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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B e h ‘T 37 29 Volume XXXIX, XXXVII, Number 30 Volume XXXVII, Number 28 Volume Number 14 XXXVII, Number
Wednesday, March26, 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January Wednesday, October 18, 2023 Wednesday, February 2,9,2022
www.bitterrootstar.com
Eagles in winter Groundbreaking held for in medical Bitter Root Humane Association Republican power struggle Ravalli center County Three Mile Community Center open
celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary speech, occupa-
by Victoria by Victoria Howell shelter. candidate in 2016, will continue in his Howell Republican Cen- According County
$140,000. a levy, so this won’t any tional andhave physical Republican hardliners in Montana. was “too conservative,” Manzella said. The park additional impact on people’s role as state party secretary, a position She noted during Monday’s county There is, she said, no such thing. therapy services – been a long time board made property taxes. tralIt’sCommittee ousts its to Colleen to which he was elected at a statewide party meeting that Stoltz was an early “Some say that including his constitutional therapy coming, but the new Three Schmiedeke, the decision In addition to thea loan, the Bitterroot Health convention this June. political mentor to her and recruitconservatism will cost us votes as a longtime chair, the climax Mile Community Center is up who serves on to take out a project was paid for by the pool – plus imaging held a groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’s Stoltz was nominated for chair by ed her to run for a seat in the state county,” she said. “That hasn’t panned andarunning. Located at 4433 both the park loan to finish Three Mileand Community Senior labThey services. of long-running factional ceremony, said the say ing last Wednesday out to be true inconcerning my case. to Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, Legislature. Some observers say he Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the the project. Center (the official name) Bishop said “It organization’s 50 years of service, An openmedical house celebration was the chair of the Montana Freedom lost his county commission primary in for its new struggle between hardthe center is on the east side community She said they which raised over $80,000 COUNTY REPUBS, page Caucus and a prominent figure among 2014 (by almost 50 points) because he with they hope to have18 held lastRock weekwill at the Bitter Root center board, wasSee started by a bunch of little old complex that beThe of Lone Park. buildworked through community picnics, right members affiliated 1972 and the it’s still runopen by a Humane Association’s (BRHA) new facility ing contains a large they started Farmersladies State in rummage sales, bingo nights built just north of meeting animal shelter located on Fairgrounds bunch of little old ladies.” room, a warming working on Bank to keep and donations fromof commuby spring 2023, with the John Bircha Society Stevensville at the kitchen, Butts, President of the Road in Hamilton. The event served state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathienity members. Other major and that they plan corner of Kootenai and the GOP es-and incorpodouble purpose. It included Board, said, “This organization has system, andcounty’s a gorgeous view a ribbon payments contributors were the Three on continuing to Creek and Mountains of the Road Bitterroot totherated reasonable. Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in honor of new in 2014. come such a long sincethe it was tablishment expand Hwy 93. including tours of the whole the west. She said the Those payRock 50 Park andago. theservices. Rapp started about years I feel aFamfacility, “We’re bringing the The building is now home total cost is ments come ily Foundation. John Bishop, by Arren Kimbel-Sannit building, and anBitarray of food and huge sense of responsibility to honor care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there Montana Free Press terroot those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honorCEO, of the organization’s Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are it as were many who said.be as we make good as he itvolunteers can set 50ththat birthday. said Marcus Rock School. When that serves Lone already being helped on theLois project, and Outgoing Ravalli County RepubHedgeThe privatehad non-profit organization the course for the next 50 years.” Daly Hospital The surrounding park conSchmiedeke assessed, TMCSC received reduced lican Committee Chair chair McCormack saidpeth, that the of the was fiCentral rst organized in 1972. In Terry 1984, tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The Nelson (right) swears in the commitThree Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the hospital board, fields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractorsuccessful donated latee’s new leadership team. At center, leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the fundraising campaign fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly,Ravalgave saidto this project courts, playgroup had they didn’t in black,aiswalking Ron Stoltz, aaformer See the CENTER, new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land on Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four page years3 li County commissioner who defeated Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitwith a 99-year lease. Sixfor years later, Nelson in October 2023 control of ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon pandemic hit and construction in the works, costs but skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey the county party. Credit:estate Arrendeeded Kim- celebrating the opening John Bishop, pictured from left, leads a gathering people involved in the there were some of the new animalfifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michaelof Howell. had to take out a mortgage to finish the land to/the organization where bel-Sannit MTFP. delays due to the Bitterroot project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on the property that hadHealth housedbuilding the Sue McCormack, who serves on theThe current shelter is located. The Ravalli County Republican See SHELTER, page pandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 Central Committee voted this new building replaces anearly old building their vision that week to oust its longtime chair, just north of the Stevensville Junction. bythe Nathan Boddy cumstances, having She adds thatisthe climax of a long-running factional the Stevensville encountered people most important struggle between hard-right members Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim to mail way to combat facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing affiliated with the John Birch Society force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is for people of a “medical center” rather than just a accessible, personalized and the county’s GOP establishment. 901 S. 1st Street, was recently As a certified shipto ask clinic. She also said thatquestions Marcus Daly The new 12-acre campus will health fordepot 90 years. By a vote of 21-13, the commitpresented with a Certificate of care” ping for FedEx, and start conMurphy. Shethe led the Hospital, which is a critical access tee elected former Ravalli County In recent the years, theyShoppe provide primary, care, urgent care and Appreciation by Mayor DomiBoxxe versation with those commissioners through hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Commissioner Ron Stoltz as central specialty services. Two physicians have nic Farrenkopf and Hamilton is legally justified to you know and have been taking steps to a lengthy fund fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of committee chair over Terry Nelson, Police Chief Stephen Snavely. open package which doesn’t by Staub the national rataccounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse nation for quality invest in all theacommubricks.” who had served in that capacity since Outgoing Ravalli County Republican Central Committee Chair Terry Nelson (in white shirt at right) swears in the committee’s In his presentation to the City bears its shipping know the details it up, shows the county, ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. practitioner, and two more doctors Numerous Eagles have been congregating in the Burnt area lately to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it comes was 2008. Nelson, aBald planner and surveyor new leadership team. At center, black, is Ron Stoltz, a former Ravalli County commissioner who defeated Nelson in OctoCouncil on March 15th, Chief label. Afterinfollowing of what potential overall, doing very well by Michael Howell. gubernatorial ber 2023 for he by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be said, with clinics in to trade Covid, Greg sent home from by and Republican control of the county party. Credit: Arren Kimbel-Sannit / MTFP Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but on its tax collections and The Bitterroot Overstreet has a NaHamilton Police Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that over they showing revenues tional Forest (BNF) will The Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message for you: to “become more vocal about a witness, Staub was an oxygen tank. are, “often of projections in host a public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February is don’t fool around! the good things that happen able to uncover the He was home for to departments say12th. they This are shipmost while thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents two or three days. ping legal by Michael Howell expenses havepapers only or 30th from 6 to 8 p.m. ing his department’s experiof the package: nearlyDuring that time, paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in amounted of to share information ence with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, common tactics for and former council member, the public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in large private practice in his oxygen level by Victoria Howell regarding developby Johnthe Dowd Dewey’s plea was part of an agreement that such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part to job vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of this year’s appears to be continuing whenthe thefull council considers Stevensville, was went to 51, ment of a draft forest saved him from sentence fordown his alleged In early March, a customwas unwittingly send-from claiming to county’s performance that have torepbe filled. The Stevensville area the community isyet invited to event. Freeman is also chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with a normal of his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management former Stevensville Mayor crimes. His remaining AtLast theTuesday, second regular er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing three to a scammer in charges of misderesent the IRS or is looking pretty good, One big savings was in attend an open house on Wednesday, October 25 Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual no contest council mayor how local Chicago, tionalmisconduct council Brandon pleaded to three meanor official could have carried meeting ofDewey thein two-member intending toand send a package Illinois.members. Social Security according tobeen Ravalli the budgeted funds for at the North Valley Public Library to talk about a which he’s on for 12 years. A real estate February of 2021. that 51 over is brain Christine Staub Shoppe. Photo by Nameeting will be charges held on misdemeanor a yearof the Boxxe should run. He “We’ll do ourwith job, ”them said FedEx. County CFO Klarryse the Administration. county’s share Stevensville Town Council, onvia government potential libraryhere building. agent fornew 18 years in the Bitterroot, andin also He through damage material.” Zoom. See below for than Boddy. of went official misconduct. and a half of jail time. The customer Sometimes they was a frequent commenter Gibson Members of the library’s Board of Trustees, January 27, town clerk Jenelle in the Army for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 The charges stemmed was sentenced COUNTY, page 10 seemed con- meetings during will tell their others willSee be on hand to answer at council Joan Mell, anDewey attorney with consultants, the profile ofand the Berthoud the council tofrom joinalleged thetold meeting. Five andfused fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to misconduct toOver 14 days jailfamiliar inin late August he was was no in joke. “It and unthe victims that a loved has questions about the need for a new library. Among the last administration. In from Hamilton,stead, wasgot recpotential victims, butuse wishes similar meetings audience that she was having familiar good as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee. during his term as Steand also must pay told thatpublic the cancer so bad I felt with course of her landed jail, orOwens, that a prize thosethe expected to attend areinColleen Brownthat others within commucomment, Crews told ognized for stepping in (virtual) were heldDewey in meet- the public vensville mayor. restitution to the Town Freeman said for the committee raise trouble streaming the process, decade with has been won,hopes butof a to fee needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t fields coordinator the Department Environnity would help her look out 2021. was originally charged ofBoxxe Stevensville council that those makto handle the the prosecution $50,000 this year, to forbethe expansion of the rodeo Staub paid for release of the Overstreet had breathe, likein Ithe ings on the internet. She said andthe mental Quality; for their At least one Kate Lucas, Adaapta planner, and In addition to the in July 2022 with three amount of $28,196. He safety. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he surgery on October was being water Maggie Belanger, assistant director and regionalsaid. the former YouTube of the potential victims she opportunity to learn chanfelony theft charges and must also payorseveral picious when has now commonly use a getting legitimate “They need to be banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy boarded, what manager for TAB (Technical Assistance to Brownat a local replaced. They’re nel they had wasmisdeno longer about and participate in accompanying other court fees.aided The was a resident considering recovered address, but will be ready to up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” fields) Services. removal, the fi nal I imagine water audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developworking but they had set up the custommeanor charges followagreement also prevents approximately grab the package fromactually a porch The Montana DEQ’s Brownfields Program works The 10th annual cowboy ball – which in the to had be to be provided with a ride notand a question and answer” ering, from Covid-19. Mell ing aan climbing plan, ing investigation by himboarding from atreatment new Facebook page.this How- er’sisage $60,000 in ever being or front door when it arrives. with community groups tocouldn’t addressbe Hazardous started 11 years ago but held last year to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will cov“It’s public comment.” did the work at no to public office then-Stevensville Police ablecharge toof hold particular cash, all “They always direct ever, members of the public the session. Substance and Petroleum Brownfields sites the across Boxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This erChief the following agenda Mac Sosa the reagain. the had said previouswhich was to victim to send it, ‘no signature The of mayor the town. “I just wanted who had tried to at access the details Montana. The program provides both technical and “It’s common sense to me,” year. topics: surgery, isfrauduwhenserved I realized quest ofhe thewas town council transaction. Dewey as being required,’” she adds. ly that he would be answering publicly thank Joan for helpThe Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joan Mell, financial expertise on the assessment and cleanup she says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not • Review overall “This is the first year we’ve ever doneAct a fully of diagnosed with that I was2017 not to the at the time. mayor Unfortunatelently de-from The Bank Secrecy Brownfields properties. DEQ’s Brownfields Program questions from the public. ing me and helping the town, ” flags abound when seniors are center, for filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud catered dinner,” said Freeman. Thebanks University COVID-19. Covid According to theasked ly, it was not endtaking of from 2021 when he manded of 1970 requires to and also“If provides grant writing assistance, outreach, being scammed. a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public ofPictured Montanawith Catering Service will provide theof Covid-19. Mell are, l to r, Overstreet, for patience as she worked court documents, the lostseriously re-election tohad Steve “I was obviously Staub’s first senior citizen enough. keep track of withdrawals workshops is 80 years old, and all offor a communities interested in Brownconversations should be prepared for some dinner. Desserts are provided 4Hin members. charges were based Gibson. of When Dewey time having members $10,000 or by more order very weakened,” saidon through the issues. Mayorthey’re Stevefields. Gibson, council sudden coming into the members Cindy Brown and The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update several occasions became mayor, he was encountered commuSee page 2 bank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talks about his recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe Overstreet. “Itformer hit where Jim Crews, mayor Their involvement with the is 4 to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901 S. 1st Street in Hamilton. nity. See library—which COWBOY BALL page SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. such cirStaub is person Dewey circumvented the theSee youngest Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, provided no charge—extends from the factpage that2 makes my ‘spidy’ senseat tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 Photo by Nathan Boddy. ever to serve as mayor town council on decithe current building has asbestos contamination and Last week the Ravalli County Commissioners apin Montana. His tenure sions, followed through other environmental health issues. These are key proved adoption of a memorandum of understandwas rocked by divisions with things regardless reasons a new library building is being considered, ing with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force and between himself and of the council’s decision along with mold at theProtection current site, crumbling Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a avideo designed various members of the or Michael acted on his own by Howell infrastructure, and uneven and hazardous floors. A to help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavand the commudecisions without even that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations manage timber council to provide Plan. new location has not yet been chosen. ior. impacts to notifying the council or concerning theinDraft SEIS for forest products nity. and jobs; and to unmitigated A new record of decision The will begin at 6 p.m. the library’s The deadlineHowell closed on if it would by Victoria be possible The meeting DUI Task Force approved of Dewey is currently the town at all. year, theand facility took inthe justcreation under by Victoria Howell the Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all community room light refreshments will bewas to put envelopes on January forHowell filing objec- Brandon by Victoria his property which would in effect with the addressed when private land astate Mischief$240,000 Room lastand May and the commissioners Dewey serving hishighway, sentencewhich is aserved. One18, of these allegaspent every penny. The isproject located at 208and Main St.Wildlife in roads heavy theowner scope of the analysis treatment toCounty 2021 accompanied by a to Draft all the doors and Dominic Farrenshutthen off access Stevensville Riverunits.inAccording highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment to onlibrary sold to aing new Fish, signed off it. The the creation tions toincluded theShinn, Draft Supplementhe Ravalli tions attempts Jasmin founder and There are no paid involved employees; it’s an all-of Stevensville. kopf, activities director put valentine cards in The Town Couna 20-acre park on Center. the eastFriends bank have twohave accesses forlogging trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-pritheitems letter quotes the Bittera Forest Serviceof press release mostly, thatPark, provides a site-speset of easily accessible that hadThe secret hiding Detention Dewey setand up toEnvironmental haveStevensville the town reimburse himSEIS for personal tal Statement volunteer organization. But said executive director of 1 Horse more information about the open house, atwas Sapphire them. Farrenkopf cil split onLutheran whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece ofthe boats, and to you’ve just come outFor of the vate piece now belongs toShinn the state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed an account at Clearwater Credit Union help him legal fees related to a lawsuit he filed following an (Draft SEIS) for the Gold A Time Horse Rescue it costs about $200 perChair month toaim feed contact Board ofdeveloped Trustees Dianne Homes inDraft Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked aAt small piece of park land near the contacted the county Stevi at 45 miles per hour - there fishing access drugs orNVPL hide aand small of whiskey. The was with his court costs. Itareas is called theWye Brandon Dewey attempt to recall him. Another included aproperty. case of Crews to Willow Creek Road. Due tois aflask Management Wildlife Re-site. treatment are within an defining old-growth stanButterfly Project, a Bitterroot Snedigar at diannes@farmersebank.com, Maggie these “gentle giants.” Then there are facility in Corvallis, got a nice asking the community students at schools Stevensville bridge, an item that was and negotiated the donation of the are going to be accidents there.” “But I think it’s [the piece on the to provide parents a learning opportunity to see the Benefit severance pay given to former town employees source Objective “Maintain area designated for insect and financial limitadards. Some objections to securing the Account. Belanger atveterinary maggiejessie@ksu.edu, or Kate at boost lastForest week when she was bills, therapy, training, and to send his athat and daycares to make National project considered atresidents the March 24th council land on the west, potential Mayorand Steve resource Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable oftoland for the various ways in which any youngpiece person canLucas hide without council approval. Last year the envelopes. the disease kate@adaapta.com. sufficient old-growth habitat tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received treatment because of little love this Valenspecial envelopes and presented with a check for $7500 other associated costs to rehabilitate meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending outcome of see what use the land is to the town. “I city to have, whether or not you put their substance use from casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres were so full they The project is now tine’s decorate them foraccess each revert toDay. the county. The 1.52-acre the dispute. only liability,” Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motnot said be able to accommodate onWhen suitable timberland to January 18 deadline dense pockets oflopes deadsee andadyhorses. they’re finally ready from representatives of JCCS, anby the Glendathese Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comhad to be emptied more really popular, and About four years resident. Then people piece, whichfiis located adjacent tomostly the having Council member Marilyn WolffThey claimMichaelson said he looked upwhat the for ley. “There are so many cars out there, said she tells parents is, “If you don’t look, accounting rm with a branch adoption, most can be driven or support viable populations ing trees. the area the necessary maintenance to do with the mercial treatment than once. growing every year. ago, a vegetative resident came drop offsaid valenBitterroot River on the northwest side she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that the land I see. think can be used for parking. But then younor don’t If it you don’t see, then you don’t ridden, and some just become “pasture located in Hamilton. Part of could the logging of old-growth dependent the project, the of old growth, is impacted by mountain pine within a 55,000was acre area ofto the to Farrenkopf to see tines to fill the enveof the bridge, offered Town this piece of land. “It’s where two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 selection for awarding that gift tial impacts to wildlife and to pets.” See DUI, page 10 rehabilitation of the road afteron the species. ” side The letter Douglas-fir bark beetle, forest inby theRavalli Sapphire Mounin 2017 for use as a roads converge, the bankbeetle, is incrediit would be maintained and utilized erty west ofestablished thenotes river,that then was online voting County and according 1 Horse At A Time was DrafttoSEIS limits the scope dwarf mistletoe and the project is complete. Ravalli Willow Creek Road. potential river access site. bly steep… I thinkfor there are liability for western recreational purposes within five youhour. havethe access potentially consoltains eastbranch of Corvallis. this. According to Town Interim Police per According town officials by John Dowd budget accounted a 40 cent per by Shinn in 2018. She’s to originally from to JCCS manager, Andrea of its environmental consespruce budworm damage. County objects to shifting Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the Town Chief, Todd Schafer, “I go to work ev- Germany duringwhere the meeting, Stevensville offihour raise for all employees which The original proposal was Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time sheI grew around mayor Crews, theStevensville owner of land channel and the deepest ofGibson the in general Vickie Motley, park memof Stevensville. thinkup It’s something ery day expecting to die.board How long do cers receive somewhere intothe ballLastJim Thursday the will take effect inthe January,part but financial burden of the project quences analysis vegetation, officials have stated that Although withdrawn in August of 2020 horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the topnortheast four vote at the river onmet the had channel. Ifto you to develop thatwith the said thatevery nothing had beenIdone Equipment Co. park RDO of $20 per hour,woodpecker and a 30-year Town Council to discuss side the project this isimprove awere pittance. “It’s someIber, goproposed to work thinking can the pileated and isbelieves designed agreement today Ravalli County andbut believe after Friends of the Bitterroot getters. she is especially passionate about attempted to shut off river access on for fishing, I would also see a problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, page 16 retirement. This is nearly $10 under 2023/24 budget. During the meeting thing,” but he believes it is not going do that?” He explained that the pay to 8571 Running W. Road pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it is contrary to current law forest resilience to natural checkfor followed in the both wakeby horses. She departments and her husband, a andThat Alliance the Wild the pay other are issued, several concerns were voiced, to keep people, and in fact it has not. bring an officer into the job needs to draft andthe existing agreements. ”and nearly “We realize these old growth likemain fire, topic insects Commissioners expressed Missoula, MT 59808 retiree, their two children of a $25,000 gift claiming in Rockies filed suit theChiefdisturbances be enough to offset dangers faced military alland other departments have town officials and theNovember public. of The of concern was species are listed in and disease; reduce concern over impacts Forest officials also received from concerns Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 a 20-year retirement. these was police officersedipay. According to Gibon thetojob. agency failed to usepayroll the bestand the acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained comments from Philip Strobel ment sources in the Willow Schafer mentioned that Missoula According to councilmember prospect of employee retention, espeson, and others that spoke during the available science in managing Presenting a check for $7500 from JCCS to Jasmin Shinn (second from left) of 1 Horse At RDOequipment.com money but, according to Shinn, Creek watershed; 20 horses. She currently just got a huge raise, make Nancy Lowell, “I think definitely, cially regarding policecomofficers. meeting, police officers are roads, especially Willow Creek Director ofand the NEPAabout Branch clear whether there are other improve A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, lnot to r:getting Levi Clark, police CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t in some cases over $30 an hour. The that’s something that should be done Overall, budget, according to what they need, and the pay is not taking carethe of draft horses is Office of the Regional Adminbull trout habitat; restore Road. Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. Also pictured is Tiny, the non-profit’s mascot and the ply withSteve the definition he has seen in the area, inin the future, and knowpage why Mayor Gibson, isof inold good even close to competing with any- IN THElowest an expensive Lastshape, See RESCUE, pageit65 SeeI don’t GOLD, •FREEbyESTIMATES BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yproposition. OURH OMEIMPROVEMENThabitat CO.COM istrator of the Environmental In a At letter to the Forest including meadows, horse that rescued 1 Horse A Time. Photo by Victoria Howell. growth found in the Bitterroot other town and city police in though tight. However, inflationary firstwhere elsewas nearby. Gibson’s concern is cluding that they have lost so many officers to Ravalli County, is around $26-$28 concerns have hit the town hard. The See STEVI COUNCIL, page 5
Public Scammers thwarted, vigilance recognized County budget meeting on track on BNF Cowboy Ball Halfway Climbing through fiscal scheduled year, county Plan
Surviving COVID
budget looking good
Hearts full ofrevisit love North Valley Library Stevi to refinancing bonds Former Stevi mayor sentenced open house scheduled
DUI Task Force, MAPS to partner on special video
Gold Butterfly project draws some objections
Spreading love horse Local draft rescue Stevi to return park land thriving to county
Stevensville town council discusses budget concerns Contact us for all your equipment needs. VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN THE
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