Bitterroot Star - October 2, 2024

THURS, Oct. 3rd -

Hamilton works on zoning code update

by Nathan Boddy

Since the adoption of a new comprehensive plan in 2022, the City of Hamilton has turned attention to the updating of its zoning code. A zoning code works in tandem with a comprehensive plan to put into action a municipality’s plan for the future. Hamilton’s comprehensive plan included the themes: grow in a proactive and thoughtful way, and maintain small town character. But whereas a comprehensive plan includes those more generalized vision statements, a zoning code is meant to put those desires into action through specifc allowances and on-the-ground regulations.

The existing zoning code in the City of Hamilton has not been substantially updated in nearly 20 years, and city staf, along with a focus group comprised of volunteers, interested citizens and members of the three planning related boards in Hamilton (Zoning Commission, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment), have been working to identify elements which may be appropriate for a newly updated code. The current zoning code update began in earnest in the fall of 2023, and is now within its second phase after staf completed a reorganization of the zoning code, making it easier to use and eliminating redundancies.

Hamilton planners, Matthew Rohrbach and Mark Rud, have been compiling potential changes to the zoning code, and asked the public for input during two open house meetings on September 18th and 25th, and four walking tours on September 19th and 26th, for the purpose of showing how code regulations take shape on the ground.

“It’s going to be a multi-year process to do the whole zoning code overhaul,” said Rohrbach. “We are being very slow and deliberate on purpose.” Both he and Mayor Farrenkopf specifed that they want the process to be as transparent as possible, giving the community a chance to weigh in. Furthermore, Rohrbach expressed on several occasions that the code update language they were presenting was

ting more afordable housing on the market, but also to preserve the stock that currently exists.

“It’s going to be a multi-year process to do the whole zoning code overhaul.”

- Matthew Rohrbach

During those events, attendees were given handouts detailing proposed regulation changes which deal with the residential areas within Hamilton city limits, and presented visual aids as to what housing types could be permitted within each of the proposed zones.

Among the proposed changes, planning staf has suggested re-creating the existing residential zones RS, RM and RH, into R1, R2 and R3 respectively, with R1 standing for Traditional Neighborhood, R2 as Medium Density and R3 being High Density. A chart detailing proposed allowable housing types was also displayed for attendees to consider. Without dispute, the proposed zoning code would substantially increase the number of allowed housing types, but does set lot size minimums for multi-family units as well as size and setback requirements for each.

During the open house events, Rohrbach and Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf felded questions about the proposed zoning code update, and the steps they are taking to usher it forward. Within the council chambers where the open house meetings took place, visual aids and housing type charts were hung on the walls for the public to consider.

still in draft form, and meant to garner feedback and see which elements would stick, and which would be abandoned.

One of the many topics that illustrated a potential change within the new zoning code would be how administrators are able to deal with non-conforming uses. Non-conforming uses are those that exist under ‘grandfathered’ status, but are not permitted to be expanded or replaced if substantially damaged. Under the draft language, the city’s Zoning Administrator would be able to distinguish between ‘benign’ non-conforming uses and those that may pose a risk to public safety and welfare. Where a use is determined to be benign, it may be eligible for limited expansion, alteration or replacement, without frst undergoing a variance process.

Rohrbach mentioned the non-conforming use clause when the subject of afordable housing was brought up during the meeting. He said that ,“a key reason for changing those nonconforming use regulations was in relation to mobile homes,” which often exist as non-conforming uses. The changes in language, he asserted, are done not just in the spirit of get-

But some of the proposed language is directly aimed at development of more attainable housing. During a walking tour on September 26th, Rud told attendees that the “biggest change is in the ‘by right’ category,” by which he meant those types of housing that would expressly be allowed per the zoning code. The housing types in an R-1 (Traditional Neighborhood) district, for example, could include higher density structures, up to a four-plex multi-family unit where lot size is over 8,000 square feet. Rud pointed out that such allowances represent a “pretty substantial change.”

In addition to increasing the allowed housing types within residential districts, the proposed zoning code would allow for certain setback standards to be loosened for qualifying higher density housing types. For example, front yard setbacks for single family homes and duplexes in the R-1 zone would be 20 feet, while those for 3- and 4-unit buildings would be lessened to 10 feet.

Rohrbach said that part of the rationale behind allowing for a lessened setback on higher unit buildings is so that such buildings are able to provide

parking at the rear of the lot, but he also pointed out that the planning department’s eforts are in response to a call for increased housing in Hamilton. The challenge, he stated time and again, is to balance that need for housing with the Comprehensive Plan’s stated goals of ‘maintaining a small town character’ and preserving the form and scale of existing neighborhoods.

Jessica Randazzo, who serves on the city’s Zoning Commission, was present on the walking tour and expressed concern with varying setbacks to incentivize density. She said that, when used to “make space more livable,” she was “all in” on requiring setbacks of a certain depth. However, she expressed that she didn’t want to see certain housing types punished when others get a “reward.”

Rohrbach responded to her concern by saying, “You could look at it as punishing the single family home and a duplex because they do have a higher standard, or you can look at it as trying to make an exception for those diferent kinds of units to make it easier for them to be flled so we can achieve that housing production.”

To review all draft zoning code documents, leave feedback and keep up to date, visit the city’s page dedicated to the process at: https://www. hamiltonzoningupdate.com.

Residents listen to town planner Mark Rud during a walking tour of Hamilton’s north side on Thursday, September 26th. Rud and planning director Matthew Rohrbach planned the walk as a way of illustrating ‘on-the-ground’ manifestations of the current zoning code and how those might appear different under a new zoning code. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Travelers’ Rest State Park upcoming events

Travelers’ Rest State Park and visitor center near Lolo will move to slightly reduced of-season hours on October 1 and will be hosting public programs throughout the fall and winter.

From October 1, 2024-April 30, 2025, the visitor center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and closed on Monday and Tuesday. The visitor center will also be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New

Year’s Day. The park entrance gate will remain open to vehicles daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Pedestrian entrances and park trails are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year.

Travelers’ Rest is a signifcant site for Native Americans and a Lewis and Clark Expedition archaeologically verifed campsite. The park hosts many public programs throughout the year, including some coming up in

October.

Trekker Kids free programs on Saturdays at the state park:

• Oct. 5 (11 a.m.-12 p.m.): Wax candle making

• Oct. 12 (11 a.m.-12 p.m.): Apple cider pressing with guests from Fort Missoula

• “Corpse” of Discovery special event:

• Oct. 26 (12-3 p.m.): Frightfully fun activities for all ages. Please bring

a nonperishable food donation for the food bank as an entry fee, and costumes are encouraged. Activities include pumpkin bowling, creatures of the night, hot apple cider, candy cornhole, a photo booth and more.

Find out more about Travelers’ Rest State Park online at fwp.mt.gov/ stateparks/travelers-rest. For questions about the park and programming, call park staf at (406) 2734253.

SHOWDDOWN: for county ‘Shop-With-A-Cop’ program

Continued from page 1

schools, kindergarten through high school… I had applications that I dropped of with all the counselors, and I let them help me select which kids were the best ft for this. Yes, economics was part of the equation, but I was also looking for kids who maybe had negative interactions with law enforcement. Maybe they had a parent who was in jail; maybe there had been domestic disputes at their homes; [these were] kids who need to have this positive interaction.”

In the SPD Shop-With-A-Cop program, as Kruse described, an ofcer or deputy escorts two youths via police vehicles to Walmart in Missoula. Firing up the lights and sirens proves to be a good icebreaker, and then each youth gets to use a predetermined amount of money at Walmart to buy things for themselves and their families.

“What I was touched by in my experiences in the past,” said Kruse, “is that these kids are not selfsh. I had kids that purchased dishes and towels. They were very aware of what the needs were in their homes and excited to be able to buy gifts for their parents, [or their grandparents if it was their grandparents raising them], or for their siblings. It gave them a sense of pride to be able to do that…“It’s interesting, too, because in the morning when [the kids] all showed up, there was this sense of awkwardness and nervousness, and everyone was weirdly quiet, and by the time these kids came back it

was like night and day. You know, they were laughing, they were having a great time, they were excited, and it

“It’s interesting, too, because in the morning when [the kids] all showed up, there was this sense of awkwardness and nervousness, and everyone was weirdly quiet, and by the time these kids came back it was like night and day. You know, they were laughing, they were having a great time, they were excited and it was just a complete turnaround.”

- Kristin Kruse

was just a complete turnaround.”

Perceived masters of the barbeque pit can sign up to compete in the onsite cook-of to beneft RCSO’s new Shop-With-A-Cop program by paying a $25 fee and flling out an entry

form. The cooks determined by a panel of judges through a taste test to have the best pork and beef ribs will each receive one of the $500 cash prizes donated by Jef’s Towing. Those interested in attending the event can look forward to sampling a plate of ribs with two sides, enjoying a live performance by bluegrass band Pinegrass, and having an opportunity to participate in both a silent and live auction. The cost to attend is $10. Tickets and entry forms are currently available at the RCSO front desk. To donate an auction item, Kruse asks that you contact her at kkruse@rc.mt. gov or by calling 406-499-7522.

Maria Neisslein turns one hundred

Maria Neisslein recently celebrated her 100th birthday at her home at Kathy’s Place in Florence.

Maria was born in the harvest season, on September 12, 1924 in Tlumacz, Poland, on a farm with no water, plumbing or electricity.

She was the oldest of four children, with one sister and two brothers and she has outlived them all.

At 18, the Germans came to get workers for Germany to work during World War II. They wanted her little sister, but she volunteered to go instead.

She was lucky to be assigned as a nanny to the family of a German ofcer. She later went to work in a sewing factory and gained skills she used for a lifetime to earn money as she worked her way to Canada after the war. She was sponsored by a relative, and was soon able to send for her fance. They married and in 1956 they had a son, Ray, in Montreal, Canada.

The family immigrated to the US in 1964 and lived in Van Nuys, California for 38 years. She had a pool, orange tree and a lemon bush in her backyard, and grew lots of plants and fowers with her “green thumb.” Ray taught his mother to swim in their pool when he was 11 and she was in her 40s. She walked every day and stayed ft.

Ray moved to Montana in 1994 after the LA earthquake. He asked his parents to join him in Montana, since his dad was in an assisted living center with Alzheimer’s.

In 2002, Ray added an additional living space to his house in Stevensville, and that year Maria and Herbert moved in. Maria cared for Herbert’s daily needs. It was no small feat for a 5-foot-2-inch woman to manage a 285 lb. man. She managed for two years, until Herbert moved into a Stevensville care facility. He passed away soon after.

Maria enjoyed life with family close by. Although she struggled with macular degeneration and was slowly going blind, she liked playing cards and dominos with Ray and created a beautiful garden which she could never see. Five years ago she became totally blind and eventually moved to Kathy’s Place in Florence. She has fnally settled in there and is happy and thriving.

If asked what her secret to longevity is, she will tell you to walk daily, eat single ingredient foods, and start your day with oatmeal. She requests it with honey, brown sugar, and a prune or two.

She has a son and daughter, four grandkids, four great-grandkids, and six great-great-grandkids. She gave her grandkids their inheritance early so she could live to see them retire while she is still alive.

Maria is still sharp as a tack in conversation and interested in current events, but she’s losing her hearing. Ray visits her weekly, and delivers

requests she has for food. She has all her hair and teeth, and likes brats, potato salad, steak, and recently she tried Ray’s favorite barbecued chicken wings. She liked them! Family members came from Atlanta, Seattle, Sacramento and Kelowna, Canada to celebrate Maria’s birthday with her.

At Maria’s request, Ray prepared a lunch of BBQ rib-eye steak, mashed potatoes, and pickled asparagus, accompanied by a bottle of Cabernet sauvignon wine, and cake, of course.

SENIORS: network to help

See SENIORS, page 5

introduced themselves and the services their organization provides.

Cathy Orr of the Council on Aging was present and reiterated the importance of the networking group through the simple fact that 35% of Ravalli County residents are 60 and over, which she said is above the state average.

“[It’s] one of the highest counts in Montana,” she said, pointing out that “approximately a third of us could be in need of these services at any point.”

Also present were assisted living and care giving service providers, Kathy’s Place and Hoblitt

Homes, as well as Judy Parker of Mary Kay, Lauren Quiroa, owner of Merkaba Within, LLC, and Maddie Flamm with Caring Transitions. As they went around the table with introductions, the sharing of ideas and enthusiasm had already begun.

Cathy Orr expressed it by saying, “It’s really important to get everybody together and meet to put a name with a face and not just be a name on a list.”

For those interested in learning more about being a part of the Ravalli Senior Network, the newly formed group will be led by Dyana Canavan, Cathy Orr and Charlene Miskimen. Emails can be sent to: canavand@partnersinhomecare.org.

This October, as we observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take charge of your well-being and prioritize early detection.

Breast cancer remains that most common type of cancer among women. Detecting the disease early can greatly improve treatment outcomes. Talk with your primary care provider about your family history with cancer and screening options during your next wellness exam. Together, we can beat the disease.

Take charge of your health. Call today 405-541-0032 to schedule your appointment.

Becoming a patient is easy, with little to no wait for scheduling a new patient appointment. Medicaid, Medicare and Uninsured Patients Accepted Serving all of Ravalli County

The family has plans for a memorial bench dedicated to Maria to be installed in Lewis and Clark Park in Stevensville.

Bad reporting

In 2021, the Biden Harris Administration changed the Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) to completely voluntary. Since then, 30 of the largest cities in the country have not reported crime statistics to the FBI. Cities include Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Seattle, Dallas etc. The FBI without accurate data uses….. “estimates.”

Throw in that many of these cities have “re-imagined policing” and installed Soros-backed judges who do not prosecute crimes, leading to fewer arrests and prosecutions and you get the most inaccurate reporting imaginable.

The truth is, as per the Bureau of Justice, that Rape, Robbery and Aggravated Assault are up 55% under Biden/Harris.

Much Like in 2022 when we had two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth, and the Biden/Harris Admin changed the defnition that has been in place for decades to say that is not the defnition of “recession.” The truth is that it is, and we were in recession, regardless of their defnition.

Couple in the fact that the Jobs report is padded every month by this administration and has been reduced every month under cover of darkness and unbeknownst to average Americans. I’m sure most did not know that June and July were adjusted down by 60,000 jobs and in July they adjusted down the frst quarter of 2024 by 825,000 jobs! Also, in August foreign-born workers’ jobs increased by 635,000. Native-born American jobs decreased by 1,325,000!

So their jobs numbers are overinfated and skewed, they change the defnition of infation so as to not look like the incompetent fools they are, and lie about crime statistics.

Looks like old David Muir owes the American people and Donald Trump an apology.

Bill Cavanaugh Corvallis

Freedom’s rock?

Please explain to me: Does Tim Sheehy’s position on abortion amount to a defense of the right of fathers and brothers to rape their daughters and sisters? Or am I missing something? No exceptions to a National Ban except for a mother’s health is what I hear him saying. What else could this mean? Does Governor Gianforte also support Sheehy’s position, a complete ban on all elective abortion?

Is bodily autonomy the rock upon which all freedoms we enjoy rests? Jim Parker Hamilton

Why vote

Republican?

For my friends and neighbors who are accustomed to voting Republican, I have a few questions.

For starters, just what IS a Republican any more? RINOs, MAGAs, Birchers, Solutions Caucus, Freedom Caucus Republicans and more each claim to be the “true” Republicans, often to the exclusion of others. As we’ve seen in Ravalli County’s recent primary, two candidates, each running as Republicans, will have widely divergent stances on many important issues, and the same applies at the state and national levels. Simply voting the “R” column no longer assures that the candidate shares your values.

Next, why elect candidates from a party that is demonstrably more con-

cerned about ideological purity than about governing our state or country? Just a year ago, the US House of Representatives was shut down after Republicans deposed their own Speaker because he wasn’t the right “kind” of Republican, then held Congress hostage for days while factions argued among themselves over a new leader. Our Republican-dominated Montana legislature is so fractious that serious bills are only passed when enough Democrats vote “aye” to overcome defections by Republican ideologues.

Is the Republican party the party of freedom? Not if you’re a female who wishes to make her own reproductive decisions; not if you’re a parent who wants their child to receive a complete, well-rounded education and to read books from a variety of perspectives; not if you’re that child’s teacher, concerned about the state’s snitches listening to your classroom presentations; not if you want schools and other public institutions to be free from religious and ideological intrusions that may not match your own values; and most certainly not if your race, religion, or gender expression deviate from a narrow standard.

Are you in favor of economic prosperity for all? Over the last 70 years, our country’s economic well-being has consistently lagged in nearly every indicator—GDP, employment, the stock market—under Republican administrations. Republican tax cuts for the rich have resulted in repeated cuts to programs that help people who legitimately need it: health care, food assistance, and education, public infrastructure, all have sufered when Republicans are put in charge.

And really, how many Bozeman gazillionaires does Montana need to elect? We already have Gianforte and Daines (and Zinke, from his Whitefsh mailing address); do we really need to add Sheehy to that club? A bunch of rich Bozeman white guys do not represent the rich diversity of Montana, and they certainly don’t look out for the rest of us.

Lastly, at the top of their ticket, Republicans have a ghastly example of self-serving infantilism for whom they must constantly make excuses. How many of his transgressions against basic human decency are you willing to shoulder?

I urge voters who once automatically marked their ballots for Republicans to take a deep breath and to consider voting for thoughtful candidates of sound mind and mature judgment, who will put country ahead of party; they’ll fnd plenty of them if they look beyond the Republican column.

Russ Lawrence Hamilton

Unfounded beliefs hurt

As a retired OB nurse, I am exhausted by the disinformation equating reproductive health care to “abortion”. Obstetrical care providers are not “Pro-Abortion”! And there is NO TRUTH to “killing babies at term and even after birth” or “ripping babies apart.” None of that exists in obstetrical practice so stop spreading lies that you HEARD from an unreliable source!

Further, reproductive decisions DO NOT belong in the purview of the government. Those who legislate those decisions are practicing medicine without a license, and heartbreaking outcomes including death have resulted. There should be class action lawsuits against every government

ofcial responsible. No doubt, there would be a deafening outcry if the government mandated vasectomy for lack of child support; or castration for sexual assault-- EVEN WHEN THERE IS NO CREDIBLE EVIDENCE!

Believing everything YOU THINK is dangerous and acting on it even more so. To vilify those who have worked tirelessly to provide the best care humanly possible, and the moms themselves, is cruel and unconscionable. Throughout history, pregnancy has been a death sentence for far too many and make no mistake, maternal mortality persists today even in developed countries such as ours. AND THAT’S A FACT. Brenda Allington Florence

Tester and healthcare

Having spent more than three decades as a health professional, I pride myself on being sensible and practical. Montana’s three-term Senator, Jon Tester, has secured many sensible and practical wins for healthcare. Here are fve healthcare-related reasons to re-elect Jon Tester

1) Capped insulin to $35/month, gave Medicare the power to negotiate lower drug prices for seniors

2) Secured $220 million to help rural hospitals and clinics

3) Improving telehealth services and expanding access to high speed internet so all Montanans can use these services

4) Supported veterans with the PACT Act and 12 new VA clinics in MT

5) Will protect Medicare from being privatized or turned into a voucher system.

One reason I will not vote for Tim Sheehy: Tim Sheehy has called for “pure privatization” of health care. This would mean local community hospitals like the Bitterroot Health-Daly Hospital would lose federal funding, and could potentially shut down. Rural hospitals in Montana are not proftable on their own because of our smaller populations. Without federal funding, they could close.

This has not happened yet, but it could if Tim Sheehy is elected.

It seems only sensible and practical to vote for candidates whose policies afect ourselves, our families and communities’ lives directly and meaningfully. We must re-elect Jon Tester to protect our rural health care.

Hillery Daily Darby

Don’t vote Nov. 5th

If YOUR vote is based on race, color, sexual orientation, political ads or what a celebrity told you who to vote for? PLEASE DON’T VOTE.

Men and women already have reproductive rights. However, if YOU believe that YOU have the right to kill a fetus because YOU didn’t use one of the many products available to prevent a pregnancy, PLEASE DON’T VOTE.

If YOU plan to vote for the candidate that promises you a FREE RIDE (free college tuition, free money to buy a house, free money to start a business, free medical or free money because you live on the planet earth) ALL which will further divide our nation and further raise the defcit which is presently at $1.9 Trillion, PLEASE DON’T VOTE.

Richard Coleman Hamilton

Have you bought permission to keep a dog?

Oh, my! I found a fyer posted on a bulletin board recently. My response was inevitable. I just cannot be quiet. The compelling need to expound and elaborate on the public promotion of “compassionate government” displayed is too much for me to resist. After all, what you don’t know CAN hurt you. And your dog, especially if the mutt is NOT registered, recorded, chipped, jabbed, neutered, and protected.

The Carrot: “If your dog gets loose and has a Town of Stevensville tag, we can contact you and aid in reuniting you with your dog.”

Isn’t that nice! Government at its very best!! The Town of Stevensville has a vested interest in making sure that you and your beloved dog are not separated, but if you are, it will do whatever it can to bring you back together. What a beautiful idea! After all, love for its citizens and taxpayers is one of the hallmarks of government, especially at the local level, where names and faces are connected. Council forbid that anyone should run the risk of losing their dog!

The Stick: “If you live in town limits, it is a town ordinance, and you can be cited for having an unlicensed dog. Resolution No. 536.”

Ah, out comes the club. You will license your dog, dammit, or else! Unlicensed dogs will not be allowed or tolerated. Don’t even try. Don’t think you can get away with Breaking the Law! Conform. Comply. Obey. Or else!

The Conditions: Your dog’s vaccinations must be current and up to date. If they are not, the implied message is that you will be denied a license to “own” a dog, which means that you are in violation of Resolution No. 536. See the Town Clerk on your way out to pay the tax, er, I mean, fne. BTW, this requirement is for your own good, since everyone knows that “unvaxxed” dogs are a threat and a menace to other dogs which have already been “jabbed and boosted.” Y’know, kind of like the Covid thing. But, one can never be too safe and if it means that the “safe and efective” shots must be mandated, well, then, that is the price you pay for freedom and the “right” to have a dog.

The Cost: $10.00, due and payable every year from now until forever, unless the rate is increased, at which time you will be notifed. Oh, one exception. If you are a “Senior Citizen” (meaning you have reached the hallowed status of Old Age by some quirk of nature), you are entitled to a 50% discount on the cost of your dog’s license, because the Town of Stevensville knows what a burden it is for its richest citizens to be told to cough up an extra fve bucks a year. More probably, it knows that older people are politically active AND THEY VOTE, which explains everything.

But wait, as the TV ads shriek, there’s more.

Not only are you forbidden to keep a dog without paying the “toll,” but you must also reach deep into your wallet if you want to have a rabbit, a chicken, or a duck. However, because these are exotic species (more so than the plain, mundane dog), the fee demanded is increased to $25.00, also presumably due and payable annually. That’s right! If you want to keep a rabbit in your house as a pet, you must buy permission from the Town, which is always looking out for your welfare.

Just think about it. Should the rabbit escape and go on the lam, at least the Town will know where it is supposed to be and will make every efort to get it home “safely,” that is, if it is also tagged properly. There is nothing listed here about price breaks for the “sainted gray hairs,” however. Maybe the Town is trying to discourage its oldsters from engaging in the practice of cuddling rabbits.

Chickens? Ducks? Pay up! Just do it. I am surprised, however, that there is no mention of vaccination records for these species. With all the hype and hoopla of “Avian Flu epidemics” and the controlled, government mandated killings of millions and millions of birds, a rational person would think that the Town of Stevensville would at least make noises about “safety” in this regard. But, nope. Crickets. Which only goes to show the extent of the compassion the Town has for its most vulnerable citizens. Better to simply price them out of the market.

(Disclaimer: In just a little over a month, I will experience my 66th birthday and I have had gray hair for years. I do not, however, have any sympathy for the “victim” mentality of the Boomer generation. I think that if a price break were to be given to anyone, it should be a young couple with kids who are just getting started in adult life. They need help.)

One question I have for the Town is why they did not include cats, horses, or cattle into this mix? What about guinea pigs which are almost as loud as rabbits, but stink more? What about canaries? Or because geese were excluded, does that mean that someone can put up a pair of honkers in their backyard? For that matter, an unrestrained boa constrictor is probably more of a threat than a dog (at least to those who keep pet mice), yet nothing is said about those. Why doesn’t the Town simply outlaw ALL animal husbandry (oops, bad word) unless express permission is granted, with the appropriate requisite fee being paid, of course.

Of course.

Oh, my! It’s a good thing I don’t live within the town limits or there would be trouble. More than likely, I would have to run for a seat on the Council simply to create opposition for this kind of shakedown. Because that is literally what it is. A shakedown. As it is, I’ll just raise a ruckus from the safety of my own space not far from the scene of the crime and maybe, just

maybe, someone else may sit up and take notice.

Let’s get real, here. A license is nothing more than permission granted by a recognized authority to an individual with regard to conducting some manner of activity. Permission. Permission granted. Permission denied. Call it whatever you want, but boiled down to the bare essence, it means that someone, somewhere, decides what you can and cannot do. And then charges you for the purpose of ofcially stamping a document.

Your papers, please. As freedom-loving citizens of the United Socialist State of America, we love it and clamor for more.

God help us!

I’m stoked!

Roger Mitchell Stevensville

I would love to share beer or cofee and chat with Kamala Harris, and I would even buy a deep-fried Twinkie from Tim Walz, which is saying something. (I’m told they have deep-fried Everything at midwestern state fairs.)

As it turns out, and much to everyone’s surprise (including mine), we are moving to Tim Walz’s state, Minnesota, at the end of the month. I thought Montana was Home, but then I met Lake Superior and realized we could have that and be within a 3-hour drive of one of our kids and one fight of the other, and that did it. We are both sad and happy to leave the Bitterroot.

I am so grateful for our 12 years here – even for whoever it was who called me a “feminazi” for my letters to the Bitterroot Star. Thank you so much to the Star for printing just about every letter they receive and providing a community forum, so we can have a sense that some of us may have strange perspectives, but we’re all in this together.

As the Rev. Raphael Warnock, US Senator for Georgia, says, “A vote is a kind of prayer about the kind of world you want to live in.” Please keep that in mind. Since Harris and Walz came together, the joy of possibility is palpable. We can all be kind. Imagine where that can lead!

Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Hamilton

Reject the party of ‘no’

As a young voter, I was surrounded

by both the Democratic and Republican infuences. One party trended more progressive and the other more conservative, but they shared one thing in common: they both recognized that the future of our country depended on a functioning government actively working to solve problems. Unfortunately, this awareness no longer holds true.

Democratic leaders, for all their faws, recognize that Americans—and the world—face real problems that are not going to vanish simply by muttering “It’s all going to be great again.” These problems range from maintaining our national security, ensuring universal afordable health care, guaranteeing control over our own bodies, and making sure our economy continues to thrive without dooming the planet to climate catastrophe. To fnd solutions to these problems, Democrats often fail around. The process is inefcient and frustrating, but they manage to keep moving forward. Steadily, we are making progress.

In contrast, Republican leaders have abandoned any pretense at solving the problems that the vast majority of us face. The GOP has made it clear that its goals are to a) maintain power and b) keep putting more and more wealth into the hands of the very few. This has created a terrible dilemma for Republican leaders. After all, how do you keep getting votes when you aren’t doing anything to make people’s lives safer, healthier, and more prosperous?

Easy. You tell lies and yell a lot. In fact, conservatives have spent decades perfecting a disinformation apparatus that misleads voters on almost every front. They tell their audience that climate change is a hoax—never mind the alarming rise in natural disasters hitting us every year. They portray brutal dictators as friends of the United States. They keep pushing the failed idea that giving the wealthy even more money will somehow make the middle and poorer classes better of, all while giving corporations almost unlimited power to do what they want. Most efectively, they starve and undermine public education to make sure our children remain too ignorant to challenge their outrageous actions and policies.

What’s missing in all of this? Solutions. Take last spring’s carefully crafted bipartisan border bill that would have addressed a host of immigration issues. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers were on board with

the plan—until the current czar of the party, a guy named Donald, whispered into the ears of GOP senators that passing the plan would give a win to Democrats. How did the Republicans vote? NO.

“No,” in fact, is the only word Republican leaders seem to be able to speak these days.

No to a fair economic playing feld.

No to personal freedom.

No to defense against foreign aggressors. No to safety nets for seniors and other Americans. No to slowing climate change. No to almost any solution of any kind.

But here’s the thing. If you are a Republican and Trump again loses the election, that does not mean that you lose the election. The opposite is true. Republicans, Democrats, and everyone in between are already in a vastly better position with Democrats in the White House, and that will continue to hold true. I often hear MAGA believers talk about “Taking Back America”— but it’s not Democrats or liberals they need to take America back from. It is the self-serving dishonesty of Fox News, Breitbart, and more than anything, the GOP’s would-be king. Only then, will Republicans be able to join Democrats in a meaningful search for solutions to the problems we all face.

Thank you, Sen. Tester

Thank you for representing my opinion on the Senate foor. The question was whether to close the Job Corps Centers. I felt like we needed to give our young adults a second chance by educating them in a trade to help them be a taxpayer.

I faxed you a letter late Sunday night from Montana and you referenced my letter on the Senate foor on Monday morning. You restored my faith that my opinion was valuable in Washington DC. You represented me and did not ask if I supported your campaign, you did not ask if I was a Democrat. I appreciate that you represented me just because I was from Montana and I cared. The Job Corps Centers remain open and are serving our young adults. Thank you.

Sneed Collard Missoula

Carol Peterson Corvallis

A Course of Love study

group

Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480

Florence American Legion

Florence American Legion Post

134 is having a free pancake breakfast on the frst Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.

Soroptimist Club

Ladies, do you want to help women and girls in the Valley through education and economic empowerment projects? Do you have a few hours to help with fundraising programs or are you looking for leadership opportunities? Make a diference and support projects that make life better for women and girls. Come to a meeting the frst and second Thursdays of the month, noon to one at BJs Restaurant. For more information, https://www.sihamilton.org/ or contact Marcia Babowicz at 406-369-0915, marciababo@gmail. com.

MS Support Group

Bitterroot MS Support Group

meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Cofee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www.nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail. com

Bitterroot Celtic Society

The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion.

ditional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.

Hamilton school board

Governance Committee Meeting

Thursday – October 3, 2024

12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room

The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – October 8, 2024

6:30 p.m. – District Ofce – Conference Room

The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg

North Valley Library

Fiber Arts Club - Thurs. Oct 3 at 12pm

Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting?

Bring your work-in-progress, problem piece, or brand-new pattern and enjoy the company of like-minded crafters during this informal Fiber Arts Club. All experience levels welcome. Club is held the frst Thursday of every month from 12-1:30pm in the Community Room.

Living With the Land featuring Louise Ogemahgeshig Fisher - Thurs. Oct 3 at 6pm

During this captivating presentation, Anishinaabe Indian Louise Ogemahgeshig Fisher will inspire you to think about “living with the land” in new ways. Covering medicinal plants and their uses, Indian history and ways of life, hunting, fshing, foods, clothing, gatherings, stars, storytelling, and more, Louise’s presentation is an exciting look into the past and inspiration for the present. Louise will share artifacts, sing an Indian song now and then, and having lived in the old ways, shares from experience and from the heart. This presentation is part of the Human-

Enter the exciting world of RPGs! New campaigns are beginning now for ages 12-18.

Ballot forum

A public forum on the Ballot Initiatives 126 and 127, “Open Primaries” and “Majority Wins” voting at the Hamilton City Hall, 2nd and Bedford on Thursday, October 3rd at 6:00 pm. Sponsored by the Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee.

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, October 4 at 12 noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Susie Hedalen, Republican nominee for Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

NV Library beneft book sale

The annual Big Book Sale to beneft the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will be held the frst weekend of October in the library Community Room.

The sale will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. The best selection will be available on Oct. 4, and books will be priced accordingly. Prices will be lowered on Oct. 5, and a “bag sale” is planned for the last 90 minutes of the sale on Oct. 5, with a bag of books selling for $10.

Book donations will be accepted in the Community Room of the Library on Oct. 2-3, from 3 to 8 pm each day. Textbooks, magazines, and VHS tapes will not be accepted.

The NVPL Foundation and Friends of the Library are presenting the sale.

The library Community Room is located at 208 Main St., Stevensville. For more information, contact Carla at (406) 777-7318.

Salish Dance & Drum Presentation

A Salish Drum

grounds, Stevensville. Visit www.saintmarysmission.org for more info.

Lone Rock Park Board

Lone Rock Park Board will meet Wednesday, October 9 at 7:30 pm at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road, Stevensville. Public welcome.

Scarecrow Festival

Create a scarecrow and participate in this special event October 4-5 - viewing until Oct. 12. Stevensville Scarecrow Festival - Friday, 4pm - 9pm, Friday; Saturday 9am-9pm. Scarecrow display until October 12. Join in for music, food and fun. Visit www.StevensvilleScarecrowFestival.org

HD 88 candidate forum

On October 14, just as mail-in ballots are arriving at homes, a forum will be held at Florence-Carlton School featuring Greg Overstreet and Evan Schroedel, the candidates seeking to represent you in the next Montana Legislature. Before you cast your ballot, here’s a chance to hear your candidates’ positions on issues of importance to you. The forum will beheld Monday, October 14, at 7 p.m. at the Florence-Carlton Elementary School, multi-purpose room (east entrance, of Long Avenue)… watch for signs.

Hosted by the Florence Civic Club. For further information contact Ann Bethea, Secretary, Florence Civic Club, (406) 403-6491.

Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour

An Artists Studio Tour will be held on October 18-20, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm

Artists Along the Bitterroot is a coalition of artists that ofer a unique opportunity to explore an artist’s workspace, view demonstrations and learn more about their tools and sources of inspiration. Tour the Bitterroot Valley’s fnest art studios, only minutes away from beautiful hiking trails, fshing, scenic views, and local brews. Twenty

artists working in a wide range of mediums are opening their studios to visitors of all ages. Meet 28 artists, experience their working spaces and learn their stories! Artists’ mediums include cast bronze, glasswork, photography, printmaking, encaustic mixed media, leather art, concrete sculpting, collage, alcohol dyes, cold wax, oil, pastel acrylic and watercolor painting. Enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley as you take the Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour, October 18-20. For map and more information go to artistsalongthebitterroot.com.

Poets in the ‘Root Nature in nearly all manifestations has inspired poets since there were poets! And at least since the Roman poet Horace wrote Ars Poetica or the Art of Poetry in 19BC, literature, including poetry, sought to both instruct and delight. Poets in the ‘Root combines these two aims in an uncommon but simple way. One person reads a favorite poem or part of a poem that uses an element of nature to convey its message. Most read poems by others, but if you’re a poet, we’d love to hear your work. Then the same or another person gives an explanation (5 minutes max) of some aspect of that nature element. The explanation focuses on nature interpretation, not literary interpretation. Listeners get a bit of poetry and a bit of natural history. Free and open to the public. The program will be hosted by Explore the Arts, at 701 Main, Hamilton, on Saturday, October 26th, at 1 pm. There will be refreshments, including cofee, tea, wine, and snacks! Bitterroot Bird Alliance, the Montana Natural History Center, and Blue Heron Nature Tours are sponsoring this event. If you want to read, provide natural history interpretation or have questions, contact Micki Long at mickilong@gmail.com

By Ryan Busse

Montana has never been more expensive, and Governor Greg Gianforte is pouring gas on the fre. Gianforte raised property taxes by as much as 111%. That’s the largest increase in Montana history. What’s worse, he’s handed out tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires like himself, while pricing hardworking Montanans and seniors out of their homes.

One of the most important decisions we face this election year is who we should ask to be our next governor. My name is Ryan Busse. I’m asking for your vote to Get Your Montana Back.

This decision isn’t about political party, and has almost nothing to do with national political elections. For me, it’s about saving the state we love: about lowering property taxes, making Montana more afordable, and protecting our individual constitutional rights.

I’m not a politician. I’m a former executive from the frearms industry. I sold 3 million guns while helping to build a company called Kimber. I’m proud of creating good-paying jobs in Montana.

With a multi-billion dollar government surplus in Helena, it’s simply unacceptable for Gianforte to continue to raise taxes. No one said “keep the change.”

It’s time for new leadership in Helena. Did you know that Gianforte—one of the wealthiest people in our state—is paying less on his own, personal property taxes this year? He’s the only homeowner in his entire neighborhood whose property taxes actually went down last year.

Don’t be fooled by those mailers Gianforte sent out. The State of Montana, not local governments, sets the overall tax rate for residential property, so it didn’t sit well with me when Gianforte tried to pass the blame for his own tax hike to local elected leaders—most of them fellow Republicans. Now those Republican mayors and county commissioners are calling Gianforte out for his lies. I’m proud that his campaign is made up of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats who are setting aside their diferences on national politics to come together and save our state.

In addition to lowering property taxes, I have a plan to fx our broken funding model for K-12 education. I also have a plan to increase access to public lands, so that you don’t have to be a millionaire like Gianforte to access Montana’s best hunting and fshing spots.

But under Gianforte, it’s hard to stay afoat even with a good-paying job. That’s why on Day One, I have a plan to lower property taxes for everyone—not just private mansion owners like Gianforte. The nonpartisan Montana Taxpayers Association calls my plan the simplest. I’ll lower tax rates on all classes of property, and cut residential property taxes by $112 million. My plan will also cut taxes on small businesses and family farms and ranches.

Montanans have a proud history of voting for the person, not political party. Gianforte has failed us by raising our taxes when Montana has never been more expensive. It doesn’t have to be this way. I am asking for your vote. Let’s get your Montana back.

Shane Clouse

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Corvallis boys, Powell win golf divisionals

The Corvallis boys golf team won the Western A Divisional championship at Old Works in Anaconda on Friday, September 27. And it wasn’t close. The Corvallis team of Brady Powell (even par), Tag Jessop (+3), Tate Jessop (+4), and Dylan Wirt (+6) shot a combined +13 over par. To highlight their domination, 2nd place Whitefsh was +35 as a team, so Corvallis beat them by a whopping 22 strokes.

The race for the boys individual winner was much closer. Corvallis’ Brady Powell and Hamilton’s Tyce O’Connell were tied after 18 holes, both shooting an even par 72. So they had to go to a one hole sudden death playof to decide the winner.

They played hole 18 frst and both boys made par. They played 16 next and both made par. Then, on the par three 17th, Powell hit his tee shot to 7 feet and made his birdie to win the championship.

Corvallis’ Tag Jessop and Hamilton’s Josh Bender shot matching 75s to tie for 4th. Corvallis’ Tate Jessop shot a 76 for 7th, and Corvallis’ Dylan Wirt shot a 78 to place 9th.

In the boys team standings, the Hamilton team of O’Connell, Bender, Torean Carroll and Jackson Kirkbride took 5th. The Stevensville boys team of Kaden Wyant, Drake Tully, Colton

on

Hamilton makes fag football state semifnals

The fag football state tournament took place in Bozeman on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27. This was the third season for girls high school fag football in Montana and the frst season that Hamilton had a fag football team.

The Hamilton girls made it all the way to the semifnal game where they lost to Huntley Project 21-12. Hamilton won their frst round game over Roundup 42-0. They then won their 2nd round game against East Helena 21-0, sending them to the semifnal game where they lost to Huntley. In the championship game, Kalispell Glacier won their third straight title by defeating Huntley 18-13.

Golf scramble winners

for the North

was held Aug. 17 at Whitetail Golf Course in Stevensville. The event was presented by the NVPL Foundation and Friends of the Library. This year’s winning team was, from left, Sean Torrey, Kelsey Irwin, Bob Roth, and Mark Kimp

Schiele, and Jackson Guenzler took 11th.

In the girls individual contest, for Hamilton, Cameron Burnett shot a 93 and took 7th, Bryn Cianfone shot a 102 and tied for 13th, Heather Beerman tied for 20th, and Haley Weber tied for 22nd. As a team, the Hamilton girls took 5th.

The Class A State Golf tournament is at the Polson Bay Golf Course in Polson on October 4-5.

Football Roundup

Corvallis 44, Libby

0

Corvallis hosted Libby on Friday, September 27 and won 44-0. Corvallis’ Solomon Morgan stormed out of the gate, scoring three straight touchdowns in the frst quarter. First he scored on a 65-yard run, then he caught a 13-yard TD pass, and then a 7-yard TD pass.

Corvallis’ QB Aydan Mayn threw 4 TD passes, including a 17-yard pass to Hunter Loesch and 41-yard pass to Reese Tucker. Caleb Johansen added a 18-yard TD run in the 4th quarter.

The Blue Devils have now outscored opponents 294-102 at home over the last two seasons.

Corvallis head coach Josh McCrossin said of the win, “We’re super proud of the growth our guys have shown in the last couple of weeks. We’ll enjoy the win and come back to work on Monday to get ready for a great opportunity next week against a good Dillon team.”

Stevensville’s Logan Bryan running with the ball. Bryan scored Stevensville’s lone touchdown against Ronan on Friday, Sept. 27 as the ‘Jackets were defeated 36-8. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Corvallis is now 3-2 on the season and will play at Dillon (3-1) this Friday. Dillon is ranked #3 in the 406mtsports.com poll and #4 in the montanasports.com poll.

Florence 55, Whitehall 6 Florence, ranked #5 in the latest 406mtsports.com and montanasports. com polls, hosted Whitehall on Friday, September 27 and trounced the Trojans 55-6. Florence led 7-0 after one quarter, then erupted for 34 points in the 2nd quarter to lead 41-0 at halftime. The Falcons scored twice in the 3rd quarter, then coasted to the win.

The Florence defense caused 3 interceptions and 2 fumbles and scored twice. Levi Winters returned an interception 55 yards for a TD, and Mose Smith returned a fumble 79 yards for a TD.

Mason Arlington had 5 total TDs (4 passing and one rushing). Drew Wagner had two TD receptions, and Brody Duchien and Isaac Bates each had TD

receptions. Florence is now 4-1 on the season and hosts Anaconda (0-4) on Friday.

Stevensville 8, Ronan 36 Stevensville hosted Ronan on Friday, September 27 and lost 36-8. Stevensville’s lone touchdown came on a 9-yard run by Logan Bryan; Bryan also ran in the two-point conversion. The ‘Jackets are now 0-5 on the season and travel to Polson (3-2) this Friday to tangle with the Pirates

Victor 6, Valley Christian 84

The Victor Pirates played Valley Christian (the 406mtsports #3 ranked 8-man team) and lost 6-84 on Friday, September 27. The Pirates (1-4) travel to Superior this Friday to battle the Bobcats.

Hamilton (1-3) and Darby (3-1) had byes last week. Hamilton plays at #1 Frenchtown (5-0) this Friday, while Darby plays at St. Ignatius (3-1) on Friday.

The annual Birdies for Books golf scramble, a beneft

Valley Public Library,

Corvallis’ Brady Powell putting to win the 2024 Western A Divisional Championship. Powell sank the 7 foot putt to defeat Hamilon’s Tyce O’Connell in a sudden death playoff on September 27 in Anaconda. Photo by Kristy Schlimgen.

The Corvallis boys golf team with their 2024 Western A Divisional Championship trophy in Anaconda. The Corvallis boys dominated the feld at Old Works in Anaconda

Friday, September 27 to win the title. Photo by Kristy Schlimgen.

Sports Hamilton defeats Stevensville in volleyball

The Stevensville volleyball team hosted Hamilton on Tuesday, September 24. It was a competitive match, but Hamilton had too much frepower in the end and won 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-21). For Hamilton, Aurie Duncan had 20 assists and 4 aces, Ciara Hanley had 10 kills, Lundyn Murray had 13 digs, and Ella Grifn had 2 blocks. For Stevensville, Jaidan Oyler had 3 aces and 11 assists, Kenzi Frost had 2 aces, 6 kills and 7 digs, Sophia Hutchison had 5 kills, Kyndahl Plantz had 4 kills and 2 blocks, Britta Miller had 2 blocks, and Lilly Newson had 9 digs. Hamilton then went to Butte to play Butte Central on Thursday, September 26. Hamilton

had three starters injured but still won easily 3-0 (25-7, 25-13, 25-13). For Hamilton, Ashlyn McKern had 7 kills, Jenna Ellis had 5 aces, Lundyn Murray had 5 aces and 8 digs, and Carsyn Clack at 20 assists.

Florence on a roll

The Florence volleyball team continued their strong play last week. On Tuesday, September 24, they traveled to Anaconda and won 3-1 (25-18, 19-25, 25-23, 25-21). For Florence, Emory Ralston had 3 aces and 12 kills, Ava Philbrick had 3 blocks, Maggie Schneiter had 23 assists, and Ella Goeltz had 13 digs. Then on Thursday, they hosted Deer Lodge and won 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-22). For Florence, Emory Ralston had 5 aces, 8 kills and 13 digs, Maggie Schneiter had 26 assists, Elise Schneiter had a block, and Ella Goeltz had one block and 10 digs.

Bitterroot Valley Soccer Roundup

Stevensville defeats Corvallis

The Corvallis soccer teams hosted Stevensville on Thursday, September 26. The Stevensville girls defeated Corvallis 3-1 and the Stevensville boys won 7-1. In the girls game, for Stevensville, Addi Nobi had 2 goals, Madigan Hurlburt had a goal and an assist, and Deci Endres and Neveah Meeder each had an assist. For Corvallis, Kate Allen scored the goal.

In the boys game, for Stevensville, Cole Fowler had 3 goals, David Beames had 3 goals, and Silas Seibert had a goal. Corvallis’ goal came from Ryan Ortiz.

The Stevensville boys hosted Libby on Saturday and won 8-1 as they continue to steamroll through conference play. For Stevensville, David Beames had 4 goals and an assist, Anton Ptok had 2 goals and an assist, Umar Sodagar had a goal and an assist,

Khanh (Toan) Nguyen had a goal, and Evan Montague had 2 assists. The Stevensville girls lost to Loyola 5-1 on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Stevensville’s lone goal came from Millie Shepp.

Corvallis hosted Frenchtown on Saturday. The girls won 2-1 while the boys lost in a close match 4-5.

In the girls game, for Corvallis, Kate Allen had a goal and an assist, Farah Wyche had a goal, and Ava Loran had an assist.

In the boys game, for Corvallis, Eli Knight had 3 goals and an assist, Ryan Ortiz had a goal, and Noah Hall had an assist.

Hamilton soccer keeps winning

Hamilton hosted Polson on Saturday, September 28. Hamilton won the girls game 4-1. For Hamilton, Ellie Hughes had 2 goals and an assist, Anna Lewis

had a goal and an assist, and Victoria Stuart had a goal.

The Hamilton boys won 2-0. For Hamilton, Zach Olbricht scored both goals and Dane Hayward assisted both goals. Hamilton hosted Frenchtown on Thursday, September 26th. Hamilton dominated both the girls and boys games with the girls winning 8-0 and the boys winning 6-1.

In the girls game, for Hamilton, Anna Lewis had a big game with 5 goals and an assist, Ellie Hughes had a goal and an assist, Chloe Greek and Hannah Hughes each had a goal, and Greta Gantz had three assists.

In the boys game, for Hamilton, Dane Hayward had two goals and three assists, Zach Olbricht had a goal and an assist, and Daniel Cavalli, Tyler Jette and Marian Sasse each had a goal.

Bitterroot runners at Mountain West Classic

The Bitterroot Valley cross country teams of Corvallis, Darby, Florence, Hamilton, and Stevensville were in Missoula at the University Golf Course on Saturday, September 28 for the Mountain West Classic. For those unfamiliar, all the cross country races in Montana are fve kilometers long.

The Mountain West Classic is a massive annual event. In the boys varsity race there were 66 teams and

492 runners. In the girls varsity race there were 52 teams and 399 runners. A top fnish in this race is impressive. Individually for the boys, Florence’s Kyler Harris took 21st (16:18.85), Corvallis’ Jack Davidson took 24th (16:21.96), Corvallis’ Carter Koerner took 59th (17:01.37), Florence’s CJ Pijanowski took 64th (17:04.49), Darby’s Ben Martin took 96th (17:30.44), Stevensville highest fnisher was Benjamin White in 231st (18:44.30).

PREVENT: Read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and protect your Medicare number.

DETECT: Look for services you didn’t receive, double charges, or items your doctor didn’t order. Request a Health Care Tracker from SMP to compare appointment information with what is printed on your MSN.

REPORT: Call SMP if you suspect health care fraud, errors, or abuse, or if you would like to request a Health Care Tracker.

Call 1 (800)

The overall boys winner was Owen Thiel of Glacier with a time of 15:41.06.

Individually for the girls, Hamilton’s Aleigha Child placed 14th (19:17.31), Corvallis’ Violet Jessop placed 20th (19:42.06), Hamilton’s Claire Seifert took 59th (20:39.11), Corvallis’ Autumn Benson took 90th, Darby’s Lily Adair took 122nd (21:33.07), and Stevensville’s highest

fnisher was Bryton Brewer at 222nd (23:22.21).

The overall girls winner was Lauren Bissen of Glacier with a time of 18:22.69.

In the girls teams standings, Hamilton took 16th and Corvallis took 19th.

In the boys team standings, Corvallis fnished 12th, Florence was 23rd, Hamilton was 24th, and Stevensville was 56th.

Hamilton’s #5 Kaitlyn Snavely going up for a kill against Stevensville on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Hamilton won 3-0. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Stevensville’s (L to R) Kenzi Frost, Addison Drye, and Sophia Hutchison ready to receive a serve from Hamilton on Tuesday, Sept. 24. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Marilyn Sawatsky

Marilyn Sawatsky, of Hamilton, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at the Bitterroot Living Centre, with her son Michael and daughterin-law Deanna by her side. She was 85.

Marilyn was born June 6, 1939, in Portland, Arkansas, to Thomas and Audrey Knight. She was the sister of John “Buddy” Knight and a twin to Betty Carilyn Knight. Betty survived only 17 days and Marilyn spoke often about seeing her again one day.

She had been a resident of 150 Skeels Avenue in Hamilton for the past six years, coming to Montana from Northern California to be near family.

Marilyn married Billy Tidwell in Greenville, Mississippi in 1957 and four children were born to that union.

They moved to California where she spent most of her life. She taught Sunday School for years and was the piano player at their church.

Marilyn later married Jake Sawatsky and began a career in nursing. She was a nurse with Mercy Hospital in both Redding and Sacramento, for 23 years until retirement. Jake passed away in 2004.

Upon arriving in Montana, Marilyn became a member of the Assembly of God Church in Hamilton and had many friends in her church family that

James ‘Jim’ West

It’s with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James “Jim” David West, 74, of Pinesdale, MT who returned to his Father in Heaven on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 at his home.

Jim was born on January 2, 1950 in Emporia, Kansas to David Elgin West and Virginia May Alderdice West, the second oldest of seven children. He was always a leader, graduating from Butte High School as class president and student body president in 1969. He also excelled in sports: football, track, wrestling as well as participating in Pep Club and the Top 16. He attended college in Miles City, Montana where he received several certifcates and degrees while working for Montana Power. Later on, he attended Montana Tech where he earned a diesel mechanics degree.

In 1972, Jim married the love of his life, Ausra Eugenia Rudvalis. They met at church in Butte, MT where he was giving his homecoming address after his LDS mission to Mexico. It was love at frst sight for both of them and they were a match made in heaven; the defnition of true love. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had the ability to talk to anyone and make them feel important, heard, and valued. If you knew him, you were his friend.

As a father, Jim supported his family by working at Montana Power for 10 years locally. Jim then moved his family 500 miles away and continued his 1000-mile-round-trip commute for another nine years. Afterwards, he worked as a Master Farmer with West Greenhouse and West Naturals Farm, coining the phrase “Taste a Real Tomato!” Ausra and Jim participated in and helped start many farmers markets in the Bitterroot Valley and

Death Notices

Robert W. Ostrum

Hamilton - Robert W. Ostrum passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Bitterroot Health following an illness. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www. brothersmortuary.com

cared for her and loved on her in many ways, with visitations and meals, rides to appointments, luncheons and dinners and other church gatherings.

She was a faithful prayer warrior, with family and friends always on her heart and in her prayers. She was an avid reader, her Bible frst and foremost, but enjoyed her books and magazines of all sorts.

Her favorite author was Debbie McComber, and she had read every book she had written over the years.

Marilyn had a love for music and played piano and accordion. She had a keyboard that she brought to gatherings where friends and family played music together.

Marilyn is survived by her brother Buddy of Inkom, Idaho; children Mike Tidwell (Deanna) of Stevensville, MT; Patrick Tidwell of Chehalis, WA; Debbie Hambelton of Lancaster, CA and Candace Martin of Belton, TX, along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Thank you to all the hospital staf and hospice care teams in both Hamilton and Stevensville for your care. It has been much appreciated.

Private family interment took place at Sunnyside Cemetery in Stevensville.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hamilton

surrounding areas. As needed, Jim would work odd jobs including a ski lift and diesel mechanic and was even a water tender (fre truck) driver/operator.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Ausra; his siblings: Nancy and Paul Murray, Charlotte and Fred Wheeler, Dan and Jo West; in-laws Diana and Mary West; his children: David West and Melissa Parker West, Judy and Sam Allred, Sonja West, Robert and Tara West, Natalie and Shaun Radmall, John and Erin West, Sarah and David Ray, Stephen and Emily West, Sean and Farrah West; his 36 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Jim is cherished by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his mother Virginia, his father David, his siblings: Maryann Swinton, Howard West, Tom West; and Jim’s son Jimmy.

Assembly of God at 601 W. Main Street on Saturday, October 5th at 11:00.

Jim was known for his unwavering faith in God which he developed as a child. His example and his testimony have brought many people to Christ. He witnessed many miracles in his life. He was a living miracle for us, defying death numerous times. He sufered his frst heart attack at 54 and we were incredibly blessed to have him for another 20 years. In 2023, he was diagnosed with MDS blood cancer which weakened his body.

Jim was known for his green thumb or as his

Kenneth M. Nuxoll

Missoula - Kenneth M. Nuxoll, 84, passed away Friday night, September 20, 2024.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

wife lovingly says, “his green arm.” He could grow anything which he proved, time and time again. From tasty tomatoes to half-ton pumpkins (his biggest weighing in at 1002 lbs) and everything in between, horticulture defnitely was his passion. If there was anything that Jim needed or wanted to learn, he knew that someone, somewhere wrote about how to do it. Jim turned “I don’t know” into “I don’t know yet” through determination and ingenuity despite dyslexia. In his later years, Jim turned that dedication towards a deeper devotion to studying scripture. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory is honored to care for Mr. James D. West. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www.brothersmortuary.com

Steven B. Griffn

Hamilton - Steven B. Grifn, 77, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www. brothersmortuary.com

October caddis don’t wait for October

You see then all summer long: those little sand-and-gravel cases on the downstream side of rocks in the shallows of the stream. They might have a little black head and legs sticking out and crawl slowly across the bottom. Spook them, cast a shadow over them, and they pull their heads in, lie still, and seem to disappear.

They crawl out of their cases and build new ones several times through the summer. Each case is glued together from the sand in the river bottom using a special UV-refective protein “glue” that the little bug exudes for the purpose. When the old case doesn’t ft, of it comes and the cream-colored and grub-like little caddis nymph, sometimes called a rockworm, is exposed for a few days while he or she builds another.

few at frst and then more and more each day, the trout often seem to ignore everything else and spend their middays feeding on these big orange caddis nymphs.

When the drifting bugs are within about eighteen inches or so from the surface, they swim as fast as their wiggling legs and wings can move their fat little bodies in an all-out efort to escape and fy away free.

by Chuck Stranahan

They’re usually on their fnal case, about an inch-and-a-quarter long and a quarter-inch or more wide, by early or mid-September. They’ll seal of the case on a rock and pupate within it – grow wings, as a butterfy would within a cocoon.

After about three chilly nights some of them will cut their way out of their little rock fortresses and drift toward the water’s surface. That drift to the top might be as short a few inches or might take a quarter mile in the stream’s main current.

At this point the cream-colored pupa has grown its adult wings and has an orange body. The hatching phase, where they drift to the top, usually occurs during the pleasant part of the day. Once it starts in mid-September this hatching cycle might last for several weeks.

When they break free, these #8 orange caddis pupae drift helplessly as they move from the bottom of the river to the top. Each one is a conspicuous and easy meal for a trout. Once this drift starts to occur, just a

Once on the surface, they buzz the water of their wings and take fight. If a batch of them manage to drift into the same place at the same time the trout congregate there with them and eat as many as they can.

Then they fy like big moths toward the bushes, mate, and the egg-lad-

en females return to the river in the evenings to futter delicately on the surface to deposit their eggs.

Don’t expect to see hordes of October caddis coming to the surface at once. You might see a few in the slow reaches of a long run, in quiet pockets, or in gentle eddies below an inside curl – wherever the current tends to concentrate them toward the end of their drift.

Find that kind of a spot and fsh it mid-afternoons. If you see surface action, fsh a purpose-built skittering giant orange caddis pattern.

That said, the best action is underwater. Over the years of my guiding career, many of the best big-numbers-big-fsh days came at this time of year, on big orange caddis nymphs.

I fshed a heavily weighted #6 medium-shank or #8 caddis pupa, with a dubbed, multicolor body – the same idea that makes the Brindle ‘Chute so successful as a dry fy. I’d have my

foat-fshing clients drift this fy below an indicator.

Or better, we’d stop and wade fsh without an indicator, retrieving in a series of slow 8” pulls with two-second pauses in between.

That’s my preferred method is to fsh this nymph. I’ll cast quartering down and above a good holding area, and feed line as I let the fy sink. I’ll start the steady pull-and-pause retrieve as the fy approaches the bucket where I think there’ll be fsh. When I’m fshing closer to the surface, the pull and pause retrieve gets more active. I’ll comb the water, working downstream, with successive casts. The taut line will telegraph a strike more readily than an indicator. Set up by tightening the line – nothing more.

Give it a try – it isn’t that hard. You’ll fnd yourself detecting more hits – and more hookups than you did with an indicator.

Can’t participate? Donate or Sponsor! Rally your team! Form a team and participate together. To create a team, please contact Amanda Fugina at (406) 375-4764 or amandafugina@biterroothealth.org.

Chuck’s Conehead Orange Caddis gets deep, wiggles, and refects UV light as does the natural. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

GRANT: Expanding CSA ofering to all year

lettuce-type green), and arugula throughout the winter.

The CSAs are delivered to pick-up points in Helena, Kalispel, Missoula, Hamilton and may be picked up at the farm in Stevensville. The deliveries are arranged in a farmer’s market style, allowing some discretion for customers to make some choices.

“Our goal is for shares to consist of approximately half fresh harvested items, like greens, herbs, and specialty vegetables, and half storage crop items, like carrots, squash, and potatoes,” said Smith.

On the farm they have planted pollinator strips for insects and chokecherry trees for birds; they generate solar electricity using 28 photovoltaic

like many businesses and schools, shifted to an emphasis in on-line operations. Madden designed a website including an on-line store that functions a lot like Amazon. While many of the on-line programs started in the pandemic have since languished, the Winter Kissed Farm on-line store has not and continues to almost double its sales every year.

The recently awarded USDA grant will be used to pay for processing labor and packing labor

by 2027. The farm employs seven to 10 people at about $20 an hour working four days a week or less and never

Grace Nichols, a Program Man-

alli County Economic Development

“This grant is unique in that it is very rare to fnd grants that pay for labor, most just pay for equipment and supplies,” said Nichols. She also said she believes that Winter Kissed

Madden worked hard on the grant application and that this particular

about an hour each week and they probably put in another fve hours a week over the span of two and a half months,” said Nichols. She believes they may have put in over 60 hours total on preparing the application. Nichols helps small businesses in making grant applications. She

his background for yourself: (Google Talking Lead podcast #434, April 9, 2022).

The question is, What is he hiding?”

*Prepper: one who prepares for a societal and governmental collapse and often seeks to help accomplish that governmental failure.

A Montana native, family man, and military veteran.

A retired railroad engineer, he is supported by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Western States Carpenters, Montana Public Employees Union, and Montana Planned Parenthood.

volume

views directly from his work.

299 Days, Vol. 1, Pgs.176-177

“What kind of a****le takes pleasure in this? Him. That’s who. He couldn t control the warm joyous feeling he was having that this beast of government was wounded.” Pg. 226

“The (state) legislature was in session, which was never a good thing.” Pgs. 229-230 deceit.

But most importantly, Evan will be a tireless advocate for the middle class; a tireless advocate for you.

“Grant was dealing head-on with the collapse of the United States. That didn’t scare him too much since he had prepared. He was calmly planning on it.”

Katelyn Madden and Max Smith of Winter Kissed Farm in Stevensville. Photo by Michael Howell.

McIntosh Apple Day!

Saturday, October 5th

9am to 2pm at the Ravalli County Museum

This beloved annual Cultural Heritage event is a fundraiser for the Ravalli County Museum. Come help us celebrate the heritage of the Apple Boom in the Bitter Root Valley by enjoying all things apple!

Apple Pies | Apple Butter | Apple Fritters | Cider Pressing Kids Activities | Craft & Food Vendors | Raffle Items Steak Kabobs | Live Music by The Lost Cause Trio & More!

Saturday, October 5th

5pm to 9pm at the Ravalli County Museum

Join us for a relaxing and refreshing evening under the stars! Sample delicious cider from the Rocky Mountain northwest, check out local food trucks, and enjoy live music. Family friendly event, only those 21 years old who wish to taste ciders need an entry ticket. Propane heaters will be available for keeping warm and toasty, but dress for the weather!

FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $4.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.

TWO NIGERIAN DWARF GOATS for sale. Willy fxed male and Lilly fxed female. Will turn 4 in the spring of 2025. Great grazers. You get a hay feed bunk, 3 bales of hay, bag of goat feed, bag of cracked corn. Pics if requested and email address. (406) 821-3810.

FORD 8N TRACTOR, 1948 yr, $450, please call (406) 363-1170.

ESTATE SALE, 10/510/6, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 308 11th, Stevensville, Vintage Restaurant Ware, Household Goods, Decor, Eclectic DVD/CD Collection.

FALLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET. Signing up vendors for a maker’s market at Stevensville Methodist church. Looking for leather, wood, metal, candy, home-canned jams/jellies/ relishes. Just one vendor for each type of ware, nothing mass-produced. Stevensville Methodist women have been holding fall bazaars for more than 100 years! Serving breakfast casseroles, pastries, cofee. Bake sale, silent auction, treasures, house plants, crafts. Same day, same times as St. Mary’s Parish “Fall into Christmas” bazaar. Email cbgofe@ msn.com

D. NEUFELD ESTATE

SALE Kootenai Creek Rd., turn right on Larkspur - follow signs 10/3 (prices frm) 9 to 4, 10/4 - 9 to 3, 10/5 - 9 to 2, 10/6 - 10 to 1 (½ price) Everything you want to fnd at an estate sale! (You have seen our lists before!!) To name some= Western decor, fall dishes & kitchen everything, fshing & camping items, 100+ religious books, bookcases, antique glassware including Blue Danube, men’s clothing, jewelry, collectibles, Christmas stuf, sm. upright

freezer, grandfather clock, many hand & power tools, - foor jack, power lift, bandsaw, & primitive farm implements plus SO Much more. Some items are NFS for the new renter, but there is enough for all! NO EARLIES, CASH

FALLIDAY ARTISAN

MARKET (craft sale) at Stevensville Methodist church (216 College) on Sat, Oct 19 from 9 am - 2 pm. Craft vendors, Ella Buckalew, stained glass, knives, etc. Serving breakfast & hot cofee. Bake sale, plants, silent auction.

SPRINKLER BLOW OUTS. All Seasons Lawn Services are now winterizing Sprinkler Systems. If you need our services, please contact us at 529-0465 or 381-3106 or rapp@bitterroot.com.

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Get your deduction ahead of the year-end! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855- 901-2620 today!

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Apple Day and Liquid Apple Night are almost here

The annual Apple Day will take place Saturday, October 5 from 9 am to 2 pm in front of the Ravalli County Museum at 205 Bedford Street in Hamilton.

Hailed as the “biggest bake sale under the Big Sky,” the 45th annual McIntosh Apple Day Festival at the Ravalli County Museum is not to be missed! This time honored and wellloved festival has been a fundraiser for the Bitter Root Valley Historical Society and Ravalli County Museum from its inception. They have gathered arts, crafts, food and produce vendors from the Hamilton Farmers Market as well as new vendors from outside the area. The highlight of the day is the signature Bake Sale. Hand-picked, locally grown McIntosh apples are lovingly crafted into made-from-scratch apple pies, apple butter, apple fritters and homemade

caramel sauce to pour over a fresh apple. Live music from local musicians add to the festivity while a rafe ofers the chance to win gift baskets and desired items from local crafters and businesses.

Apple Day is followed up by the 10th annual Liquid Apple Night, a hard cider fest under the stars. Local cideries bring their favorite hard apple ciders, food trucks ofer dinner options and more live music makes Apple Night the perfect evening. This family friendly event is also held on Saturday, October 5th from 5 pm to 9 pm on the lawn of the Museum at 205 Bedford Street in Hamilton. Tickets are $35.00 for a tasting glass and unlimited tastes of hard apple cider, apple mead, kombucha and beer. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ravallimuseum.org, at the Museum front desk or at the

gate! The Ravalli County Museum has a threetiered focus of art, local history and natural history. It provides a cultural venue to enrich the experiences of our community through programming and educational opportunities for people of all ages. As the biggest fundraisers of the year, McIntosh Apple Day and Liquid Apple Night help the Museum to continue to serve our community with free educational programs and presentations, permanent and changing exhibits, archival and collection preservation, cultural heritage events and more. For more information, visit the website at www.ravallimuseum.org

BUDGET: Stevensville fnishes budget, votes in new airport manager

Continued from page 1

mentioned was that they have seen an improvement in the town from last year’s audit, and the town seems to be making eforts to correct problems, as there are now fewer violations.

The next budget related item included the public hearing for the preliminary Town budget for the fscal year 2024-2025. Nancy Lowell, a former council member and former town clerk, stood to comment. She mentioned that the budget did not balance out. Robert Underwood, part time fnance ofcer for the Town, explained that they are within the legally required percentage when looking at the accuracy of their fgures. He said there is a lot subject to change within the allotted year, which is why there is a safety margin. He also stated that is why they overestimated so much, and created the safety margin. Another of Lowell’s concerns was with the cannabis fund estimate, which the Town receives from the county. Lowell thought the estimate seemed low. Underwood stated they estimated it low because if they spend the money and don’t receive as much as they thought, they would be out that money. It is after all, he stated, just an estimate. To him, this again fell into creating safety margins.

out next week. The Zone 1 pick-up will be at Creekside and Twin Creeks on Monday, October 7. Zone 2 will be from Central Avenue to Main Street, north, on October 8. Zone 3 will be from 5th Street to Main Street, to Park Avenue, north, on October 9. Zone 4 will be from 5th Street to Main Street, to Middle Burnt Fork Road, south, on October 11. There will be no drop of at Lewis and Clark Park this year. For more information on the fall clean-up, interested parties can call (406) 7775271, ext. 104.

The town also appointed a new Airport Manager. Brian Germane was appointed by the mayor and the town council voted to accept the appointment. Germane stood to speak, saying that he would like to keep the momentum going that was started by his predecessor, Will Rowe, as well as to improve relations. “We’ve got such a great group of people involved here,” said Germane, mentioning the airport board and the town, the airport users and the town council. He is optimistic about the future. Craig Thomas, the Stevensville airport board chair, spoke on behalf of Germane’s appointment, saying “he is dedicated and he is very much involved. I will give him my full support.”

Wars of Prophecy

Gog & Magog Ezek. 38:2 Ezek. 38, 39 Knowledge from God Ezek. 38: 16, 39:22 Gog & Magog, Persia, Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer, Togarmah, Friends Ezek. 38:1-7 Latter Years Ezek. 38:8 Magog & Isles Mountains of Israel Ezek. 38:8, 39:6 7 mo. Burning the Dead Ezek. 38:9-39:17 Come like a Storm Ezek. 38:9 God Ezek. 38:18-39:17 Sacrifice Ezek. 39:17 Power Ezek. 38:18-22

Rev. 16:1 Rev. 14, 16, 19 Eliminates all Kings & Armies Rev. 16:14, 19:15 Antichrist, all Kings, all Armies Rev. 16:14, 19:15

End of Tribulation Rev. 16:12-16

Valley of Megiddo Rev. 16:15, Zech. 12:11 All Kings & Armies Rev. 16:14, 19:15

Devils working Miracles Rev. 16:14 God Rev. 14:20, 19:15 Wine Press Rev. 14:19 Person Rev. 19:11-16

Science of a Shadow

Science - “a branch of knowledge dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws.”

When looking over the budget, Underwood stated that town employees will be getting a 2% raise across the board for almost all employees. However, council members elected to decrease their pay to help with the budget. According to council member Stacie Barker, “By decreasing our council pay, which isn’t very much, we hope to help out in other areas in the budget.”

The budget also moved the ambulance fund under the fre department fund, and it was renamed “emergency medical services.” This was done, according to Underwood, to prevent the Town from having to move the money there. “Now we don’t have to play that game of moving money,” said Underwood.

After Underwood went over some of the budget changes, Michalson spoke. “We went through it line by line,” said the mayor, describing how this was the deepest dive into a budget he has been a part of in Stevensville. “I think that’s the way we should do it every year,” he said. In other business, the Town will be doing some collection of organic yard material for their fall clean-up. According to Michalson, the town will be going around collecting materials, which may include bagged leaves and bundled branches, but no rocks, dirt or trash. The Town plans to be slightly more lenient this year, due to the extreme storms seen late in the summer. Pick-ups will take place through-

Genesis Time Chart

2:6 0 yrs. 11:10 2 yrs.

5:3 130 yrs. {1658}

5:6 105 yrs. 11:12 35 yrs. {235} {1693}

5:9 90 yrs. 11:14 30 yrs. {325} {1723}

5:12 70 yrs. 11:16 34 yrs. {395} {1757}

5:15 65 yrs. 11:18 30 yrs. {460 yrs.) {1787}

5:18 162 yrs. 11:20 32 yrs. {622} {1819}

5:21 65 yrs. 11:22 30 yrs. {687} {1849}

5:25 187 yrs. 11:24 29 yrs. {874} {1878}

5:28 182 yrs. 11:26 70 yrs. {1056} {1948} Abram Born

6:6 600 yrs. 12:4 75 yrs. {1656} {2023} Year of Flood Abram Called

Gen. 11:26 “And Terah lived 70 years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran. This is the year 1948 A.C. (after creation). In 1948 A.C., on May 17, Israel is functioning again as a nation.

Gen. 12:1-7 “now the LORD said unto Abram, Get thee out of they country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: (2) And I will make thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and I will curse them that curse thee, and in thee shall families of the earth be blessed. (4) So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him: and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. (5) And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot, his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. (6) And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. (7) And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.”

Abram left Haran in the year 2023 A.C. to Canaan, for this was where he led him to go, and this is where his seed became a great nation, and where he got a great name, and where he was blessed. In the year 2023 A.D., Israel the seed of Abram, began fighting to save their people and their land. Only by God intervening will Israel be able to continue and be in their land; will God intervene yet this year?

Shadow - “a dark figure or image cast on the ground or other surface by a body intercepting light. Shade or comparative darkness. Shadows, darkness, esp. that coming after sunset.”

Darkness - “the state or quality of being dark.”

Any thought that cannot lead to a foundational truth will bring one to some form of loss and can even bring one into judgement that involves separation and suffering from joyful pleasure. The following facts can reasonably be accepted by merely looking around you form the rising and the setting of the sun.

1. Your shadow does not exist without your body.

2. Your shadow does not exist from a power within your body.

3. Your shadow requires a brightness, a light, that is being withheld by the presence of your body.

4. Your shadow has no power of itself.

5. Your shadow takes on the shape of your body and stays within this boundary.

6. Your shadow cannot move unless you move or light moves.

7. Your shadow is the same darkness as the darkness called night.

8. The darkness of the night is a shadow of the earth. While one side of the earth has light, the opposite side is in the darkness of night.

9. Your shadow down not exist in the darkness of night without another light other than the light of the sun for the creation of it.

10. The darkness between your body and your shadow does not seem to appear but can easily be detected with a light meter. A light meter can show the amount of light in the space shining on your body is greater than the amount of light between your body and your shadow.

11. Your shadow is not evil but it can sometimes reveal evil that you do.

12. Darkness cannot bring forth light, neither can light bring forth darkness.

13. The density of darkness is merely the amount of light and darkness being shared in the same space. The total absence of light in any given space is the greatest density the darkness can become.

Building upon these truths, we can say darkness cannot exist before light in our universe. The thought that darkness has always existed and at one point compressed to the point no bigger than the dot of a pen that caused it to explode and begin our universe is mere imagination. If you are willing to let me, I can show you when, where, why, and how darkness began in our universe. Our universe started as a place of light without any darkness. This light was not a direct light like the sun but a surround-around light so a shadow could not form. An event happened that brought about our universe to be surrounded by an object to withhold light from shining in from any direction. This is not a thought that begins with me but has been written in history yet you may need me to bring you into the realization of it. Text or call Allan Magnus: 406-396-0463

McIntosh apples. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.

Legal Notices

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Ronda Kaye Blatter, Ronda Kaye Blatter, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-24-338

Dept. s NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Ronda Kaye Blatter to Ronda Kaye Kulczyk.

The hearing will be on October 17, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 3rd day of September, 2024.

/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court

By: Catherine di Gleria Deputy Clerk BS 9-11, 9-18, 9-25, 102-24.

MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following is the complete text of Constitutional Initiatives No. 126, No. 127, and No. 128, which will be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the November 5, 2024, General Election. The text is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311, Montana Code Annotated.

THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 126 (CI-126) BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

NEW SECTION. Section

1. Article IV of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 9 that reads:

Section 9. Top-four primary election for certain ofces.

(1) As used in this section, the term “covered ofce” means the ofce of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representative, state senator, United States representative, United States senator, and other ofces as provided by law.

The election for a covered ofce must consist of a primary election followed by a general election in which each of the four candidates for a covered ofce who receive the most votes in the primary election, and only those candidates, shall appear on the general election ballot.

In an election for a covered ofce, the following conditions apply:

All candidates, regardless of political party preference, afliation, nomination or lack of political party preference, afliation, or nomination shall appear on the same primary election ballot separated by ofce.

Qualifed electors, regardless of political party preference or afliation or a lack thereof, may participate in the primary election for each covered ofce for which they are eligible to vote.

Each qualifed elector may vote for no more than one candidate for each ofce in the primary election.

If it cannot be determined which four candidates received the most votes in the primary election because two or more candidates are tied, the tie shall be broken as provided by law. If four or fewer candidates for a covered ofce qualify for the primary election ballot, a primary election is not required and all candidates shall appear on the general election ballot.

A space for write-in candidates may appear on the primary election ballot as provided by law.

A candidate may not be required to obtain the endorsement or nomination of any political party or organization in order to qualify for the primary election ballot.

If the legislature requires candidates to obtain signatures to qualify for the primary election ballot, the number of signatures required may not exceed 5% of the total votes cast for the candidate elected for the same ofce in the last general election for that ofce.

A candidate may choose to have displayed next to the candidate’s name on the ballot the candidate’s preference for a political party or that the candidate prefers no political party. The format options must be as follows: “Party Preference

_______________________” or “No Party Preference.”

The ballot may not indicate that a candidate has been endorsed by or nominated by any political party.

Each ballot must include a clear and conspicuous statement informing voters that a candidate’s indicated political party preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the political party or that the political party approves of or associates with the candidate.

This section may not be construed to amend, repeal, or modify Article VI, section 2 of the Montana constitution.

This section does not apply to special elections for covered ofces.

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Severability. If a part of [this act] is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in efect. If a part of [this act] is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in efect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Efective date. [This act] is efective January 1, 2025.

NEW SECTION. Section 4. Applicability. [This act] applies to elections for covered ofces as defned in [section 1] held on or after January 1, 2025.

THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 127 (CI-127) BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: Section 1. Article IV, section 5 of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended to read: Section 5. Result of elections. (1) As used in this section, the term “covered ofce” means the ofce of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representative, state senator, United States representative, United States senator, and other ofces as provided by law.

(2) In all elections held by the people for an ofce other than a covered ofce, the person or persons receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected. (3) In all elections held by the people for a covered ofce, the person receiving a majority of votes as determined as provided by law shall be declared elected. If it cannot be determined which person received a majority of votes because two or more persons are tied, the elected person shall be determined as provided by law.

NEW SECTION. Section 2. Severability. If part of [this act] is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in efect. If a part of [this act] is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in efect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.

NEW SECTION. Section 3. Efective date. [This act] is efective January 1, 2025. NEW SECTION. Section 4. Applicability. [This act] applies to elections held on or after January 1, 2025. THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 128 (CI-128) Article II of The Constitution of The State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 36 that reads: Section 36. Right to make decisions about pregnancy. There is a right to make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy, including the right to abortion. This right shall not be denied or burdened unless justifed by a compelling government interest achieved by the least restrictive means.

The government may regulate the provision of abortion care after fetal viability provided that in no circumstance shall the government deny or burden access to an abortion that, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional, is medically indicated to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.

The government shall not penalize, prosecute, or otherwise take adverse action against a person based on the person’s actual, potential, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes. The government shall not penalize, prosecute, or otherwise take adverse action against a person for aiding

or assisting another person in exercising their right to make and carry out decisions about their pregnancy with their voluntary consent.

For the purposes of this section:

A government interest is “compelling” only if it clearly and convincingly addresses a medically acknowledged, bona fde health risk to a pregnant patient and does not infringe on the patient’s autonomous decision making.

“Fetal viability” means the point in pregnancy when, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional and based on the particular facts of the case, there is a signifcant likelihood of the fetus’s sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.

BS 9-18, 9-25, 10-9, 10-25.

MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FLOYD ERNEST WOOD, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-2024-96

Dept. No.: 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Brenda Wood has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Brenda Wood, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

BS 9-18, 9-25, 10-2-24.

MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE

Cellco Partnership and its controlled afliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to collocate wireless communications antennas at a centerline height of 188 feet on a 195.5- foot self-support communications tower at the approx. vicinity of 3686 Reed Butte Road, Stevensville, Ravalli County, MT 59870. Lat: [49-30-37.006] Long: [-11358-50.933]. Public comments regarding potential efects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Alec Nimkof, a.nimkof@trileaf.com, 66 South Logan Street, Denver, CO 80209. 203.856.1011.

BS 10-2-24.

MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE

Katherine O’Connell:

Notice is now given, that, pursuant to the provisions of MC 70-6-601, et seq, and the contract you signed, the contents of your storage unit number 31 is now subject to operator’s lien. Unless the accrued balance is paid in full before noon October 5, 2024, the contents will be sold at MT93 Storage, Victor, MT 59875, during the week of October 7, 2024.

BS 10-2-24.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Kellie Kay Jones, Kellie Kay Korman, Petitioner

Cause No.: DV-41-20240000282-NC

Dept. 2 Judge Lint

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Kellie Kay Jones to Kellie Kay Korman.

The hearing will be on October 24, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County. DATED this 19th day of September, 2024.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Barbara Beavers

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 9-25, 10-2, 10-9, 1016-24.

MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY

Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse

205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840

E-mail: countyattorney@ rc.mt.gov

Phone: (406) 375-6750

Fax: (406) 375-6731

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF: D.E.M.P., A YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE.

Cause No. DN 24-8

Dept. 2

AMENDED SUMMONS/ CITATION FOR PUBLICATION

TO: Juwayne Pinckney

YOU ARE HEREBY

NOTIFIED that an Petition for Emergency Protective Services and Temporary Investigative Authority (“the Petition”) regarding, D.E.M.P, the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been fled in Cause No. DN-24-8 in Montana Twenty-First Judicial District Court, in Ravalli County by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 108 Pinkney St, Hamilton, MT 59840.

The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Emergency Protective Services; Adjudication as a Youth in Need of Care; A Determination that Preservation / Reunifcation Eforts Need Not Be Provided; Termination of Parental Rights; and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is fled with the Clerk of District Court for Ravalli County, (406) 375-6710 and is hereby served upon you at this time.

The child who is the subject of the proceedings, D.E.M.P, was born on January 25, 2010. The child’s mother is Janay Nelson. The child’s father is Juwayne Pinckney. NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 26th day of September, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., at the Ravalli County Courthouse located at 205 Bedford St., Hamilton, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition.

NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitute a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to aford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you.

WITNESS the Clerk of Court and the seal of the Court afxed this 18th day of September, 2024.

/s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court

By: Kimberly Provence, Deputy BS 9-25, 10-2, 10-9-24.

MNAXLP

Joseph D. Houston Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 541-3333

joe@jonesmtlaw.com

Attorneys for Plaintifs MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY MELISSA N. DUNLAP, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE STATE OF TED DUNLAP, Plaintif, v. MARILYN L. JACKSON (a/k/a Marylin L. Dunlap) and her heirs and devisees, FRED DUNLAP and his heirs and devisees, ELITA MERCER DUNLAP and her heirs and devisees, SUSAN C. DUNLAP; and all other persons, unknown, claiming or who might claim any right, title, estate, or interest in or lien or encumbrance upon the real property described in the complaint adverse to plaintif’s ownership or any cloud upon plaintif’s title, whether the claim or possible claim is present or

contingent, Defendants, Defendants. Hon. Jennifer B. Lint Cause No. DV-41-2024324 SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MONTANA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS, GREETINGS: You are hereby SUMMONED to answer the Complaint to Quiet Title in this Action which is fled with the above-named Court, a copy of which is served upon you, and to fle your written answer with the Court and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintif’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after service of this SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION, or such other period as may be specifed by law, exclusive of the day of service. Your failure to appear or answer will result in judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. A fling fee must accompany the answer. This action is brought to quiet title to land in Ravalli County, Montana, and described as follows: Tract 1 of Amended Plat No. 735802, being a portion of Lots 3 and 4, Block 7, Lake Como Orchards No. 3, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the recorded plat thereof.

DATED this 19th day of September, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Michelle Goldman, Deputy Clerk BS 9-25, 10-2, 10-9-24. MNAXLP

Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HARRIET NOBLES MCCLELLAND, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-2024106

Dept. 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Terrill Keith McClelland, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED the 24 th day of September 2024.

/s/ Terrill Keith McClelland, Personal Representative BS 10-2, 10-9, 10-16-24. MNAXLP

Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MURIEL W. PARKER, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-2024107 Dept. 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Thomas G. Parker, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 27 th day of September 2024.

/s/ Thomas G. Parker, Personal Representative BS 10-2, 10-9, 10-16-24. MNAXLP

Megan S. Winderl CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus Street, 3rd FL Hamilton, MT 59840 meganw@cwlawmt.com

Attorneys for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of CORINNE LEE LLOYD, Deceased. Probate No. DP-41-2024000000037 Dept No. 1 AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to ASHLEY DAWN LLOYD or CHELSEA RAE LLOYD, the Co-Personal Representatives, in care of CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C., 99 Marcus Street, 3rd FL, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled 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 17th day of September, 2024. /s/ Ashley Dawn Lloyd /s/ Chelsea Rae Lloyd CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. By: Megan S. Winderl Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives BS 10-2, 20-9, 10-16-24.

John S. Masar LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 625-2682 jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LLOYD D. JAMES, a/k/a Lloyd Donald James, a/k/a “Bud” James, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-41-202494 Dept. No.: 1 HOWARD F. RECHT 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to DAVID JAMES, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o LionWood Law PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. Dated this 10th day of September, 2024. DATED this day of September, 2024. /s/ David James, Personal Representative c/o LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 LionWood Law PLLC /s/ John S. Masar Attorney for Personal Representative BS 10-2, 10-9, 10-16-24. MNAXLP

OG-24-09-384 Legal Notice The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on an after-the-fact foodplain permit for the placement of fll and construction of landscape berms within the regulatory foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Paul and Kathleen Weitzel, Trustees. The project is located at 3712 US Highway 93 North, Stevensville, in Section 28, T09N, R20W, Ravalli County. Information regarding this permit is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4 th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt.gov

Keeping People with Disabilities in Montana’s Communities

The University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities is working with Montana DPHHS and the Montana Statewide Independent Living Council to update the Olmstead Plan for the State of Montana. The Olmstead Plan is the State’s plan to keep people with disabilities living and receiving services in their communities and prevent people from living in institutions if they do not so choose.

The Olmstead Plan must address the desires and best interests of people with disabilities, their families, and other stakeholders. To accomplish this, the Rural Institute is hosting focus group meetings for you to share your experiences and perspectives on living with a disability. These focus groups will take place strategic geographic regions statewide with a mixture of in-person, virtual, and hybrid meetings to help facilitate participation.

Meetings start on September 24 with a hybrid meeting in Havre. To find your closest focus group and register to participate, please visit the Rural Institute’s Olmstead. More information is available at their webpage, https://bit.ly/3zsK2JA.

Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.

NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION

Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for the Federal General Election to be held on November 5, 2024, will close at 5:00 PM on October 7, 2024.

*NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the Ravalli County Election Office up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the Ravalli County Election Office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot.

All active and inactive electors of the County of Ravalli are entitled to vote at said election. Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Administrator in writing of the elector’s current address in the county.

Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Ravalli County Election Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration form and submitting it to the Ravalli County Elections Office.

If you are not sure of your current voter registration status, you can check your status online at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo, or you can call the Election Office at (406) 375-6550.

Dated this 12th day of September, 2024

Booked for the season

Books on Farms, Food, and Farming History by various authors

c.2024, various publishers $27.00 - $30.00 various page counts

Last spring, all you saw was rows and rows of dirt, with a promise of more to come.

Then there were soft rows of green, followed by real plants, then crops of bales or food or cobs. That acreage you know or imagine is dear to your heart, so why not read these great books on farms, food, and farm history?

If there are animals on your farm, you already know that they have feelings, make friends, and have defnite opinions. In “The Wisdom of Sheep: Observations from a Family Farm” by Rosamund Young (Penguin Press), you’ll read about life on Kite’s Nest Farm, where crops are organically grown and the animals are loved.

You almost can’t raise livestock without watching them closely and here, Young writes about her sheep and her cows (she’s also the author of “The Secret Life of Cows”), how they interact with one another, and how they otherwise behave. Farmers will identify with Young’s quiet reverence for the land she loves; anyone who appreciates domestic animals of any kind will truly enjoy this collection of short essays and observations.

For any farmer, it comes as no surprise that what we eat has become politicized. The surprise is that it didn’t happen this century. In “Ruin Their Crops on the Ground” by Andrea Freeman (Metropolitan Books), you’ll learn the long, but nearly hidden history.

It started just after America ofcially became a country. George Washington told his troops to ruin the

growing crops and growing votes are tied together. This book explains how this happened, why it’s relevant, and

Indigenous people’s crops and land. Later, a lack of access to food was one way slave owners kept control over the enslaved; today, feeding children at school is contentious and sometimes,

what readers can do to ensure that the best meals get to our plates, despite of (or because of) government laws and policy. And fnally, what you know about

by Terry Schlichenmeyer

the history of farming in America depends on which side of the feld you’re on. In “Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership” by Brea Baker (One World Books), you’ll read about Baker’s search for her ancestry, and what she learned about disenfranchisement, wealth, and the legacy of Black farms.

Yes, this is a book about Black history, but it’s also one of American history. It asks a lot of questions and ofers much to think about. Most of all, it’ll make you wonder: what do we do now with the knowledge we have about the farms that were stolen?

If these aren’t enough and you want more books about farms, food, and farm history, be sure to check with your favorite bookseller or librarian. They’ll fnd plenty more for you on growing your own food, owning a farm and being a farmer, farm-to-table recipes, farms in history, raising livestock, and keeping chickens in your back yard. For the person who knows and loves the land, animals, and history, these are books you’ll plow through quick.

Posting Date September 30, 2024

Loop Dogs DIY dog wash opens in Stevi

Loop Dogs, a unique self-service dog washing facility, has opened in Stevensville. Located at 704 Main Street, the facility opened its doors on September 25, ofering pet owners a convenient, afordable, and fun way to keep their dogs clean and healthy.

The DIY dog wash concept allows pet owners to wash their dogs without the hassle of cleaning up afterward. Loop Dogs provides all the necessary equipment, including elevated wash stations, professional-grade shampoos, conditioners, and dryers, so that dog owners can focus on bonding with their pets during bath time.

“We saw a growing need for a convenient and accessible dog washing facility in Stevensville,” said Jaci Lancaster, owner of Loop Dogs. “Many dog owners struggle with the mess that comes with washing their pets at home, and we wanted to create a space where they could enjoy the process without the stress. Our goal is to provide a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for both pets and their owners.”

Loop Dogs DIY Dog Wash boasts several features designed to enhance the dog washing experience:

Put the power of Montana elections back in the hands of

Hosted by the Florence Civic Club

Jaci Lancaster, co-owner of Loop Dogs. Photo courtesy Loop Dogs.

TIM SHEEHY WANTS TO TRANSFER PUBLIC LANDS SO WEALTHY OUTSIDERS LIKE HIMSELF CAN BUY

UP EVEN MORE

“Local control has to be returned. Whether that means some of these public lands get turned over to state agencies, or even counties.”

— TIM SHEEHY

EXPERTS AGREE. If public lands are transferred to state and local governments, they inevitably get sold to the highest bidder as local jurisdictions can’t aford to manage them.

When Tim Sheehy came to Montana, he bought 37,000 acres and prime elk habitat, sold access for $12,500 a week to millionaires like him and denied access for Montanans.

Sheehy’s proposal to transfer of public lands would let out-of-state millionaires like him buy even more of the best land Montana has to ofer, and Montanans would lose access to the hunting land they have enjoyed for generations.

Tim Sheehy refused to provide access to Montanans to hunt on his “prime elk country,” instead selling luxury hunting packages to rich tourists for $12,500 a week.

MAY 6, 2024

Whoops: Montana GOP Senate Candidate Steps On Tird Rail With Public Lands Position …inevitably it leads to selling of and privatizing public lands… OCTOBER 18, 2023

STOP TIM SHEEHY BEFORE OUR MONTANA PUBLIC LANDS ARE GONE FOREVER.