Bitterroot Star - October 30, 2024

House District 88 voters deserve a factual examination of the work of candidate Greg Overstreet, a newcomer to Montana, who, via his secret alter ego Glen Tate, produces a series of podcasts called Prepping 2.0. The focus will be on podcast number 307 dated Sept. 25, 2024. The title is “A riot in Ohio? Maybe Colorado?”

Early in the referenced podcast, Overstreet said,” We are trying really hard to be factual here, not just come up with narratives that may be fake. You guys don ’t trust us because we put out fake stuf. We try to be really, really accurate.

Overstreet needs to try harder.

While the facts don t matter to the extreme right-wing of the Trump party, countless moderate Republicans and Independents will embrace the truth.

This efort will reveal the truth, and more importantly, the lack of truth in Overstreet ’s podcast.

Number 307 focuses on two dishonest claims hatched by Donald Trump, that Haitian immigrants in Springfeld, Ohio, are killing and eating pets. The narrative shifts to Aurora, Colo., where Trump dishonestly claimed Venezuelan gangs had taken over the Denver suburb. The former situation is simply a lie; the latter greatly exaggerated. Violence there has been isolated to some substandard apartment buildings and gang members have extorted some residents. Of 10 identifed gang members believed to be largely responsible for the violence, police have reported that eight are in custody. To suggest much of the city is besieged by gangs is simply wrong. (Source, The Denverite newspaper, Sept. 11, 2024)

The podcast reports that Donald Trump is planning campaign rallies in both locations and theorizes that the rallies will spark riots orchestrated by leftists and “antifa,” a shadowy entity whose very existence is in doubt.

Overstreet fails to mention that before the podcast was aired, Trump’s campaign had announced they had dropped plans to visit Springfeld. No riot happened.

A little over two weeks later. Oct. 11, 2024, Trump did hold a rally in Aurora. No riot there either. Overstreet never corrected his misinformation in subsequent podcasts.

Lies insult the intelligence of voters

Shifting gears slightly, let’s examine some further lies and misinformation that seem to be the bedrock his podcasts are built upon.

Lie: Biden buses.” Overstreet repeats the old fction that Biden’s administration charters secret aircraft to bring unknown and unvetted immigrants into the American heartland, dumping them on unsuspecting communities.

Fact: The fights are not secret and are based on a 1952 law that admits people on a caseby-case basis for humanitarian reasons or signifcant public beneft. Taxpayers do not pay for these fights and immigrants using the service must be vetted and sponsored by someone in the United States. Fact-checking sources have reported that immigrants on these fights must pay to be aboard or have a fnancial sponsor to bear the cost. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports that a certain number of immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela can enter the country if they apply online with a fnancial sponsor and arrive at a specifed airport paying their own way. To reiterate, this program is legal under a 1952 law that admits people on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons or signifcant public beneft. This program in no way amounts to amnesty, does not grant citizenship and participants cannot vote in U.S. elections. (Source: Snopes and the Associated Press.)

Lie: Overstreet says Springfeld, Ohio was “forcibly allotted 20,000 Haitians…”

Fact: According to the Springfeld, Ohio, News-Sun newspaper, the frst few Haitian immigrants arrived in 2018 drawn by plentiful job opportunities and afordable housing. Local employers welcomed the immigrants as valuable members of the workforce. In 2022, 400 Haitians were calling the community home. By August 2023, up to 10,000 refugees from the troubled island nation were there. Katie Kersh, senior attorney at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, an immigrantfocused advocacy law frm, emphasized that the new arrivals used legal pathways to enter and remain in the U.S. Ultimately 20,000 Haitians called Springfeld home. Although such an infux of newcomers strained the infrastructure of the Ohio city, Ross McGregor, CEO of Springfeld manufacturer Pentafex and former state legislator, said, “There are

A n h on e s t a l t e r n a t i v e for H D 8 8

HD 88 voters who resent being lied to have an honest and honorable alternative in the race, Evan Schroedel. He is 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. Most importantly, he is committed to middleclass values and vows to work hard every day in Helena for middle-class voters. Give him that opportunity; he deserves it.

challenges, particularly with the language barrier. But they come to work every day, they work hard, they want all the work they can get. From an employer standpoint, they have made a positive impact.”

Voodoo – that’s a new one

Lie: Overstreet suggested the disappearance of cats and dogs was not from Haitians eating them, but from the practice of Voodoo, which requires animal sacrifces.

Fact: This bizarre claim seems to begin and end with Greg Overstreet. There’s no record of Donald Trump or JD Vance ever mentioning Voodoo. Experts in the Caribbean religion confrm that animals like chickens or goats are sacrifced but never nonedible animals like cats or dogs.

Lie: Overstreet claimed that Haitians are not eating cats and dogs because they are wellfed thanks to generous government handouts. Overstreet said that billions of taxpayer dollars are going to provide Haitians with pre-paid debit cards. He cited no source information for this claim.

Fact: Haitians focked to Springfeld because of job opportunities and there is simply no evidence that a signifcant number of them are receiving government food assistance.

Lie: Citing absolutely no statistics or source information, Overstreet insists that the crime rate in Venezuela has plummeted because oficials there emptied their prisons to come to the U.S.

Fact: Think about that claim for a minute.

Prison inmates don’t commit crimes against society in general. Certainly, prisoners commit crimes against other inmates and guards, but their criminal days are over at least while incarcerated. Lack of logic aside, consider this: Carlos Nieto of the Venezuelan nongovernmental organization, A Window to Freedom, said that there s no evidence to support (Overstreet’s) claim that the country’s leadership has been emptying prisons to allow them to enter the U.S. Nieto added there is certainly no state policy to that efect. He said it is impossible to prove that some prisoners from his country don’t make it into the U.S. but it is wrong to suggest it is widespread or an international ploy for governmental factions. (Source, FactCheck.org)

Tip of the iceberg of lies?

This factual autopsy consists of just over half of a single podcast from a body of work numbering more than 300. What lies, misinformation and distortions are hiding in the rest?

At a recent candidate forum in Florence the moderator asked Greg Overstreet about his alter ego Glen Tate. He trivialized the question, saying it was merely a pen name and compared the situation to Samuel Clemens/ Mark Twain. Overstreet/Tate chose to ignore concerns about his lack of honesty as demonstrated here and an apparent deepseated hatred of government that runs through the 299 Days series of books he wrote.

Senior Center offers friendship, food, fun

by Kristin Kruse

If you were to walk into the Hamilton Senior Center on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday, you could expect to smell delicious food being prepared for lunch in the kitchen and hear the band tuning up and getting ready to perform for the crowd. 85-year-old Helen Sullivan, a member of the center for over a year, couldn’t be happier to be a part of this lively group.

“I’ve made so many friends here, and everyone is just so nice,” said Sullivan.

Sitting next to Sullivan is her friend Kathy Anderson, who utilizes public transportation to get her to the center three times a week. Sullivan stated that she saw Anderson sitting by herself for lunch one day and decided to go over and introduce herself.

“Now we are the best of friends, and talk on the phone almost every day,” added Sullivan.

Newcomer 91-year-old Norberto Rodriguez, also seated at the table, has only been a member for three weeks, yet has a room full of friends and was enjoying telling stories of his life in Argentina, and how he left his country in the early 60’s and eventually ended up in Hamilton, Montana.

The center was established in 1991 and has functioned as a non-proft since 1995. In addition to healthy and afordable meals being served up three times a week, there are a multitude of activities to choose from, including ping-pong, line dancing, card games, bingo and even a fea market that operates September through May.

“All in all, this is a great place, with 150-200 members,” said President Joseph Bruno, “but you don’t have to be a member to come, you just have to be 60 or older. We serve about 70 people a four-course lunch three times a week. Like most non-profts, there is always the need for help, specifcally board members and volunteers to

help with organizing fundraisers and events.”

According to the National Council on Aging, seniors who participate in a senior center program beneft in many ways. They experience higher levels of health, increased social interaction and greater life satisfaction. Participation also ofers a sense of purpose and aids in maintaining both physical and mental health. The Hamilton Senior Center is a valuable resource that serves all of the communities in the valley, and relies on fundraisers and donations to cover the costs of operations and overhead.

There will be a fall fundraiser on November 16th from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring accordionist extraordinaire Mike Hanson along with dancing and singing, and cookies, cofee and snacks provided at intermission. The cost to attend is $10.00 for singles, $15.00 for couples.

The center also rents out the facility to the general public for social gath-

For just fve bucks, you get a really good deal!

Are you longing for something fun to do?

The Center’s newsletter is flled with activities just for you!

There’s line dancing to keep you in shape-

No more worries about measuring tape!

The management and helpers are all volunteer-

For that they deserve a great big cheer!

Even you can volunteer and have a good time-

Missing the chance would be a really big crime!

Ping Pong might be fun to do-

You can hit the ball and get exercise too!

Check the newsletter to see what’s going onNo need to sit at home and constantly yawn!

The music they play takes you back to days in the past-

Thinking about those times is a really big blast!

erings and meetings. All proceeds are used to fnance the center’s operation. For information or to get involved call 406-363-5181.

Sullivan, who lost her husband a year and a half ago, has experienced a renewed zest for life through her participation with the center. She even started writing poetry again, and wrote this poem about the senior center.

Hamilton Senior Center by Helen Sullivan

In Hamilton, Montana there’s a very special place-

Just walking in the door brings a smile to your face!

The Senior Center is a place for seniors to enjoy-

A great chance for your social skills to employ.

Near the reception desk, there’s a table with things you can buy-

It’s full of stuf, sure to put a sparkle in your eye!

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday they serve a tasty meal-

The tunes you hear will make your foot tap-

Thank the good Lord, they play no rap!

They play music that makes you want to sing along-

Even though the notes you hit are totally wrong!

Everyone is so nice-you’ll make friends fast-

And all the while, you’re having a really big blast!

Bring in your friends and help the membership grow-

The more the merrier-let the good times fow!

At the Senior Center, you should become a member-

Just think of all the good times you’re sure to remember!

The people at the Center are so dog-gone nice-

About coming back, you won’t think twice!

So, come to the Center-laugh and talk with your friends-

The good times you’ll experience will have no ends!

The

Connie Litvin, Vice President and Treasurer, and Joseph Bruno, President, of the Hamilton Senior Center. Photo by Kristin Kruse.

Table of friends at Hamilton Senior Center, l to r: Helen Sullivan, Kathy Anderson, Norberto Rodriguez. Photo by Kristin Kruse.

HEART: beneft for transplant hopeful

the surgery, the doctors told the family it wouldn’t be enough. He would need a new heart. When he checked into Sacred Heart, Robert was put on the recipient list, which Sheena said is extremely long. The process to get on the list was also long and extensive, and anyone can always be knocked of for a number of reasons.

Robert is just focusing on staying healthy, and able to receive a heart if the opportunity comes around. Sheena said Robert is currently a status 3 recipient, but slowly falling to a status 2. The lower the status, the more severely the patient needs a heart. At status 2, he may need to be put on life support. At the moment, Robert must be constantly monitored, and the medications that are keeping him alive are very hard on the body. His liver will eventually fail.

He does walking laps around the hospital to stay strong to receive a heart, and is eating as healthy as he can and staying emotionally strong. According to him and Sheena, they consider receiving a heart “a huge blessing, and a gift. We really want to honor that and the person that’s giving that, because that is not a small thing.”

Robert has O positive blood, among other qualities, which makes fnding a heart especially difcult. Hearts are matched to blood type, height and weight, and Robert fnds himself in a hard place, but the family is keeping up hope. “You know, we don’t want to hope anyone else has to lose their life to get a new heart, but they aren’t just

keeping them [hearts] lying around,” said Sheena. “All we can do is live of hope and a prayer.”

The Darby area is coming out to help the Gillespie family in a big way and is holding a community fundraiser to help ofset travel and lodging expenses the family is incurring while Robert is going through this. Sheena travels back and forth from the hospital and home because they still have a teenager in school, and Robert, if he does receive a heart, will still need to stay at the hospital for at least two months more for observation and recovery. All of this is putting more strain on the family’s fnances.

The fundraiser was the brainchild of Kris Timothy. She is a friend and also a board member at the Darby Community Clubhouse. “I knew that they were incurring a number of expenses,” said Timothy. “It’s a lot emotionally, let alone fnancially.”

The community is hoping for over 200 people to show up for the event. The fundraiser will be on Saturday, November 2 at 6 p.m. at the Darby Community Clubhouse. The door fee will be $10 per individual, and $25 for a family. It will include a dinner, a silent auction and more. There will be a bake sale with things donated from the community. The dinner will include a pulled pork sandwich, from pork that was also donated.

Auction items will include fower arrangements for a year, a cord of delivered frewood, pickleball baskets, gift certifcates, locally handmade jewelry, a bed and breakfast stay and much more. They may also rafe of some bigger prizes. “We will have a great variety of items to auction of, something for everybody, we hope,” said Timothy.

When asked about all the support from his friends, community and family, all Robert could say was that it is all “pretty awesome and pretty humbling. Thank you. I just can’t say thank you enough.”

“We’re so grateful that we live in such a great community,” said Sheena. “We have a really great support system.”

Interested parties looking for more information on the fundraiser, and how to donate or get involved, can call Kris Timothy, at (907) 723- 0801. According to Timothy, “It’s just a really long road for this family and we want to help as

“It’s just a really long road for this family,” said Timothy, “and we want to help as best we can.”

Brassbound Barber brings bygone charm to Main St

by Kristin Kruse

Bryan

Kirkland,

owner and operator of Brassbound Barber on Main Street in Stevensville, certainly knows a thing or two about barbering. As a third generation barber, Kirkland has settled in Stevensville, opened his doors and turned on his barber pole.

Walking into his shop at 313 Main is like taking a step back in time. The walls are lined with black and white photos of his ancestors doing exactly what Kirkland is doing, providing haircuts, hot shaves and neck massages old-school-style to his customers. In the window is a restored vintage barber pole, letting people know that he is open for business. An antique cabinet holds various oils and tonics, adding to the old time feel of the shop. There are no online appointments, clients swing by and if Kirkland is busy they can write their name on a chalkboard, go run an errand or two and come back for their service. All haircuts are fnished with a hot lather on the nape of the neck and a straight razor followed up by a splash of Bay Rum aftershave, just like his grandfather did it.

“I am keeping an old tradition alive,” says Kirkland. “My Great Grandfather Jesse was a barber from 1921 to 1972, and my Grandfather Justin from 1965 to 1995. Both had shops in Texas.”

The word “Brassbound” holds a special meaning to Kirkland, its defnition is: unwavering in standards, unwilling to change or compromise.

After an early career in law enforcement in Bozeman, Kirkland made the decision to follow his heart and his roots, and attend barber college in Dallas, Texas in 2003. As soon as he was fnished with school, he opened up his own shop in Dallas. When the show “Dallas “ needed a barber for a shave scene in

an episode they were flming in 2012, Kirkland was chosen to play the part, and gave JR Ewing a hot shave on camera. You’ll fnd an autographed and framed photo of this in Kirkland’s shop, another interesting touch. Making his way back to Montana, Kirkland

We’d love to celebrate Halloween with

Put on your best costume and bring your

our residents to vote on. Children are

opened a shop in Bozeman, which became the biggest barber shop in the state, boasting nine barbers. Kirkland eventually moved on, and spent about a year traveling as a “gypsy” barber. He found himself on the East Coast and would fnd a barber shop willing to let him use a chair and set up shop. He spent time in Virginia and Maine, and met various characters along the way.

The news of a frst grandchild on the way drew Kirkland and his wife

Jessica to Stevensville. Their daughter Autumn Ellingson (a fourth generation barber) is the owner of Mankind in Hamilton, and soon to be mom.

“We were missing all of the kids so much, it was time to come back,” says Kirkland. With two other kids living in Montana – one son in Lavina and another in Bozeman – setting up shop in Stevensville made sense.

“Stevensville was ready for a barber shop, and is the perfect size town for walk- ins,” says Kirkland. “We opened on August 13th and business has exceeded my expectations. I’ve been blown away by the community support and all my neighbors on Main Street are great. I plan on adding another barber, there is enough business to support another person.”

In addition to the responsibilities of running his business, Kirkland also serves on the State Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. He is currently working with the state to try and bring back an apprenticeship program that would allow future barbers to train under a licensed barber instead of traveling to Great Falls or Billings to attend school, which is very expensive, according to Kirkland.

If you happen to be wandering down Main Street and need a hot shave or a haircut, or just feel like stepping back in time for a few moments, Brassbound Barber is a must see, must stop.

It not only lowers your risk of catching the fu but also helps prevent serious complications like hospitalization. By getting vaccinated at Sapphire Community Health, you’re also helping protect your family, friends, coworkers, and the entire community.

Let’s stay safe and healthy this fu season.

Call Sapphire Community Health today to schedule your fu shot. Don’t wait—act now to protect your health before fu season peaks!

Sapphire Community Health— Take Charge of Your Health

Becoming a patient is easy, with little to no wait for scheduling a new patient appointment. Call Sapphire Community Health today at 406-541-0032. Medicaid, Medicare, most commercial insurances--and NO insurance accepted.

Bryan the Barber invites you to take a seat. Photo by Kristin Kruse.

Brassbound Barber Shop, 313 Main Street, Stevensville. Photo by Kristin Kruse.

Below, a photo of barber Bryan’s great grandfather Jesse who was also a barber, along with his grandfather Justin, and his daughter Autumn, who owns Mankind, a barber shop in Hamilton. Photo by Kristin Kruse.

Publisher’s note

In this edition of the Star, we are publishing any remaining letters that pertain to the upcoming general election. If we end up missing yours, our apologies. It was purely unintentional.

Victoria Howell Publisher

No on CI-28

CI-128 would enshrine murder of the most vulnerable minority in our society in the Montana constitution. Unborn human beings are the most vulnerable minority because they are totally helpless. They also, as far as society is concerned, have no name, voice, or face. We haven’t seen them in the grocery store. We don’t see their name and picture in the newspaper after they are murdered. We have a responsibility before God to be their voice. Please vote no on CI-128.

Andrew Luibrand Stevensville

Violence not patriotic

I had the good fortune to be stationed at Andrews AFB as a young ofcer. There is something about Washington DC that defes description. Touring the White House, the Capitol, the amazing museums, and walking between national monuments is not like any other city on earth.

I have had the privilege of being in the Capitol multiple times, meeting with my senators, and witnessing presentations of bills on the Senate foor—a few now prominent in history. And I remember being under the rotunda on a glorious sunny day looking up at clear blue skies dotted with marshmallow clouds and feeling a profound sense of awe and praise to my God for a moment such as this.

I have to wonder how many of the people who desecrated the Capitol had ever been there before, or even set foot in Washington D.C.? Obviously, the person who sent a selfe “from the White House” had never been there— but my guess is-- few if any had. To blindly do such an unthinkable act—especially on behalf of someone morally bankrupt, is appalling! That should have been the end of Donald Trump’s ego games. I have to wonder what kind of person spreads feces ANYWHERE, let alone on a national treasure. And I can’t help but feel for the maintenance workers whose job it was to clean it. I have always noticed how much pride the staf of the various tourist sites show toward visitors in sharing their treasure.

I am sickened by the behavior exhibited that day—not to mention the lives that were taken or forever changed. Yet, there is no apology or shame or atonement. Make no mistake—the only heroes that day were the brave men and women who protected the more vulnerable and saved our democracy! FULL STOP! I do not understand cult behavior— maybe because I have never felt a void so deep that I am willing to fll it with adoration of a deplorable man whose only real talent is identifying that void and using manipulation to fll it.

“To whom much has been given, much is expected.” Let’s start with a return to self-respect and civility. And NOT a repeat of deplorable behavior.

Brenda Allington Florence

Another DJT in the making!

According to a recent news article, Tim Sheehy’s Bridger Aerospace, a company he founded in 2013, negoti-

ated a deal with the Gallatin County Commissioners in eastern Montana to use its pristine credit rating to back $160m (million) in bonds for his company. The County was meant to beneft from Bridger’s plans to hire more workers and build two new aircraft hangers.

But the company used most of the money, $134m, from the 2022 bond issue to pay back previous high interest loans to Blackstone, a New York-based investment giant. Not that any of this is illegal… only shady, as in “shady Sheehy.” So, no new employees hired and no new hangers!

According to the report, Sheehy’s company has lost $150 million since it began operations! Mr. Sheehy appears to be setting himself up for success by using the people of Gallatin County for his bankroll.

This sounds a lot like the kind of shenanigans that Donald J. Trump would pull. Mr. Sheehy has learned well from DJT which in the end will probably result in more phony/costly deals for the state of Montana and the nation.

This incident is one more in a long line of reasons to vote against Tim Sheehy, and for John Tester, a man who has stood tall and strong for Montanans for many years!

I urge you to vote against carpetbagger Tim Sheehy (and carpetbagger Greg Gianforte) and FOR John Tester who we have known and trusted as Montana’s Senior Senator, a true scratch-dirt farmer who has helped so many Montanans in Veterans afairs, agricultural subsidies, and general federal funding of matters important to all of us.

I urge our Republican friends to vote your conscience, not your party, this year!

Tom Tunny Hamilton

Vote for leaders who best represent us

Our Founding Fathers created the United States as a Constitutional Republic, a system of government wherein the people elect leaders to represent their interests.

With the 2024 election just days away, those of us lucky enough to live in Montana need to decide who we will send to Washington, D.C., and Helena. For me, the decision is easy – those who understand our middle-class needs and share our middle-class culture. The correct candidate choice is not difcult.

Jon Tester understands us because he is one of us. A third-generation farmer, he knows the joys and challenges of hard work, whether in the felds of his farm near Big Sandy or the less dusty labor in the halls of the US Senate where he votes for the interests of Montanans, particularly veterans.

His opponent, Tim Sheehy, a recent newcomer to the Big Sky State, lied about coming from a rural background, misrepresented how he received a bullet in his forearm, claims to have created a successful business although his aerial fre-fghting business is awash in red ink, and denies making controversial statements despite the existence of audio proof. He cannot understand the challenges of living on a limited income in Montana.

Candidate for U.S. House District One, Monica Tranel was raised on a ranch in eastern Montana, one of 10 children. Like Tester, she understands the value of hard work in a challenging environment. She used that work ethic to become an Olympic rowing champion and ultimately an attorney spe-

cializing in utility and energy issues, taking Northwestern Energy to the Supreme Court, saving ratepayers $10 million. She successfully represented Montana ranchers when out-of-state billionaires cast greedy eyes on their acreage.

Her opponent, Ryan Zinke, is an ethically challenged landlord who divides his time between California, Washington, D.C., and Montana. Donald Trump forced him out of his short-term position as Interior Secretary after federal ofcials launched 18 investigations into his self-serving land deals.

That brings us to Ryan Busse running for Montana governor. He was raised on a family cattle ranch and wheat farm in western Kansas. His public high school had a graduating class of 16 students. He has lived most of his adult life in the Flathead Valley where he and his wife Sara raised their two sons, hunting, fshing, and cherishing public lands that belong to us all. For more than 25 years, he worked his way up in the executive structure of Kimber Firearms Company until he became disillusioned with the irresponsible extremism of the frearms industry. He wrote a book, Gunfght, detailing his experience and dedication to promoting responsible gun ownership while respecting the Second Amendment. As governor, he has vowed to confront soaring property taxes that have made life hard for many Montanans and will work to lower the cost of owning a home.

Then there’s his opponent, incumbent governor Greg Gianforte, born in California and educated in New Jersey. The day before a special election in May 2017, he attacked a reporter in his Bozeman campaign ofce and pleaded guilty to assault. A news team recorded the incident on audio tape for all to hear. He is a multimillionaire who commutes to work in a private jet, owns four mansions and managed to enjoy a property tax cut while most Montana homeowners experienced the opposite. Gianforte has no concept of the everyday problems and challenges faced by his middle-class constituents.

Jon Tester, Monica Tranel and Ryan Busse are the best choices to represent us because they are us. Please vote for your own best interests on or before Nov. 5.

David Leslie Corvallis

Does honesty matter anymore?

As an octogenarian, I have acquired some wisdom over my long years. But I don’t know when it became acceptable to lie and demean others. Cultures that have lost sight of core values have never fared well. Yet, we are choosing to do the same.

Political ads exemplify the worst in us. No one bothers to fact check-- even though voting records are public, and there are a number of non-partisan fact checking research sites. Even I have discovered that I have been wrong! We have become satiated with sound bites and posts, and it has been an unhealthy choice on a multitude of levels. The amount of money spent on campaigns is obscene and could do so much good for so many, rather than pedaling deceit and divisiveness.

Truth matters. Integrity matters. Learning from history matters. Voting matters. And voting intelligently REALLY matters!

Karen Ekegren Missoula

What makes a true patriot

I’d like to commend the publisher and editor of the Bitterroot Star for putting together a very good Opinion Page each week in their paper. It’s truly fair and balanced and even allows some local citizens to be frequent contributors to the weekly newsprint. While I don’t share the same feelings many folks have for certain politicians, I learn a lot by reading why they support someone. For example, I personally fnd Mr. Trump to be one of the most morally repugnant individuals in the world, but I understand why some taxpayers and religious leaders support him.

But, as a thirty-year military combat veteran, I don’t appreciate when politicians try using past military service to enhance their net worth as a patriot while running for public ofce. A case in point to demonstrate this would be two Montana retired Navy Frogmen, Ryan Zinke and Tim Sheehy, who like to wave their Seal Team fag around whenever possible. Both had questionable careers in the Navy and at best, they should just say they served honorably while on active duty in a War Zone.

My experience as a Staf and Command Ofcer in the Army is the observation that the more certain veterans bluster about what they did in the War, the less actually was performed. Just remember, Hell Hath No Fury Like a Military Bull-Shooter.

Jim Hamilton Florence

Upcoming election

As I recently read the editorial section of the Bitterroot Star, I realize there are numerous bitter folks that live in Montana. I see that people from various places including Missoula do not have a clue about Jon Tester’s voting record but support him because he is a Democrat. Tester voted in lock step with Schumer and the Biden gang 95% of the time as he has voted against the ban to count illegal aliens in our census. He voted to give amnesty to 11 million illegal aliens and voted to provide support for them to the tune of $billions annually. He voted against the border wall on our southern border but to listen to him, he is getting really tough on illegal immigration. Why did he wait until election year to get tough as he has been in ofce for almost 18 years and done absolutely nothing to secure our border?

And now, the Democrat party is pumping $millions into Tester’s campaign whereby he has outspent Sheehy about 6 to 1. Tester just received another $30+ million and now we fnd out that he pays all of these people to make those commercial ads for him smearing Sheehy. Without a smear campaign, Tester has nothing on which to campaign. Sheehy is a combat veteran who has been in actual combat much unlike Tester.

If you have not already voted, vote for Tim Sheehy as we can no longer aford Jon Tester.

David Stover Stevensville

What makes a Republican politician?

Character matters. Donald Trump is a convicted felon. He falsifed business records and paid hush money to keep illegal actions from becoming public. He was found guilty of sexually

assaulting a woman. He acted out 6 year old’s temper tantrum when he lost an election and refused to accept legal results. He stole classifed documents when he left ofce.

Is he a character? Yes. Does he have character? No. Not even a little bit. Certainly not character worthy of the ofce of president of the United States. Wanna argue about it? Can’t really argue with the fact that Donald Trump has lied over 40,000 times in the last 8 years. The man has zero character and does not deserve your vote.

Pam Morris Stevensville

Threat to democracy

This same rhetoric has been voiced more violently each day by Trump - that he plans to gather up ALL the immigrants, ALL who oppose him and disagree with him, put them in camps, and then send them away. That’s fascism. These terms being voiced by the unhinged right scare me. I don’t want that for America, for our children and grandchildren.

This election is urgent, our country’s freedom is at stake. Research the candidates’ backgrounds and vote for those patriotic souls who have the experience and who care for our individual rights. No matter your political party, help America and its future by voting for the Democrats.

Becky Peters Hamilton

CI-128, Trojan Horse

I am writing to you out of deep concern over the potential efects of proposed Constitutional Amendment CI-128.

I want to urge all voters to carefully consider the ramifcations of this radically pro-abortion proposal. CI-128 is custom designed to silence you, the voters. If it is passed it would remove all the safeguards concerning abortion, which have been put in place by Montana’s duly elected lawmakers, our representatives, in our representative form of government. CI-128 repeatedly refers to “the Government,” as if it is some outside authoritarian force that must be overthrown in the name of “reproductive freedom,” while in reality, our “Government” is us, “we the people.”

Our opinions and views, our collective wisdom, have been carefully considered in the construction of our Montana Constitution.

Why the rush to nullify our good faith efort to address the complex issue of abortion with one quick “knee jerk” reaction to the feel good term “reproductive freedom”?

‘Reproductive freedom,” the petition signature gatherers called it, as they collected signatures on sunny summer mornings at the Hamilton Farmers Market.

Ahh, yes...”freedom,” freedom for whom?

Freedom for the out-of-state “Big Money” interests to control our state and all things abortion related. Should CI-128 be enacted there will be no

more input from you, the voter, or even the parent of a minor. Besides the vulnerable pregnant person, the entire decision concerning abortion will rest upon someone called a “healthcare professional.” Who is that?

What are their qualifcations? How will THEY be regulated? THEY aren’t. What would be the results of such unregulated freedom? It will be too late to ask.

“We the people” will be subject to a tyrannical law, custom designed by Big Money out-of-state interests, as was so well researched and revealed in Becky Grimm’s October 16th letter to the editor.

What was promoted on a sunny summer day as, “reproductive freedom” is a “Trojan Horse” designed to silence you, the voter, on this all important subject.

The complete text of CI-128 was published in the Bitterroot Star October 16th edition.

Leslie Robinson Hamilton

Zinke’s absurd claim

It’s been four months, and I wonder if you’re yet able to provide me with the source for your baseball bat bludgeoning claim? I, your Montana born and raised constituent, few over 2,000 miles to meet with you in Washington DC and discuss gun violence, the leading cause of death for children and teens in our country. If only I had recorded our conversation, for when you said, “baseball bats cause more deaths than guns…”, my brain vaporized, and I was unable to focus on the subsequent words coming out of your face.

Hellgate High School went into lockdown on the second day of school due to a suspected gun, triggering a lock-in at my son’s school. The following day the frst mass school shooting of the year occurred in Georgia, killing four. You say you are, “protecting our kids from the woke agenda”, but vote against laws to protect them from their leading cause of death.

Montana has ranked in the top fve states for suicide deaths for 42 years, and number one in frearm ownership at 66%. Suicide by gun for Montanans is 67%, surpassing the national average by 12%. Between January 2021 and November 2023, there were 955 Montanans who died by suicide, none of them from self-inficted baseball bat wounds.

As I await the arrival of your baseball bat bludgeoning statistic source, I continue to advocate against gun violence. I am a concerned Montanan. I am a mother of a school-aged child. I am a friend to Jennifer, who died by suicide 26 years ago. I am a voter, Congressman Zinke, and I am no fool.

Lillian Thomas Missoula

Fifty-year friendship

I am writing to share my long connection with the Tranel family. I grew up in Miles City. Ned and Virginia Tranel moved their young family of 10

children to eastern Montana in 1970. Dr. Tranel had taken a position as Psychologist with Eastern Montana Mental Health. The Tranels took up a full pew at mass on Sundays at Sacred Heart Church.

My younger brother Bob and I attended Sacred Heart Grade School; when the Tranels arrived, Monica‘s oldest sibling Dan and brother Bob became close friends (7th grade). Monica is kid number fve. The Tranels ft right in, they along with the Edwardses, Sweeneys, Connors and other big Catholic families lived in what I now call the Catholic slums, so all of us kids could walk to grade school.

Four years later, the Tranels moved to Ashland where Ned took a position with St. Labre Indian School. I lost contact, however, Bob and Dan remained close friends (Best Man in Dan’s 2nd wedding). I reconnected with Dan 25 years ago - Dr. Dan has been a Professor of Neurology at the University of Iowa for 35+ years. Monica moved to Helena in the early 2000’s and we reconnected; she had gotten her undergraduate degree from Gonzaga, law degree from Rutgers and was an Olympian… I was a health insurance dude!

My third foray into anything political was being asked by Monica to be her campaign treasurer in about 2003, she was running for City Council? Previously, I had worked on Marc Racicot’s campaign for AG and for a friend who ran for, won and served 25 years as District Judge in eastern Montana. Politically, I am a D-lite, diferent from my wife, who is a proud Butte-born Democrat. Don K (Chairman Republican Party) is a longtime friend and his Whitefsh auto dealership was a client - to know Don K is to love Don K.

I held a fundraiser for Troy Downing when he ran for Commissioner of Insurance and have contributed to his Congressional campaign and will vote for him for Congress, District 2. I am not a fan of Matt Rosendale, he was not a very good Commissioner of Insurance (my partner and I founded the Mountain Health Co-op).

The reason I’m highlighting my friendship with Monica Tranel and her family is to draw a contrast between Monica and Ryan Zinke, in their race for Congress, District 1. I have three areas of concern about Zinke:

1 - John Tester and Ryan Zinke served in the Montana legislature together. In 2014, Tester had a net worth of $1.5M, today it’s $4M; Zinke’s net worth in 2014 was $1M, today it’s $25M. (source for both Tester & Zinke: Quiver Quantitative). What is Zinke doing that Tester isn’t? I am a retired business owner, a capitalist - I believe in hard work and the rewards that come from it. I don’t begrudge anyone having a signifcant net worth, I just think they should earn it the old-fashioned way. How did Zinke get rich?

2 - I’m bothered by Zinke‘s position on a woman’s right to choose. I have three daughters and a granddaughter. Why does Ryan Zinke think he should make laws dictating my daughter’s/ granddaughters healthcare decisionsI understand he’s opposed to abortion even in the case of rape or incest - that is disgraceful.

3 - Relates to concern #1: ETHICS. Zinke is now rich, it looks to be as a direct result of politics? If you “Google” (Siri) Ryan Zinke and ‘ethics complaints’, you will get a boatload of information, i.e. — “the Inspector General’s report concluded that Zinke had repeatedly violated ethical rules and then lied to investigators.” I believe this helps explain how Zinke got rich in 10 years as a politician - that’s disgraceful.

Whose interests do you think Ryan Zinke is looking out for?

Everything you might want to research about Monica Tranel and why you should vote for her, you can access from her mother’s (Virginia) book: “Ten Circles Upon the Pond,” about the 10 remarkable Tranel kids. While each Tranel is an overachiever, Monica is the most remarkable of all. Unlike Zinke, a Congresswoman Tranel will make ALL Montanans proud.

Jim Edwards Helena

Montana frst - Why

I’m supporting Tester

Montana has always been a place where we put people before politics. It’s a state where we hunt the same public lands, our children go to the same schools, and we look out for our neighbors. It truly is the Last Best Place on earth.

A lot has changed in Montana since I served in the governor’s ofce. But the collective love for our state and country has remained strong. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in embracing our state’s tradition of ‘voting for person over party’ and cast you

ballot for Senator Jon Tester. As a Republican, I worked for years to elect Republicans in Montana and across the country. But, there is one hallowed promise we make to each other as citizens that transcends political partisanship and that is to faithfully seek the public good above everything else.

Following Jon’s example, it is an easy decision for me to support him. I’ve known him for years as a friend, a colleague and a constituent. And I have always admired and trusted Jon because of his courage to stand up for Montana as his frst priority. Simply put, Jon is not a typical, political partisan who elevates his party above the best interests of Montana and the nation.

Montanans want to see a secure border, and Jon has been working hard to provide that. When the Biden administration tried to repeal Title 42 and the “Remain in Mexico” policies, Jon was one of the leading voices diligently working to pass the strongest border security bill we’ve seen in years – a bill that was backed by border patrol agents, and would have put more manpower and technology on our southern border.

Whether it’s Second Amendment rights or states’ rights Jon Tester has consistently stepped up to do what he believed was right for Montana.

Clearly, Jon is an independent voice for Montana. He’s proven it time and time again. He’ll confront anyone – even his own party’s President – when their policies won’t work for Montana. His legislative record is proof of a deep and abiding commitment to the people and state he serves as Montana’s senior United States Senator.

That’s why I, along with Republicans across Montana, have thrown my support behind Jon. From business owners to homeowners, from sportsmen and women to elected ofcials – Montana Republicans know from experience that Jon Tester can be unconditionally trusted to “support, protect and defend” our state and nation.

The Democrat Jon Tester I met 28 years ago as a Republican governor is still the Jon Tester I know today. Montana is changing, and now more than ever we need a seasoned champion representing us in the United States Senate.

Marc Racicot

Former Montana Attorney General and Governor Tester the real deal

I seldom go to political rallies, but attended a talk by Jon Tester this weekend in the Bitterroot. I make a point of standing in line to talk to him, because I respect the man. There is also some nostalgia, as he knew my father and each time we speak he brings up that his mother and my father were friends in college. Jon and I grew up about 35 miles apart, he on a Big Sandy farm and me in Havre.

I am retired, but in my work, I met many farmers and ranchers. While no group of people are all the same, I learned to respect the intelligence, honesty and decency of most folks who worked the land for a living. Jon Tester has those qualities. Unlike his opponent, he has the disadvantage of having a voting record. Politicians often have to vote for legislation while plugging their nose due to complicated details they are not wild about. Both candidates are stuck in a political system where huge amounts of money are needed to efectively run for ofce. I don’t hold that fact against either of them.

Both Tester and his competitor have somewhat famous injuries. Jon’s story about losing some fngers in a meatgrinder has not changed. His opponent can’t seem to get his story straight about how he was shot in the arm. I am sure he remembers! If he’s not honest about the little things… Chris Clancy Hamilton

History does not have to repeat

On a cold January day in 2009, I visited the National Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., for the frst time. I spent the entire day there, and as sadness gripped my soul, I had one question, “How did a man flled with such hate recruit enough followers to commit unspeakable atrocities in his name?” No matter what Hitler said or did, the crowds kept cheering. Later they would claim, “But I didn’t know!” By then, it was too late.

Last fall I visited Hitler’s death camps in Poland-- Auschwitz and Birkenau. I was overcome with the tragedy of millions of souls discarded there but not before they endured cruelty beyond measure. I prayed human

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.

Knotty Knitters Guild

Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month except July, August, December, and January at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. You can also bring your knitting project to visit and knit with friends or get help with questions on Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Any questions call 406-381-5123 or just show up on Friday!

Yoga for Veterans

FREE to veterans, frst responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm at the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-5307175. Come see us on 1st Friday in May ‘bout 1800 for more info! We’ll be in front of Active Care Wellness on Main in Stevensville

MS Support Group

Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the 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

Republican Central Committee

The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee regular monthly meetings are held the frst Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Place Church, 273 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. All are welcome to attend.

Bitterroot Celtic Society

The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.

North Valley Library

Role-Playing Games for Teens –Tuesdays at 4pm

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

Adult Craft Night: Skull Art Around the World — Thurs. Oct 31 at 6:30pm Explore the fascinating history and signifcance of skull iconography in diverse cultures around the world. Crafters will then use mixed media, like metal foil embossing, paper clay, and paint, to create their own readyto-hang skull art. All materials will be provided.

Closed for General Election Day — Tues. Nov 5 Fiber Arts Club — Thurs. Nov 7 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-mind-

ed crafters during this informal Fiber Arts Club. There will be no presenter or expert teacher but rather a cozy place to gather, tea, and a community of yarn and fber artists like yourself. All experience levels welcome. Club is held the frst Thursday of every month from 12-1:30pm in the Community Room.

De-Stress the Holidays — Thurs. Nov 7 at 6:30pm

Martha’s inviting, practical, and truly enjoyable approach to taking care of yourself and living each moment more fully makes her workshops a perennial favorite among participants here at the library. As the holidays approach, learn simple ways to skip the stress and savor the season.

Hamilton school board Certifed Negotiations Committee

Meeting

Monday – October 28, 2024

5:00 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.

Governance Committee Meeting

Thursday – November 7, 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.

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – November 12, 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.

Halloween Party

There will be a Halloween Party on Thursday, October 31 at the Rocky Mountain Grange, 1436 S. 1st, Hamilton. A potluck meal will take place at 6 p.m., with dancing starting at 7 p.m.

A costume contest will award prizes for most creative, scariest, funniest, couple/group. Spooky dance tunes by Ghost DJ in the Sky. Beverages available by donation. Bring the family! Proceeds will beneft the Grange.

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, November 1 at 12 noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Greg Overstreet, Republican candidate for State Representative HD88. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Dances of Universal Peace

The Dances of Universal Peace are simple circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from many of the world’s wisdom traditions. The Dances have no performers or audience - new and experienced dancers form a circle and create the experience together. The leader teaches the words, melody and movement before each Dance. No musical or dance experience is necessary. Sunday, November 3, 4-6 pm. Open ended expressive arts, 201 Daly Avenue, Hamilton. Donations encouraged. Scent-free. Kids welcome.

More info: 406-546-5344.

Lefse Workshop

There will be a lefse workshop sponsored by Sons of Norway on Monday, November 4 at 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. All are welcome, great time to learn an old tradition or share with your children, neighbors or grandchildren. If convenient, bring cold mashed potatoes, rolling pin and pastry cloth. The group will eat the lefse at 5:30 with roasted pork. Guests are welcome to take home the left over for freezing for their holiday meals. Any questions, call Carol Peterson at 406-381-8564.

Florence-Carlton

Church bazaar

The Florence-Carlton Community Church will hold its annual bazaar on Friday and Saturday, November 8th and 9th, at 20075 Old Hwy 93 just north of Carlton Creek Road, three miles north of Florence. Times are Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch of homemade soup, sandwiches, casserole and pie will be available. There will be a bake sale of fancy breads, cookies, pies and much more, handmade crafts and specialty items for sale. Bring your friends! Since 1960.

Holiday decoration

rummage sale

A holiday decoration rummage sale will be held Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Three Mile Community Center. Buy, sell, barter, bargain, donate! A great opportunity for you to sell or buy used holiday decorations (Christmas, Halloween, Fall, Easter, etc.) Spaces are available for only $15. Or you can donate your items to the Community Center for them to sell. All funds raised at this event will go towards improving/paving the parking lot. The community center will be accepting donations of items on Friday, Nov. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m and on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 8 to 10 a.m. For more information contact Joyce at jmchp@pacbell.net.

Grief coping sessions

Coping with Grief and Loss During the Holidays -- The death of a loved one is one of the most difcult experiences we face in life. You are invited to come share your grief journey, learn how to honor and remember your loved one, and how to care for yourself during the holidays. Join in for a 2-hour faith-based pre-holidays grief care session ofered 4 times in November and December at St Francis of Assisi, 411 S. 5th St. Hamilton.

This program uses the faithbased Griefshare.org program which includes a free helpful handbook, viewing of a short DVD followed by small group sharing. This session is FREE and sponsored by the St Francis of Assisi Caring Hearts Ministry, 411 S. 5th St., Hamilton. RSVP at stfrancishwm@gmail. com or https://www.griefshare.org/ fndagroup

Four sessions to choose from: Sunday, November 10, 1:003:00pm Tuesday, November 12, 3:005:00pm Sunday, December 8, 1:003:00pm Tuesday, December 10, 3:005:00pm

Grief coping sessions

Coping After the Loss of Your Spouse -- The death of your spouse is one of the most difcult experiences we face in life. You are invited to come share your grief journey, learn helpful ways to cope, ways to honor and remember your loved one, and how to care for yourself. Join in for a 2-hour faith-based grief care session ofered in November and December at St Francis of Assisi, 411 S. 5th St. Hamilton.

This program uses the faithbased Griefshare.org program which includes a free helpful handbook, viewing of a short DVD followed by small group sharing. This session is FREE and sponsored by the St Francis of Assisi Caring Hearts Ministry, 411 S. 5th St., Hamilton. RSVP at stfrancishwm@gmail. com or https://www. griefshare.org/fndagroup

Two sessions to choose from: Sunday, November 10, 3:00-5:00pm Sunday, December 8, 3:00-5:00pm

Detwiler is Job Corps essay contest winner

Riona Detwiler from Lead, South Dakota is the winner of Trapper Creek Job Corps 60th Anniversary Essay Contest. Detwiler wrote about the “Impact of Job Corps on American Society and Economy.”

Here is an excerpt from her essay:

“The Job Corps program, founded in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society initiative, was created to provide essential educational and vocational training. President Johnson highlighted its signifcance: ‘The Job Corps is a cornerstone of our war on poverty. It provides the opportunity for our young people to get a fresh start and gain the skills they need to build a better future. This commitment to opportunity and self-sufciency has been fundamental in guiding the program’s ongoing evolution and success. The positive impact of Job Corps on American society and the economy is both substantial and enduring.’... As George Foreman, a notable former participant, aptly noted, ‘The Job Corps gave me a chance when I was young and struggling. It helped me fnd my way and focus on a future beyond just survival.’”

“Riona is an outstanding writer,” said Clarence Ferguson, Trapper Creek Recreation Supervisor. Congratulations, Riona!

Women Newcomers Club

Are you new to the Bitterroot Valley or a long time Resident? We would like to invite you to join us. The Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club is a fun group of women. They will be having their annual Holiday Arts, Crafts, and Bake Sale on November 14 at 10 a.m. at The First Christian Church on 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamiliton. After a short meeting we will open up to shopping, refreshments and socializing. Come and join this great group of women!

St. Francis Christmas Bazaar

Come visit the Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St Francis of Assisi at 411 S. 5th St in Hamilton! Enjoy breakfast and lunch served by the Knights of Columbus, baked goodies, pasties, rafes, and hundreds of perfect holiday gift items like hand-made quilts, vintage decor, soaps, emu oil products, lavender items, gift jar mixes and more! Win a wonderful rafe prize: beautiful antique quilt; $100

certifcate for Hamilton Marketplace; homemade goodies and a mystery basket!

Mature driver course

Bitterroot Health (formerly Marcus Daly Hospital), located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, is hosting an ALL NEW 2024 AARP Driver Safety Course on Friday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This all new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The program features new laws and up-dates specifc to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, new Vehicle Technologies, to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no tests or written exams and Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers. Certifcates are now good for three years! Class fee: $20.00, AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. For class sign up, call Hamilton Insurance at: 406-363-6583. For further information call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 406-369-0149.

Sports

Cross country

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Corvallis and Florence boys 2nd at state

The Montana Cross Country State meet was held in Missoula on Saturday, October 26 at the University of Montana golf course. All the Montana classifcations were at the event, which includes Class AA, A, B, C. The boys and girls ran separately, so there were eight total races.

The Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville teams were in the Class A races. Darby and Florence were in the Class B races. And Victor was in the Class C races.

Three Bitterroot Valley runners fnished in the top three of their respective races. Florence’s Kyler Harris took 2nd in the boys Class B race with a time of 16:11.90. Corvallis’s Jack Davidson took 2nd place in the Class A boys race with a time of 15:54.62. Hamilton’s Aleigha Child took 3rd in the Class A girls race with a time of 18:58.21.

The Florence boys team of Kyler Harris, CJ Pijanowski, Max Rosenthal, Seba Schroeder, Caden Miller, Jeremy Gaub, and Wyatt Welling took 2nd place in Class B.

The Corvallis boys team of Jack

Davidson, Carter Koerner, Marrek Jessop, Brady Anderson, Ledge Conner, Jeremy Davidson, and Eider Reed took 2nd place in Class A.

The Hamilton girls took 4th, while the Corvallis girls took 5th. The Hamilton boys fnished 6th. The Darby boys fnished 16th. And the Stevensville boys took 22nd.

Individually in the girls Class A race, Hamilton’s Aleigha Child took 3rd (18:58.21), Corvallis’s Violet Jessop took 8th (19:40.12), Hamilton’s Claire Seifert took 15th (20:00.71), and Corvallis’s Autumn Benson took 24th (20:56.79).

Stevensville’s highest fnisher was Bryton Brewer (21:59.77).

Individually in the boys

Class A race, Corvallis’s Jack Davidson took 2nd (15:54.62), Corvallis’s

Carter Koerner took 9th (16:47.3), Corvallis’s Marrek Jessop took 12th (16:52.10), Hamilton’s Benjamin Beare took 22nd (17:13.37), Hamilton’s Bryson Poulsen took 23rd (17:26.58). Stevensville’s highest fnisher was Cody Bradford (19:23.71).

In the boys Class B race, Florence’s Kyler Harris took 2nd ((16:11.90),

Darby’s Taylor Graham took 35th (17:59.1).

Football

Corvallis stymies Stevi, on to state playoffs

On Saturday, October 26, the Corvallis football team made the 14mile trek north to Stevensville for an all-Bitterroot Valley matchup. The Blue Devils were looking to secure their spot in the upcoming Class A State playof, while the Yellowjackets were looking for their frst win of the season. In the end, Corvallis took care of business and rolled to a 66-14 victory. With the win, Corvallis earned the West’s #6 seed in the upcoming Class

A state playofs and will travel to #3 seeded Columbia Falls on Friday, November 1 for a frst round game, which is a rematch of last year’s State semi-fnal game. The winner of that game will play the East’s #2 seed, Laurel, the following week.

In the Corvallis/Stevensville matchup, the Blue Devils scored 42 points in the frst quarter to take control of the game, then coasted to the victory.

For Corvallis, Aydan Mayn threw

3 TD passes and rushed for another.

Solomon Morgan had a TD reception, Logan Avery had a 50-yard TD reception and a 90-yard TD run, Ayden Spencer and Alex Hauck both returned an interception for a TD, and Hunter Loesch had a TD reception. Ayden Spencer had a 52-yard TD run, and Reese Tucker and Shane Spencer also rushed for TDs.

For Stevensville, Shan Madula had a 75-yard kickof return for a TD and a 94-yard TD run.

Corvallis achieved back to back playof berths for the frst time in nearly 40 years, and has back to back winning seasons for the frst time in 25 years. “It’s been a season full of growth and adversity for our guys and we’re happy to have at least one more week together as a group,” said Corvallis’s head coach Josh McCrossin. “We’re excited to get to work and start game planning for our opportunity against Columbia Falls.”

Florence defeats Loyola, gets #1 seed in state playoffs

The #3 (406mtsports.com) Florence Falcons and the #9 Missoula Loyola Rams squared of in Missoula on Friday, October 25 with the Western Conference title on the line. The Falcons controlled the game and won 44-12.

Florence led 23-12 at halftime, thanks in part to two big plays by Jake Schneiter, who had a 9-yard TD run and a 95-yard kickof return for a TD. Then after halftime, the Florence defense shut down the Ram ofense, allowing no points and scoring a TD on an Isaac Bates 45-yard interception return.

The Falcon ofense scored twice after halftime with a Bridger Alexander 8-yard run and a 5-yard pass from Mason Arlington to Brody Duchien.

Florence is the West’s #1 seed going into the Class B State playofs. They host Fairfeld, the North’s #4 seed, on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m.

The winner will face the winner of the Jeferson/Joliet game the following week.

Hamilton 45, Polson 23

The young Broncs have improved every week and were 1-6 entering their fnal game on the season against a 4-3

Polson squad in Hamilton on Friday, Oct 25. They played one of their best games of the season, fring on all cylinders and routing the Pirates 45-23. Hamilton WR Jackson Lubke had a huge game with 11 catches for 141 yards and 3 TDs. Hamilton RB Brayden Lanser had 19 carries for 176 yards and two TDs. QB Kaeden Gum ran for 58 yards and a TD, and QB Cooper Weston rushed for 44 yards and a TD. Gum was 12 of 17 and passed for 121 yards and 2 TDs, and Weston was 7 of 8 and passed for 89 yards and a TD.

The Broncs fnished the year strong and look poised to have a strong team next year.

Darby 57, Charlo 24

The Darby Tigers went to Charlo on Friday, October 25 and closed out their season with a bang, winning 57-24. Darby’s McCoy Townsend had a big game, rushing for 260 yards and 4 TDs. John Dickens rushed for 107 yards and had 2 TDs, Oliver Long had a long TD run, and Eli Jones had a 30-yard interception return for a TD.

up

Florence’s CJ Pijanowski took 8th (16:37.0), Darby’s Ben Martin took 9th (16:37.1), and

Darby got great blocking

front by Shannon Stuart, Colter Brantley, Keegan Goodwin, Tanner Shavers. Darby ended the season with a 4-4 record.

Corvallis’s Jack Davidson took 2nd place in Class A boys race with a time of 15:54.62. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence’s Kyler Harris took 2nd in the boy’s Class B race with a time of 16:11.90. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Below: Hamilton’s Aleigha Child took 3rd in a Class A girls race with a time of 18:58.21. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Sports

Darby bests Victor in cross-valley volleyball matchup

Victor hosted Darby on Friday, October 25 in a matchup of old 13C rivals. Darby is now a Class B school and, as one would expect, the bigger Class B school had the advantage and Darby won 3-0 (25-9, 25-17, 25-17), although a scrappy Victor team fought hard throughout.

Earlier in the week, on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Darby went to Deer Lodge and lost 0-3 (25-17, 25-12, 25-18)

Volleyball Postseason (under above story)

The volleyball teams of Florence and Darby will be in Deer Lodge on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 for the 6B District Tournament.

Victor will be at the 13C District Tournament at the SKC Event Center in Pablo from Thursday, Oct. 31 to Saturday, Nov. 2.

In Class A volleyball, the top three teams get a bye into Divisionals. The bottom three teams have play-in games on Saturday, Nov. 2 and Monday, Nov. 4 to see who will be the 4th seed in the Western A Divisional Tournament, which will be held at Corvallis on Nov. 7-9. There are still games to be played this week to determine the seeding.

Stevi soccer loses out in state semi-fnals

The term “heartbreaking” is an overused hyperbole in sports. But in the case of the Stevensville/Whitefsh State Soccer Class A semifnal game on October 26 in Stevensville, it’s apt to say that it was a heartbreaking loss for Stevensville, as the ‘Jackets fell 3-4 to the defending state champion Bulldogs in the fnal seconds of the game.

Stevensville struck frst with a goal from Silas Seibert (assisted from Anton Ptok) early in the frst half. Whitefsh responded with a made penalty kick in the 30th minute to tie the score 1-1 going into halftime.

Whitefsh opened the scoring in the second half with a goal in the 59th minute to take a 2-1 lead. Stevensville

responded minutes later as Montana’s all-time leading single season scoring record holder David Beames scored his 36th and 37th goals on the season in the span of three minutes to give the Yellowjackets a 3-2 lead.

Then with 4 minutes left in the game, Whitefsh scored the equalizer to make the score 3-3. Minutes later, in stoppage time, Whitefsh scored the go-ahead goal to vault them to the State Championship game and dash the ‘Jackets championship hopes.

This ended a stellar season for the Stevensville boys, who won a conference championship, had a 12-2 record and made the state semifnals as one of the state’s top teams.

Rockies draft pick Omlid to meet Bitterroot Red Sox

It’s not everyday you meet a professional baseball player. And it’s not everyday you meet a professional baseball player who comes from the same community as you.

Next year’s Bitterroot Red Sox players will get this opportunity on Nov. 4th, as the Red Sox are hosting a pre-registration special event in Hamilton.

At the event, former Bitterroot Red Sox standout Hunter Omlid will be there to answer questions and talk with the community.

Omlid, a 2019 Hamilton High School graduate, was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 20th round and was the 588th pick in the 2024 MLB draft this summer.

The 6’2” right handed pitcher just fnished his college career with Arizona State University, after also playing college baseball for Boise State, Central Arizona College, and Grand Canyon over the last fve years.

Omlid was a 3x all-state basketball player for the Hamilton High Broncs, as well as a 2x all-state baseball player with the Red Sox.

Jamie Tadvick, American Legion Red Sox club president, said, “We wanted to have an event to welcome back all the players and get everyone excited for the upcoming season. Then it worked out that Hunter was going to be around, so we thought it would be great to have the kids talk with someone who had been drafted who played for the Red Sox and who was from their community.”

The event serves as a way for potential players (ages 13-19) to learn more about the Red Sox program and to sign up early for the 2025 season. The event takes place in Hamilton at the Bedford Building at 223 S. 2nd Street and starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m. For more information, contact Jamie Tadvick at 406-546-7934.

Victor’s Kenzie Busse and Darby’s Natalie Anderson going after the ball in Darby’s 3-0 win over Victor in Victor on Friday, Oct. 25. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Stevensville’s Evan Montague taking a corner kick. The ‘Jackets were defeated 3-4 by Whitefsh in Stevensville on Oct. 26 in the Class A Soccer State Semifnals. Photo by Wesley Wells.

Former Bitterroot Red Sox standout Hunter Omlid will be in Hamilton on Nov. 4 for a Bitterroot Red Sox pre-registration event. Photo by Sun Devil Baseball.

continued from page 1

restaurants. We get to raise money for our local food

while

Artists have also made fall table decorations which will be for sale. You might want to make a list of people you want to say thank you to because there’s also a bake sale which is perfect for that! The proceeds from the bake sale benefts Clay Works!

“It takes a great group of community sponsors to put this luncheon together,” said Morris. “We want to thank Clay Works! for the continued support of our program. St. Francis Church and the Knights of Columbus are invaluable to the success of this luncheon. The amazing work the Knights of Columbus do in the kitchen is awesome!”

Morris said that with all the support they get, they are able to donate approximately $6,000 to local food banks each year.

“We all are helping with making sure people are fed,” said Morris. Tickets for the lun-

cheon are $30 and are available at Clay Works! and Chapter One bookstore in Hamilton. St.

Francis Pastoral Center is located at 411 S. 5th in Hamilton.

The Empty Bowls soup luncheon raises money for local food banks while also promoting local clay artists. Photo courtesy of Marilyn Morris.

Late season broken weather fshing

You can probably look out your window right now and tell more about the weather than I can as I write this.

Same with river reports. I trust them almost half the time.

We don’t know exactly what the next couple of weeks will bring for weather – we could be looking at wind, rain, and downed trees – always a hazard.

If you’re going out be careful.

The coming week calls for broken weather; clouds, rain showers, sunshine peeking through and temps in the mildly cool high 40’s on down into the low 30’s.

get in on it! If there’s nothing moving on top, fish a streamer. If you’ve never tried it, or haven’t been successful with it, it’s easy to get started.

by Chuck Stranahan

A few days might seem too bloody cold, and others will be socked in with a cold dull drizzle. The days that get soggier and colder as they progress toward winter are best spent indoors tying flies. Others might offer a window for getting out – and fishing to remember.

We may see blue-winged olive hatches in the side channels and edges, and a last spate of October caddis.

One of the biggest fish I ever hooked on a dry fly came at this time of year on a large October Caddis pattern fished as the light descended into dusk. Those big caddisflies are still around, and the trout continue to hit them after they’ve disappeared.

Same with grasshoppers. Don’t neglect fishing a hopper pattern –and make it twitch every two seconds until drag sets in.

Broken weather during the last days of fall have yielded some of the most exciting fishing I’ve had in my life. Those sudden changes - sun peeking out, the letup of a rainstorm,

You don’t need a new rod or line, and every trout in the river will chase down and eat smaller fish this time of year.

Let’s say you have a 4 or 5-weight rod, and find the idea of slinging something the size of a baby muskrat with your light dry fly rod somewhat intimidating.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t fish streamers. A #8, #10, or #12 streamer fished on your floating line will get you into the game, and you might score better, say, with a #8 leech pattern than a big, gaudy, bulky pattern.

I remember the time my guide client and I sat under a tall pine tree waiting out a rainstorm. When the rain ceased the air turned from soggy to almost electric.

He wanted me to show him how to fish streamers. He had his 5-weight rod with him. I rigged both of us up with a #8 Marabou Leech, and made one demonstration cast into the supposedly dead water in front of us. I was saving the heart of the pool for him.

I had barely begun my demo retrieve when a sixteen-inch rainbow slammed the fly and shot out of the water in an arc of spray that made its colors glisten in the brightening air.

“Wow!” We both exclaimed. Neither of us was expecting that. We half-expected the fishing that followed where my client did about the same thing for the next five or six fish, all about the same size as that first one or larger, until we went on to the next run and did it again with

approach, for me anyway, is to cast quartering upstream and make the fly land above the place I expect the fish to be and let it sink a little. When the fly gets to where I think

you’re into the game. Trying to muscle a bigger unwieldy fly where you can’t cast it accurately simply won’t work.

Get the cast in, let the fly sink to where you think a fish might be waiting, and make it swim. It’s that simple, and you can build on it from there.

announce that in addition

Missoula and Ronan offices, Partners In Home Care is opening our third location in Hamilton! This

therapy including CPAP and BiPAP services alongside our existing services out of the Missoula office. Our team is committed to the continued delivery of exceptional care in Ravalli, Missoula, and now conveniently located in Hamilton!

A break in the weather on a late October day - a perfect time to be

Bitterroot Library to temporarily limit services

pet sees a lot of trafc,” said Mark Wetherington, Library Director. “For people that might ask ‘How many people use the library?’ I think our areas of threadbare carpet answer that question. We’ve gotten as much use as we can out of it and now it’s time to replace it.”

“With

a week, our car-

The library has scheduled the replacement around two state holidays that occur in early November, Election Day on the 5th and Veterans Day on the 11th. The library will reopen in the meeting room with regular hours but limited services on Wednesday, Nov. 6th through Saturday, Nov. 9th. If all goes smoothly, the upstairs will reopen with normal hours on Wednesday, Nov. 13th. During the replacement, library patrons should visit the library website

at www.bitterrootpubliclibrary.org for up-to-date information.

During the library’s 2023 Facility Needs Assessment and Survey, many respondents referred to the condition of the carpeting in both the downstairs meeting room and upstairs in the main library. This project is partly in response to those concerns.

“Enough survey respondents mentioned the meeting room carpet’s ‘tiredness,’ so we replaced that frst, back in January,” Wetherington said. “With the generosity of the Bitterroot Public Library Foundation, we were able to go ahead and schedule carpet replacement upstairs as well.”

The library is in the planning stages with the City of Hamilton to consider adding additional library space in the old Fire Hall building next door. Wetherington said this is the beginning of a years-long process that hopefully will eventually result in an expanded Bitterroot Public Library

that can better serve a community that has grown substantially since the building was last expanded in 1988.

“We have begun working with the city on how to move forward on this project now that the Preliminary Architecture Report has been completed,” Wetherington said. “It’s in the very early stages but we are excited by the level of community support and the willingness of the city to be supportive of an expansion of the library.”

The carpet that was installed in the basement and that will be installed upstairs are carpet squares rather than traditional carpet rolls and can easily be removed or replaced during any future construction projects or if signifcant renovations to the current building occur.

For more information on the library closure or about library expansion planning contact the library at director@bitterrootpubliclibrary.org or call (406)363-1670.

Alene Tunny

Alex Tunny

Amanda Bauer

Cecile Richardson

Amber Richardson

Amber Tyree

Anita Wotkyns

Anne Lower

Arlene Helmbrecht

Arlene Rosenberg

Barb Placzek

Barbara Burnham

Barbara Liss

Barbara Losensky

Barbara Olin

Blake Fowler

Budd Guardiola

THANK YOU FOR MAKING OUR 45 TH ANNUAL MCINTOSH APPLE DAY & 10TH ANNUAL LIQUID APPLE NIGHT A SMASHING SUCCESS!

From, your friends at the Ravalli County Museum & Bitter Root Valley Historical Society

SPONSORS

VOLUNTEERS

Cammie Evans

Cecile Richardson

Cheryl O'Brien

Cheryl Waterworth

Christen Macgillivray

Claire Carmody

Corina Waldo

Coulter McQuee

Craig Simmons

Deb Strickland

Diana Barkley

Diane

Doug

Greg

Linda Miller

Matt Wagner

& Kathy Stroppel Max Anderson Midge Regester

Mike &

Katherine Placzek

Kathleen Managarnara

Ken McBride

LaDonna Grotbo Leandra (Lee) Fuentes

A special thank you to everyone who contributed to this event behind the scenes, attended the events, helped spread the word and in any way supported the Ravalli County Museum!

BITTERROOT HEALTH

PRESENTS: Diabetes Education & Management

Canyon & Peak Conference Rooms, Biterroot Health - Daly Hospital Saturday, November 2, 2024 9 am - 12 pm FREE to the public

9am – 12 noon FREE diabetes screening by Biterroot Health Lab, sponsored by the Hamilton Lions Drop into

9am – 9:30am

Julia Waibel and Kathy Gurney, Registered Dieticians and Diabetic Educators: Learn valuable insights on dietary approaches for diabetes management.

9:30am – 10am

Dr. April Weinberger, Chief Medical Ofcer: Discussion on weight management strategies and the role of GLP-1 medications in modern diabetes care.

10am – 10:30am

Dr. Hugh Gapay, Primary Care Physician at the Hamilton Clinic: Discussion on insulin resistance and how our community can combat the rise of diabetes.

10:30am – 11am

Kathy Dexter, Doctor of Nursing Practice at the Corvallis Clinic: Focus on the benefts of exercise in managing diabetes.

11am – 11:30am

Desiree Mooney, Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist: Discussion on the emotional and mental health challenges associated with living with diabetes, ofering tips for managing stress and anxiety.

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

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MCINTOSH APPLES organic, tree-ripened, hand-picked. $1.00/lb. Hamilton. 406-369-3212.

COMMERCIAL PROP-

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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!

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-762-1508

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HOME FOR RENT - 406 N. 4th, Hamilton. 3-bdrm, 1 bath, W/D, stove/fridge. $1200/mo. plus utilities (power, water,

garbage). Text or voicemail - 406-961-4145.

FOR RENT, FURNISHED SHORT-TERM RENTAL, 2 bedrooms, on 10 acres with private small yard, with gorgeous views in the Stevensville area, very quiet, call for price details (818) 921-5275.

ROOM FOR RENT. Bed, dresser, TV, small fridge, includes utilities, common areas, kitchen use. Hamilton, $350/ month. Call or text (406) 880-8351.

TO GIVEAWAYOld-fashioned push lawn mower (non-motorized). 14-inches wide, good condition. Blades need sharpening. Will deliver in Stevi area. (406) 777-4020.

West-central MT hunters enjoy opening weekend success

The 2024 Montana big game general hunting season opened Saturday, Oct. 26, and hunters in the west-central part of the state enjoyed mild weather and harvest numbers up from last year’s opener, according to data collected at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife check stations near Anaconda, Bonner, Darby and Fish Creek.

White-tailed deer and elk harvest was almost double of the 2023 opening weekend at the Bonner station. Region-wide, elk harvest was up 30 percent from last year’s opening weekend.

“Although it seemed like we had a slow start due to the warm and sunny weather on Saturday, we ended up with a fairly high number of elk through the Darby station by the end of the weekend,” said Rebecca Mowry, FWP Bitterroot area wildlife biologist.

The Darby station checked 72 elk this past weekend, compared to 57 on opening weekend last year. The station also saw the same number of mule deer as last at six and 12 whitetailed deer compared to nine during the 2023 opening weekend.

More hunters passed through each

of the stations this opening weekend compared to last. The Fish Creek station in Mineral County was busy with hunters and checked six white-tailed deer, including three bucks and three does, over the weekend.

Overall, west-central Montana’s four wildlife check stations saw 2,318 hunters collectively. Those hunters checked 107 elk, 18 mule deer, 66 white-tailed deer, two black bears and one moose. This compares to 2,132 hunter stops during the 2023 opening weekend and 76 elk, 15 mule deer, 39 white-tailed deer, and one black bear.

FWP reminds hunters they must stop at all check stations that they pass, even if they have not harvested any animals.

CWD testing locations

Hunters can also help with wildlife conservation eforts by submitting samples from harvested deer, elk, and moose for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing. In west-central Montana, the wildlife check stations near Darby and Anaconda are collecting CWD samples, as well as new, specifc CWD sampling locations at Clearwater Crossing in the Blackfoot Valley (Sat,

- Space

Sun, Mon from 10 a.m.-dark), Arrow Stone Park in Deer Lodge (Fri, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sat, Sun, Mon from 10 a.m.-dark) and the Missoula FWP ofce (Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-5p.m.). For a complete list of stations and hours across the state, visit fwp.mt.gov/cwd. Hunter can also take samples themselves and mail them to the wildlife lab for testing. Although CWD testing is voluntary in this area and most of Montana, samples from hunter-harvested deer, elk and moose are critical to FWP’s understanding of this fatal disease. Multiple big game hunting districts around west-central Montana are Priority Surveillance Areas for CWD, which are areas where FWP is making a concerted efort to gather more samples. All sampling is ofered for free to hunters. Hunters play a key role in minimizing the spread and providing data. For more hunting season reminders and to track hunter success, stay tuned to the FWP weekly check station reports over the next fve weeks. The general big game season runs through Sunday, Dec. 1. FWP wardens still looking for

tips on two mule deer poached near Florence Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens continue to look for information on two mule deer bucks that were poached in the lower Eight Mile Road area east of Florence earlier this month. The potential cash reward for tips was increased to $2,000 thanks to a private donation. The frst deer was discovered on Friday, Oct. 4 and the other was found in the same location on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Both deer were shot and left to waste.

FWP game wardens say that wildlife crimes like this one are often solved because of leads from the public and encourage anyone with information to make a report. Contact FWP Game Warden Taylor Gagnon directly at 406-552-9335. Visit tipmont.mt.gov for more information on reporting natural resource crimes. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 through the TIP-MONT program, and Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife added an additional $1,000 to the reward amount for this particular case.

Restore the Conservative Balance on the MONTANA

SUPREME COURT

Return Your Ballot or Vote in Person on Nov. 5th for Dan Wilson & Cory Swanson

Legal Notices

William J. Nelson, Esq.

Nelson Law Ofce PLLC

217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840

Telephone: (406) 363-3181

email: wmziplip@gmail.

com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

COURT RAVALLI COUNTY

IN RE THE ESTATE OF: PENNY EILEEN NIXON, Deceased.

Cause No. DP-2024-109

Dept. No. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING OF PETITION FOR ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND FOR SUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that JESSI L. JESSOP has fled in the above court and cause a Petition for adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirs, and the appointment of Jessi L. Jessop as Personal Representative and for supervised administration of said estate. For further information the Petition, as fled, may be examined in the ofce of the clerk of the above Court. Hearing upon said Petition will be held in said Court at the courtroom in the courthouse at Hamilton, Montana on the 20th day of November 2024 at the hour of 1:30 p.m., at which time all interested persons may appear and object.

DATED this 18th day of October 2024.

/s/ Jessi L. Jessop Petitioner

BS 10-23, 10-30, 11-6-24.

MNAXLP

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 email: wmziplip@gmail. com MONTANA TWENTY

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: PHILLIP F. JOHNSON, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-2024117 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed 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 the Personal Representative, Shelby Heinz, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 18th day of October 2024.

/s/ Shelby Heinz Personal Representative BS 10-23, 10-30, 11-6-24. MNAXLP

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 email: wmziplip@gmail. com MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: MAX R. LEMONS, JR., Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-2024115 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed 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 the Personal Representative, Mary A. Lemons, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled

with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 18th day of October 2024. /s/ Mary A. Lemons Personal Representative BS 10-23, 10-30, 11-6-24. MNAXLP

LEGAL NOTICE Rivers Edge Subdivision Variance/Material Modifcation Request. Charles Harris on behalf of the Rivers Edge Subdivision Homeowners Association is proposing to stabilize approximately 65 ft. of eroding bank located within the Rivers Edge Subdivision Common Area. The project involves removing material from an over steepened bank and installing a rock toe to protect against further erosion and scour. The upper portion of the bank will be stabilized with a strip of vegetation consisting of soil lifts secured by biodegradable coconut fber mats and native plantings. The project is proposing to import the fll (rock and soil) from an of-site source. According to the defnition of a No-Build/Alteration Zone within the Ravalli County Subdivision Regulations, no fll is permitted to be placed within a No-Build/ Alteration Zone. The applicant is asking for a variance from this defnition to place the fll within the designated No-Build/ Alteration Zone established on the face of the Rivers Edge Plat as part of their bank stabilization project. The applicant is also requesting a Material Modifcation of the fled plat that allows for future maintenance of the project as a permitted use within the No-Build/Alteration Zone of the Rivers Edge Subdivision. The project was designed by a certifed engineer in accordance with the Ravalli County Floodplain Regulations including certifcation that the project will not pose increased food risk or lead to an adverse impact of adjacent land or the river. The applicant has received approval for the project from the Bitterroot Conservation District and US Army Corp of Engineers. The Common Area property is owned by the Rivers Edge Home Owners Association. The Rivers Edge Home Owners Association has approved of the project and granted a Right to Entry and Construction Easement for the project. The project is located 6 miles north of Stevensville (Tax ID: 443113) in Section 25, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. The applicant representative is Charles Harris and the consultant is Russ Fox – Designer with Fox Logic. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the below hearing, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).

***This is a standalone Variance/Material Modifcation Request from the RCSR Defnition of No-Build/Alteration Zone. There is no proposed subdivision as part of this request. The variance is only to allow for fll to be placed within a No-Build Alteration/ Zone as part of a proposed bank stabilization project. The Material Modifcation is to allow for future maintenance of the project as a permitted use within the No-Build/Alteration Zone.

The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a Public Hearing to review the proposal on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 1:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the Administrative Center located at 215 S. 4th St., Hamilton, MT 59840. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision variance/material modifcation.

BS 10-23, 10-30-24.

MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD LLYNN

WILEY, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-2024111 Dept. No.: 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that Amber Sparks 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 Amber Sparks, 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 10-23, 10-30, 11-6-24.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Michelle Reynoso, Michelle Reynoso, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-41-20240000392-NC

Dept. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Michelle Josefna Reynoso to Michelle Josefna Sorenson-Brown..

The hearing will be on December 4, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 23rd day of October, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court

By: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 10-30, 11-6, 11-13, 11-20-24.

MNAXLP

Return To:

Kevin S. Jones

Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

To be sold for cash at Trustee’s Sale on March 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m, at the Ravalli County Courthouse, north entrance, main foor lobby, located at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, all of Trustee’s right, title and interest to the following-described real property situated in Ravalli County, Montana: Lot 18 and the North ½ of Lot 17, Block 2, Pleasantvale Addition to the Town of Stevensville, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

EXCEPTING AND RESERVING THEREFROM the Northeast corner of Lot 18, described as beginning at the Northeast corner of said Lot 18; thence due South 20 feet; thence due West 32 feet; thence due North 20 feet; thence East 32 feet to the place of beginning.

Recording Reference: Book 145 of Deeds, Page 309 and Book 230 of Deeds, Page 754.

George Eden and Debra Eden, as Grantors, conveyed the real property to Flying S Title & Escrow – Ravalli County, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Clearwater Credit Union, as Benefciary, by Deed of Trust dated December 15, 2023, as Document No. 792496, records of the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder. A Substitution of Trustee designating Kevin S. Jones as Successor Trustee was recorded October 8, 2024, as Document No. 799881, records of the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder. The default of the obligation, the performance of which is secured by the aforementioned Deed of Trust, and for which default of this foreclosure is made, is for failure to pay the monthly payments as and when due.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Deed of Trust, the Benefciary has exercised, and hereby exercises, its option to declare the full amount secured by such Deed of Trust immediately due and payable. There presently is due on said obligation the principal sum of $85,393.20, plus interest continuing to accrue at a rate of 8.75%

per annum, as of October 15, 2024, plus the costs of foreclosure, attorney’s fees, trustee’s fees, escrow closing fees, and other accruing costs. The Benefciary has elected, and does hereby elect, to sell the above-described property to satisfy the obligation referenced above. The Benefciary declares that the Grantors are in default as described above and demands that the Trustee sell the property described above in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Notice.

DATED 15th day of October, 2024.

/s/ Kevin S. Jones, Trustee STATE OF MONTANA

ss. County of Missoula

On this 15 day of October, 2024, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public for the State of Montana, personally appeared Kevin S. Jones, Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year frst above written.

/s/ Christy Shipp Notary Public for the State of Montana residing at Missoula, MT. My Commission Expires May 7, 2025. (SEAL)

BS 10-30, 11-6, 11-1324. MNAXLP

LEGAL NOTICE

The Ravalli County Board of Health (BOH) will conduct a Public Meeting to receive public comment on a variance requested by Janet Chafn for the Property at 416 N Grant Lane, Hamilton, Parcel # 827200. The applicant is requesting a variance from the requirement of a minimum of 48 inches of natural soil from ground level to seasonal high groundwater level and allow for an increase in use for an Existing Wastewater Treatment System. Property description: GRANTSDALE ACRES, LOT 5, 1.00 ACRE. Information describing the variance request is available for inspection on November 6, 2024, at the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department, in the Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite D, Hamilton. The public meeting will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Administrative Building located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton. The public may comment verbally or in writing, at the meeting or online. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting will be considered in the decision on said variance request.

BS 10-30, 11-6-24.

MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY REQUEST FOR BID –PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR 2025 FAIR

ONE (1) PRESENTING

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS are requesting bids for a Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Fair. The 2025 Fair will take place on August 27, 2025 through August 30, 2025 at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds.

Presenting Sponsorship for the 2025 Fair – MINIMUM

BID of $5,000.00

Any bid submitted shall provide a specifc dollar amount that the bidder is willing to pay to become the presenting sponsor.

Any response must include the ability to pay the fully committed dollar amount by January 31, 2025.

Upon the award to the successful bidder, the County will issue a Contract that must be executed by the bidder and the Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners.

This solicitation shall be awarded pursuant to all applicable Montana statutes. Included in the awarded bidders’ sponsorship are the following:

A Bucking Chute Banner display (estimated $250.00 value, provided by the Fairgrounds). As a chute gate sponsor, your company’s name and/or logo will be printed on a banner and placed on the sponsored chute gate.

25 gate tickets (estimated $250.00 value)

Prime press announcements at all Wednesday through Saturday Rodeo Fair Events. During the rodeo events, the announcer will announce the chute gate sponsor.

Two Sponsor VIP Parking passes on rodeo side. Logo link on Ravalli County Fair & Rockin’ RC Rodeo website QUESTIONS ON THE REQUEST FOR BIDS

Please email your questions on this Request for Bids to Melissa Saville (msaville@ rc.mt.gov) no later than FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2024. Any questions on the bid process must be communicated through email to msaville@rc.mt.gov and will be answered and copied to all bidders on record.

BID SUBMITTALS AND AWARD PROCESS

Three (3) copies of the sealed bids must be submitted to the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorders Ofce at 215 South 4th Street, Suite C Hamilton MT 59840 by TUESDAY, NOVEMEBR 12, 2024 AT 4:00 PM. Adjust your mail and or hand delivery of the bids accordingly. Bids must be clearly marked “Presenting Sponsor 2025” and must be received by the time listed above.

Bids will be opened and a possible award by the Ravalli County Commissioners, 215 S. 4th Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room, Hamilton, Montana on Thursday,

November 14, 2024 at 10:30 AM. DATE AND TIME OF PERFORMANCE

The sponsorship and contract will be a one-year contract with the possibility of contract extension on a year-to-year basis at the discretion of the Ravalli County Commissioners. COUNTY’S RIGHTS RESERVED All bids received will be evaluated at the discretion of the Ravalli County Commissioners. While the County has every intention to award a contract as a result of this Request for Bids, issuance of the request for bids does not constitute a commitment by Ravalli County to award and execute a contract. Upon a determination, such actions would be in its best interest, the County, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to: Cancel, terminate or not award this request for bid, at any time including after bids have been received and opened, if it is in the best interest of the County not to proceed with contract execution; Reject any or all proposals received in response to this request for bids; Waive any undesirable, inconsequential, or inconsistent provisions of this RFB, which would not have signifcant impact on any proposal. The County also reserves the right to request a best and fnal ofer from this request for bids, based on price/cost alone, if two or more bidders come in with the same bid. BS 10-30, 11-6-24. MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LAUREL C. BURNHAM, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-20240000116-IT Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Barbara A. Burnham has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased 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 the Personal Representative, Barbara A. Burnham, PO Box 444, Darby, MT 59829, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. /s/ Barbara A. Burnham Personal Representative BS 10-30, 11-6, 11-1324. MNAXLP

On Saturday Oct. 19 St. Mary’s Parish in Stevensville held its annual “Fall into Christmas” Craft Faire. We wish to thank all who helped organize and supported this event, most of all THANK YOU to the vendors and artisans who participated. This year’s event exceeded our expectations and brought our community together: it was a grand way to start off the Christmas Season. A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LOCAL DONORS

Harper Les Schwab Cenex Stevensville

Deanna Hobby APRN-C

Burnt Fork Market

GG’s Mixed Delights Moose Creek BBQ

Vern’s Nursery

River Road Creations

Valley Drug Stevensville

Mountain Thistle Quilts

Montana Chocolate Factory Superior Hardwoods

Any Time Fitness Quilt by Mary Hurley

Hat Edit Burning Sage Studio

OUR VOLUNTEERS WERE AWESOME AND APPREICATED

Lynn & Bob Brinkman Sue & Ray Fink

Kathy Tomsu

Tom Brown Jr.

Michele Brown

Linda Benton

Colleen Myers

Cozi Kovacich

Mindy Finden

Ana Napolitano

Charlie McGuire

Cindy Brown

Fred Brown

Lindsey Palmer

Teri Rose

Bonnie Weisbeck

Jim Crews

Jennifer Wandler

Knights of Columbus

Gene Johnson

takes viewers on a global journey to uncover the transformative power of the Eucharist. Through discussions with Catholic leaders and heartfelt personal narratives, the film unveils the Eucharist as Jesus Christ Himself, eagerly desiring to fulfill our spiritual thirst with His boundless love.

Purchase

Expertise & Excellence

A NOTE FROM JON

THE STAKES OF THIS ELECTION

Today, Montana is at a crossroads. Our state has always been a place where we work hard, where we know our neighbors, and where you don’t have to be a millionaire to hunt or fsh or aford a home.

But that is at risk of being lost forever.

Wealthy outsiders like Tim Sheehy are trying to turn our state into a playground for the rich. Sheehy wants to sell of our public lands, drive up the cost of housing and health care, and take away a woman’s freedom to choose.

The fact is, Tim Sheehy doesn’t get what’s important out here. But I do.

I work with Republicans, Independents — all Montanans — to defend our state because this election is our last chance to protect the Montana that we’ve always known.

kind would never again be capable of such barbarism. But here we are. The Republican candidate for president spews nothing but hateful rhetoric and lies and has been found guilty of sexual assault and 34 counts of fraud. He has no sense of accountability for his actions, even when he has hurt others yet sees no reason to apologize and blames others for his actions. He has not paid his bills to small business owners who lost their livelihoods due to his deliberate negligence. Further, he has not paid the expenses incurred by towns that hosted him in Montana and elsewhere. Yet, his followers still count in the millions.

And most troubling, related to my disturbing visits to the sites of mass tragedy in Europe, the Republican nominee for president has vowed, if reelected, mass deportations of the undocumented in our country and plans a series of “camps” to hold them until they meet their uncertain fates. Terrifying echoes of the 1930s and 1940s to be sure.

It is time we LEARN from history so as NOT to repeat it.

Teresa Trenary Missoula

Applauding Regina Plettenberg

On behalf of the Central Committee of Ravalli County Democrats, we would like to thank our county’s Clerk and Recorder Regina Plettenberg for her professionalism, courtesy, and commitment to ensuring election integrity.

Local Democrats and many Republicans agree on few things, but the honesty and accuracy of Ravalli County’s elections is one. Credit for this confdence can be traced directly to Plettenberg and her staf. In fact, she is recognized statewide as an inspiration for how county elections ofces should be organized.

A few months ago when the John Birch wing of the local Republican Party insisted the county conduct a hand-count of all ballots in all elections, Plettenberg resisted, explaining that such labor-intensive and time-consuming tactics are counterproductive, grossly inaccurate, and not wise for Ravalli County citizenry.

Thank you, Regina, for the way you manage elections here in the Bitterroot.

Linda D. Schmitt, Chair Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee

Support for Wilson

This fall, we have the opportunity to send an experienced and fair-minded judge to the Montana Supreme Court. District Court Judge Dan Wilson has the background, courtroom experience and temperament to be an excellent justice. Prior to serving for the last eight years as a district court judge, he was a prosecutor and worked in private practice. His private practice included a wide range of civil issues, and he also represented people charged with crimes in state and federal courts. He has over 30 years’ experience in civil and criminal law, both as a practitioner and recently as a judge.

Judge Wilson’s Montana roots run deep. His great grandfather homesteaded in eastern Montana and his grandfather served as a city judge in Malta and justice of the peace for Phillips County.

I’ve practiced in front of Judge Wilson and found him to be a fair-minded and hard-working jurist. As a Montana Supreme Court justice, he would follow the law and would not legislate from the bench.

Please join me in supporting Judge Dan Wilson for the Montana Supreme Court.

Jack Jenks Missoula

Vote no on CI-126

As proud Democratic Socialists, we believe in building a political system that prioritizes working-class interests and challenges the dominance of corporate power. Open primary elections, which allow all voters to participate regardless of party afliation, undermine these goals. While they are often seen as fostering inclusivity and increasing voter participation, they actually dilute the power of parties to shape their own political direction. Political parties exist to advance distinct ideologies and policies. Allowing everyone to participate in a party’s primary undermines the ability of committed Democratic Socialists to select candidates who represent their vision. This opens the door for corporate interests and centrist voters to choose candidates who may compro-

mise on key issues like the Green New Deal, workers’ rights, and environmental justice.

Open primaries weaken our ability to build a strong, ideologically coherent movement. By allowing outsiders—often infuenced by corporate media or political elites—to shape the agenda, the party becomes more susceptible to neoliberal infuence. In a world where the political establishment already marginalizes leftist movements, we need mechanisms that empower grassroots socialist activists, not dilute their infuence. Closed primaries, while less inclusive, protect the integrity of the parties by ensuring that its direction is determined by those who are committed to its principles.

This election, please vote no on CI-126.

MT DSA Steering Committee

Brendan Work

Alessandro Mitchell

Rachel Calderon-Navarro

Steven Clark

Concerned

We are truly at a crossroads in our great state. Do we maintain our traditional values of freedom and let live or do we sell our state to out of state billionaires? I for one am truly tired of newcomers coming and deciding what is best for Montana. I am a newcomer as I moved here in 1994 but I have embraced the values of our Treasured state. I am Very concerned about Tim Sheehy and his special interests groups. He just doesn’t feel like a good ft for Montana. Although I do not always agree with Tester, Jon has done us right especially for ranchers, veterans, and our kids. He has a head on his shoulders and does what he thinks best for all our citizens. He also has seniority and is well respected in Washington D.C. Why send an untrustworthy and unknown newcomer to represent us in D.C. I am encouraging Republicans and Democrats alike to vote to keep Jon Tester as our senator.

Joanie Perry Seeley Lake Tester

delivers, Sheehy deceives

Lie is such an ugly little word, and, in a more perfect union, would have no place in a political campaign. Clearly, we are not there yet, since Tim Sheehy’s Senate campaign is built on little but lies. Why?

That’s an easy one. Sheehy’s outof-state puppeteers know the Montana newcomer and failing businessman has no chance of fairly beating native Montanan Jon Tester who boasts an 18-year record of legislative successes for Americans generally and Montanans specifcally. Sheehy’s handlers realize that only by inventing a ridiculous caricature of Tester can the Minnesota native hope to win.

Sheehy himself approves some of the deceptive ads; others are from Sheehy-aligned political action committees. The dishonesty is so outrageous, it’s downright insulting that he thinks Montana voters will swallow them. Having said that, a little fact-checking is in order.

--Let’s start with a claim so outlandish as to be silly. It begins with an announcer claiming West Coast elites are in love with Jon Tester because he gave them tax advantages denied to Montanans. This cannot happen. Federal income tax rates are based on income and fling status – not where you live (Investopedia.com).

--Another outrageous ad declares that Tester voted to give amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants, allowing them to enjoy the benefts of Medicare and Social Security. Tester and many other senators including Republicans Lindsey Graham and Marco Rubio voted for an immigration bill providing a legal pathway to citizenship for certain select immigrants with no criminal history who passed rigorous background screening. This legislation could in no way be considered amnesty and the word appears nowhere in the bill. (FactCheck.org and PolitiFact)

--Another ad condemns Tester’s fctional vote to allow “biological men to compete in girls’ sports.” At no point has Congress voted to permit males to compete against females. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., proactively sought to prohibit federal funds going to institutions that would allow trans female students to participate in female sports. Both amendments failed as unnecessary. (NonStop Local, Billings, Ben Wineman).

--We have all heard the often-repeated anti-Tester ad condemning our

senior senator for supporting farmaid legislation that excluded white farmers. Largely false, according to extensive reporting from Montana Free Press. The bill in question, the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, intended to correct decades of unfair treatment of minority farmers, particularly those of Native American heritage. The diference in income between white farmers and Native American farmers is striking, the former group averaging $187,000 in farm sales annually compared to $50,000 for the latter group. Following complaints by white farmers, the program was downsized to accommodate non-racial language and was included in the Infation Reduction Act which passed in the summer of 2022. The original bill at the heart of the deceptive ad was intended to correct systemic discrimination against minority farmers, not to exclude white farmers, per se.

--A Tim Sheehy ad falsely accused Jon Tester of cutting Social Security. This is false. Congress is legally prohibited from raiding Social Security’s accumulated reserve funds that are earmarked specifcally to beneft retired Americans. Also, under federal code, it is illegal for Social Security benefts to be awarded to undocumented workers, as another false ad claims. (Montana Independent newspaper Aug. 22, 2024).

I understand that some Montana voters will hate Jon Tester simply because he is a Democrat, a sad fact here in the Big Sky State. But it’s time to examine all the positive infuence the Big Sandy farmer has had on our state.

Jon Tester became a member of the Veterans Afairs Committee in 2007, his frst year in the Senate. He became chairman in 2023.

In his tenure on that committee, Tester sponsored 16 bills supporting veterans that became law. He has sponsored more than 150 veteran-focused bills, many of which are making their way through the complex process of becoming law. The Senate website lists almost 500 bills proposed by Tester. These pieces of legislation refect his position on numerous committees including Banking and Housing, the all-important Appropriations Committee, and, vital for seven percent of Montana residents, the Indian Afairs Committee.

Tester’s skill at proposing and helping to pass legislation has real-world benefts for us in Montana. Here is a list of successful legislation specifc to Ravalli County:

--Tester was the only member of the Montana delegation to help pass legislation lowering the cost of marketplace health plans and the cost of prescription drugs for seniors on Medicare.

--The Infation Reduction Act is fully paid-for legislation that will lower costs for working families by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices, ensuring more equitable costs for prescription medication. (No more trips to Canada for savings.); extending afordable health care subsidies through 2025 preventing insurance premium hikes for thousands of Montanans; capping out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs for Medicare benefciaries at $2,000 annually.

--Tester secured funding for a new VA clinic in Hamilton fve times larger and more technologically advanced than its predecessor.

--He secured funds ($996,415) to help seniors with Alzheimer’s in Ravalli County to remain independent and in their homes.

--Tester secured funds to improve early childhood education in Ravalli County, including more than $3 million for Ravalli Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

--He secured funds for SAFE, a Ravalli County organization that provides services and emergency shelter for victims of domestic abuse.

--Tester secured funds for Ravalli County trails and pedestrian paths. He was instrumental in acquiring more than $28 million for infrastructure including these and many other projects across Montana.

--Thanks to Jon Tester, Hamilton received $877,000 via a RAISE Planning Grant for the design and construction of various highway projects in Ravalli County, including the long-needed repaving of Ricketts Road west of Hamilton. These grants are funded by the bi-partisan Infrastructure Law which he helped craft. Montana voters have much to lose

if they send a self-serving candidate like Tim Sheehy to Washington. If the past is prologue, he will lobby for more federal contracts to bail out his failing business and middle-class Montanans will pay the price.

Voters, please ignore the lies and allow Jon Tester to continue his skilled service to Montana and beyond.

Wayne Adair Hamilton

Disinformation

How do you know? Both sides say the other is lying, so how do you know who’s right? Consider:

1. “Leave it up to the states was also the pro-slavery argument in the 1850s.”

That’s easy to check on the internet – look up “Leave it to the states” and/or “pro-slavery arguments in the 1850s.” Read through maybe 5 sites on each and see what you think. Would you have wanted to live in a slave state? Do you want to live in a state that imposes its views on women’s rights on everyone?

2. “If you think organic food is expensive, have you priced cancer lately?”

The implication is that food with additives (like most of us have been consuming for most of our lives) may cause cancer. That makes sense to me, so I increasingly eat organic food, choosing to trust Mother Nature rather than human ingenuity, because sometimes people develop and invent things not because of good will, but simply because it’s interesting and fun..

3. “Trump is trying to scare people with lies. Who wants to live in a constant state of panic? Who votes for that?”

I have a good brain and know lots of good, thinking people, and so I refuse to be afraid. Besides, when we’re afraid, we generally can’t think straight, and I don’t want anyone to have that power over me. How about you?

4. “Undocumented immigrants commit less crime than Donald Trump.”

That’s another one that’s easy to check on the internet. Look up “undocumented immigrant crime” and “Donald Trump’s crimes,” read through several on each, and see what you think.

Basically, if you look at enough sources, you can get a pretty good idea of who is lying, because at least some people on both sides have good intentions and you may fnd yourself thinking, “Hmm, I never thought about it that way before.”

And fnally a quotation from Marcia Rundle, of Florence: “Forty years ago, ‘Montana values’ were succinctly expressed in a campaign slogan for the governor’s ofce: ‘StraightTalk. Good People.’ The beauty of these words is that they can be applied to all candidates, regardless of party afliation, the ofce being sought, or the policy in question.”

You may not think you’re smart enough to understand the issues or exactly what’s going on, but you can look things up and say what you think and listen to what others think, and your gut will tell you who is “Good People.”

Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Duluth, MN

Open border

Under Biden and Harris we have an open border with Mexico, right? No. Take a minute to investigate and you’ll fnd that the border is militarized and has more border patrol agents than ever before. Millions of people have been turned away or deported to Mexico throughout the Biden administration, even those not from Mexico. By defnition this is not an open border. Though it might not be technically true, “the truth” is not important in identity politics. If you are part of an aggrieved group, such as MAGA voters, you must have “your truth” unchallenged. This is why Democrat candidates never correct it when they say, “open border.” Today, people’s feelings are what’s important, especially the feelings of swing voters in communities afected by illegal immigration. Are your feelings, “your truth”, more important than “the truth”?

John Schneeberger Hamilton

More letters on next page

Last chance to vote no

Before marking your ballot, take a few minutes to read or reread our Montana constitution, paying special attention to Article II - Declaration of Rights. Think back to our forefathers and their intentions as they thoughtfully and morally crafted these rights for the beneft of all Montanans. Certainly, a lot has changed in the last 100+ years, but the RIGHT to kill the unborn in the name of reproductive freedom would never have and should never have a place in our constitution. Don’t listen to the smooth talkers and jump aboard the CI-128 bandwagon without frst thoroughly researching the initiative and its implications. This measure is too extreme for Montana and is not to be taken lightly.

https://courts.mt.gov/external/ library/docs/72constit.pdf

Becky Grimm Hamilton

Tester an efective voice for Montana

A born-and-raised Montanan I know was lobbed the insult “communist s.o.b.” (and expletive) while making calls for Montana Sen. Jon Tester recently. For supporting our home-grown, dirt-farmer senator who supports our veterans, seniors, small businesses, Tribes, youth, farmers, ranchers, and everybody in between? You don’t get more rock-solid than the guy who’s been our voice in the U.S. Senate for three terms. Montana has called itself one big community with a very long main street – neighbors from one side of the state to the other. So, neighbors, we’ve gotta ask ourselves, why such unneighborly slurs? No, Washington hasn’t changed Jon Tester. He provides a voice of practicality, compromise, and reason, actually solving problems through legislation. That’s the job. He’s rated the 4th most efective senator for the number of his bills that became law. He works across the aisle with anyone to beneft everyday people. He magnifes our voices on committees

like Veterans’ Afairs (chairman) and Indian Afairs.

Montana’s changing, but we’re still rural. Tester gets that rural America faces unique challenges. Securing disaster relief for farmers, keeping our mail facilities in Montana, improving your rural internet connection, helping fund our rural hospitals and lowering prescription med costs, helping protect seniors from scams, adding VA clinics here and increasing mental health benefts for veterans, keeping our Job Corps centers open, protecting our public lands and waters – these and more have resulted from Jon’s hard work.

Let’s reelect Jon Tester and keep our strong, efective voice in the Senate.

Tara Gallagher Hamilton

Support for Tester

We have a lot to lose if we don’t return Jon Tester to the US Senate Nov 5.

Contrary to all the negative ads blasting Jon with lies, he is far too valuable to be replaced by a recent Montana transplant with zero legislative experience and a quickly developed reputation for deceiving voters about everything from the source of his gunshot wound to his recent board membership for PERC, an organization with a history of supporting the interests of private over public land ownership.

Jon, by contrast, is a native Montanan who has served our state for decades. As Chair of the Senate Veterans’ Afairs Committee and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he has prevailed to bring Montana twelve new VA Clinics. Two of these -- Missoula’s new primary care/multi-specialty clinic and the Hamilton clinic now being built to ofer local primary care, mental and women’s health -- give Missoula and Ravalli County Vets direct access to VA health care.

Jon has also earned a well-deserved reputation for working effectively across the aisle with Republicans when he sees value for Montanans. He voted three times for Republican bills to fund the border wall and challenged Biden on loos-

Israel Today

What is happening with Israel today will lead to an all out war where nations surrounding Israel will come up against Israel to battle and the U.N., U.S. or any other organization will not be able to stop it from happening. When this battle is over, the whole world will know: (1) Israel will be safe and continue as a nation. (2) Ungodly and false god mind thoughts will be proven to only be imaginations, with no power over God, who created the nation of Israel through the family line of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whom Israel worships and whose word they seek to live by. (3) The ungodly will know the God over Israel is a personal God and the gods of other nations have no person, only made up thoughts of their leaders. A true believer of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that their person is the person of God, is a believer of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (4) That God is the one who delivers Israel by killing all leaders and their armies who come against Israel, there are no survivors. It will also be known Israel was captive in the lands of other nations because of their actions of iniquity and trespasses against their God. (5) Israel shall know their God sent them into captivity in other nations, and it was He who brought them back to dwell in their own land again. God and Israel will be renown worldwide because God is the victor over His and Israel’s enemies. Here is how God fights the Battle: “And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy and in my wrath have I spoken. And I will call for a sword against him through all my mountains, saith the Lord God: every man’s sword shall be against his brother. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rain upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, and overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.” This battle will change the mindset of the ungodly and their (Climate Change) theory. Look in a dictionary, you will find a meaning for climate besides what the weather is (the prevailing attitudes, standards, or conditions of a group, period, or place). This is why the U.N. uses the Phrase Climate Chance instead of Weather Chance, so they can deceive the nations into believing their real goal by deception. Because the world’s eyes will be turned to Israel and her God ,the U.N. will bring forth a leader and make a 7-year covenant with Israel.

The knowledge of this event, of the signing of a covenant, will signal to the Church age their time of being God’s servants on earth is over and Israel with 144,000 unmarried Jewish men will be God’s witnesses to the world to preach repentance (the decision to turn from self-will and accept the God of Israel as Master and Savior of your soul from eternal judgement to eternal pleasure and fellowship). After 3 1/2 yrs. the U.N. deception will be known by their turning against Israel. Their leader will declare himself a god and make all under him to kill all who repented. Israel will have to flee from Jerusalem to a place of protection by God. Two witnesses will still remain in Jerusalem to show God still claims control of Jerusalem through the last 3 1/2 years. All who try to kill them will be killed by them. When 7 yrs. come to an end, the 2 witnesses will be killed. Their bodies will be on open display for the world to see. The world will rejoice, party and send gifts to one another, but after 3 1/2 days, the 2 witnesses will arise and ascend into heaven, an earthquake happens and 7,000 are killed and the rest of the city will be in fear and give glory to God. By the working of demons, all the world’s kings and armies are now headed to the battle called Armageddon. Israel’s Messiah appears, slays all present, then goes to Jerusalem to be King upon earth for a 1,000 years. After Armageddon the Jews who where protected by God in hiding will come forth and live again in peace with Jesus their Messiah and King. Satan, captive during the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ, is released and gathers all who lived during the 1,000 yrs. and had to obey King Jesus but in their heart didn’t want to, to be gathered around Jerusalem in rebellion. Fire comes down from heaven and destroys them all. The time of 7,000 yrs. has ended and everyone will go where they chose. Those who chose God’s will to live by, will in the presence of God enjoy the fullness of joy and pleasure forever more. Those who chose self-will will realize this will did not originate with man but with the devil. Jesus said to the Pharisees who opposed him, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.” Jesus is saying, you did not create your will to be for yourself instead of God, you obtained it by Adam’s yielding to the devil’s will over God’s will. Every person, including the first woman, obtained life power from the life power breathed into Adam. The power was defiled by the soul of Adam yielding this power to the lust of the enemy of God, Satan; every person of mankind needs to repent. Text Alan: 406-396-0463.

ening immigration policy. He also backed the recent popular bipartisan immigration bill -- a bill strongly supported by the Border Patrol but tanked by Trump to keep immigration as an election issue. Tester also helped write the bipartisan infrastructure bill that is creating Montana jobs and improving our roads and bridges. Jon consistently supports our access to public lands, women’s reproductive rights, and strong Medicare and Social Security benefts, all critical to Montanans. He knows his way around Capitol Hill and is respected by his peers on both sides of the aisle.

Tim Sheehy is a candidate with no public policy experience and no expressed interest in working across the aisle to fnd solutions for all. His wealth and multiple multi-million-dollar homes render him out of touch with the basic needs of most Montanans. Worse, he threatens two

Tof our dearest freedoms: free access to public lands and women’s reproductive rights. Lacking Jon’s respect, experience and committee leadership in the Senate, Sheehy would be just another freshman senator trying to fnd his way around.

Would you trade gold for an unknown metal? Don’t vote to trade Jon’s deep experience, his respect among his Senate peers and his longterm commitment to Montana’s needs for an unknown newbie whose value to Montana is unclear and untested. The only thing we know for sure about Tim Sheehy is that he was hand-picked by Steve Daines to run for Senate to gain a Republican majority – not for his potential value to the people of Montana.

Vote for Jon Tester Nov 5. Chris Love Corvallis

A Montana Democrat for a Change!

BY: JEFF

KEMPKA, CANDIDATE FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 86

here are very few politcians who come from the working class. As some one who grew up in a working-class family, I understand frsthand the challenges that many of our neighbors face every day. That's why I'm running for State HD 86 to fght for the working class, to amplify our voices, and to ensure that they have a seat at the table in our government.

MY TOP PRIORITIES:

1. Advocatng for Workers and Unions: Drawing on my personal and professional experiences, I am dedicated to fghtng for the rights and interests of working-class families and ensuring that unions and worker’s rights remain a strong and vital part of the workforce.

2. Correctng the Property Tax Fiasco: I am commited to addressing the property tax issues that have burdened many homeowners; and will work to implement fair and sustainable tax policies that do not disproportonately impact average Montanans.

3. Keeping the Biterroot Valley Afordable for Working People: Recognizing the increasing challenges in the housing market, I will focus on policies that make housing more accessible and afordable for everyone, ensuring working people can contnue to live in the valley.

So, if you are like me and work with your hands, need to take a shower afer work, have a hard tme paying bills, then you need to vote for me. I will fght tooth & nail for the working person who built this country, state and valley!

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.”

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 does 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

Harold A. Fessler

Hamilton - Harold A. Fessler, 85, passed away at home on Wednesday evening, October 23, 2024 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, he was surrounded by family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www.brothersmortuary.com

Jerry Schmitt

Hamilton - Jerry Schmitt, 85, of Hamilton, passed away Saturday evening, October, 26, 2024 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula following a brief illness, with his loving daughter Vicki at his side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www.brothersmortuary.com

Donald Lee Welch

Hamilton - Donald Lee Welch, 88, of Hamilton passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Bee Hive Homes in Hamilton. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 9 a.m. in the Relief Society Room at the Hamilton Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with the funeral following at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton with a luncheon following back at the church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

JoAnn Roth

Corvallis - JoAnn Roth, 62, of Corvallis passed

away Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at her home of natural causes. Private services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Andy Harball

Hamilton - Andy (Max Andrew) Harball died on October 20, 2024 from natural causes. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Alice Harball, sister Nancy Riess, mother Carol Harball, brother-in-law, Ace Steele, sister-in-law jean Steele all of Hamilton, and his brother Dan Harball of Custer, Washington, his nephew Chad Harball of Pocatello, Idaho and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Condolences may be left for the family at dalyleachchapel.com

Warm Clothes for the Hunt