among the significant books of Montana history and literature. It is also a reminder of the vigilance that is necessary to good citizenship.”
The poetry of Greg Pape, a former Poet Laureate of Montana, is sprinkled throughout the 145-page book, which also contains a number of photos, maps and other related material.
“If you want to buy a big ranch and you want to have a river and you want privacy, don’t buy in Montana. The rivers belong to the people of Montana.” -- Governor Brian Schweitzer, quoted in New York Times article by Tom Robbins, July 26, 2006.
