Bitterroot Star - October 14, 2020 by Bitterroot Star

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

‘The

’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B

Merrill

VO TE !

Find the latest updates and information on the COVID-19 pandemic at www.bitterrootstar.com

for MONTANA

HD 87

Paid for by Merrill for HD87 ~ Democrat ~ PO Box 718, Stevensville, MT 59870 ~ Nancy Neal, Treas.

Volume XXXVI, Number 13

Plenty to go around

www.bitterrootstar.com

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

COVID numbers continue to soar By Michael Howell

With Eldon Kauffman driving the tractor and Hans McPherson keeping watch on the potato digger, people fall in behind to pick up the freshly dug potatoes. Jean Schurman photo.

Annual spud dig a success

By Jean Schurman

The second Saturday in October has become somewhat of a family holiday for many in the Bitterroot Valley. This is the day that McPherson Farms has their annual potato dig on their farm on Willoughby Lane in Stevensville. Not only can families get their winter’s supply of spuds, but for many, it’s a chance to connect with the earth and see where food comes from. Hans McPherson, his sister Jeanie Robbins, brother Peter, and a few family friends oversee this annual event and each has an appointed duty. Hans planted the potatoes last spring. Sister-in-law Tina McPherson is the parking cop. She stands on Willoughby directing cars into parking areas. Jeanie is the go-to person for the day and does the overall managing of the day’s events. To the uninitiated, the potato field looks somewhat like an ant hill with people swarming everywhere but especially in the row behind the tractor and potato digger. The tractor eases up and down the rows with the potato digger churning out potatoes of all sizes. There are kids in bib overalls, and even a few in tutus. The squeals of delight as the younger ones find the potatoes is much like those heard during an Easter egg hunt. For many years, Kenneth and Elaine McPherson, parents to Hans, Peter and Jeanie, planted extra potatoes and invited people to come and harvest them. When Kenneth passed away, his kids decided to keep the tradition going and 13 years ago, Jeanie decided to get

Vote for mber Reme in n to tur lot al your b

were amazed at the event and how much fun everyone was having. Towards the back of the field, a pickup and trailer sat with people filling the trailer. Hans said this was a group from Pinesdale who make this an annual event. “They feed a lot of people with these potatoes.” No potatoes were donated to the Food Bank this year as the government has been buying and providing potatoes to food banks across the state and nation. At first, Jeanie thought they may not be able to have all of the potatoes picked up but an hour after they started, the field was almost done and picked over. People were leaving the field toting bags, boxes, plastic tubs full of potatoes. And they all had smiles on their faces. “Dad’s probably drinking chocolate milk and Mom’s turning cartwheels,” said Hans.

Jasper Beaudin, 7, and Gilespie ‘G’ Roberts, 6, dig in the dirt for potatoes. Jean Schurman photo. the day a little more organized. These days they have a hot chocolate and doughnut stand for those who want to warm up. Proceeds go toward next year’s seed crop and an outhouse for the day. There was an old John Deere tractor nearby with hay bales stacked around it for photo opportunities too. They decided to donate bins of potatoes to the Food Bank in Missoula and had people fill these bins. In fact, Jeanie recalls they did such a good job of getting the

RON

bins filled one year that they didn’t realize the McPherson clan had not kept any potatoes for themselves! Pam and Jerry Hall just recently moved to Stevensville and were enjoying watching their family glean potatoes. “This is one of the greatest ideas I’ve seen,” said Pam. “The kids are so excited to find the potatoes.” There were four missionaries from the LDS Church helping out too. They were from Arizona, and California, and like the Halls,

The pandemic is surging nationally, across the state and locally. Last month the number of active COVID-19 cases in Ravalli County grew steadily from a low of three on September 8th to 23 active cases by the end of the month. Ten days later, on Friday, October 9, the number of active cases reported by the Ravalli County Health Department had grown to 65. The next day, an additional 24 new cases were added. It’s what happens after the new cases are reported – the contact tracing and the quarantining – that makes the growing number and rate of new cases so alarming. The Public Health Department was able to contact 18 out of those 23 new cases on Saturday, but tracking down the people on the list of potentially exposed contacts can be a very daunting and time consuming task. At this point, the Public Health Department is directing people who are considered close contacts to a positive case to go to the Ravalli County webpage for instructions on how to proceed if they have been exposed.

The usual minimal demographic information was lacking from this special report. The valley’s schools are feeling the impact as one after the other has closed for a short period over Covid-related incidents and implemented building sanitization procedures. Hamilton High School was shut down last Thursday while some contact tracing took place over a recent case of COVID-19. School District Superintendent Tom Korst said that it was their first time dealing with the County Public Health Department over a contact tracing process and they were not sure about how long the process might take. He said they actually got done with the tracing fairly early in the day. Korst said that the school district provides the county health department with information if there is a case in the school and their close contacts and then the Health Department gives them direction about who may need to be quarantined. He said the county has done a good job at it. According to Korst, if there is a positive case, either a student See COVID, page 3

Darby Lumber timber sale to go forward By Michael Howell

The Darby Lumber Lands Phase II Project, a vegetation management project located east of Darby on the Bitterroot National Forest, may proceed following a ruling mostly in favor of the U.S. Forest Service by U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen. Friends of the Bitterroot filed a lawsuit in August challenging the legality of the timber sale associated with the project. The timber sale will harvest timber from 959 acres, build 4.3 miles of new permanent road and another 8 miles of temporary road. About 334 acres will be thinned and another 1,294 treated with prescribed fire. The proposal calls for decommissioning 39 miles of road and 4.7 miles of trail. About two miles of off-highway-vehicle trails

will be constructed to connect into the current trail and road system. It is a continuation of the watershed improvement and transportation work conducted in the Darby Lumber Lands Phase I Project, and was developed, according to the agency, to design and implement a suitable transportation system for the area, improve forest health and stand resilience, reduce potential fire severity, and provide timber products and related jobs. The area encompasses former privately-owned lands which, prior to acquisition by the Forest Service, were managed for heavy timber production resulting in an extensive road network throughout the area. Many of these roads were not built to Forest

See DARBY LUMBER, page 9

‘Colors of Cancer’ campaign focused on fundraising By Michael Howell

It’s Colors of Cancer month in the Bitterroot valley once again when people from all walks of life and all ages come together to support the team of their choice in a race to see who can raise the most money to fight cancer. According to Stacie Duce of the Daly Hospital Foundation, the Colors of Cancer campaign is really a grassroots effort. People

who are cancer survivors or people who love someone who has been touched by cancer, have been working for years doing bake sales, sponsoring small events and raffles and promotions in their businesses to support cancer patients not only with finances but also with encouragement and messages of hope. She said COVID-19 restrictions have interrupted much of that traditional fundraising

recently but some businesses are still helping in innovative ways. Evans Ace Hardware in Hamilton, for instance, has taken on one of the new colors: White for Lung Cancer. Owner of the business, David Evans, has been a big supporter of the Colors of Cancer the last few years, but this year he decided to honor his parents who originally opened the store in

MARSHALL Paid for by Ron Marshall for HD 87 . 840 South 1st . Hamilton, MT 59840

See COLORS, page 5

HD 87

Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

Serving our Community

Mayor Brandon Dewey

Your town. Your mayor.

Our Past. Our Future.

Family. My family raised me with the same values that make Stevensville the community where Tasha and I continue to raise our growing family. Time spent with our families is priceless. The Town must do what it can to promote and sustain strong, healthy families here in Stevensville, making a great community to live and work!

Growing up in Stevensville, community involvement is at the heart of who Mayor Dewey is. From the early age of 10 standing on a bucket to scoop ice cream at the Soda Fountain, to his 12 years of service on the Fire Department starting at age 14, his demonstrated commitment to Stevensville includes dedicated service on community boards, projects, and events. Mayor Dewey has lived through the growth and change our town has experienced over the past two decades.

Faith. Tasha and I are grateful to have been brought up with good Christian beliefs and strong moral standards. My faith in God leads me to do what is right in my service, no matter how simple the gesture or daunting the challenge.

He knows Stevensville’s history and our values. Today, he puts his 10+ years of experience in Stevensville’s local government to work, benefiting our quality of life now and into the future. As a young professional, Mayor Dewey has brought innovation, efficiency, and vision to Town Hall through conservative financial responsibility and the prioritization of initiatives that build a resilient economy and stronger community.

Community. A sense of community is what makes our Town thrive. It's our job as your leaders to preserve that sense of community and participate in productive ways.

Mayor Dewey is our future. His proven leadership and ability to bring integrity to our Town’s government has greatly benefited the community in numerous ways, despite the obstructive efforts by special interests. Mayor Dewey puts Stevensville first, leading us to a safer, smarter, and healthier community. Together, we all have a stake in the future of our Town. The Mayor and his family share in that future and he holds the leadership to deliver success for us all.

Three years ago, I was elected to serve Stevensville as your Mayor, because you, the citizens, trust and believe in my commitment to our community.

Paid for by: Together for Stevensville Paid for by: Together for Stevensville Renee Endicott, Treasurer - PO Box 223 Stevensville MT 59870

Husband • Father • Community Driven Husband • Father • Community Driven

Renee Endicott, Treasurer • PO Box 223 Stevensville MT 59870

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This week at the Fork we are loaded with apples from Montana to Washington and just in, fresh apple cider from the Root. You will love our meat department, we sell only Black Angus USDA Choice beef, & this week is perfect to throw a chuck roast in the slow cooker! So start your slow cooker & save time & money at the store with more local flavor! Sign up to win a Yeti Cooler from your friends at the Fork! Bitterroot Apples

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Wednesday, October 14, 2020

COVID continued

or a teacher, they trace down everyone who may have been within 6 feet of that person for at least 15 minutes. He said that he believed the most pressing issue is with the staff. If a teacher is deemed at risk from the exposure they are quarantined. He said this could happen to a teacher even in their off hours and traced to a case outside the school. He said staffing issues are definitely going to be a problem as this pandemic continues. Finding help is also becoming more difficult. Some people are hesitant to take the risk of exposure that comes with exposure to even a small number of students. Every school district in the county has increased its substitute teacher pay by a similar rate over the last few months as a result. The Hamilton School District has even thrown in an incentive of a $200 bonus after the 10th day of substituting (they do not have to be consecutive) and another $200 bonus after ten more days, and another bonus every 10 days after that. There is even a finder’s fee for any employee who finds a substitute who will teach for ten days. The finder gets $100. Korst said that the school is being sanitized every night but that if there is a positive case they could use an air purifier tablet. He said it was kind of like a setting off an air bomb, but it does clean the atmosphere, making the room usable after a few hours. Korst said that the elementary schools have restructured classes and reduced class sizes and are working in cohorts, that is small groups of the same kids that don’t interact with other students. He said managing the high school is more complex where students change classes often and everyone moves around. He said the school still has the on-line option but they do ask for a nine-week commitment. “We are just doing the best we can,” said Korst. He said they have used the Covid relief funds to hire more staff and reduce the classroom sizes and developing

constant cohorts for everyone throughout the day. Twelve to fourteen in a classroom is easier to distance than 18 to 24, he said. “We will be holding on,” said Korst. He said he himself would be subbing that day in the school lunchroom. “It’s an allhands-on-deck moment,” he said. He said the principals were also subbing every day. Korst said other issues will also have to be addressed such as community rental of facilities and the spectators at the sports events. “We are going to have to manage all this in some way,” said Korst. Korst said that he had hopes that they could possibly get through the contact tracing that will probably be a recurrent event without having to close the school down at all, but that it looked very likely that they will be seeing more of this as cases around the county increase. Stevensville School District Superintendent Dr. Bob Moore said that the school was contacted on Wednesday about the need for contact tracing. He said the school was closed on Thursday and Friday, but not so much over the contact tracing itself. “We could’ve gotten through that,” he said, “but it was the lack of any substitutes on short notice to replace the teachers that were going home because they were close contacts.” He said over the weekend they received notice of another positive case in the K-3 building and converted one teacher and 18 of her students to on-line learning because they were all identified as close contacts of a positive case. Moore said that the school was re-opened on Monday but minus those students and staff that were identified as close contacts to a positive case. He said the contact tracing on the third grade class would probably be completed by the end of the day on Monday. Moore stated in a letter to the parents and community, “I fully understand the difficulties school closures pose to the entire community. As such, it is always the intent of the Stevensville Public Schools to remain open for scheduled instruction.

Closures for any reason present families with difficult challenges that we want to help families and the community avoid. Using the best available information, we will absolutely work to minimize any and all school closures.” As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, Lone Rock School had also been notified of a positive case and some middle school students were home, according to Moore. He said it is happening in big schools and small schools, in Darby, at Lone Rock and in Missoula and Kalispell. It’s not a size of the school issue, he said, it’s a problem of staffing. “There are people who will go out and eat at a restaurant and others who won’t,” said Moore. “And there are people who will substitute in a school and people who find it too risky.” He said the teachers have been very understanding. He said some have to work on-line. “We’re open for business and striving to stay open,” he said. “We are doing our darnedest to keep the doors open so working parents can stay at their jobs and help the economy.” The Town of Stevensville has also been impacted by a positive case and most of its Public Works staff were quarantined over the weekend. With only one person qualified to run the town’s water system, a special arrangement was made to allow for him to continue working by himself at the facility while under quarantine. Mayor Dewey said that the positive contact was discovered late Friday, October 2 and he discovered on Saturday that the Public Health Department was not open on the weekends. He consulted authorities in Missoula and decided to quarantine the entire Public Works staff. Most of the staff was released from quarantine on Monday, October 5 after consulting with Public Health officials. The facility and town hall were closed over the weekend and sanitized. As of Monday, October 12, Montana reports a cumulative total of 19,125 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 423 See COVID, page 17

Honoring ‘frontline’ workers

Bitterroot Star -- Page 3

SAYING THANK YOU. Everyone across the planet owes a world of thanks to the people who have been serving on the “frontline” in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic.Members of the Florence Civic Club decided to fly banners on the bicycle trail along the highway through town to demonstrate their community’s appreciation. Although it was impossible to cite every category of workers who deserve thanks, the groups represented on the banners are a sample of the countless, selfless, unsung heroes and helpers in all of our communities. Photo courtesy of Florence Civic Club.

Valley Neighbors Ask . . .

Simple Questions about the Proposed Stevi Subdivision The Town Council Agenda Packet from Sept. 24 reads:

HOUSE DISTRICT 87

SUPPORT WHAT SUSTAINS US: - Public Lands - Clean Water & Air -Productive Farm & Ranch Land

CREATE TOGETHER:

- Healthy Communities - Good Paying Jobs - Access to Quality Education

VOTE LAURA MERRILL HD 87

UNITING, NOT DIVIDING

H H H

As your senator, I will advocate for:

H H



H H

Strengthening your access to health care.

 Public

education and workforce training

 Protecting

our public lands and addressing the need to reduce the risk from wildﬁres

H H

 Investing

in infrastructure to attract clean industries to the Bitterroot

H H H H H H H H H

ELECT

If Town wells are now running 24/7, what will 220 new homes in the proposed subdivision mean to water restrictions, water pressure, need for more wells, and other issues for the rest of Stevensville? A Sept. 24 Town Public Works Department email reads:

“Around 8,000,000 gallons are leaking from the Town water system monthly.”

How about fixing this problem before considering a new subdivision? In the Montana subdivision laws, it states in Part II, paragraph 3.a.2:

“Provide evidence that the system (public water system) is approved by DEQ and is in compliance with the regulations.”

The Town’s water wells are NOT, repeat NOT, in compliance. How can any mayor, board, Council or reasonable person even think about providing water to 220 more homes if existing wells are not in compliance?

ANSWERS PLEASE!!

“Claim 16235 Northwest Power. The well field power went up by @ $3,000 this month. We are looking into it, but we do pay demand charge running almost nonstop during the month.”

MARGARETGORSKIFORSD44.COM

Watch this space for more info weekly.

Paid for by Margaret Gorski for SD 44 H Democrat PO Box 994 H Stevensville, MT 59870

Paid for by Jim Kalkofen and Valley Neighbors, Stevensville

H H H

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star

Victor Adult Education Fall 2020 Classes

For more information about instructors you can visit our website at www.victor.k12.mt.us To sign up for a class, please call 642-3221

Beginner & Intermediate Clay Class:

No One Fights Alone

Introduction to throwing on the wheel & hand built projects will be addressed. Intermediate students may choose a specific goal & project(s). To be discussed with the instructor. Fee includes clay, firing fees, glaze & materials. 4 students’ maximum. Instructor: Kelly Price. Classes will be held at Kelly Price Studio in Victor. Meets: Thursday evenings, 6:30 -8:30 p.m. for 4 weeks from Oct 29-Nov. 19 Cost: $70.00

Co-Ed Volleyball (Advanced):

This Class is intense and intended for those who have played a lot if volleyball. This is a very competitive group of players. Max 12. Gym Instructor: Amber Kay. Meets: Fridays, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Oct. 30 –Dec. 18 Cost: $25.00

Intermediate Mix Media Painting:

Bring your own brushes, paint-thinner in a wide mouth jar with lid and palate (if you have one). Paint and other supplies are provided. Class will be held in the Art Room. Instructor: Steve Wilson. Meets: (THURS, FRI & SAT) November 6th & November 7th 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and November 8th 9:00 am – Noon. Max of 12. Cost $35.00

Cribbage:

Adults will successfully learn how to play cribbage and have lots of fun in the process. Participants will improve their mathematics, logic, and critical thinking skills. Participants will excel at cribbage and be able to challenge anyone who sits across the table from them. Cribbage is a highly social alternative to watching TV, playing games on the computer, etc. and a great way to bond with family members or friends, especially on cold winter nights. Cribbage is a game you will enjoy for the rest of your life. Trust me, it feels great! Cribbage is a card game that utilizes a board and pegs to keep track of your game. Instructor: Nathan Beckwith. Classes will take place in Rm. 301 in the High School wing of Victor School. There will be outside access and face coverings are required. Meets: Thursdays, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Oct. 22-Dec. 17. No class on Thanksgiving. Cost: $20.00

Come Support the Colors of Cancer Raffle

$1. 00 per Entry

Lots of Great Items to WIN!

Winners Drawn Oct 31st

Ladies Night Basketball:

Intermediate to competitive play for women. Need at least 10 players. Gym Instructor: Bonnie Taylor. Meets: Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Dates: Oct. 20- Dec. 1. (No class Nov. 3 on Election Day.) Cost: $20.00

301 Main Street . Stevensville . 777-5591

BUrnt Fork Vet Fall Updates RETURNING TO CURBSIDE Starting Monday 10/5/2020 we will be returning to curbside service. We have added a check-in window for your convenience. Please do not enter the building. We appreciate your patience as we make changes to ensure we will be available for you and your pets!

DR. ZACHARY DAMBY We are thrilled to announce Dr. Zach will be joining us full time in November! Dr. Zach will see small animals and will be working with Dr. Niedermeyer to cover our large animal emergencies! Dr. Zach grew up next door to his father’s mixed animal veterinary practice in Lewistown, MT. He's excited to be coming back to Montana after working at a mixed veterinary practice in Idaho for the last year. 3682 Eastside Hwy, Stevensville 406-777-3844 www.burntforkvet.com

SAFETY FIRST, ADVENTURE SECOND. Explore with care and help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Montana.

WEAR A MASK

MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE (AT LEAST 6 FT. APART)

WASH YOUR HANDS & USE HAND SANITIZER

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE

COVER COUGHS & SNEEZES

Colors continued

Hamilton and who have both succumbed to the effects of lung cancer. His father Thomas E. Evans passed away in June at the age of 76. On Saturday, October 18, the staff at Evans Ace will be donning white Colors of Cancer t-shirts and encouraging a “round up” at the cash registers, when customers can round up what they owe to the next dollar and that change will go to the cancer fund. They also have a special basket for the online auction which kicks off on Sunday, October 18th. Team White is also being supported by Ballet Bitterroot in Hamilton, which is offering two tickets to its annual performance of The Nutcracker on the Colors of Cancer online auction at https://www.32auctions.com/ ColorsofCancer2020 Duce said there were lots of auction items and with 16 team colors to choose from there shouldn’t be any problem in finding a color that you would really like to support. Duce said that with a major investment from First Interstate Bank, “our first major donor,” they are on their way to meeting their

We have

fundraising goal already. She said Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle is celebrating their 100th anniversary and decided one way to celebrate was to invest in health-related activities throughout the region that they serve. They were a major supporter of the 5K race held on Oct. 3. “We have very loyal businesses and individuals who make this a focus of their philanthropy and for that we are really grateful,” said Duce. The Daly Hospital Foundation played a key role in helping morph the highly successful Sprinkle Pink Campaign against Breast Cancer into the wider Colors of Cancer campaign that raises funds to combat at least 16 forms of cancer. Each cancer color is sponsored annually by a team of individuals or businesses as they all race to out-do each other in fundraising. There is one aspect of this year’s fundraising that has Duce really excited. That is the possibility of a new cancer center and infusion facility at the hospital. “We have always raised money to help patients with their expenses such as mammograms and things, but our new administration has some great long-term vision and one of those is having a dedicated cancer and infusion center at the hospital,” said Duce.

Bulk Items

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Wednesday, October 14, 2020

She said that momentum was really building towards it when the Covid pandemic hit town and priorities and operations changed quickly. She said the Foundation had to switch its priorities as well and focus upon the caregivers on the front line, “all those people who spent the last six months in ways they probably never imagined in their career.” But as of October 1, attention has shifted once again to raising money to fight cancer and now, on top of that, the administration has decided to build a new dedicated cancer and infusion facility at the hospital. She said CEO John Bishop recently informed them that the success of the fundraising will be critical in determining the timeline for construction. “So we feel a real solemn responsibility to be successful, not only with just the fun and exciting Colors of Cancer Campaign, but the very serious opportunity to help a lot of people in the valley once they have a family member or they themselves receive a cancer diagnosis or need some sort of infusion treatment,” said Duce. She said it could save people from having to drive to Missoula on a daily or weekly basis for their treatments. Duce said that the new space would be a renovation and an

addition next to the current main entrance to the hospital. It will be a space dedicated for the sole purpose of cancer treatment and infusions. She said that the administration did a lot of research in designing the space to make it both a physically

and mentally healthy experience. “As a foundation we are extremely happy to have such a goal for our efforts,” said Duce. “I feel very fortunate to build upon the legacy of people like Elizabeth Kehmeier (a founding

Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

board member who recently passed away), and Margaret Daly (one of the hospital’s first major donors) and others who have really dedicated themselves to building up our local non-profit hospital,” said Duce.

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Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star

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Opinion

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Bitterroot Star Editorial Board Michael Howell Victoria Howell

Guest Comment

Bullock will defend our public lands By Carlotta Grandstaff, Hamilton

In a recent letter to the Star, George Corn rightly called out Sen. Steve Daines as a moral coward for his deafening silence on a U.S. Intelligence agencies’ report of Russian bounties on the heads of American soldiers in Afghanistan. To the charge of moral cowardice, I can add another count. Three years ago, Daines urged Ravalli County Commissioners to write a letter of support for Daines’s (and Rep. Greg Gianforte’s) ultimately unsuccessful congressional bill to release wilderness study areas to certain exploitation and degradation, including the two wilderness study areas totaling 101,974 acres in the Bitterroot. The Commission wrote the letter of support without soliciting public comment, claiming without a shred of evidence that an “overwhelming majority” of Bitterrooters support a reduction of wilderness study areas. Several months later, in February 2018, Daines, still working to garner support for his bill behind closed doors without the support or the input of his constituents, appeared in Hamilton, with no public announcement. His goal, apparently, was to meet with OHV and ORV riders to garner their support. Several of us in the Bitterroot and Missoula caught wind of his unannounced appearance in Hamilton and showed up to confront him about his bill which would have had profound negative impact on Montana’s environment but which had no public involvement in its creation. When his constituents showed up at the motorcycle shop where he was appearing, Daines ducked out the back door to avoid his fellow Montanans who wanted to confront him about his bill and the sneaky way he went about promoting it. Constituents successfully avoided, he then jumped into a waiting vehicle out back and hightailed it back to Missoula. Talk about moral cowardice. The opponents of the Daines-Gianforte wilderness study area release bill launched a mighty and ultimately successful effort to kill it. But preservation of a political career, especially one tied so tightly to an unpopular, incompetent, mean-spirited president who’s been swirl-

Vote for the future

There is no question that the issue of whether I should be recalled has become one that is charged and polarizing in our community. We have witnessed a style of campaigning by Leslie Tadvick and her Committee to Recall the Mayor that goes beyond decency, blatantly distorting the truth and spinning fictitious slander from fact. The conventional wisdom is that in order to win an election, you have to dumb it down and play to your constituency’s basic divisive instincts. When somebody wins an election like that, they win – that is true, but the rest of us lose. The question we should all be asking ourselves is why we would want the leader of our community to fail? What does that person’s failure say about the success of our community? Does the good faith signing of an agreement, which was deemed necessary and ultimately approved by the Town Council, warrant what would be a setback for the progress we have made together over the past three years? It is true that 254 signatures were collected on the recall petition, representing 20 percent of our electorate. This leaves 80% of Stevensville’s voters who have not yet weighed in, officially. We now know that several who signed the petition, including Councilmember Dempsey Vick, have since come forward to renounce the petition, feeling misled and deceived by

ing down into the swamp from day one, is a powerful thing, and Daines recently tried to prove his wildlands bona fides by supporting the Great American Outdoors Act. (That’s the one signed into law by the president last August at a public meeting at which Trump referenced Yosemite National Park, mispronouncing it “Yo Semite.”) This naked election year stunt gets America full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and $9.5 billion to address the maintenance backlog at American national parks. Great. Thanks Sen. Daines, we’ll take it, but we also recognize it for what it is: an attempt to buy our votes by a U.S. senator who knows full well that Montanans revere their public lands, that there is no “overwhelming” support for exploiting them for their riches, and that Montanans will fight to protect them, even as our U.S. Senator works against us. Don’t be fooled by Daines’s phony 11th hour support for public lands; if he is reelected, count on him to resume his legislative attack on wilderness study areas. Meanwhile, Gov. Steve Bullock quietly and competently scored a major court victory for the protection of public lands. The result of Bullock’s lawsuit was the long-overdue removal of William Perry Pendley from the post of Director of the Bureau of Land Management where the court found Pendley had been serving illegally without the required Senate confirmation. Pendley, some of you may remember, was the director of the Mountain States Legal Foundation which spawned public lands foe Karen Budd-Falen, and which launched an unsuccessful attack on Montana’s stream access law, among other egregious acts so well laid out by Paul Kink in his excellent Sept. 30 letter to the Star. The choice for the U.S. Senate is clear: a moral coward who remains silent while Russia pursues bounties on American soldiers, and who sneaks behind his constituents’ backs to sell out their public lands; or an actual defender of public lands with a major court victory to prove it. Steve Bullock for the U.S. Senate – and for public lands - is the clear choice.

Letters

signature gatherers. Voting in favor of the recall opens the door for the tawdry politics and corruptive practices you’ve seen deployed against the Mayor’s office and the people of our great community. They win and the rest of us lose. A vote against the recall will continue the trajectory of success and prosperity for Stevensville. Please vote for the future of our community as you return your ballots over the coming weeks. Mayor Brandon Dewey Stevensville

Recall Mayor Dewey

I will start by quoting a passage from District Court Judge Hon Howard F. Recht’s ruling against Mayor Dewey. “By soliciting a quote from First Call outside of the channel utilized by the Town Council, by receiving and opening the quote in private, and by proceeding to execute the First Call Contract on his own without notice to or approval from the Town Council and outside of a public meeting, Dewey acted outside of the law and without legal authority. By doing so, he violated several statutes, ordinances, and the Purchasing Policy, as well as the policy’s stated purpose to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and Town ordinances for all expenditures and to make ‘open purchasing decisions’; and he deprived the citizenry of Stevens-

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ville of their rights to participate in and to know what their government was doing.” That sums up Dewey’s tenure in office. Why? Because it is not the only time he has spent money without Town Council approval. There was over $7000 in fireworks that the Town paid for that was not in the budget and was not approved in advance. Then when Audree Tribbensee filed a complaint against a Councilmember, Dewey hired an attorney out of Missoula at over $3000. Again, without the Council’s knowledge or approval. Instead of spending taxpayers’ money on frivolous adventures, Dewey should have been working on important issues like getting water rights for the areas in Town limits that do not have water rights now. Speaking of water, does Stevensville even have enough water resources to supply existing demand? If you look at the most recent Town Council agenda packet under the claims section, the electricity bill went up by $3000 for the month due to the pumps at the wells running full time. Why are the pumps running full time? Is it because of increased demand or a decreased supply or both? Mark Adams Stevensville

I stand with Mayor Dewey!

Stevensville has been held hostage by a small handful of mean-spirited bullies. This reign of terror needs to stop! Shortly after the people spoke in their election and Mayor Dewey took office in 2018, Stevensville Town Council President Bob Michalson sent Council Member Holcomb an e-mail that exposed their malicious intent to continue their bullying antics. To paraphrase, Michalson said they needed to make Dewey’s life so miserable, like they did former Mayor Ludington, that Mayor Dewey would resign. Michalson and his friends have displayed repeatedly how they have honored their word and commitment to run the Mayor out of town. The recall effort is the latest stunt to satisfy the thirst of a small group of special interests for power in Town Hall. For some reason, I believe they crave the dysfunction and irresponsible leadership that will someday sink this Town if those interests are successful. Michalson has tried over and over to find fault in Brandon and the Town’s staff. These efforts have resulted in the resignation of three Town Clerks in less than three years due to the unbearable and hostile environment they continue to maintain. I know this first-hand because I am one of the

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three who resigned. Please do not buy into the twisted facts and outright lies spewed by the Mayor’s opposition. Stevensville has seen too many years of this divisive and destructive collusion. This community deserves a positive and peaceful future. We can longer bury our heads in the sand and overlook the sad situation that they continue to agitate. We must confront the injustices they boldly hand out and stop the bullying. If we ignore the issues in an effort to appear neutral, we are part of the problem. Please get the facts before you vote on the recall. Mayor Dewey is a great leader with proven leadership. He has withstood the abuse and bullying tactics for too many years. While I am sure it would have been easier to walk away, like I and others I worked with did, Mayor Dewey is showing his strength and caring for our community by standing up to these bullies. He continues to accomplish amazing things for our community despite the attacks that he, his family, and this community have endured. Stand with me in support of Mayor Dewey! Audree Tribbensee Stevensville

Recent Stevi water and sewer history

I recently encountered some folks complaining about Stevensville’s water and sewer rates on social media. They blamed Mayor Dewey for the costs. I just wanted to comment a little on the recent history of our water and sewer rates. My family moved to Stevensville in 2002. The water and sewer bill for my residence was approximately $119 quarterly. I thought at the time that this had to be one of the biggest bargains in history. At the time, our municipal water supply system was old and leaky. It struggled to keep up with demand in our growing community. This rate included an existing sewer bond of $50.25 per quarter. Some time around 2010, the town got a chance for a Federal grant to improve our water system. I believe that the grant would pay for 75 per cent of the cost of improvements and the town would be responsible for 25 per cent of the cost. The council voted to participate and to take out a loan for the 25 per cent that the town would need to pay. This accounts for the “water bond” portion of the bills. Our water bills increased substantially. The town council opted to install meters for each customer, so that customers could be billed for usage as well as the base rate. And of course, another portion of the bill was instituted to cover the water bond. Since the bond raised peoples’ bills substantially, the town opted to change the billing cycle to monthly instead of quarterly. Since then, the town has raised water and sewer rates occasionally to cover increased operating and maintenance (O&M) costs. I believe these must be initiated and approved by the council and I have several pieces of old correspondence in my file indicating that each time this was done, there was a period for public comment prior to the council voting them in. I don’t recall all the mayors in office while this was going on, but I do know that Mayor Bill Meisner, Mayor Gene Mim-Mack, and Mayor Lew Barnett were the mayors during parts of it. The bond repayments are fixed costs. The operating and maintenance fees are based on the costs of doing business to get your water to you safely and to take away and treat your wastes.

Letters Policy

Kenneth Bransby www.bransbylaw.com

515 Main Street, Stevensville, MT

Although it is solely at the discretion of the owners/ editors, in the interest of promoting free speech it is the policy of the Bitterroot Star to print all letters as space permits, with very few exceptions. If you don’t see yours, call Victoria at 777-3928.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 7

Any change to any portion of your bill requires action (a vote) by the town council. None of this procedure has changed since Mayor Dewey took office in 2018. For those of you who are still concerned about our water and sewer rates, there is some potential good news on the horizon: At the town council meeting last Thursday, the council agreed to look at an offer from a financial institution to refinance the water and sewer bonds. It is not written in stone, yet, as they’d have to analyze it to make sure it is to the town’s advantage, but it could potentially save Town of Stevensville (taxpayers) a couple million dollars by reducing the time (number of payments) it would take to pay off those bonds. I am extremely glad the council voted unanimously to entertain this possibility. Mark Harris Stevensville

Clearing the record

There is a half-page ad in last week’s Star stating that Mayor Dewey shut off the water at the home of a paraplegic recovering from a gunshot wound and his pregnant wife and refused to credit the $50 reconnection fee. This is a lie on several levels. Our town was faced with a water crisis which occurred when two wells failed. As a result, water restrictions were imposed on June 20, 2019. Those restrictions were not lifted until July 2, 2019. Citizens were notified about the restrictions in several ways. It was on the town site. It was on Facebook. It was all over the news. It was in the newspaper. In this specific situation, it turns out that the landlord was notified of the water restrictions but did not notify this family (who were his tenants). Town policy adopted by Council allows for disconnection of services in a situation where somebody is watering when they should not be and continues to do so after being warned or advised. Mayor Dewey did not make the call in this circumstance and was only made aware of it after the fact. Town policy states that a $50 reconnection fee will be charged when service is reconnected. During public comment at a town meeting a citizen suggested that the $50 reconnection fee be waived in this instance. Public comment is not intended as a time to discuss, consider or make a decision on an issue. It is a time for the public to voice their opinions. Council heard the comment and yet took no action to waive Council’s policy and refund the fee (and if Mayor Dewey had made the decision to waive that charge, some Council members would have found fault with his decision). I do certainly feel for this family and the circumstances they were dealing with. However, with no adopted rules in place, how can waiving a fee for one family and not another be justified? Mayor Dewey did explain the situation eloquently and in great detail in a video posted on Facebook. Here is the link to that video: https://www.facebook.com/ togetherforstevensville/videos/829 958751108411/?vh=e&extid=0 The citizens who voiced the concern could have covered that charge or appealed to others in the community to make sure that it was covered but instead they used it as a reason to attack our Mayor again. We need to look for ways to bring our community back together again. Lying and twisting the truth is not the way to do it. Sharon Gee Stevensville

Masks

I would like to share my feelings on the wearing of masks. I want to direct my thoughts toward those who publicly “serve” us like doctors, dentists, vets and other business people. When a senior citizen comes into your place of business, please be aware that we are considered “high risk” for this awful virus. I’ve been mostly self-quarantining continued on next page

Page 8 -- Bitterroot Star

by keeping any contact with others only at a distance and only outside. The exception is when I need to go into a store or to an appointment. That is when I wear my mask. I’m very worried and extremely cautious about this deadly sickness and my only defense in a small inside place is to wear my mask. I’m asking those of you who are in contact with us to please wear your mask for at least the time that we’re close together. It’s just a kindness and a thoughtfulness. Thank you. Judy Burhop Darby

We need to elect Dems to save our state lands access

These past years we’ve seen a sustained attack on Montana’s public lands from ideologues in the federal government and wealthy special interest groups who want to close off access. I come from a family that grazed on public lands, so I know full well the importance of multiple use public access. Hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, winter sports and thoughtful resource extraction are what our state lands are all about. The Montana Land Board makes critical decisions about our public lands. Therefore, we need to elect the strongest pro-access candidates to that board. Those candidates are Raph Graybill for Attorney General, Bryce Bennett for Secretary of State, Shane Morigeau for State Auditor, and Melissa Romano for Superintendent of Public Instruction. These candidates have clearly voiced their support for the public land access that makes our state special. Their opponents have not. Please, join me in voting for the Democratic slate to support state lands access in Montana. Jean Belangie-Nye Lolo

How low are our expectations?

Have our expectations of our Senators become so low that we would actually consider electing someone like Theresa Manzella? All one has to do is watch her drag herself in late to committee meetings or listen to the ridiculously dumb questions she asks in committee to realize how low our expectations have become. She is known in the Montana Legislature as one of the least effective legislators of all time. One of her fellow legislators recently remarked that the only time Manzella was seen on the House floor making an attempt to work across the aisle was her attempt to pass a resolution for the “Day of the Cowboy.” I suspect any Montana cowboy worth his salt would prefer work for our veterans, school kids, those in need of healthcare, hospitals, working people, businesses, law enforcement, etc. rather than “Day of the Cowboy.” Is there any serious issue Theresa Manzella is willing to work to resolve? Don’t let Manzella be the standard for what a Montana State Senator should be. Just say Whoa to Manzella! Archie Thomas Corvallis

Manzella is all talk

Does Theresa Manzella even know what she means when she rails against “Big Government”? It’s easy to make up cute sayings about cutting big government, but when faced with a vote that actually makes a significant cut, Manzella voted NO. The 2019 budget bill cut over 200 permanent employees from state government, Manzella voted NO. She also proclaims “the Constitution is the Solution” and paints herself as something of a constitutional scholar. And yet she somehow missed the part of the Montana Constitution that explains the legislature’s responsibility to pass a balanced budget. When faced with the most conservative budget in the past several years and the cut of over

200 permanent employees, she voted NO. Cleary, Manzella has no real understanding of fiscal matters or the Constitution. Vote NO on Manzella. Lynn Koeppen Florence

Support for Gorski

Margaret Gorski deserves our votes for SD 44 because she will work in Helena for the interests and benefit of Ravalli County. She is politically moderate and practical. Margaret Gorski understands that good government provides essential services to all of us that businesses and corporations cannot and will never provide. Her long career with the Forest Service has given her the experience to work within our state government in ways that will benefit the long-term interests of Ravalli County. If you value our public lands and public services, and if you’ve had enough of both far-right and far-left extremists, the only candidate that makes sense is Margaret Gorski. Patti Eldredge Victor

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 to cancel themselves out. This reference being the fact that Dad was Republican and Mom was a Democrat. Both grew up white on the Flathead Indian Reservation where Mom and Dad’s government put the Tribes being a combination of the Salish, the Pend d’Oreille and the Kootenai. I don’t believe they got too wrapped up in it. Joe Arlee sat with my parents at the Bass House. And Ted Schwinden was royally entertained by my father when the Governor visited Stevensville, Montana’s Oldest Community (sorry Fort Benton). They were an eclectic couple who were intimately involved in this community. My elusive point in this is that I believe, despite enormous evidence to the contrary, that I make good choices. And in this election for House District 87, my choice is Laura Merrill. She’s smart, she has an uncanny ability to bring people together, she is passionate about fairness and equity. Both of my parents would have voted for her and I know I will. I hope you do too. It really is a good choice. Craig Siphers Stevensville

Just say ‘Whoa!’ Support for Gorski to Manzella Several years ago, Theresa Manzella chaired a legislative committee hearing in Helena concerning abolishing the Wilderness Study Areas in Montana. About 50 people from all over Western Montana came to testify against the proposal. After giving the proponents all the time they wanted to speak, she limited the opponents to about 20 minutes, thus denying almost all of the opponents a chance to testify. Many citizens had traveled for hours for the chance to speak, but Manzella refused to let them testify. Regardless of your personal beliefs, under our Constitution an elected official must represent all people in her district. That means giving a fair hearing to all people and their various points of view. Manzella made it clear that day she did not support our Constitution and representative democracy. In the November election please vote for Margaret Gorski. She will be a great representative for the people of Ravalli County, and will listen to all sides to find good, balanced solutions to various issues facing us. She will be fair and honest in supporting our Constitution and our democracy. Kirk Thompson Stevensville

Good choices

My mother and father always preached about making good choices. Many of mine have not been. Nor were my mother and father’s. Sometimes Dad more than Mom, but I digress. If you have any recollection of these two characters who, by pure chance, became my parents, you knew they were class in their own way. The big joke on election day was that they were going

If you, too, feel it is important to preserve our beautiful valley and state, we need Margaret Gorski in the Montana Senate. Margaret’s opponent is known to push for the transfer of public lands out of public hands, that will lead to the inevitable selloff of Montana’s natural heritage. Margaret’s knowledge and training are perfect for the job at hand. An election is a job interview. State senators have to deal with a wide range of issues: the health of its environment, the health of its people, the health of its schools, and the health of its economy. Her opponent lacks the qualifications to be hired for the job. She is a wonderful horse trainer. Margaret has been serving and involved in our community for years. Theresa doesn’t even live in the Senate District she is running in (44), and she does not reflect our views. Just say “Whoa!” to Theresa and vote for Margaret. Jeffrey and Yvonne Gritzner Florence

2020 election tells Manzella right us who you are for Ravalli Nearly everyone says, “You should not be a one issue voter.” County However, considering life and death, one would have to admit this is a very important issue. What do I mean when I say, “this is a matter of life and death?” I mean this is all about the life of a beautiful unborn baby. This tells me who you are if you support abortion on demand. You speak of rights. Whose rights? Is it the right of a government to create a law to kill the most vulnerable in our society? Is it a right

NOTICE OF EXTENDED CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION Per the Governor’s Executive Order dated August 6, 2020, regular voter registration has been extended for elections being held on November 3, 2020. Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for the Federal General election, held on November 3, 2020, will close at 5:00 PM on October 26, 2020. *NOTE: Due to social distancing, we are trying to limit in-person contact. The Election Office will be open for in-person late voter registration starting October 26 thru November 2. However, due to social distancing recommendations, we encourage voters to check their registration status online through the “My Voter Page” at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo and submit forms ahead of time to help us limit in-person contact in our office. From now until October 26, you may register for the election by contacting the Election Office to request a registration form by: phone (375-6550), fax (375-6554), email (elections@rc.mt.gov), mail (215 S 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840), or you can download the voter registration form at https://ravalli.us/145/Elections. Registration forms can be returned via mail, fax, email or deposit in the drive-thru drop box located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton. All qualified active and inactive registered electors are entitled to vote in said election. However, if your registration status is inactive, you will need to reactivate in order to get a ballot. To see your status, go to the “My Voter Page” at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo. If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot. If you need a replacement ballot, forms can be found on our website at https://ravalli.us/145/Elections. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the Ravalli County Election Office. Dated this 30th day of September, 2020 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

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of a woman to do the same under the guise of saying this is my body and this is my right? What about the rights of that child to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Think about it. Do you know that 95% of biologists, who were questioned concerning when life begins, admitted life begins at fertilization? Just think. This is a person the abortionist is killing. Can you really support abortion when you know this little defenseless child is being killed? Is this who and what you are? Planned Parenthood, the most despicable health organization in the world, is an abortion provider that we indirectly support through our taxes. Planned Parenthood is given millions of dollars by the federal government to continue its nefarious deeds. Think about that. What is our society coming to when we have no reverence for life? What is the next step? Will it be infanticide? We are treading on dangerous ground. My advice to all Americans who cherish and love our culture, American ideals, and Christian values is to rise up and take a stand against the treachery of the Democrat Party. They are the party of Big Government, higher taxes, and government intrusion into our lives. Every one of its candidates from the national to the local level spouts the same political philosophy. There will always be division in our country as long as there is opposition to American Democracy and to our nation as a Republic. Let there be no mistake about this fact: Democrat Margaret Gorski, candidate for the Montana state senate, is not a moderate. She will vote in step with her party. Do you really think she will go against Democrat party rules? Don’t be fooled by her testimony of moderation. Democrats are not moderate. They are as far left as they can get and so are the RINO’s in the halls of Washington, DC and in Montana’s legislative body. Therefore, Conservative Republicans, Independents and disenchanted Democrats, know your candidates. Cast your votes for Manzella, Daines, Gianforte and Rosendale, candidates that represent the American ideals and values for which our country fought. Vote to save our nation and tell us who you really are. Rachel Bartlett Stevensville

Theresa Manzella is right for Ravalli County. If you want someone who will stand up for the Montana and US Constitution, Theresa Manzella is your only choice. Glenda Edgeworth Stevensville

Support for Gorski and Merrill I am pleased that there are two exceptionally well qualified candidates running for the state

senate and house respectively. Margaret Gorski is running for SD44 and Laura Merrill for HD87. A resident of the valley for 29 years, Margaret has been active in various local organizations, serving as President of Fort Owen, past President of Lewis and Clark Heritage Foundation, and board member of the Citizens Collaborative to help climate change. This invitation by a Republican Commission along with her work in the above mentioned organizations clearly indicate to me that her opinions and expertise are valued and, very important, that she is willing to work with different constituencies and across party lines for the common good. She has clearly stated goals she would work for if elected: achieving affordable health care and affordable education, diversifying our economy by attracting businesses to the state, expanding renewable energy sources, and improving access to affordable broadband internet. Her experience and proven ability to work with diverse constituencies will serve her well towards achieving those goals. Her opponent is Teresa Manzella. Since I wanted to know how she would represent my district, of which she is not a resident, I looked at her website. Frankly, I really didn’t see that she had any specific plans or ideas that she intended to bring to the Senate. I do know that in the past she did vote no on Medicare expansion and infrastructure. I have no idea how her presence in the Senate would benefit my district specifically or the state in general. Like Margaret Gorski, Laura Merrill has been a long time resident of the county, and she has volunteered in several non-profit boards and local organizations, including the Bitter Root Water Forum, the Bitter Root Land Trust, the Bitterroot Board of Realtors, and the Bitterroot Forest Restoration Committee. She is currently President of the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council. If elected to congress her goals are clear. She intends to work to insure Montanans have access to affordable health care, pursue policies that strengthen our agriculture heritage, work for clean energy legislation and bringing reliable broadband access to our state. And like Margaret Gorski, she has experience working collaboratively with many diverse groups to achieve common goals. Her opponent is Ron Marshall. I had never heard of him before this race, so I tried to find out what I could by researching on the internet. All I could find out is that he thinks that the state should not finance tuition for college students or help fund affordable housing. He does believe that public lands should be managed by all users, but offers no details. He wants to cut expenses but doesn’t say how. In short, I have no idea what he plans to accomplish if elected to the legislature. To me the choices are clear. We have two highly qualified candidates who have demonstrated many years of involvement in various organizations benefiting the community, as well as clearly

stated goals for the betterment of our county and the state. Frank Machek Stevensville

Irked by falsehoods

Thank you, Linda Schmitt and Brenda Allington, for your responses to Rachel B’s letter. I (too) was irked when reading it and all the falsehoods contained in it. Some folks are either misled and misunderstand, or they knowingly spread falsehoods for some political means. Meanwhile, we’ve had a couple more in our paper, including from the Representative of HD57! Misled, or misleader, I’m not sure which is worse. Scott Weaver Hamilton

Gorski best choice for Bitterroot Valley

Democrat or Republican, we cannot allow the business of our government to be hijacked by people with narrow minded, radical ideals. Theresa Manzella is one of the poster children for a Republican party that I no longer recognize. In May when armed protesters stormed the Michigan Capitol building, Manzella cheered. This is no joke! As we learned yesterday, these very men have been plotting to kidnap and kill the Michigan Governor for a number of months. Their sophisticated plans included schemes to defend themselves AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT. Make no mistake, this is terrorism against our country. This is nothing I want to see in Helena or anywhere in our great state. We need people in Helena that will serve our communities. We need leaders who represent a cross section of the community, interested in ALL the business of government and not hell bent to destroy it. You don’t have to listen to me, a more liberal leaning neighbor, but you should take heed that there are long standing members and leaders in this valley’s Republican party that have also had to step away from this candidate and are backing Margaret Gorski. Calm and reason are how we maintain freedom and liberty. Angie McCullough Florence

Bullock exemplifies what a politician should be

There are times when we experience personal acts of kindness in difficult times. We felt its healing power in December, 2016, when my husband, Rabbi Allen Secher, and I were victims of neoNazi cyber terrorist attacks here in Whitefish along with two other leading Jewish families. It was a horrifying and frightening time for all of us and for our children. But support from the community of Whitefish, our US Senators, and caring and concerned letters from See LETTERS, page 15

Serving the Bitterroot Valley in the areas of tax law, business and estate planning, and real estate property law.

JOHN MASAR Attorney 406-625-2682 115 W 3rd Street Suite 103 Stevensville jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com www.lionwoodlaw.com Ready to help.

Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center meals

Hamilton Senior Center is preparing meals for take out on the following schedule: Monday, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. call in to order meals for the week. Thursday, pick up between 12 noon and 1 p.m. For orders and info: 3635181.

AA meetings

Check for local meetings by calling the hotline 1-888-607-2000 or by visiting www.aa-montana. org.

Al-Anon

The Stevensville Al-Anon Family Group has changed its location and day. The meeting is now held every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 206 College St. Members wear masks and practice social distancing. Enter the church through the red front door, turn left, then right through the double doors to the second room on the left. Al-Anon helps family members or friends of an alcoholic learn about the disease and to share their experience, strength, and hope. For more information call Hazel, 239-0878, or Mary, 529-3951.

Narcotics Anon

Narcotics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton (north entrance).

Gamblers Anon

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

Overeaters Anon

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. at Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton. For more information call 363-2512.

WIC clinics

Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. Income eligibility guidelines: 1 $23,606; 2 - $31,894; 3 - $40,182; 4 - $48,470; 5 - $56,758. For each additional family member, add $8,288. Call 406-802-7180 for more information or see on Facebook; www.facebook.com/RavalliCounty-WIC. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Family Shelter

The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 239-8833.

Shuttle

The BitterRoot Bus runs a 6:30 a.m. Shuttle to Missoula on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Call the BitterRoot Bus at

363-7484 for more information or to schedule your ride.

Wednesday Farmers Market

A farmers market is held every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. starting June 3rd at 111 s. 4th Street in Hamilton.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

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Worship at 12:0011p.m. Sunday Worship AM In this Church there shall be no outcasts. In this Church there shall be no outcasts.

Three Mile Coffee Thurs, October 15 Club Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For information call Colleen at 777-3710.

BitterRodders Car Club

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

Story Time

Are you desperately missing your Library Story Times? Fret no more- you can join Annika from North Valley Public Library for Story Time Live Online! on Wednesdays in June at 10:3010:45 a.m. for this North Valley Public Library online program. Come enjoy fun stories, a quick early literacy activity, and a creative craft idea. Visit the website to register for this event. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information visit northvalleylibrary.org.

Zoom Art Club for Kids

Is your child in need of a creative outlet? North Valley Public Library is here to the rescue with Zoom Art Club. Club will be held third Thursdays in October, November and December at 4 p.m. on Zoom! You can watch the lessons live or recorded. After you’ve registered on the Library’s website, check your email for the Zoom meeting link and passcode for each meeting. Make sure to register for each month you’d like to attend and pick up your materials at the Library the week of each meeting. This program is suitable for ages 5-11. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street Stevensville. Stay safe. The library reminds you to practice social distancing and wash your hands. For more information visit northvalleylibrary.org.

Wed, October 14 Flu shot event

Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street, will have Ridgeway Pharmacy giving flu shots on Wednesday, October 14 from 10 a.m. until 12 noon. Bring your insurance information or Medicare card.

Humane Assn. board meeting

The Bitter Root Humane Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 14 at 5 p.m. at Bouilla, in their meeting room, located at 111 S. 3rd, Hamilton.

Cottage food law class

“Understanding the Cottage Food Law” will be presented on Thursday, October 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. In October of 2015 Montana’s revised cottage food law went into effect after passage of House Bill 478 by the State legislature. The law established guidelines for the production and sale of “non-potentially hazardous foods” such as baked goods, preserves and honey. Through this course, individuals will gain knowledge of the Montana Cottage Food Law and the process necessary to complete the required application. Instructor: Nina Heinzinger will be following the same COVID-19 protocols as the Bitterroot College. The course will be by Virtual Classrooms; these classes are live and interactive. You will need home internet access and a personal computer with camera, microphone and speakers. You can also phone in. Instructions will be sent by email. You may request to attend the classes in person, but masks will be required. To register, contact the Bitterroot College at 375-0100 or go to their website. For questions about the course, contact the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority at 375-9416 or email john@rceda.org.

Friday, October 16 Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, October 16 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Rep. Theresa Manzella, candidate for SD44. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Mon, October 19 Spooky StoryWalk

North Valley Public Library is once again partnering with the Town of Stevensville to bring you another amazing, and a bit spooky, StoryWalk! StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children – and adults! – to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Pages from a children’s book are displayed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the path, you’re directed to the next

page in the story. Join in the fun starting on Monday, October 19 starting at 9 a.m. The walk begins on the Stevensville Bike Path, right past the Scarecrow Festival scarecrows. You can visit the walk any time during the day and it will be displayed for the week. The story will be “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” by Linda Williams. Please practice social distancing while you participate. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street Stevensville. Stay safe. The library reminds you to practice social distancing and wash your hands. For more information visit northvalleylibrary.org.

Zoom program

“Zooming Into the Future” will be presented Tuesday, October 19 at 6 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library community room or via Zoom. Okay, let’s face it, Covid might be with us a tad longer than anyone thought. Want to join the crowds, meetings, or even have a family gathering? Learn how to Zoom. • Set up Zoom on your computer, phone or tablet. • How to set up your own Zoom gathering. • Some Zoom—do not do. • How to look better on Zoom. • What do the pro levels offer? • I want a virtual background. • Zoom Bombed. And more. Call 777-5061 to register or register online.

Tues, October 20 Marketing class

“Modern Day Marketing” will be presented on Tuesday, October 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. Did you know that you have everything you need to grow your business right now? Learn the basics of creating simple and immediately actionable marketing and branding strategies by leveraging your innate talents and current resources. Cody Edwards, Touch Point Digital Marketing and Design will be the presenter. The class will be following the same COVID-19 protocols as the Bitterroot College. The course will be by Virtual Classrooms; these classes are live and interactive. You will need home internet access and a personal computer with camera, microphone and speakers. You can also phone in. Instructions will be sent by email. You may request to attend the classes in person, but masks will be required. To register, contact the Bitterroot College at 375-0100 or go to their website. For questions about the course, contact the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority at 375-9416 or email john@rceda.org.

Wed, October 21 RCEDA

The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority Finance Committee will meet Wednesday, October 21 at 2:15 p.m. A meeting of the RCEDA Board will follow at 3:00 p.m. These meetings will take place at the RCEDA Conference Room located at 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. Both meetings are open to the public.

NOTICE OF ELECTION Notice is hereby given that the Federal General Election will be held on November 3, 2020. This election will be conducted solely by mail ballot. Notice is also hereby given pursuant to law that a recall election will be held on November 3, 2020, for the purpose of voting upon the recall of Brandon E. Dewey who holds the office of Town of Stevensville Mayor. Only voters in Precinct 20 will vote on this issue. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters on October 9, 2020, and must be returned to the County Election Administrator, Ravalli County Administrative Building, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana 59840, no later than 8:00 PM on November 3, 2020. All electors, as defined in Title 13, are eligible to vote in the election. Early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots will be held on October 29 and October 30, 2020, at approximately 10:00 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Public is welcome to observe; however, due to COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations, we will limit the number of observers. Beginning at approximately 10:00 AM on November 2 and on Election Day, November 3, 2020, ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8:00 PM on Election Day. Dated this 30th day of September, 2020 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550 __________________________________________________________________________________ Display Ad Publish October 7, 14 & 21, 2020 Size: 2 columns wide x 4” long (format to fit)

Darby Lumber continued

Service standards and have not been

properly maintained, resulting in heavy sedimentation. To accomplish its goals, the Forest Service issued a projectspecific forest plan amendment to exempt the project from compliance with Forest Plan standards related to elk habitat effectiveness and thermal and hiding cover. FOB challenged the project on a number of issues including failure to properly identify the “minimum road system” that would be required to meet resource and other management objectives and to meet applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, to reflect long-term funding expectations, and to ensure that the identified system minimizes adverse environmental impacts associated with road construction, reconstruction, decommissioning, and maintenance. Christensen notes that the law requires the court to extend the agency a lot of deference in its decisions in these cases if the agency’s decision appears “reasonable.” In this case the agency is proposing to build miles of temporary road within a management area in which road building is prohibited. The Forest Service argued that it does not construe temporary road construction to violate Area 8b’s prohibition on road construction because “[t]emporary roads are not considered Forest System roads; they are rehabilitated and returned to the productive land base upon completion of harvest activities.” In sum the Handbook states that a temporary road is “not a forest road” while a National Forest System Road is “a Forest road.” “Because the Forest Plan specifically applies to ‘system’ roads, it was reasonable for the Forest Service to conclude that the construction of temporary roads does not create National Forest System Roads and is therefore not prohibited by the Forest Plan—an interpretation that is entitled to ‘substantial deference’,” wrote Christensen. Turning first to the standards addressing elk habitat effectiveness, Christensen noted that the Forest Service determined that overall the project’s road work would have a net reduction in roads and will decrease overall road density in the Project area which is expected to benefit elk populations as fewer roads offers greater security and decreases the number of hunters in an area. “Contrary to Plaintiff’s argument,” wrote Christensen, “the Forest Service did not arbitrarily fail to replace the elk habitat effectiveness standards with another protective standard because it determined that elk populations were sufficiently protected even in the absence of those standards.” Addressing the standard relating to thermal and hiding cover, the Court noted that the Forest Service explained that at the time this standard was developed, thermal cover was believed necessary to wintertime survival rates, however, more recent research calls that belief into question. Cook et al. (1998) found “no significant positive effect of thermal cover” on winter-time elk survival. “The Forest Service also explained that over 80% of subwatersheds in the Project area currently do not meet the thermal cover Forest Plan standard. Yet, despite this, elk populations continue to thrive in the Project area which has caused the Forest Service to question the necessity of the standard relating to winter range thermal cover.” Turning to hiding cover, the Forest Service disclosed that currently 50% of sub-watersheds are

Bitterroot Star -- Page 9

below hiding cover standards, yet population numbers continue to remain robust. In sum, the Forest Service concluded that the Project will generally improve elk habitat and that “population growth [has] not [been] significantly adversely affected by not meeting Forest Plan standards.” Given this conclusion, it was not necessary for the Forest Service to provide replacement standards for those it withdrew, wrote Christensen. On the basis of this reasoning, Christensen found in favor of the Forest Service on the issues of elk habitat effectiveness, road building, thermal cover and hiding cover and determined that the agency did not violate its Forest Plan in approving those amended actions. Christensen ruled in favor of the Friends of the Bitterroot on the last issue, however, which was the agency’s failure to conduct the required analysis for establishing a “minimum road system” as required by law. Christensen rejected the agency’s attempt to “tier” the Environmental Assessment to the Bitterroot Travel Management Plan. He notes that the Travel Management Plan does not contain any discussion of the legal requirements that guide the development of the minimum road system as “the Travel Management Planning Project [does] not establish a ‘minimum road system.’ “Defendants’ contention, then, that the Environmental Assessment may be tiered to the Travel Management Plan’s discussion of operation, maintenance, and funding of its road system, is inapposite as the Travel Management Plan does not contain any discussion of these factors as applicable to the development of a minimum road system. Moreover, any analysis contained in the Darby Lumber Lands Travel Analysis Report cannot cure any deficiencies in the Environmental Assessment because it is well settled that a site-specific project may not tier to a non-NEPA document,” wrote Christensen. Because the Court found a NEPA violation, it did not address FOB’s remaining arguments concerning the lack of transparency regarding the number of roads present in the Project area, the number of roads adopted by the minimum road system, and how that number compares to the recommendation made in the Travel Analysis Report, except to say the record could be clearer. In the end, however, Christensen did not find this violation serious enough to hold up the project as it was approved concerning the other issues. “Having found an unlawful minimum road system, it does not necessarily follow that the Project’s Decision Notice must be vacated and remanded for the Forest Service to try again,” he wrote. “At oral argument, Plaintiff and Defendants both agreed that the decision to implement a minimum road system is wholly discretionary.” Christensen noted that at least one district court has already implied that the appropriate remedy in such a circumstance was simply to “set aside” that portion of the final decision. “Because the Court has found no other violations of the Project, the Court will adopt that remedy here,” wrote Christensen. “The Court will remand without vacatur and instruct the Forest Service to strike any language in the Decision Notice which refers to the implementation of a minimum road system. If the Forest Service wishes to adopt a minimum road system for the Project area, it may do so in a supplemental environmental assessment or as a stand-alone Project. Either way, the error does not reach a magnitude that warrants halting the progress of an otherwise valid action.”

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Sports

Page 10 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

By Jean Schurman Sports Editor

Corvallis girls win conference, first since 2004 The wind was howling and raindrops falling on Saturday afternoon at the Hamilton High School sports complex. Hamilton was host to Corvallis for the soccer edition of their Homecoming weekend. The games were originally scheduled to be played on Thursday. However a case of COVID shut Hamilton schools down that day and so the games were moved to Saturday. On the line for the last weekend of conference play was the conference championship for the Corvallis and Hamilton girls. When the two met earlier in the season, they battled to a 3-3 tie. Neither team expected this game to be any easier, and it wasn’t. “This is a great rivalry,” said Corvallis cold Dave Molesh. “Many of these girls have played together at the club level and know each other well.” Both Corvallis and Hamilton had their chances but the respective defenses put up a strong fight and kept the game scoreless. Each team made runs but the keepers for both teams kept the ball from hitting the back of the net. Molesh said that Hamilton had ‘marked’ the Blue Devil offensive players and really did a good

Hamilton’s Anna Seifert (3) and Julia Seifert (4) battle for the ball against Corvallis’ Mikayla King. Jean Schurman photo.

The Hamilton boys defend against a Corvallis goal attempt. Shown are Sam Duerr, Spencer Cruse, and another Hamilton player and Chance Jessop. Jean Schurman photo.

job stopping them. Conversely, Hamilton was stopped several times by the Blue Devil offense as well. The majority of the game was actually played in the middle of the field. Molesh said that the Corvallis keeper, Kaitlin McCartney did a great job. “She made a diving save, got clipped in the head, and came back to make some great plays.” The two teams battled to a 0-0 tie. Since there was no outright winner, the conference title was determined on a point basis. Corvallis had five wins and three ties and finished with 18 points. Each win was worth three points and the ties were worth one point. Hamilton finished with 16 points. The playoffs will begin this Saturday. They will play the No. 2 team from the North which wasn’t determined at press time. Hamilton will have to play a play in game on Thursday. If Stevensville defeated Frenchtown and Loyola on Monday and Tuesday, then they would play Corvallis. One loss by Stevensville and Hamilton would have to play Loyola. The Corvallis boys took on Hamilton earlier in the day. On the line for Corvallis was a chance to

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advance in the playoffs. In spite of the gusting winds, Corvallis scored early and kept attacking throughout the game. They went on to win, 6-0. Chris Gonzales, a senior, had three goals and two assists in the game. Luke Sangster, a junior, had two goals against the Broncs. Corvallis has had two games where their opponents scored a goal each. The rest of their games have been shutouts. “It was a nice win,” said Corvallis coach Tim Hickey. “Our defense has been outstanding.” The win gave Corvallis the best record of the second half of the season with three wins and a tie and it puts them into a playin game. Hickey said he thinks the Southwest conference is the toughest conference. Frenchtown has the No.1 seed locked up and so Corvallis will either play Loyola or Stevensville. That game will be on Thursday. Then, on Saturday, the winner of the play-in game will have to travel to Eastern Montana where they will likely take on Billings Central. Hickey said he was particularly pleased that his team was able to defeat Frenchtown and gain more momentum earlier this month.

The Hamilton Broncs remained perfect after a 54-23 win over Whitefish on Friday night for Homecoming. It only took 64 seconds before the Broncs scored. Eli Taylor caught a 34 yard pass from Tyson Rostad for the first score and the Broncs were on the board. A little more than two minutes later, Rostad hit Taylor again, this time from 17 yards out, for the touchdown. Jaiden Klemundt, who took over the kicking duties from Austin Drake who is injured, kicked the PAT. Hamilton scored once more in the first quarter. This time it was Klemundt who caught a 47 yard pass for the TD. Whitefish came out in the second quarter and scored twice to close the gap down to only nine points. That would be the closest they got to Hamilton in the game. Rostad had one more scoring pass, this time from 26 yards out. His target was once again Taylor. Rostad completed 18 of 22 passes and averaged 20.3 yards per play. He also had two interceptions. Taylor had six receptions for 153 yards. Klemundt had 10 receptions for 165 yards. Liam O’Connell caught two passes for 47 yards and one two-point conversion. Hamilton moved their play onto the ground in the second half and used up more of the clock. Ben Tack got the Bronc ground

The Lady Blue Devils topped Butte Central in volleyball on Thursday. Although the games were close, Butte Central did not win a game in the match. Corvallis had a slow start and had to play catch up for most of the first game. They trailed by as many as six points before Katelyn Behner stepped up to serve. She nailed two aces and kept the ball in play enough that there was only a two point difference. The Maroons kept up the pressure and surged ahead again until Behner once again started serving. She had another ace and Corvallis went on to win Game 1, 25-23. Coach Laurie Jones said she did expect her team to come back after a slow start. “We’ve been working on that and I think we’ll get it by the end of the season.” It looked as if the Blue Devils had found their groove in the second game. Hailey Anderson served up eight points including a

attack going with a two yard run at the end of the second quarter. Tack had another two yard run for six in the third and one final scoring plunge in the fourth quarter. He finished with 80 yards on 20 carries. Aiden Sission scored from one yard out in the third quarter. Tack, who transferred to Hamilton from Stevensville last

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couple of aces and Brooke Powell had a monster block. Corvallis won the second game, 25-13. Game 3 was tight throughout the game with each team trading aces, and kills. Corvallis led most of the game and finally pulled ahead when Powell made another block and then served up an ace. Corvallis won, 25-20. “They have been sticking in there and coming back when they need to,” said Jones. “I told them this is probably one of the better games as far as everyone really stepping in and playing as a team.” Madeline Gilder had 16 kills and the team total was 26. Jenna Jordan had three blocks and the team had four blocks. Powell had 11 of the Blue Devils’ 34 digs. Powell also had 17 assists. Behner had four aces and the team finished with 14 aces. Corvallis defeated Hamilton in three games on Saturday.

Hamilton’s defensive line pushes back against Whitefish. Shown are Colin Mciver (60) and Andrew Burrows (74). Jean Schurman photo.

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January, said playing for the Broncs has been really fun. “It’s fast paced. And our offensive line is the best in the state.” “Whitefish is a really good team,” said Hamilton coach Bryce Carver. “That’s what we expect out of a Whitefish team.” Carver went on to say that although Whitefish had four wins and two losses, he felt they probably would have won the other two if it hadn’t been for missing kids and a couple of key turnovers. “We had our hands full today. We preached that all week. Our kids came in and fought the whole game and answered the call that we challenged them to and they did a great job.” Taylor said, “We had good defense and offense tonight. We threw the ball and ran the ball really well. They had good athletes but we did pretty good against their defense.” Hamilton will play Libby in Libby this weekend. Carver said that is always a tough game and they are preparing for that. Corvallis fell to Columbia Falls, 32-0. Darby lost to SeeleySwan, 14-8, and Charlo topped Victor. Stevensville and Florence did not play.

October reverie I recall every year, when the bright sun of Indian Summer is done and a few lingering days of not-too-cold but clouded and broken rain and sun weather remain, Dylan Thomas’ “Poem in October.” The Bitterroot Valley is far distant in space from the Welsh seacoast of Thomas’ youth but the time of the season captured in his poem is the same. A few

Flyfishing with Chuck Stranahan lines go: … larks in a rolling Cloud and the roadside bushes brimming with whistling Blackbirds and the sun of October Summery On the hill’s shoulder… The poet is reflecting on his childhood from the perspective of his thirtieth year. The nature images in the poem are the bridge between the full realization of adulthood at thirty and his still-living remembrances of childhood. For many of us thirty comes with the somber realization that childhood and youth are behind us; as we move past it we look back and realize that thirty is still young. Hopefully we’ve matured a little by then, and yet have retained the energy and enthusiasm for life that we carried in our twenties. As the numbers past Dylan Thomas’ thirty increase in my own life I’ve made it my business to retain that enthusiasm for life, always with an ever-increasing appreciation.

And this time of year, every year, the sense of a sometimes poignant urgency to savor all of each day intensifies with the crispness of the air and the colors of the trees. Before it’s all over this year I simply have to experience more of it; there are walks with a fly rod along some favorite stretches of the Bitterroot that I usually pack in before winter takes it all away; there are favorite flies that I haven’t fished in some favorite runs, and I’d better get at it. There isn’t much time left and I’m not thirty any more. Days to savor So far this year I haven’t been out to fish my Orange Caddis Drifter. I usually make a scheduled run to Skalkaho Creek for the purpose of putting this fly in front of some big cutthroats that are lying deep in runs where I have to bushwhack for a while and then climb over logs and rocks and push through heavy thigh-deep current to reach them. Another is to visit the logs that accumulate from Corvallis down to Tucker and below, fishing the slurried foam where the current slows with a greenish streamer of some sort, searching for an angry brown trout in full autumn color. And there are plenty of places where I like to fish mahoganies. And later, in the weather we have coming up for the next couple of weeks, blue winged olives. In the shop. there are plenty of flies for the blue wings, mahoganies, and a decent assortment of streamers in the bins. A new autumn fly Every year I try to keep up with the production of Orange Caddis Drifters. Like some of my other patterns, this one has a fan club-type following, and at the moment, there are enough flies in the bin to allow some experimenting. This year’s experiment begins with some good friends. Earlier this summer my friend Gerald Baron dropped off a large

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

card of some multicolored orangish yarn. And just last week, Doug and Sharon Swisher dropped off enough of their specialized dubbing blends to stuff a small pillow. Some of this precious stuff is the last of its kind and I’m hoarding it for myself. And some of it will eventually go on sale, but not just yet. So there I was, with Ger-

ald’s yarn and Swisher’s dubbing sitting on my tying bench. In my mind I saw them come together to make a dynamite caddis pattern. I used Gerald’s yarn for the body of this new caddis nymph. For the thorax (actually wings and legs) I used a Swisher multicolored UV nymph blend with very fine rubber legs, tied behind a black conehead. I call the result Chuck’s Conehead Caddis. The missing ingredient in most caddis emergers is for wings and legs that have lifelike movement in the water, are the right colors, and reflect UV as a natural caddis does. The multicolor orange body and small cone head are the right ingredients to complete a lifelike silhouette and make this a fantastic fly. I expect to hear some stories soon after its release, accompanied by phone pictures of some big trout. Author and flytyer Chuck Stranahan can be reached at chuck@chuck-stranahan.com or visit his fly shop at 109 E. Main in Hamilton.

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ACROSS 1. Egg-shaped 5. Pillow covering 9. Beginning 11. Top of the head 12. Suppress 13. Put on __ 14. Yes 15. Pound (abbr.) 17. Killed in action 18. Afternoon drink need 20. Mustang 22. Winder malady 23. Anchorage locale (abbr.) 24. Antlered animal 27. Earring need 29. “The Jungle” author Sinclair 31. Vessel 32. Delay 33. Green Gables dweller 34. Building lot © Feature Exchange

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David T. Markette Dustin M. Chouinard Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD,

601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of JAMES GENE SHOCKLEY a/k/a JAMES G. SHOCKLEY a/k/a JIM SHOCKLEY a/k/a J. G. SHOCKLEY, Deceased. Cause No. DP-20-122 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Marilee Shockley, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 30th day of September, 2020. /s/Marilee Shockley MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC /s/David T. Markette Attorney for Personal Representative BS 10-7, 10-14, 10-21-20. MNAXLP.

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David T. Markette Dustin M. Chouinard Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD,

601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of WILLIAM J. FALLON a/k/a WILLIAM JOHN FALLON, Deceased. Cause No. DP-20-95 Dept. No. .2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Gail Fremgen, the Personal RepreADVERTISING sentative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of

perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 12th day of August, 2020. /s/ Gail Fremgen MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC /s David T. Markette, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 10-7, 10-14, 10-21-20. MNAXLP

tative

John D. Greef ATTORNEY AT LAW P.O. Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 360-8117 Attorney for Personal Represen-

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LEVONNE BEERS, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-120 Department No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Doug McLaren, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, in c/o John D. Greef, P.O. Box 212, Hamilton MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court . DATED this 28th day of September, 2020. /s/ John D. Greef, Attorney for the Personal Representative BS 10-7, 10-14, 10-21-20. MNAXLP

P.C.

BS 10-14, 10-21, 10-28-20. MNAXLP RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY Royce McCarty, Deputy County Attorney Clay Leland, Deputy County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, Montana 59840-2853 Email: countyattorney@rc.mt. gov Phone: (406) 375-6750 Attorney for Special Administrator MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: BROOKE C. MURPHY, aka JOANN K. JONES, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-94 Department No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Ravalli County Attorney’s Office has been appointed Special Administrator of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Special Administrator, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton MT 59840, return receipt requested, ℅ Royce McCarty, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court . DATED this 7th day of October, 2020. /s/ Clay R. Leland, Deputy County Attorney BS 10-14, 10-21, 10-28-20. MNAXLP

David T. Markette Dustin M. Chouinard Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD,

601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidMmcpcattorneys.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of CECELIE BRUMDER A/K/A CECELIE A. BRUMDER A/K/A CECELIE ALEXANDRA BRUMDER, Deceased. Probate No. DP 20-74 Dept No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within Sour (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Christina Brumder, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. Christina Brumder MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. By: David T. Markette Attorney for Personal Representative

tative

Bill Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Office PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 Facsimile: (406) 552-0153 Email: wmziplip@gmail.com Attorney for Personal Represen-

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF MATEO ADVERTISING MAGNIA CHAVEZ, Deceased. Cause No.: DP-20-125 Department No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Ted Chavez, P.O. Box 621, Corvallis MT 59828, return receipt requested, OR ℅ Bill Nelson, NELSON LAW OFFICE PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 5th day of October, 2020. /s/ Bill Nelson, Attorney for P.R. 217 N. 3rd Street, Ste J Hamilton, Montana 59840 Ted Chavez Personal Representative BS 10-14, 10-21, 10-28-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The following is the complete text of an amendment to the Montana Constitution to be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the November 3, 2020 General Election.

The text below is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311(1) MCA, by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. Text underlined below shows text to be added. THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 118 (CI-118) Section 1. Article II, section 14, of the Montana Constitution is amended to read: “Section 14. Adult Rights. A person 18 years of age or older is an adult for all purposes, except that the legislature or the people by initiative may establish the legal age for purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcoholic beverages and marijuana.” Ballot Language CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 118 A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Under the Montana Constitution, a person 18 years of age or older is an adult, except that the legislature or the people by initiative may establish the legal age of purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcoholic beverages. CI-118 amends the Montana Constitution to allow the legislature or the people by initiative to establish the legal age for purchasing, consuming, or possessing marijuana. [ ] YES on Constitutional Initiative CI-118 [ ] NO on Constitutional Initiative CI-118 BS 9-16, 9-23, 10-14, 10-21-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The following is the ballot statement of an amendment to the Montana Constitution to be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the November 3, 2020 General Election. The text below is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311(2) MCA, by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 46 AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION PROPOSED BY THE LEGISLATURE AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONTANA AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XIV, SECTION 9, OF THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION TO REVISE THE METHOD OF QUALIFYING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BY INITIATIVE FOR THE BALLOT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The 2019 Legislature submitted this constitutional amendment for a vote. C-46 modifies the state constitution to specify proposed petitions for constitutional amendments from the people must be signed by at least ten percent of the qualified electors in two-fifths of the legislative districts. It repeals a different standard found to be unconstitutional in 2005. [ ] YES on Constitutional Amendment C-46 [ ] NO on Constitutional Amendment C-46 BS 9-16, 9-23, 10-14, 10-21-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The following is the ballot statement of an amendment to the Montana Constitution to be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the November 3, 2020 General Election. The text below is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311(2) MCA, by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 47 AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION PROPOSED BY THE LEGISLATURE AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONTANA AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 4, OF THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION TO REVISE THE

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METHOD OF QUALIFYING AN INITIATIVE FOR THE BALLOT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The 2019 Legislature submitted this constitutional amendment for a vote. C-47 modifies the state constitution to specify proposed petitions for citizen ballot initiatives must be signed by at least five percent of the qualified electors in one-third of the legislative districts. It repeals a different standard found to be unconstitutional in 2005. ( ) YES on Constitutional Amendment C-47 ( ) NO on Constitutional Amendment C-47 BS 9-16, 9-23, 10-14, 10-21-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE Lot C, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 631508, a portion of Lot 32, Block 19 of Sunnyside Orchards No.4 Minor Subdivision. The proposal is a 5-lot minor subdivision on 6.21 acres. The subdivision is located on Ambrose Creek Road northeast of Stevensville. The subject property is located in the Northwest ¼ of Section 9, Township 9 North, Range 19 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. The applicant is MT Builders and the Consultant is Edward Adkins of Real Estate Services of MT. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the below meeting, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The BCC will conduct a Public Hearing to review the proposal on Wednesday, October 21st, 2020 at 1:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the Administrative Center. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. However, please note that only under select circumstances will new information be allowed into the record after the public hearing. BS 9-30, 10-14-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The Conservation Sub-Committee for the Open Lands Board will conduct a public meeting for a Ravalli County Open Lands Bond project on Monday, October 19th, 2020 at 4:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) of the County Administrative Building located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. The Open Lands Board will also conduct a public meeting for the

same Ravalli County Open Lands Bond project on Thursday, October 22nd, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds - First Interstate Building, 100 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, MT 59840. The proposal is known as the South Burnt Fork Ranch Application. The project is comprised of four parcels with 301.21 acres combined and the property is located on South Burnt Fork Road adjacent to the beginning of Miller Hill Road and 2.8 miles southeast of the Town of Stevensville from the intersection (town jurisdictional border) of Logan Road and Middle Burnt Fork Road. 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 10-7, 10-14-20. MNAXLP NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, its successors in interest and/or assigns, Plaintiff, v. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ARDYCE E. KELLEY; ARDYCE E. KELLEY, deceased; JAMES RODNEY KELLEY; TIMOTHY ALLEN KELLEY; RAVALLI COUNTY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION; and all other persons unknown claiming or who might claim any right, title, estate or interest in or lien or encumbrance upon the real and personal property described in the complaint for foreclosure adverse to plaintiff’s ownership or any cloud upon plaintiff’s title thereto, whether such claim or possible claim be present or contingent, Defendants. Cause No. DV-18-68 Department 1 Hon. Howard E. Recht TO BE SOLD AT SHERIFF’S SALE: On the 28th day of October, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. on the front steps of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana 59840, that certain real property

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situated in Ravalli County, and more particularly described as follows: Lot 1B-1 of Amended Subdivision Plat No. 323, being a portion of Lot 1, BIG CREEK MEADOWS, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the recorded plat thereof. Together with a 60 foot wide road and utility easement on the West line and a 30 foot wide road and utility easement along the South boundary of Lot 1-A of Amended Plat No. 193, and also shown on Amended Plat No. 323. KNOWN AS 124 Tarkas Lane, Victor, MT 59875. Dated this 22nd day of September, 2020. STEPHEN HOLTON Sheriff of Ravalli County, Montana By: Steve Holton Printed Name: Steve Holton, Sheriff BS 10-7, 10-14, 10-21-20. MNAXLP

PUBLIC (LEGAL) NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT RAVALLI COUNTY LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE The Ravalli County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will hold its meetings for the year 2020 at 12:30 pm at the Commissioners Meeting Room, 215 S 4th St, Hamilton, Montana on the following dates: October 20, 2020, and at such other times as shall be duly authorized by act of the Committee or its Chairperson. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. The meeting will also be live-streamed, including remote participation, on GoToMeeting. GoToMeeting links will be available for meeting participation at https://ravalli. us/241/Emergency-Management. The Ravalli County Hazardous Material Emergency Plan, and information filed by covered SARA Title III facilities in Ravalli County may be reviewed during regular business hours by making an appointment with the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management. Copies of documents may be obtained at this office, and a fee will be charged for copying. Any such request shall be in writing and shall be with respect to a specific facility. For further information on these matters, please contact Erik Hoover, LEPC Chairperson, at 205 Bedford St. Suite J, Hamilton, MT, 59840 or (406) 375-6655. BS 10-7, 10-14-20. MNAXLP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION TO ABANDON A PORTION OF ROADWAY RIGHT-OFWAY IN UNIVERSITY ORCHARDS REPLAT SUBDIVISION The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public

hearing Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Conference room (3rd Floor) at the Ravalli County Administrative Center located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana. The purpose of this Public Hearing is to take public comment on the Petition submitted by Virginia Dumontier, Trustee for the Karleigh Bolin and Taylor Bolin Trust, requesting to abandon the thirty foot (30’) platted roadway between Lot 6, Block 2 and Lot 6, Block 4 of said University Orchards Replat Subdivision, from the north boundary south, approximately 700 feet to a replacement road and utility easement as shown on Certificate of Survey No. 733356 and recorded Document 745961; and to take action by Resolution. If you have any questions, or would like to make a public comment due to your inability to attend this meeting, please contact the Commissioners through either of the following: 215 S. 4th Street, Suite A, Hamilton, Montana 59840 or by phone (406) 375-6500 or by email commissioners@rc.mt.gov. Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 10-14, 10-21-20. MNAXLP BUDGET AMENDMENT PROCLAMATION LONE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT #13 RAVALLI COUNTY At a regular meeting of the board of trustees of School District #13, Ravalli County, Montana, held October 6th, 2020 at 7:00pm at the Lone Rock School Middle School building, Room 310, the following resolution was introduced: WHEREAS, the trustees of School District #13, Ravalli County, Montana, have made a determination that due to the hire of an additional teacher due to class size and supplies needed due to COVID-19 , the district’s budget for the General Fund does not provide sufficient financing to properly maintain and support the district for the entire current school fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the trustees have determined that an amendment to the Lone Rock School General Fund budget in the amount of $50,000 is necessary under the provision of Section 20-9-161(6), MCA; for the purpose of the hiring of an additional teacher due to class size and supplies needed due to COVID-19 WHEREAS, the anticipated source of financing the budget amendment expenditures shall be the General Fund reserve; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District #13, Ravalli County, Montana, proclaims a need for an amendment to

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the Lone Rock School General Fund budget for fiscal year 2020-21 in the amount of $50,000 under Section 20-9161(6), MCA, for the purpose identified above, and; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District #13, Ravalli County, Montana, will meet at 7:00pm at Lone Rock School Middle School building, Room 310, on October 20th , 2020 for the purpose of considering and adopting the budget amendment. BS 10-14-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on floodplain application FA-20-24 for work proposed within the FEMA regulated floodplain of the West Fork Bitterroot River. The applicant is Jamison Pushak and Elizabeth Fincher. The project proposes constructing a residential structure, shop and gazebo as well as installing a residential water well, electrical utilities, propane tank and a replacement septic system. Fill will be placed to elevate the home site. The project site is located at 279 Conner Cutoff Road in Section 18, Township 02 North, Range 20 West, Ravalli County. Information regarding this application is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt.gov) and must be received by Wednesday, October 28th, 2020 at 5:00 pm. (Reference Application #FA-20-24). BS 10-14-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE Public auction at Falcon Storage for non-payment of Unit #527 October 21, 2020, 10 AM. Cash to highest bidder. 5539 Old Hwy 93, Florence, behind Ace Hardware. Bs 10-14, 10-21. MNAXLP REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. separate sealed bids for updating the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDM) will be received by Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services (DES), PO Box 1287, Columbus, MT 59019 until 5:00 pm on November 16, 2020. Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services in cooperation with Musselshell, Big Horn, Sweet Grass, Golden Valley, Rosebud, Treasure and Wheatland Counties are soliciting bids for a project to update the PreDisaster Mitigation (PDM) Plan. This update will include a total of eight (8) counties. Scope of work includes the following: Review current plan for each county; review and analyze natural and manmade hazards; engage the public in each county to develop the updated PDM; these meeting will include first responders, government officials, community groups, nonprofits, private businesses and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) representatives. Further, evaluate potential hazards and disasters; recommend and prioritize hazard mitigation measures; determine

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

Treasurer’s Office getting out-of-county requests

At this time, the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Office is open for business as usual. Motor vehicle transactions can be done as normal and do not need an appointment. However, according to County Treasurer Dan Whitesitt, the office has been getting an influx of phone calls and walk-in customers that live outside Ravalli County. In order to complete transactions with motor vehicle, title work or registration renewal. if your driver’s license shows you live in Ravalli County the office staff can help you, but if your address shows you live outside Ravalli County you will need to provide two items for proof of residency. Otherwise you will need to go to the county in which you reside. Tax bills will be out the beginning of November 2020 and due beginning of December 2020, said Whitesitt. necessary updates to existing plan(s); ensuring that revisions are consistent with state and FEMA requirements and develop a schedule for all eight counties for hosting community meetings. Successful contractor is required to attend all community and government meetings. All proposals must be signed and shall not exceed ten (10) pages. Proposals must include letter of transmittal, statement of qualifications and experience, staffing and project management, history of the firm, work to be performed, references, fees and schedule. Project must be finalized and approved no later than December 31, 2021. For questions or complete copy of the RFP, contact Bill Pronovost, (406) 322-8015, wpronovost@stillwatercountymt.gov or Carol Arkell, (406) 322-8060, carkell@stillwatercountymt. gov. BS 10-14-20. MNAXLP For information about publishing Legal Notices in the Bitterroot Star contact Victoria at 777-

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Page 14-- Bitterroot Star

UM, MT DPHHS partner to grow COVID-19 testing capacity UM News Service

As demand for COVID-19 testing increases across Montana, the University of Montana is launching a new partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to process COVID-19 tests on campus. The partnership between UM and DPHHS will provide the state of Montana with more COVID-19 testing capacity at this critical time. “UM is eager to expand our public health partnership to best serve our students and the state of Montana,” UM President Seth Bodnar said. “I give special thanks to everyone at UM and in Helena who worked so hard to put this agreement in place. Going forward, UM is now in position to add critical capacity to our state’s robust testing efforts.” UM has worked closely with DPPHHS for weeks to secure the additional equipment and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification needed to process COVID-19 tests on campus. UM researchers will begin processing COVID-19 tests early next week at the UM Genomics Core – an on-campus

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research lab that provides molecular and genetics research services. “I am grateful to our UM faculty, staff and students for adapting so quickly to fill this need and fulfill our responsibility as Montana’s research university,” said Scott Whittenburg, UM vice president for research and creative scholarship. “As a result of their hard work, once we ramp up UM will be able to process up to 2,000 COVID-19 tests a day for the state.” The state of Montana’s daily COVID-19 testing rate has steadily increased since the beginning of the pandemic, and, to date, the state has conducted a cumulative total of about 400,000 tests. “UM creating this additional testing capacity is really important for the citizens of Montana,” said Maj. Gen. Matt Quinn, adjutant general of the Montana National Guard and commander of the Montana COVID-19 Task Force. “Every test that we can process across the state of Montana is critical to ensuring citizens can get their test results faster.” The new COVID-19 testing partnership between UM and DPHHS is in addition to the pointof-care testing already conducted at UM’s Curry Health Center. Each day, the center provides tests and immediate results to students who are showing COVID-19 symptoms or have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested COVID-19 positive by the Missoula City-County Health

Maj. Gen. Matt Quinn, commander of the Montana COVID-19 Task Force (second from left), visits a UM lab on Oct. 9 to discuss increased testing capacity for the state. Pictured with him are (left to right) UM President Seth Bodnar, Assistant Professor Jeff Good and Genomics Lab manager David Xing.

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Department. In addition to ramping up testing capacity on campus, UM researchers also are working around the clock to help identify and advance a COVID-19 vaccine. Led by Dr. Jay Evans, UM’s Center for Translational Medicine has been awarded $2.5 million to study the use of adjuvants to increase the effectiveness of a potential COVID-19 vaccine. The work being done by Evans’ team, in partnership with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, has garnered UM international attention – including being ranked as one of the top 10 “Best Universities for Solving the Coronavirus Pandemic.” UM also will continue its partnership between the UM School of Public and Community Health Sciences and the Missoula City-County Health Department, which is working each day to measure the impact and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the Missoula area.

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people across the country helped turn our fears to gratitude. However, the personal visit from Governor Steve Bullock created the most powerful example of human compassion. He spent the afternoon listening to our stories about hundreds of vile and threatening emails we received calling for our deaths in the ovens of the Holocaust, as well as the gunshots we heard when we answered late night phone calls, and Internet postings of our photos in front of the gates of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp wearing Nazi yellow stars and captioned with personal insults that reached a new low in human behavior. We told him all of it. Governor Bullock’s response was a lesson in empathic listening and generous spiritual support. In Judaism, we are commanded to perform Tikun Olam… actions that call on us to repair the world. Gov. Bullock set the example for kindness that afternoon. By listening empathically, he blessed us with a vision of Tikun Olam grounded in human healing. Should he be elected as our next US Senator? YES! His kindness and ability to listen are exactly what is needed in Washington and around the world. Learning to hear one another is a powerful path to understanding and peace. From those of us at home, thank you Governor Bullock for the dignified and thoughtful campaign you are waging to gain the support of Montana voters. Ina Albert Secher Whitefish

Do not do it!

The red lights are flashing and the siren is screaming DO NOT DO IT! What am I talking about? Killing the two-party system in this next election! Spend a few minutes and hear me out. This will be a short summary of what could occur in the next election. I hope all of this is wrong but if it isn’t, then we have big troubles. Let us start with the election

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

process. Unsolicited ballots will be sent to millions and millions of addresses. This has never happened before. Can we have assurance that the result will be a free and fair election? Each of you can answer that for yourself. If the Democrats sweep the table, what will happen? We don’t know until after the election but here are just some of things they have spoken about. 1) Open the borders to immigration. 2) Citizenship and the right to vote for uncounted numbers of individuals that may extend to many millions. 3) Consideration of statehood for Guam, Puerto Rico, Washington DC. Increasing the number of judges in the Supreme Court. 5) Ending the “right to work” laws. The workers will be “unionized.” 6) Ending the Senate filibuster allowing a simple majority to pass laws. 7) Ending the Electoral College allowing the most populist states to dominate the elections and adopting all the other programs in the Democrat Platform allowing the word socialism to become a reality. What would the above accomplish? First there would be loud cheering from the citizens who voted for the Democrat ticket. How long it would take for the full implications to be realized is only a guess but within months of taking office in January 2021 we would be able to see what one party rule of the United States of America looks like. There would most likely be consolidation of their power in every organ of government at every level. The Republican Party would assume a permanent minority status. The party of Abraham Lincoln would retain a few minor positions but eventually they would fade into the sunset and become a footnote in our country’s history. When you vote in less than a month, give the above some serious thought. You think it can’t happen? History suggests that it can. William Hester Florence

Bitterroot Star -- Page 15

Vote no on I-190

The mail has come and we have our ballots. Finally, the election is here. In a few weeks, we will know who will lead our country and our state. In a few weeks, we can claim our mailboxes as our own. In my lifetime, I don’t recall ever feeling the angst I do with this election. What will happen after the election? Will there be more rioting and looting? Will there be a peaceful transition? What can I do to make a difference? One of the issues on the ballot that we need to really take a careful look at is I-190. This would legalize recreational marijuana in our state. The supporters of this bill are touting the needed tax dollars that legalized marijuana will bring in. It would be taxed at 20% and those in favor of the bill are almost giddy as they talk of the benefits to the state. But let’s look closer at those benefits. According to Steve Zabawa of Wrong for Montana, for every dollar in revenue brought in, it’s estimated by the Centennial Institute of Colorado that it takes $4.50 to handle other issues such as more traffic accidents, ER visits, social costs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety looked at police reports and insurance claims, finding crashes rose between 5.2 and 6 percent in states with legalized recreational marijuana. Do you agree with me that this is too high a cost... too much of a risk to take... that it warrants the tax dollars brought in? The Montana Contractors Association opposes the passage of this initiative. They say they have to have a work force not compromised by drug use and it will become harder and harder to get employees to pass a drug test! Is this sad, or what? The Montana State Chamber of Commerce is also opposed. Pepper Petersen, spokesman for New Approach Montana, the committee running the legalization campaign, dismissed these opponents. He said legal weed may benefit contractors. Really, Pepper? One comment I read that made me laugh... legalization of recreational marijuana could support other industries, like marijuana cooking classes and weed

Jim Edwards, owner of Burnt Fork Market in Stevensville, presented a check to Stevensville Civic Club President Joan Prather. The check represented the proceeds from the recent successful Scarecrow Brewfest which Edwards organized to benefit the Civic Club. “We greatly appreciate this outstanding effort on behalf or our community,” said Prather. Liz Cook photo. friendly bed and breakfasts, like it did in Colorado. Our state, known for its natural beauty, bringing visitors to enjoy our national parks, will now advertise nationally to bring tourists to smoke weed? Heaven help us. One more thing. Recreational use of marijuana is illegal in the United States! This presents a problem for the poor pot distributors since banks are licensed by the feds and so the new entrepreneurs are stuck without access to modern financial services. PLEASE join me in voting NO on I-190. Rep. Sharon Greef, HD88 Florence

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WE WERE ABLE TO RAISE $5,800 FOR THE STEVENSVILLE CIVIC CLUB’S SPLASH DECK PROJECT AT LEWIS & CLARK PARK. A Great BIG Thank You to all the Fine Vendors & Sponsors who made this event happen Wildwood Brewery Mission Bistro Bitterroot Brewing Dogfish Head Samuel Adams Higherground Brewing Co.

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Special thanks to Brandon, Sara, Dan & Tim, Sonia and Tawnya A great big thank you to Rocky Mountain for the use of your parking lot & Trash Bins!

Philipsburg Brewing Upslope Brewing Campfire Stout Dasani Black Rifle Coffee

Thank you to all the amazing Food Trucks that came out & kept everyone fed. Big Sky Grub Truck, Alpenstüble Inc, Gut Bomb, Portable Pizza Place

The Civic Club wants to Extend a heartfelt thank you to Jim Edwards & Staff for all their work and for such a generous donation to our community. BAND SPONSORS:

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Page 16-- Bitterroot Star

Obituaries Verna Diehl Hodgson Hamilton - Verna Diehl Hodgson passed away at her Hamilton home on October 4, 2020. Born on her grandparents’ farm outside Hellertown, Pennsylvania on July 30, 1926, Verna graduated from Collingswood (New Jersey) High School in 1944. Not long after graduation she met her future husband Cal Hodgson, a young sailor, at an ice hockey game in Philadelphia. They found they both liked ice skating and dancing. They married in April 1945 and enjoyed going out dancing together for another 52 years. The course of their first twenty years together was determined by Cal’s Navy career. Frequent moves up and down the West Coast as well as a stint in Norfolk, VA were a way of life. After his retirement from the Navy in 1965, his new career took them to Phoenix for a few years, but the chance to work in Montana brought them home at last to the Bitterroot Valley in 1970. Verna was often on her own while raising their three children as Cal served extensive overseas tours of duty. Usually working

full-time herself as an executive secretary, she was extremely competent, well organized, and independent. After moving to the Bitterroot, she thrived in the very stressful job of Ravalli County Sheriff’s Dispatcher in the 70s and 80s, when each dispatcher worked solo. She was also finally able to create and enjoy having a large garden, which she loved and maintained for many years. She and Dad made many good friends everywhere they lived, especially

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Wednesday, October 14, 2020

in the Corvallis area and American Legion Post 91. She loved bowling, playing cards, solving crosswords, watching football, and Jeopardy! Part of her legacy includes the amazing collection of photograph and scrapbook albums she created in which she chronicled the family history as well as the history of the times through which she lived. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace Diehl and Hilda Kline, her husband Cal, sister Arlene Anderson, and infant grandson Catlin Walton. She is survived by her children Diane Ellis (Jim) of Victor, Keith Hodgson (Taya) of Alaska, and Stacey Scoles (Todd) of Grapeview, Washington; as well as her grandchildren Christina Olson (Mike) of Culbertson, Kimberly Ellis of Culbertson, Amy Ellis of Victor, Col. Calvin Chad Hodgson (Shannon) of San Antonio, Texas, Rusty Ashabranner of Monterey,

Joy Wilda Gover

California, Casey Walton (Valerie) of Silverdale, Washington, and nine great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospice. Private family services have been held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleach.com

WITH STEVE BULLOCK IN THE U.S. SENATE, MONTANA JOBS ARE AT RISK Bullock wants to:

— Close rural hospitals (“The Potential Impact of a Medicare Public Option On U.S. Rural Hospitals And Communities,” Guidehouse)

— Wipe out the oil and gas industry (“Where Democrats Stand,” Washington Post)

— Increase Taxes by $2,000 a year (“The Fiscal Effects Of The Public Option,” Hoover Institution)

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Stevensville - Joy Wilda Gover, age 102, slipped to a better world peacefully on October 9th, 2020 at The Living Centre in Stevensville, MT. “Grandma Joy’’ as she was affectionately called by the many who knew her was born on December 16, 1917 on the Cooper Homestead in Meagher County near White Sulphur Springs, MT. After the Cooper Family gave over the homestead and moved to Manhattan, MT, she attended school and ultimately graduated from Manhattan High School. Joy married William (Bill) Shadoan and they had three sons, David, Danny, and Doug. After Bill and David’s accidental death, Joy and her second husband Ken Gover, who preceded her in death in 1980, had a son and daughter, Kelvin and Patty. They moved to Victor, MT in 1966 to run a Husky Service Station and a small diner and coffee shop. She loved watching and cheering on the Victor Pirates and being a part of the Victor community. Joy loved working in the Victor community and serving others at the Box Elder Cafe, Victor Merc, Senior Center and finally retired at the age of 90 from the Victor School Library. The homestead experience shaped Joy’s personality, she lived

life as a strong, self-sufficient and loving soul, watchfully taking care of everyone who passed by her way. Joy is preceded in death by her siblings Alv, George, Bill, Howard, Blanch, and Junie; her step¬children Buddy, Vernon, and Barb; her son David; and her husbands Bill and Ken. Joy is survived by her daughter Patty; her three sons Danny and Ann, Douglas and Ruth, and Kelvin and Cheryl; her stepdaughter Frances and Doug; and her daughter-inlaw Gwin. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and one sister-in-law Audrey Gover of Manhattan, MT. All of her family will miss her deeply. Services will be a Celebration of Life in the Spring of 2021. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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COVID

Bitterroot Star -- Page 17

Celebrate resiliency during October

continued

new cases since yesterday, 7,432 active cases, and 11,481 patients considered recovered. State officials also report that 904 of the cases have resulted in hospitalizations, with 291 patients currently hospitalized. There have been 212 Montana deaths attributed to the disease. Governor Bullock said last week at a press conference that local governments have the tools to limit the spread “and that’s where I think locally elected leaders have to be stepping up to say we can do more.” “This can’t all be solved from Helena,” said Bullock, “There’s local responsibility here to do what they can to curb the spread of this virus.” Meanwhile, the 2020 Montana Nurses Association (MNA) House of Delegates on October 9 unanimously passed a resolution addressing the coronavirus pandemic.

The MNA stated in a press release that Montana nurses are very aware the US has not prioritized the ability to prepare for and respond to global public health crises, leaving already under-resourced state, county, and city health departments without a meaningful and appropriate epidemic response infrastructure in the federal government to protect people in our communities and our nation and to reduce the risk around the globe. MNA supports measures that: scientifically and meaningfully limit the spread of COVID-19; call for national policy for Covid testing and contact tracing; urges nurses through collective bargaining or other advocacy abilities to address sick leave/ absences due to Covid exposure while on duty to prevent wage loss; support ADA accommodation for nurses and healthcare workers that are high risk; work collaboratively with national affiliates such as American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Federation of Teachers, Nurses and Health Professionals (AFT-NHP) to advocate for restoration of the federal budget cuts to improve the U.S. public health infrastructure; urges Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to adopt an infectious disease standard.

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Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Page 18-- Bitterroot Star

HOW TO VOTE IN THE 2020 ELECTION COUNTIES HOLDING A MAIL BALLOT ELECTION All active, registered voters will be mailed a ballot starting October 9th. Early in-person voting at the county election office will be available from October 2 through noon on November 2, and in-person voting will be available at the county election office on Election Day. Additional locations and hours vary by county. For more details about your county, visit www.406votes.com/how-to-vote.

Beaverhead

Granite

Pondera

Big Horn

Hill

Prairie

Blaine

Jefferson

Ravalli

Carter

Judith Basin

Richland

Cascade

Lake

Roosevelt

Custer

Lewis And Clark

Rosebud

Daniels

Liberty

Sanders

Dawson

Lincoln

Sheridan

Deer Lodge

Madison

Silver Bow

Fallon

McCone

Sweet Grass

Flathead

Meagher

Teton

Gallatin

Missoula

Toole

Garfield

Musselshell

Valley

Glacier

Park

Wheatland

Golden Valley

Phillips

Yellowstone

Return your ballot by mail or in person ASAP! Your completed ballot must be received by 8pm on November 3rd.

COUNTIES HOLDING A POLLING PLACE ELECTION Early in-person voting at the county election office will be available from

Got questions about how

October 5 through noon on November 2. The county will mail absentee ballots

to vote? Call or text the

to active voters who have requested them on October 9. Polling places will be open on Election Day, but your polling place may be different this year.

Voter Assistance Hotline

For more details about your county, visit www.406votes.com/how-to-vote.

at (406) 272-4046 or

Broadwater

Mineral

Stillwater

Carbon

Petroleum

Treasure

Chouteau

Powder River

Wibaux

Fergus

Powell

(844) 406-VOTE. Or visit SteveBullock.com/vote

STEVE BULLOCK

FIGHTS FOR ALL MONTANANS GET THE FACTS BEFORE YOU VOTE

STEVEBULLOCK.COM P A

B Y

N T A

F O

L O

C K