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

‘The Volume XXXVII, Number 12

’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, October 6, 2021

www.bitterrootstar.com

Rite of Autumn

Public health asks for longterm care volunteers

“Mighty Mantis Mawkin,” located in front of Rocky Mountain Bank, took 1st place in the Business category as well as 1st place for Artistic Merit in the 15th annual Scarecrow Festival contest. “Coasting Into Halloween” took 2nd in Business and “Welcome to the Dog Park” took 3rd. “Room on the Broom” took 1st place in the Groups, Non-Profits, Families category, with “Jesus Loves the Little Children” taking 2nd and “Don’t Feed the Bears” taking 3rd. “Silenzio Bruno!” took 1st in the Kids category. “Nevermore” won 2nd place for Artistic Merit. In all, there were 37 entries in this year’s competition. Photo courtesty of Loey Knapp.

Ravalli County Public Health has issued a call for volunteers at the valley’s local long-term and assisted living facilities. Over the last few weeks the Public Health Department has received information from more local long-term and assisted living care facilities regarding a need for caregivers as well as other support services. According to Public Health, COVID is a contributing factor in that need. “With cases increasing daily, we have seen more cases in those facilities among staff and residents,” states the press release. “We are encouraging anyone interested in volunteering time, especially anyone with health care background that wants to get involved, to call your local long-term care or assisted living facilities to find out how you can help.” Public Health is also encouraging anyone interested in volunteering or providing services to sign up through Montana Healthcare, Mutual Aid System. MHMAS is a secure, web-based online registration system used to register, verify and credential volunteer health care professionals. The system is open to medical professionals as well as non-medical professionals looking for the opportunity to help respond to incidents. For more information visit: https://dphhs.mt.gov/ publichealth/phep/mhmas. In related news, the Montana Dept. of Health & Human Services has released a report that shows that unvaccinated people are five times more likely to be hospitalized and three times more likely to die from COVID-19. DPHHS officials are urging Montanans to get vaccinated. The best tool against serious illness from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated, according to the DPHHS findings.

Another gate on Hughes Creek Road by Michael Howell Another gate has been erected blocking public access on Hughes Creek Road located above Painted Rocks Reservoir on the West Fork. This one is adorned with a “Warning No Trespassing” sign which goes on to state, “You quite possibly could get shot or hurt and then try to sue resulting in a long drawn out court battle. You Will Lose. Because this sign will be ‘Exhibit A’.” Two non-proﬁt

Warning sign on another gate that’s been put in place by landowners trying to stop public access on Hughes Creek Road up the West Fork above

organizations, Public Land and Water Access (PLWA) and Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association (RCFWA) informed the Ravalli County Commissioners about the new gate in a letter dated September 21 and gave the commissioners until October 16th to remove the obstructions. The letter, sent by the Goetz, Baldwin & Geddes law ﬁrm in Bozeman, requests that the gate and other obstructions be removed “immediately” as the law requires. The letter

states that the commissioners have known about the new obstruction since July 2021. “Ravalli County has known since July 2021 of the new gate as well as the felled trees obstructing the original roadbed beyond the new illegal gate (pictures enclosed). With all due respect, the two months that has elapsed has been more than enough time to develop a plan, comply with the law and have these obstructions removed. See GATE, page 4

Record year for county fair by Victoria Howell

The 2021 Ravalli County Fair is over, but the enthusiasm of fair manager Melissa Saville shows no signs of slowing down. Of course, Saville has a lot to be enthusiastic about. The fair posted recording breaking attendance and record-breaking revenue. This is Saville’s fourth year as manager, and her third year managing the fair, since it was cancelled last year due to COVID-19. The highest previous revenue record was $155,000 in 2016. Saville says this year the fair took in $165,000 in gate revenue. She said that the revenue doesn’t include the presale of gate passes throughout the summer, just the proceeds from the four days of the fair. Carnival ticket sales were up by about $56,000. Food vendor sales were up by 75%, due in part to

the fact that the carnival didn’t oﬀer any food of its own this year because they couldn’t ﬁnd enough workers. To address that, Saville expanded the “Lunch at the Fair” program where people could come and eat at the fair and get a gate pass refund if they left the fairgrounds by 2 p.m. Saville is continually trying to make improvements at the fair, to keep everything “fresh and new.” She said that the Tuesday concert was a great way to get things started. There was no gate fee on Tuesday and this gave fairgoers a “sneak peek” of vendors and food options. About 80% of those vendors chose to be open on Tuesday, even though the barns and building weren’t open. Saville said the vendors reported that they did really well on Tuesday. She also has worked on creating “fresh and new” promotions for the market vendors. The challenge,

she says, is “How do you create a wow moment but still maintain the country fair atmosphere?” To address that, she implemented a secret shopper program. The secret shopper judged the market vendor spaces to award a $250 prize to the most impressive display. This year’s winner was Montana Mountain Creations/Bitterroot Bling. There was also a similar program for the food vendors, with a secret taste shopper who came and tasted a featured item from each vendor. The winner of that competition was newcomer Double K Ranch, who won a trophy for “Best Fair Food.” Saville said that the vendors really “upped their tame this year,” with all sorts of new choices of food at the fair. She said they will continue to add more food vendors for next year, but she will

See FAIR, page 2

Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

County fair: already planning for next year continued from page one

do that carefully as “it’s a fine line Saville said that one area that was between not enough and too many” and down in numbers was the exhibits. she wants to make absolutely certain that “We thought there would be more than the ones that are there are successful. ever,” due to people having to stay home Saville is especially pleased due to Covid. The Ravalli County Fair with the bicycle giveaway they did doesn’t change for entries. Saville said this year. She had gone to a fair this is one of the last fairs not to charge. conference and heard the idea for She said about $15,000 is given out a bike giveaway. Sponsors bought in premiums, plus additional special the bikes and the Public Health premiums. “I think next year there will Department donated helmets. be many more entries,” she said. Then a drawing was held and bikes The fair has a budget of were given away to children 12 and about $168,000, which pays for under. superintendent stipends, advertising, “People just couldn’t believe the judges, garbage and porta-potties, bikes were free,” said Saville. “The premiums, ribbons, prizes, kids, and their parents, were totally entertainment and other purchased amazed. ‘You mean I get to take it? services. About $100,000 is raised Yep, it’s your bike.’” This was so through sponsorships. Any profit goes popular, Saville hopes to give away back into the county’s general fund. 50 bikes next year. She said it was a Saville can request money from the unique opportunity for businesses general fund for specific needs at the to advertise. “We were like the Pied fairgrounds. Piper with all the kids following Recent improvements that the us.” She wants to do more of these commissioners have approved include: “fresh, new and fun events.” • installing an alarm system as She said The Drive, a local radio vandalism has been on the increase station, always comes up with a fun • new wood for the rodeo bucking promotion that adds to the fair. This chutes year they teamed up with Ravalli • new asphalt in food row Fun Center and the Eagles Lodge to • new asphalt in front of the fair office put on a Cornhole Challenge, giving • new lighting and exhaust fans in away $5000 in prizes. food row Saville said that the ideas for • new ticket booth at north gate improving the fair, to make it “fresh • new entryway at north end rodeo and new,” are practically endless. arena But one stumbling block is lack of • handicapped ramp which was built volunteers. This year the numbers last year but didn’t get used until this of volunteers was down, probably year. due to Covid. She said many of their • 2 additional sets of bleachers. loyal volunteers are older people, Saville said that the Fair Foundation so covid could be a factor in their and the Rodeo Committee have also decision on whether to volunteer. helped fund some of the improvements. The fair does have a volunteer The success of the fair helps ensure Melissa Saville, Ravalli County Fair manager, takes a short break in the memorial incentive program: anyone can that the fairgrounds can be open all garden near the main entrance of the fairgrounds, before carrying on with her duties. year for a variety of other activities, said volunteer for a minimum of four hours and get a free gate pass. “We Photo by Victoria Howell. Saville. have so many ideas but it would to start booking now because there are so many “We couldn’t do it without the take more bodies,” said Saville. competing events all over the state. volunteers, the sponsors, and our staff,” said Saville and her staff take time to go to other “We aren’t relaxing – we are already preparing Saville. “And the 30,000 people who came and had events and to solicit vendors that they believe will contracts for next year’s music, entertainment and a good time. That makes it all worth it.” be a good fit for this county fair. She said they have vendors.”

THE DIFFERENCE IS

CLEAR My Record

Supports economic development efforts in Stevensville, serving on the Main Street Board for 9 years & directing Town resources toward business focused assistance during the height of the pandemic.

My Opponent Voted to cut economic development funding while he was on the Town Council in Dec. 2019.

Implemented investments into aging & failing infrastructure, improving streets & recreation facilities. Committed to reducing water leakage and expanding walkability.

Advocates for slashing funding, impacting infrastructure and services.

Advocated for the acquisition of additional land to protect the Town's water supply and expand for additional capacity. Prioritized securing Town water rights with achievable timelines.

Voted against exercising the Town's right-of-first-refusal to secure land adjacent to the Town's well field while he was on the Town Council in Nov. 2019.

Funding services within our means, avoiding an increase in the General Fund tax levy by voters. Managing growth of utility rates to keep them affordable & predictable, and preserving assistance programs for those who need help.

Wants to reduce utility rates, going against the requirements of USDA on our bonded debt, risking loan default and delaying future improvements needed for safe drinking water.

Saved the Town money by reorganizing staff & departments to streamline productivity & efficiency. Fosters supportive environment for employees.

No concrete plans of how he'll encourage staff development and overcome gaps in institutional history.

Local government experience serving & benefiting Stevensville's residents.

Big government background at State level. Misinformed about Town operations.

Learn more about my work for Stevensville at www.deweyformayor.com Paid for by Brandon Dewey for Mayor - Renee Endicott, Treasurer - PO Box 223, Stevensville, MT 59870

Bitterroot Star -- Page 3

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Settlement agreements released in former Stevensville town clerk complaints by Victoria Howell Following a Freedom of Information request from the Bitterroot Star, the Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority (MMIA) has released the settlement agreements related to complaints filed by former Stevensville town clerk Audree Tribbensee. Under the terms of the agreement, Tribbensee was awarded $35,000 for the release of the constructive discharge complaint against the Town of Stevensville and $50,000 for the release of the complaint alleging negligent infliction of emotional distress, intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation by former council president Bob Michalson. Tribbensee had claimed that from the time of her starting work in July 2018, she was subjected to “severe, degrading bullying” by members of the town council and in particular, council president Bob Michalson. She claimed she first addressed the council on August 13 regarding the existing hostile work environment that the council had created. She stated in the complaint, “Council member Michalson admitted that he wrote an email about making Mayor Dewey’s life miserable, but claimed that he did so in jest. Some other statements in the complaint are: “Councilmember Michalson also admitted that there had been a hostile work environment for three years…. He discussed the fact that part of the problem with the Mayor, Councilmembers, and Staff was his fault.” “Audio recordings of the Town Council meetings reveal two councilmembers (Barker and Michalson) acknowledging the severity of the hostile work environment.”

“The Town Councilmembers exhibited the same behavior toward the Mayor of Stevensville, Brandon Dewey.” Because of the alleged continuing hostile work environment and attacks against both her and the mayor, Tribbensee ended up filing a formal grievance with the town in October. Subsequently, an independent investigation took place and a report was issued that said, in part, “The communication situation in the Stevensville town government could reasonably be characterized as a situation so intolerable that a reasonable person could not be expected to endure it. If one or more individuals on staff decided to leave the Town and sue for constructive discharge, the Town is likely to face significant liability…” Tribbensee alleged that the town council retaliated against her and said “they could fire her because of her grievances…” On April 12, 2019, Tribbensee formally resigned. In her complaint against the Town, Tribbensee stated, “Mayor Brandon Dewey acknowledged that the bullying, harassment, and poor treatment of the Town Clerk by the councilmembers required him to refrain from hiring a new employee for that position and subjecting yet another Clerk to the terrible working conditions.” Although Tribbensee voluntarily terminated her employment, she claimed that the situation was so intolerable that any reasonable person would find that voluntary termination was the only reasonable alternative, establishing a claim of “constructive discharge” which is treated as wrongful discharge under Montana law, making the Town liable for punitive damages. In her complaint against Michalson, Tribbensee alleged that

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almost immediately after she was hired, Michalson “began to bully, harass, intimidate, and belittle” her and repeatedly made “false and defamatory allegations” resulting in “severe emotional distress… including shock, grief, sorrow, sleeplessness, PTSD, headaches, inability to focus, and inability to perform her job duties.” Her complaint against the Town asked for damages for her lost past and future wages and fringe beneﬁts in an amount to be proven at trial; punitive damages commensurate with the Town of Stevensville’s conduct in an amount to be determined at trial; for cost of suit; interest as allowed by law; attorney’s fees as allowed by law; any other relief that the court deemed just and proper.

The complaint against Michalson asked for compensatory damages for negligent infliction of emotional distress, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and defamation; punitive damages for negligent infliction of emotional distress, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and defamation; costs of suit and attorney’s fees as allowed by law; interest as allowed by law; any other relief that the court deemed just and proper. However, the cases never went to trial and were settled out of court. As the Town’s insurer, MMIA covered the costs, which totaled $85,000 in insurance claims, and $93,649.28 in legal fees. The Town’s insurance See SETTLEMENTS, page 13

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Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

TREE OF LIFE The children of the Kingdom of God are like the tree where the seasons change the outward appearance , but the root never changes. In its season, people gaze upon the buds and marvel at the branches. When winter comes the outward appearance becomes bleak and barren. There’s no longer any interest in the tree. But beneath the surface, it grows deeper – yet no one sees. Understanding the Word of God is Wisdom which allows us to discern the clues God gives us. The ground is our hearts and the seed is the Word and the root is Messiah God looks at the heart Man looks at the outward appearance The root takes the path that goes around obstacles. When the root comes to a rock it finds a way around to continue on its path. It just doesn’t stop, it presses on until it goes over, under or around. We must seek out relationship with the Holy Spirit, for He is our living water. Walk without fear and worry. The root becomes the anchor for support. The root supports the tree. Messiah Yeshua. It was through the ultimate sacrifice of this man who hung on a tree that we have eternal life. Who knew? Something as simple and as common as a tree held so much meaning that it was difficult to fathom? If we are willing, we will grow where God plants us. Where He plants us is where He prepares the soil. If the terrain of our hearts is hard and rocky we cannot grow. You need to forgive; mixed with prayer. Dry ground must be watered. Dry ground cannot sustain life unless we flow in the Spirit. A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. Haughtiness of eyes and a proud heart is sin in the eyes of God THE ONLY WAY TO GET TO HEAVEN IS BY JESUS CHRIST. BE SURE YOU’RE SAVED – Ask JESUS to come into your heart and forgive you of your sins. JESUS LOVES YOU..........

Gate: it’s there again continued from page one

A new locked gate with a threatening sign has been erected to stop public access along Hughes Creek Road. Some trees felled across the existing public road can be seen in the background beyond the gate. A newly constructed road on adjoining private property was constructed allowing private access. County officials say the situation is under investigation. It has been almost three months since the county was alerted about the situation. The law requires the county to remove obstructions to the public right of way on roads “immediately”. “If the gate and trees are not removed by October 16, 2021, PLWA will assume that Ravalli County has no intention of performing its clear legal duties under §§ 7-14-2133 and 7-14- 2134, MCA to remove the encroachment and obstructions,” states attorney Kyle Nelson. PLWA and RCFWA have been trying to regain public access to Forest Service land that was closed off to public access by a gate for more than 40 years. Following two Montana Supreme Court cases over the issue the county commissioners had the gate removed in June of this year. The gate was re-established in July and again taken down by the county. Then, later in July or in August a new gate was erected across the road at a new location with a threatening message for “trespassers.” PLWA Director Drew Hanes said that the commissioners have known about the new gate since July. She said when no action was taken by September, they wrote the commissioners, essentially giving them another month to resolve the issue. Hanes said, “After months of asking for something to be done they were told by the county that it was no business of ours what their plan of action was or what action they might take or when.” She said that’s why they gave the county a deadline of October 16. She said they were being reasonable by any stretch since the law actually requires the commissioners to act “immediately.” She said if they don’t act by then, “We will sue them and advocate for

the public.” Hanes said they were a small non-profit with one parttime employee and don’t have a lot of money, “but in this case the law is clear. The public deserves public access to their public lands. I think you give people a fair shake to fulfill that public trust and when they don’t, we have to advocate for the public and that’s our role.” “Blocking public access on a recorded and legally declared public road and threatening the public with harm should they exercise their rights to access their public lands is intolerable, and PLWA will see the Hughes Creek public access issue through to the end,” said Hanes. County Commission Chairman Jeff Burrows said that the county was aware of the gate and the felled trees and was investigating the situation. He said the county worked to get the previous gate taken down, not once but twice. “But this is a new gate on a different property making it a whole different thing and we are having to look into it,” he said. He said that it was not just a gate this time. It was also a threatening sign, some trees apparently felled across the existing public road, and a private road constructed on private property to bypass the closed road. Burrows called it an “obvious case of encroachment,” but a complex set of circumstances that had to be cleared up first to determine who did what and when and exactly where the new gate is located. “The wheels of government turn slowly, but they are turning,” said Burrows.

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Hamilton City Council Ward 2 candidates by Nathan Boddy Municipal elections within the City of Hamilton could mean change for the City Council. Each of the city’s three wards has one of its two seats up for grabs. This could mean up to three new faces on the City Council, with at least one guaranteed in Ward 3, where outgoing Councilor Claire Kemp has chosen not to run for reelection. As a way to introduce voters to these candidates, both prospective and incumbents, each has been asked to write a piece about themselves and to answer the following questions: 1. Why are you running for a seat on the City Council? 2. What issues are most important to you and why? (Feel free to add ideas that you might bring to the table.) 3. Why are you the best candidate for the position? This week, Ward 2 incumbent, Rod Pogachar, and candidate for Ward 2, Kathy Dexter, have supplied their responses.

Rod Pogachar I’m a retired librarian from the Hamilton School District. After graduating from Hamilton High School in 1981, I went on to the University of Montana and graduated with double degrees: Political Science and Secondary Education. I am a veteran, having served our country in the Army as well as in the National Guard and Army Reserve. I am currently serving my second term as a City Councilor in Ward 2. I also served on the board at the Bitterroot Aquatic Center and work as a substitute teacher in the valley. My wife is a retired music educator and we both regularly attend Faith Lutheran Church. We have lived in an historic house on North 4th Street for 29 years. I am by nature a quiet and thoughtful man. I listen way more than I talk, but my wife would

we continue to work on current undertakings in the city such as water main projects and road and sidewalk improvements, we also need to look ahead for creative ways to fund a new Fire Station and expand the Bitterroot Public Library. Thank you for entrusting me to make good decisions for all citizens of Hamilton. I carefully study all sides of the issues brought before me, and listen to input from the people involved before I cast my vote. I believe I am fiscally conservative with city finances. I have gained valuable knowledge about how city government runs, and have enjoyed my time on the city council. I would be honored to be elected for a third term. Rod Pogachar add that I definitely speak up about matters that are important to me! In 2013, a city councilor and leader in the Hamilton business community asked me to consider seeking a position on the city council. After attending a few meetings and giving some serious thought to this commitment, I felt a call to shape policy for the city of Hamilton. During my first term in office, we oversaw a number of positive changes for the Hamilton Community. We facilitated the Bitterroot Community College’s move downtown into the former Westview School Building. We also added the Steve Powell Park to the city. During my second term the city purchased Claudia Driscoll Park and the National Guard Armory. We remodeled the Armory which now houses our Justice Center, and Circle 13 raised enough money to put in a skate park into our recently purchased park. Just recently we also added Skalkaho Bend Park, thanks to a partnership with the Bitterroot Land Trust. Our city is currently growing and doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. We just added a new Parks Director to manage the many parks in the city that we enjoy. As

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Kathy Dexter Good morning Hamilton! My name is Kathy Dexter and I am a local family practice and women’s health nurse practitioner. I moved to Montana in 2016 from the Jerome/ Twin Falls area of Idaho where I spent 20+ years as a paramedic and ﬂight nurse for Air St. Luke’s. I raised 3 children and put myself through school while I worked. I attended the College of Southern Idaho, Idaho State University and earned my doctorate from the University of Utah. I also taught nursing and EMS and was a preceptor for students through the College of Southern Idaho and Idaho State University. I also had the opportunity to be a part of the Time Sensitive Emergency Committee that developed protocols linking emergency transport personnel and hospitals state wide to get the most critically ill and injured to the appropriate hospital in the shortest amount of time. I am an avid lover of the outdoors, a business owner, promoter of healthy living, good social connections and responsible stewardship of the land. I understand ﬁscal responsibility, hard work and

Kathy Dexter dedication to achieve your goals. I am running for city council because I want to be a part of my community. I love Hamilton. It is a warm and friendly place. It is striving to be an active, healthy, fun place to live and thrive. I want to be able to give a voice to the people in my ward. One of the biggest concerns I have for Hamilton is affordable housing. This is a tough issue for any city council. We are having trouble recruiting and keeping fantastic people in town because there is nowhere affordable to live. Affordable, safe housing and employment have huge effects on the health of a community. As someone who has been faced with what seemed like insurmountable odds to success many times in my life, each time I have found a way to make it to my goal. I understand sacrifice and hard work. Bringing people together to find solutions seems to be the most effective way to solve any problem faced by a community. Be involved. Be a part of the conversation. Be a neighbor. This is why I think I can contribute to the next chapter of Hamilton’s story.

ELECT

Steve Gibson for MAYOR If elected Mayor, I pledge to:

• Support responsible growth that maintains the culture, history, habitat and recreational opportunities of Stevensville • Address infrastructure needs by utilizing all outside available resources without placing the burden on Stevensville taxpayers. Oppose any fee increases, including those for small businesses. It’s your money. • Enhance and increase public participation rather than limit your voice. I work for you. • Manage a budget that is approved by the Town Council that is fiscally responsible and includes common sense solutions. If a large surplus exists, would ask Council to return unneeded funds to the taxpayer. • Mayor’s role is to make recommendations to Council and citizens. The decision is that of the Council. I will not be a tie breaking vote unless an emergency. As in the past, I pledge to support families, seniors, small business and veterans. Recipient of Montana National Guard Award “Guardian of the Guard Award” in recognition of outstanding support of the Montana National Guard – January 2015. Please help me bring Chairman Montana National Guard, Steve common sense and Gibson, Adjunct General of Montana, and effective solutions President of Enlisted Association of Montana National Guard. based representation to Stevensville. If elected I understand I work for you. It’s your money.

If you have any questions, concerns or ideas contact me at stevedgibson52@gmail.com

Vote Steve Gibson Mayor Thank you

Paid for by Steve Gibson for Mayor, Jim Tadvick, Treasurer, 509 Mission, Stevensville MT 59870.

Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Two hope to rejoin Stevensville council

by Victoria Howell

Bob Michalson

Stacie Barker

Bob Michalson is running for a Stevensville Town Council seat to represent Ward 2. This is an unexpired position with two years remaining that was created by the resignation of Patrick Shourd. He will face Sydney Allen who was appointed to fill Shourd’s seat. “I put my name back in the hat for a number of reasons,” Michalson told the Bitterroot Star. “Number one, infrastructure – lots of money is coming down the pike through CARES Act. The current council is thinking of putting it toward the water storage tank. It’s a great idea. Also for sidewalks – I’d like to see if there’s funding for that.” Michalson said he’s been walking door to door, and the high water rates are a main concern for most people, as well as lack of good sidewalks. Michalson said he’s also concerned about the two proposed developments around Creekside Meadows subdivision on the east side of Stevensville. “I’m concerned about the traffic, the access in and out and the pressure on Logan Bob Michalson and Middle Burnt Fork.” He said he doesn’t think these issues have been addressed properly. He also said, “The Town has to make sure we have enough water – George Thomas (former public works supervisor) said we didn’t. That needs be addressed before anything happens. Also, water leaks have always been bad. It will take a lot of money to fix that.” Michalson has served as a council member and council president before. He resigned in 2019, was re-elected and resigned again in 2020. He said the reason for his resignation was that “there was so much infighting going on. Something had to give.” He said his leaving helped the council overall because it caused a change in the council. “Anytine there’s a changeover, it brings new ideas.” Michalson said that he could always work with Mayor Brandon Dewey. “But for whatever reason, he couldn’t’ work with me.” Michalson also mentioned that a planning and growth study is coming up next year and he would like to be a part of that, addressing infrastructure, growth and business. “I wish we could do more for our parks,” said Michalson. “General upkeep. Father Ravalli Park could use a new fence. Lewis & Clark Park will take more upkeep with the new splash pad. We could use a new pool, too. Why this town keeps putting this on the back burner for the last 70 years, I don’t understand.” Michalson said that the current council doesn’t know the policies and procedures they have been following this past year. He said the council “delegates authority to the mayor, and the mayor delegates the authority in other places… I always tried to follow the rules and regulations to the letter,” said Michalson. “I probably paid for that.” When asked whether he wanted to comment on the settlement agreement between himself and former town clerk Audree Tribbensee in which the Town’s insurance carrier had to pay $50,000 on his behalf (see story in this week’s Star), Michalson said, “I feel like Audree got in the middle of a pissing match between the mayor and I. I was too forceful. Even though it was helping her do her job, I was hurting her.” Michalson moved to Stevensville in 2005 after working for BNSF Railroad for 27 years. “I started going to council meetings in 2011. I’ve been involved in local politics for 10 years now.” “I’m pretty disappointed with this raising of the fees and the land sale (story in last week’s Star). We’re being told we have this great budget, then why do we need this money?” “The public has been left out of public participation, many times and many meetings, especially Burnt Fork Estates. It felt in that case, the council was pretty pro-developer. I’m all for development, but it has to be responsible.” Michalson wants another chance on the council. “I would like to be part of the council that tells the mayor – we can’t always get you what you want but we can get you what you need,” he said.

Stacie Barker hopes to win a four-year term on the Stevensville Town Council representing Ward 1. Her opponent is Paul Ludington. Recently, Barker has been going door to door in her ward, handing out forget-me-not flower seeds and delivering campaign signs. Barker previously served on the council for three years and seven months before resigning. She said she resigned because she felt that things weren’t right within the council at the time. “I wanted to take a step back,” she said. “I couldn’t focus, I wasn’t able to say no when I needed to say no and yes when I needed to say yes.” Barker says that now she has more knowledge. She’s followed the meetings, learning the laws. “Town government is different than state government,” she said. “Now I’m more aware of procedures and policies. I have a stronger backbone and a better outlook on how things should happen.” Barker says she’s also “more openminded now. Before I would put my guard up when a decision was being made, without having a lot of knowledge behind it.” Stacie Barker During her previous tenure on the council, Barker was a member of the park board and advocated for park improvements such as replacing equipment, planning additional assets for playground and installing security cameras. She said she contributed to the completion of the skate park and was instrumental in development of the $4.1 million airport runway project. Barker has lived in Stevensville for 32 years, where she and her husband have raised two children. She says she always enjoyed volunteering, helping with Creamery Picnic, Pantry Partners food drives, craft bazaars and more. She was a den mother for six years, then District Commissioner for Boy Scouts for eight years. She has worked at Super 1 Foods for 23 years. Barker has been involved with the Stevensville’s farmers market since it started, and has been the organizer and manager of it for the last 10 years. She said it’s been a nice way to meet the new people coming into town and to welcome them in. “Being community involved is a big thing for me,” says Barker. “I was born and raised here. I’ve seen the changes with people coming into the valley.” She said her top priorities as a council member would be the budget and water and sewer issues. “I will work to adopt a fiscally responsible budget,” said Barker. “I understand that the money the Town spends is your hardearned tax dollars and I will always keep that in mind.” She said the many water leaks need to be fixed and additional water storage needs to be added. Also, the town’s wells need to be compliant. Barker said that she feels the community as a whole needs better communication. “We all need to communicate,” said Barker. “We need to be open to the public. Everybody feels that they don’t have a voice right now – they do have a voice and they need to be heard.” “My biggest thing is being able to work together,” said Barker. “We don’t always agree but we need to respect each other. Be open to the public, be open to our community. I have a love for our town, I want to see things happen for our town, but done in the right way. There’s a reason people move here because of the small-town atmosphere. We don’t want to lose that.” She said she supports “responsible development. Planning and development is a big responsibility and I will take it seriously, including following current laws, plans and guidelines.” The biggest issue with the current council, says Barker, is that the public is not being heard. “Letters that are submitted are never read.” She added, “It’s hard because council members do take criticism, but people come to those meetings for a reason and I think it’s to be heard and people get shut down too fast sometimes.” She said certain things need to be brought to the public’s attention. “What about a sign in the middle of the street that announces the council meeting?” Barker says she wants to hear from the citizens and welcomes their comments, thoughts and ideas. She can be reached at (406) 381-6145.

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Opinion Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Conspiracies and conspiracies

I applaud Helen Sabin’s efforts to get parents really involved in public education in the Valley, but I don’t buy the anxiety about CRT (Critical Race Theory) and SEL (Social Emotional Learning; see the “Bitterroot Star” for 9/29/21). She apparently regards them as practically conspiracies against our children but is in fact the unwitting victim of real conspiracies herself. 1. CRT has been around academia and the legal community for over 40 years. It considers how racism, while undoubtedly embraced knowingly or unknowingly by some individuals, has actually been part of our governing, social, and legal systems from the very beginning, which explains why non-white people in general continue to be disadvantaged in our society and culture. For example, If we read original documents, such as the articles of secession of the Confederate states, instead of history textbooks, which are part of the system, we learn that yes, the Civil War was indeed about states’ rights, but specifically about each state’s right to continue slavery. Another example: the GI Bill of 1944 was enacted to help veterans returning from World War II, but it was structured in such a way that few of the 1.2 million Black veterans (who served in segregated ranks) were able to take advantage of it. So much of America’s historical and enduring economic prosperity was based on chattel slavery for so long that it’s understandable that money-makers in the South and also in the North did not want it to end. But it is inhuman and based on the false but prevalent idea that there is such a thing as “race.” In fact, science and historical research have long since established that all human beings originated in the same place and simply changed somewhat in appearance, usually adapting to geographical conditions like climate. It has been to white people’s economic advantage to push false ideas. Again, if we consult original historical documents instead of history textbooks, we see that our textbooks have consciously or unconsciously glorified white people all along, and that has affected the quality of life for everyone. 2. A bit of research shows that SEL is not an insidious brainwashing technique, but an effort to take into account that while intellectual learning is important, without recognition of the role of emotional and social intelligence in a person’s life, that person cannot be whole and a full and responsible participant in a family, a community, a society. Take mindfulness as an example. It’s been a buzzword for quite a while now and may have started amidst the growing interest in meditation in the 1960s and ‘70s. It has proven to be so useful that a lot of businesses encourage some training in it these days. Why? Because mindful individuals are more aware of what is going on in themselves and in others -- how we all work -- and thus can be more conscious and intentional in what they do. It’s not weird; it’s just paying attention to your breathing (or not; there are various helpful techniques) and what’s going on in

your head. No one is free if they fall for conspiracy theories, and the Republican Party has pushed conspiracy theories via loud words, sound-bites, and acronyms since they began to realize last century that American voters who think clearly and research fairly are less liable to vote for ideas and programs that support business and the wealthy. That’s why the Republican Party continues to try to gerrymander and push through restrictive voting laws, not least in our own state of Montana. We don’t have to fall for it. For more about how the Montana Republican-led legislature is less interested in fairness and freedom than in maintaining power, see the guest column “Montana Republicans don’t trust voters’ decisions” in the “Bozeman Daily Chronicle” for 9/29/21. Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Hamilton

Shame on Michalson

This letter is a response to Bob Michalson’s opinion published in the Bitterroot Star on September 15th. Bob Michalson, over the past two years I’ve held my tongue regarding your behavior. I did not call you out when you had tantrums at the council table because you weren’t getting your way. I did not call you out on the numerous times you have given up on our community and quit the council. Nor have I called you out regarding the amount of taxpayer money you have wasted due to your negative behavior and treatment of town staff. On September 15th, your opinion published in the Bitterroot Star crossed the line. You used my name to cast doubt on Mayor Dewey, a man that had nothing to do with my resignation. My resignation from the council was solely to support my family through a very traumatic situation. A beautiful soul has left this world and while my family mourns this loss, you used my family’s terrible pain for your political gain. Shame on you. In character, you are a very small man. Patrick Shourd Stevensville

Make sure it says what you want it to say

I find it incredible that a council, the legislative body of the town, the body that actually controls the purse strings, and makes all the decisions for the Town has authorized the Mayor by Resolution 495 to execute all documents legally necessary to complete the sale and transfer of the Town’s property located on Willoughby, the Town’s Gravel Pit. Property that has been in Citizen Ownership since 1943. That’s right, Citizen Ownership. You see, the Town is made up for the Citizens of Stevensville. The government consists of 4 parts. The Executive Branch (Mayor), the Legislative Branch (Town Council), the Judiciary (Judge), and the Citizens of the Town. We the Citizens of the town express our opinions at Public

Comment, if public comment is allowed by the presiding officer of the Council Meeting (mayor) and in the voting booth. This last council meeting, my public comment, sent as official correspondence, to all of the Council, the Bitterroot Star, KPAX and the Town’s City Attorney and it was requested to be read into the record, was denied. That is right, the Mayor chose not to read the correspondence into the official record as I asked because I was on a trip. I am not going to restate his obtuse reasons why he chose not to read the letter. Listen for yourself. It will astound you. We needed it to be read into the record so that those watching the meeting could benefit from the contents of the letter. By denying my correspondence those folks attending the meeting in person and remotely were denied the commentary. The letter was about the land sale. In the letter I suggested to Council that the first thing they needed was to have a proposal presented to council so that the council and the public could hear why the Town needs to sell the gravel pit. That reason was never disclosed. Could it be a shortage of town funds? We will never know because Mayor Dewey and the Council has not to my knowledge disclosed why they think its necessary to sell a valuable town resource. There is nothing wrong with the gravel. If you know how to extract what you need. Obviously, the Mayor and Council do not have the technical expertise to figure that out. Secondly, the Town does not know how much land they have. The deed is for 5 acres. However, we know there is more than 5 acres. The mayor is advertising 6.47 acres, but has not had a recent survey to know that for sure. I know someone who does know. Without knowing how much land we the town, has in our possession, how can a value be assigned. The mayor stated the land was worth about $150,000. That is an excellent price for a piece of property that is on a county road, with power on the property, and phone available. Especially since the town did not pay for those utilities. Oh, and it is fenced. I do not believe the town paid for the fence either. According to one of the adjoining property owners, the property was fenced privately to stop poaching and unauthorized shooting. The town has not discussed or even advised any of the adjoining property owners of the potential sale which may significantly affect their property values. So, here we have it. No matter what was said at the council meeting, the council approved Resolution 495, giving the mayor authorization to complete the sale and transfer ownership of the gravel pit. No further discussion is necessary because unless council Reconsiders and Rescinds this Resolution, it’s a go. Never, ever approve a resolution or law that is poorly worded, no matter what is discussed in council. Minutes of meetings can be lost or not properly processed or approved and memories are short. What should have happened is that the council should have objected to the wording of the resolution and that it should have been corrected on

Bitterroot Star -- Page 7

the spot, then tabled until the next council meeting. Resolutions are decisions of the council. They are not to be made lightly and without proper consideration. This whole land sale was initially discussed at a budget meeting. A meeting where official decisions are not allowed to be made. Then all of a sudden, it is on the agenda. Council never had an official proposal by the mayor or town staff as to why it needs to be sold and the public has been more or less left out of the equation. There should have been a public hearing and adjoining land owners should have been notified so that they could express their interests and concerns. If you think that is wrong, then go back and look at the River Park potential sale and all of the outside interests that came to town to discuss the issue. So tell us, why does the town need to sell this property? Why the big rush? Why all of the shortcuts? Jim Crews Stevensville

Gibson is great choice

Stevensville will be choosing a Mayor soon and is fortunate to have a successful and proven leader on the ticket. Steve Gibson is highly respected and has a proven track record established both as an administrator in the Montana Department of Corrections and as a State Representative. He earned his reputation as a team leader by example. He motivated those around him to work for a common goal and to be part of the team. I have no doubt Steve will be that kind of leader as your Mayor. Character and values and reputation matter…. Elect Steve Gibson. Ed Greef Florence

Gibson for Mayor

I served with Steve Gibson in the Montana State Legislature for 6 years. As he dives into the political arena once again, I think there are some important points one could consider in making a choice for Mayor of Stevensville. After serving on the Appropriations committee at the State level, Steve would bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and judgment in the day-to-day financial operations of Stevensville. Although strong willed in his beliefs, I always found him willing to listen to both sides of an issue before making a final decision. He understood there is always two sides to every decision and was willing to work towards a fair and balanced conclusion; many times going beyond his personal beliefs, to do what was right for the State of Montana. It would be presumed he could, and would, do the same for Stevensville. Steve is the type of guy that will roll up his sleeves, show up for work every day, put in the time that is needed to make sure the people, and the business’, in Stevensville are represented. Ron Ehli Hamilton See MORE LETTERS, page 10

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Information about your Bitterroot Star Printing information The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co. The advertising and editorial content deadlines are Fridays at 5 p.m. We strive to cover all the news and information important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea or want some event publicized, call us at 406-777-3928. Our View/Letters Star editorials sometimes appear at the top of this page and are written from the position of the newspaper, usually with the influence of several people, and in the hope that they will carry the weight of our decades of leadership. The personal columns and letters appearing elsewhere on this page, and others, represent the opinions of single individuals and do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes and encourages your letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication; letters should be 600 words or less and may be edited. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specific, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. A signature, address and Member 2016 telephone number (for verification, not publication) are required. We will not publish letters that are libelous or scurrilous in nature. Letters of thanks are offered at a reduced price in our display ads. Member 2021

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Gamblers Anon

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

WIC clinics

Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is oﬀered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library.Call 406-802-7180 for more information.

Family Shelter

The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 2398833.

Stevensville Al-Anon

The Stevensville Al-Anon Family Group meets the ﬁrst and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College St. Enter the church through the red front door. Masks are required and social distancing is practiced. For more information about the meeting, call Mary at 529-3951. Visit https:// al-anon.org for general information about Al-Anon.

Three Mile Coﬀee

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

BitterRodders Cars

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

Divorce Care

DivorceCare is a support group for those who have gone through or are going through separation or divorce. If you are looking for healing and support to help navigate through this diﬃcult season, please join us at Hamilton Assembly of God on Wednesdays at 6:30pm, room 24. Our program runs from Sept. 15-Dec.15. You can join at any time through this 13-week video based series. This is a free program with a one time $20 fee for the participant workbook. Scholarships are available if needed.

Victor Senior Center

Serving meals at the Center Monday Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. You can still order and pickup meals to go on Monday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Bridge every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Pokeno 2nd and 4th Friday at 1 p.m. For info or to volunteer call 642-3320.

Calendar Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Hamilton Senior Center

Open for lunch Monday, Wednesday, Friday, serving from 11:45-12:30 p.m. Bridge, Sundays & Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Canasta (Hand and Foot), Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Cards/shuﬄers providesd. $1. Pinochle, Fridays, 1 p.m. All supplies provided. $2. Flea Market, every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Center is located at 820 N. 4th Street.

Hamilton Golden Age Club

Pinochle, 1st & 3rd Mondays, 1:00 p.m. Coﬀee provided; no food please. $2. Pinochle, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. Coﬀee provided; no food please. $2. Light exercise Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-10:00 a.m. 50 cents. The Club is located at 527 South 5th Street.

Stevensville Senior Center

Stevenville Senior Center is now serving meals at the Center Monday thru Friday at 11:30 am. You can still pick up your weekly meals on Monday at 11 am to 11:30 am Coﬀee Club at 8:00 am M-F Exercise 10:00 am Tuesday and Thursday Quilters the second Tuesday of each month 6:00 pm Pinochle Saturdays at 7 pm Afternoon Pinochle Fridays 12:15 pm Bridge Mondays at 12:15 pm

Victor Masons

Victor Masonic Lodge 43 meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on Main Street above Farmers State Bank. For more information call 406-381-1250.

Sapphire Quilt Club

2nd Tuesday of each month, Senior Citizens Center, Stevensville. Doors open 6 p.m. Start 6:30 p.m.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church youth center (to the east of the church). Located on the corner of Corvallis Cemetery Road and Eastside Hwy. Big white church. Any questions please call Ginny Wigen, coordinator, 406-544-9186.

St. Mary’s Parish Mass

Join us for Mass every Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. (currently NO Mass scheduled for St. Joseph’s in Florence).

Soul Suppers

Soul Suppers in Stevensville served every Wednesday! Free home cooked meals with a message served every Wed. evening at 6 p.m. 100 Mission St. For more information, contact Corey at (406) 214-8708.

Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group

The Bitterroot Heritage Civic

Group, formerly called the South Valley Civic Group, has reorganized. We are looking for new members and volunteers. Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:15 pm at the Darby Library. Please join us.

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Main St. Stevensville • 777-0028

Live Music and Dancing

Western 2-step, country, swing, and line dancing to great live, local bands. Saturdays at the Eagles Lodge (open to the public); 125 N Second Street, Hamilton, 7 pm – 11 pm; $7 cover charge. Eagles organization is a 501c3; and supports many local organizations including the ﬁre department and boxing club.

Garden Club

On Wednesday, October 6, at 1pm the Stevensville Garden Club will meet at the Kootenai Creek Clubhouse, 43 Clubhouse Way. Anna Baize, an AmeriCorps member serving with the National Wildlife Federation in Missoula, will present the Garden for Wildlife program. Garden for Wildlife empowers people to turn their yards, container gardens, oﬃces, parks, and anything in between, into thriving wildlife habitat by sharing simple steps and resources to create spaces that make a big impact for local and migratory species. Even wildlife habitat in wheelbarrows have shown an increase in important indicator species such as butterﬂies, bumblebees, and frogs. These small steps have a lasting impact for wildlife and people alike. Please call Colleen at 2733973 for more info.

Western Montana Career Fair

Oct. 7, 3-6:00PM Veteran Early Access at 2:30, Hilton Garden Inn, 3720 North Reserve St. Missoula. Are you looking for a career change? Come talk with over 60 employers from a wide range of industries at Montana’s largest career fair, presented by the Missoula Job Service. This year, thanks to Community Medical Center, $1000 in ready-to-work door prizes are up for grabs. Have questions? Need help updating your resume before the event? Call Job Service at (406) 7287060.

Calling all businesses

Whether your business is big or small, the Bitter Root Humane Association (BRHA) is challenging you to raise funds for the shelter and compete against other valley businesses to see who can raise the most money during the month of November. The winner will not only receive “bragging rights” but some awesome prizes too! What type of fundraiser businesses host is totally up to them...it can be as simple as putting out a donation jar, “rounding up” customer purchases, merchandise raﬄes, employee/ employer matches, hosting a one-time event or a month long promotion. Basically any fun thing you can think of! BRHA will assist in encouraging shoppers to visit your business with mixed media promotion and a colorful promotional poster for you to display. Businesses are welcome to register for the “challenge” any time now through November and joining in the “Challenge” is easy... for more details and registration form go to: www.bitterroothumane.org/events or contact Mary at (406) 642-3785 or email to dogmommary@aol.com. All proceeds from the “Challenge” will go towards helping BRHA continue to care for all the homeless pets that come through its doors!

Graphic Design class

A free Graphics design class begins October 6 at 4:30 p.m. at MAPS Media Institute. Every Wednesday & Thursday, 4:30pm – 6:30pm The creativity of designers is everywhere you look: on the web, television, commercials, magazines, ﬁlm, product packaging. However, Design is more than just appearances — it’s understanding how to communicate with and inﬂuence the audience. Learn how to create and use photography, illustrations, typography, color, 3D graphics, and animation to tell your story.

Music class

A free music clss begins October 6 at 4:30 p.m. at MAPS Media Institute. Every Wednesday & Thursday, 4:30pm – 6:30pm Students begin with learning the history of music and its interpretations throughout the cultures of the world. They explore the principles of sound, from the ﬁrst audio recording by Thomas Edison to

Worship at 11:00 a.m. In this Church there shall be no outcasts. the latest developments in music technology. Through ear training lessons, students are taught how to actively and critically listen to all musical genres. The class explores music theory and teaches basic elements of music, including notation, scales, melody, harmony, song structure, chords, rhythms, improvisation, and various composition techniques.

Recycling event

The correct hours for the glass recycling event scheduled for Saturday, October 9th at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is sponsored by Ravalli County Recycling and Recycling Works Mt.

Flu shots

Flu shots will be available on Tuesday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Stevenville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street, with the help of Ridgeway Pharmacy. Bring your Medicare card.

Early Childhood/Preschool Screening

The Bitterroot Valley Education Cooperative, in cooperation with area schools, is sponsoring an early childhood/preschool development screening on October 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. This is a free event and screens children birth through age 5 for developmental problems in hearing, vision, speech and language, ﬁne and gross motor, social and intellectual development, and general progress. Screenings are free for residents in Bitterroot Valley. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Stevensville Schools, 777-5613.

Dinosaur-themed StoryWalk

North Valley Public Library is partnering with the Town of Stevensville to bring you another amazing StoryWalk! This dinosaurthemed StoryWalk is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Pages from a children’s book are displayed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the path, you are directed to the next page in the story. The walk begins on the Stevensville Bike Path, right past the Scarecrow Festival scarecrows. You can visit the walk any time during the day during the month of October. The story is T”. Rex Trick-or-Treats” by Lois G. Grambling.

Eagles Bingo

Thursday, October 14, Eagles Lodge in Hamilton at 125 N. 2nd Street. Doors open at 5 pm for seating, card purchases, food & drink. Booklet $11 all games; individual games cards available for purchase. Games run from 6 to 9 pm. There will be 18 games with great cash prizes! 50:50 raﬄe to beneﬁt the Hamilton Fire Dept. For more info: 406-363-1113. Facebook.com/BitterrootEagles

BPAC concert

Ruthie Foster Trio concert at the BPAC, October 16 at 8:00 p.m. Grammy-nominated, multiple award-winning singer-songwriter Ruthie Foster brings her performing talents to the Bitterroot in an October 16, 2021, concert presented by the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council. Hailing from Austin, TX, Ruthie’s unique style has been described as “some folk, some blues, some soul, some rock, some gospel.”

Train & Toy Show

The Hamilton Train & Toy Show will be held Saturday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, corner of Adirondac and N. 4th. Admission is $3 for adults; children with parents get in free. There will be model trains, railroad antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, books and much more for sale and trade. Plenty of free parking. Vendor tables are only $10 each. Contact Mike Gouse at 363-0254 for more information.

RCEDA

The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority Finance Committee will meet

Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 2:15 p.m. A meeting of the RCEDA Board will follow at 3:00 p.m. These meetings will take place at the RCEDA Conference Room located at 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. Both meetings are open to the public.

Hamilton HS Bands Annual Citrus Fruit Fundraiser

The Hamilton High School Bands are currently taking orders throughout the month of October for their annual Citrus Fruit Fundraiser. The bands sell navel oranges and ruby-red grapefruit in 20lb and 40lb boxes, and mandarin oranges in 5lb boxes. The proceeds from the sale go to help fund music, instruments, tuxedo cleaning and repair, and festival entry fees. The citrus fruit will be delivered the ﬁrst week of December, just in time for Holiday entertaining. If you would like more information, or to place and order, call the HHS Bandroom at 375-6060 ext. 5216.

North Valley Public Library

ADULT EVENTS Science of Science Fiction Tuesday Oct 12, 7 pm Join us as we explore the scientific basis for movies, television, and books ranging from Star Trek to books by Stephen Baxter. Do you have a particular book or show based on science (either good or bad) that you enjoy and would like to share? Join our guided discussion. Craft Event: Autumn Cards Tuesday, Oct 19, 7 pm Celebrate this beautiful season using a variety of media. Create decorations and cards. Activities range from creating watercolor cards, bookmarks, and found-object art. Learn a variety of techniques, so bring your creativity and enjoy a fun-filled evening. CHIDREN’S EVENTS Mother Goose on the Loose Ages 0-3 Mondays at 10:30 am Mother Goose on the Loose is an award-wining early literacy program that is filled with rhymes and music for infants, babies, and toddlers. Storytime & More Ages 3-5 Wednesdays at 10:30 am Each Wednesday during Dinosaur Month we have stories and activities about dinosaurs. Full STEAM Ahead Ages 5-11 Thursdays at 4 pm Full STEAM Ahead is funfilled programing focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Dinosaur Month activities for Full STEAM Ahead during October. Arts & Crafts Ages 5-11 First and last Wednesdays of each month at 4 pm This month we will have fun focusing on all things dinosaur. TEEN EVENTS Role Playing Games, InPerson or Online Ages 13-18 Tuesdays at 4 pm Enter the world of Dungeons & Dragons! Create your own character and join an online campaign. This event takes place both in person and on-line. If you wish to join via Zoom, instead of attending in person, email: emilys@northvalleylibrary.org. No experience required. Open World at the Library Ages 12-18 Fridays at 4pm It’s open world time for teens at the library. Make Fridays more exciting, come to the library for an all access pass to all the cool stuff. Choose to 3-D print objects and then paint them, create a craft, explore the Dungeons & Dragons handbooks, or make a zine, it’s up to you! Register for events on the online calendar at northvalleylibrary.org. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.

Hamilton School District

Regular Board meeting Tuesday – October 12, 2021 6:30 p.m. – Washington Elementary – Room 13 The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will broadcast the meeting via ZOOM and LIVE on the HSD#3 Facebook page. You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www. facebook.com/HamiltonSchoolDistrict3 COVID Response Committee Meeting Friday – October 15, 2021 1:00 p.m. – Room 13 / Washington Elementary

Obituaries Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 9

Rose Mary Vernon Stevensville - Rose Mary (Neel) Vernon, “Mom” to us, was born to John and Elizabeth (Turnbow) Neel September 25, 1928. She passed peacefully, Sunday, September 26, 2021 at her home in Stevensville. She grew up in Kamas, UT and graduated in 1946 from South Summit High School. She met Bob Vernon and they married March 15, 1947 in Elko, NV. They had 2 children, Carol Ann and Arnold. They lived in Rockport, UT until 1954 when they moved to the Bitterroot Valley where she has resided since. Mom had various jobs over the years, Stevensville Creamery, dental office receptionist, nurse’s aide at St. Patrick Hospital and her final employment at K-Mart for 22 years. She loved to quilt, camp, fish, play cards, bowl, go for rides, but most of all, being with her family. She was preceded in death by her sweetheart,

Bob 2 sisters, 5 brothers and her parents. She is survived by her children, Carol Ann and Jim Zeiler and Arnold and Vickie Vernon; 5 grandkids, Christie (Shawn) Tennant, Becki (Ron) Lords, Rod (Kari) Zeiler, Robbie Vernon and Twanya (Joel) Farnsworth; 15 great-grandkids, Bailey (Alex) Palmer, Garret (Lacey) Tennant, Lindsay Tennant, Dillon (Savanah) Tennant, Josh (Ally) Lords, Austin (Keely) Lords, Christopher Lords, Haley Lords, Hadli Lords, Mya and Risa Zeiler, Katie Rose an Annabelle Vernon; 5 greatgreat-grandkids, Madison, Jace and Natalie Palmer, Laynie and Lexi Tennant; a brother, Ron (Deanne) Neel; sister-in-law, Bobbi Neel; many nieces and nephews. A graveside service was held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Victor Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Kenneth T. Brown, Jr. Hamilton - Kenneth T. Brown, Jr. passed away on September 16, 2021 at the West HIlls Assisted Living after his body was just too tired to fight back after an emergency surgery. He was a man of strong faith and we find comfort in knowing he is with our Lord. Ken was born on Nov. 4, 1929 in Dryden, NY to Libbie and Kenneth T Brown, Sr. He was blessed with a younger sister, Carleen Brown Skawski. He graduated from Dryden High School in 1947 where he played soccer and was a standout baseball pitcher. He played on a semi-pro baseball team that took 2nd in the national championship. Ken enlisted in the army in 1948, served in Korea, and was the recipient of two purple hearts. After his discharge in 1950, he enrolled in the business college at Ithaca College. Due to injuries from the Korean War he was unable to play baseball but participated in college soccer. He graduated in 1955. Ken began his career working for the US Treasury Dept, which later became the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. While serving with the Bureau in 1957 he was involved in breaking up the “Apalachin Meeting” which resulted in the arrest of 58+ involved with the mafia. His achievements led to him being named the chief of the organized crime division for the FBI. He later had the privilege of shaking the hand of President John F. Kennedy. He retired from the FBI in 1968. From there he became a private investigator for the prosecuting attorney for Wayne County, Detroit, MI until 1972. After this, he worked for Harness Tracks and later US Trotting Assoc. He officially retired Jan. 1, 1995. Due to Ken’s military service, he was very involved in blood drives. He was instrumental in starting blood drives in many communities. He was recently recognized by the Red Cross for donating 28 gallons over his lifetime. He was invited every year to speak to the elementary students on Veterans Day. He had so much knowledge and wonderful stories. Ken’s first marriage in 1953 was to June Vining which resulted in four children Nancy, Kenny, Cheryl, and Marlene. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Ken met Billie Eitel, from Hamilton, MT, while she was visiting her sister in Columbus, OH. They married in 1992 and after his retirement moved to Hamilton. Ken loved Montana and considered

touchdowns. He met many great friends and acquaintances over the years and was highly respected. His smile could light up a room and warm your heart. After Billie’s passing in 2011, Ken was fortunate to find love again. He and his girlfriend, Monica Ephrom, were blessed to have had 6 years together. Monica, we can’t thank you enough for the love, companionship and joy you brought to Ken in his final years. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife Billie, brother-in-law John Skawski, niece Susan Skawski and son-in-law Ed Munson. He is survived by stepson and wife Rusty and Patty Eitel of Hamilton; Special lady Monica Ephrom; Stepdaughter and husband Judy (Jim) Fitz of AZ; Children Nancy (Rick) Burke in MI; Kenny in NC; Cheryl (Dan) Roof in MI; Marlene Munson in MI; Sister Carleen Skawski in FL; nephew John Skawski; 9 grand and 15 great-grandchildren. We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Luke Channer, staff at Marcus Daly Hospital, and the special angel that God put in his life, Ali at West Hills Assisted Living. Ken was very generous and gave to many worthwhile causes. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation, in Ken’s name, to the cause of your choice. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 8 at Daly Leach Memorial Chapel at 11 a.m. Graveside services will be held at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.

it his home. He loved the mountains, hunting, and beauty. Ken served as a Police Commissioner up to the time of his passing. He was involved in many local organizations including Veteran groups, church, FW&P, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Red Cross Blood Drives. Ken was a true patriot, he never passed a ﬂag without saluting. He attended the University of Montana Griz football games until cold weather and climbing steps became too much. But he continued to cheer them Your Western Montana on from in front of his TV. He was a super-fan of the Hamilton Broncs and attended all home OUCH OINT and most away games following his grandkids PROPERTIES Casey and Lacey’s high school athletic careers. Knowledge He continued to support the Broncs even after Professionalism their graduations. For Expertise a period, Ken was in charge of reloading the small cannon that TouchPointProperties.com was ﬁred after scoring

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Page 10 -- Bitterroot Star

Sports Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Nishimoto leads Stevensville’s dream season Stevi soccer standout Kyra Nishimoto signs with Holy Names

offensive surge and broke away for a clear chance at goal with 10 minutes remaining. Stevensville center back Victoria Uskoski swooped in for a stop. With one minute to go, Frenchtown beat Stevensville keeper Audette Rodolph and slid a shot inches outside the post. The final whistle sounded and the Yellowjackets’ subdued bench celebration despite an historic Stevensville girls accomplishment soccer is officially reinforced their charting new territory collective pursuit for the Yellowjacket of excellence. For program. The team Nishimoto, it’s about hasn’t lost a conference how the team performs, Stevensville’s Kyra Nishimoto made her 10th goal of the season and 7th consecutive match with a goal in the contest match this season and not just the result on between Stevensville and Frenchtown. last Thursday, the Lady the scoreboard. from teammate Kelsen Zahn. The was nice and welcoming. It was easy Jackets beat Frenchtown “We want to be the best, to keep cross caromed off Josie Lewis and to join such a nice team,” Nishimoto to clinch the school’s best record in winning. We’re going to work on Nishimoto neatly headed the ball into said. history. things we’re struggling with and put the net for her 10th goal of the season That instant click was on display At the center of Stevensville’s more effort into it, finish out strong and 7th consecutive match with a Thursday as it has been all season. success this season is senior how we started the season. You have goal. Nishimoto connected with Lewis Kyra Nishimoto. She scored in to get through the next game,” she Nishimoto transferred into for a goal in the first half for a 2-0 6 consecutive games entering said. Stevensville this summer from out advantage. But celebrations would Thursday’s match. She typically The Yellowjackets wrap up the have to wait. Frenchtown pulled back patrols the center midfield and can be of state. The move brought plenty of regular season with matches against worry as she changed schools for her a goal midway through the second seen defending in her own goal box, Hamilton and Corvallis before senior year and left behind childhood half and suddenly the atmosphere then transitioning to spearhead the entering the playoffs for the second friends, in addition to the challenge grew tense for the Stevensville side. attack at the other end. straight season. of integrating with a new team. The Lady Broncs mounted an “She brings a lot of professionalism “I was always to the team, determination, creativity, worried about if and a work ethic that all the girls the girls didn’t are playing at now,” said head coach like me or would Eric Depee. “Whether it’s practice resent me,” or games, she puts 100 percent into everything she’s doing. She’s bringing Nishimoto said. “Going to a new the whole team up with her at that school was going level.” to be a big change. Before Thursday’s game in Seemed very crazy Stevensville, Nishimoto announced to me. It would be that she will continue her career at hard to play with NCAA D-II Holy Names University them if they didn’t in Oakland, Calif. on a soccer like me.” scholarship. A crowd of about 100 But Nishimoto students and spectators gathered to quickly found watch the signing ceremony at the a positive Stevensville Soccer Complex. environment with “I’ve always wanted to play college teammates and ball, it’s been the dream,” Nishimoto coaches excited to said. “It’s a great honor to be able to welcome her into play at the next level.” the Yellowjacket Almost immediately, Nishimoto program. And turned her attention to the task on the field, she at hand. With a huge step toward experienced what a conference title on the line, she dubbed an Stevensville took the field against “instant click.” a resilient Frenchtown team that “It was a good refused to give an inch. In the 12th environment. On minute, the Jackets earned a corner Stevensville soccer player Kyra Nishimoto, flanked by her parents Paul and Heidi, is showered with good my first day of kick. Nishimoto found her way to wishes from the whole team as she officially signs to play soccer with Holy Names University in Oakland, CA. practice, everyone the back post and awaited delivery

More Letters Funny

I got a good laugh reading the words of Mr. Wathen’s letter to Mr. Daines, “Right wing terror.” That is really good considering that this group of people generally adhere to the Constitution. But then, with the new political correctness, those who have taken an oath to defend the Constitution are now terrorists! Lord, please help us. Frank Novotny Victor

Report CRT and antiracism in the schools Now that schools have been in session for a couple of weeks, it is time to remind parents and students that Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has declared that key elements of “Critical Race Theory” and so-called “antiracism” education and training, when used to classify students or other Montanans by race, violate federal and state constitutional and statutory law.

In his legally-binding declaration (AG Opinion No. 1, May 27, 2021), AG Knudsen provides a list of widely reported “antiracist” and CRT-related activities that violate federal and state law. They fall under three prohibited categories: racial segregation, race stereotyping, and race scapegoating. Racial segregation is the segregation or separation of students in any capacity on the basis of race. For example, schools “may not create ‘safe spaces’ that admit or exclude individuals on the basis of race.” Race stereotyping “means ascribing character traits, values, moral and ethical codes, privileges, status, or beliefs to a race or to an individual because of his or her race.” For example, “individuals may not be forced to admit privilege [e.g., ‘white privilege’] or punished for failing to do so” and “members of certain races cannot be forced to ‘reflect,’ ‘deconstruct,’ or ‘confront’ their racial identities or be instructed to be ‘less white.’” Race scapegoating “means assigning fault, blame, or bias to a race or to members of a race because of their race. This encompasses any claim that, consciously or unconsciously, and by virtue of his or her race, members of any race are inherently racist or are inherently

inclined to oppress others, including separating students into ‘oppressors’” and ‘oppressed’ based on race. Examples consist of instructing students that all white people perpetuate systemic racism or that all white people are born racist. This also includes asserting that an individual’s moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or that individuals need to be ‘accountable’ due solely to their race, or that they are ‘culpable’ solely due to their race. Individuals may not be instructed or compelled to apologize for their race or forced to admit privilege based on their race. It is illegal, likewise, to advocate that a particular race is negative or evil. It is also illegal for curricula to instruct student that members of a particular race or racial identity pose specific dangers to other individuals.” “Additionally, a school that permits, promotes, or endorses curricula or pedagogical methods that tell an individual that he or she should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race, almost certainly creates a racially hostile environment.” “A school may not advocate that students adopt specific beliefs based on their race, such as urging that

white students be white without signing on to whiteness. Schools may not attempt to purge the idea of ‘whiteness’ from schools. Any curricula or activity that pressures members of a certain race to repudiate or ‘recover from’ their race is illegal as well. This includes instructing members of a particular race or races that they must ‘re-wire’ or change themselves.” AG Knudsen specifically lists Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be an Antiracist and Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility as problematic for their advocacy of “antiracism” – a concept that “demands race-based discrimination.” Also problematic are the use of such concepts as “white privilege,” “white fragility,” “white complicity,” “white supremacy,” and “systemic racism” because they are race stereotyping and/or race scapegoating. Any parent, student, employee, or other individual may make a complaint of unlawful race-based discrimination by contacting the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s Human Rights Bureau and filing a complaint within 180 days of the discrimination. (erd.dli.mt.gov/ human-rights) Henry Fowler Stevensville

Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Chuck Stranahan’s

Flyfishing Journal

Flies for the October orange caddis and mahogany mayflies “Do you have any good October Caddis nymphs?” This was the sort of question I welcomed but seldom heard. I must admit – I felt a little smug when I showed him a caddis nymph I developed for California’s ultratough Hat Creek; a fly that traveled with me to the Bitterroot and was modified and tweaked over the years to the point where I felt that further improvement was close to impossible. Put simply, the fly works – and I look forward to the arrival of October caddisflies every year just so I can fish it. “But that doesn’t look like any of the other caddis nymphs,” he said. “It doesn’t have any flash, no bead, no rubber legs, and it’s… so dull-looking. The color isn’t right.” I must also admit – my egoballoon lost a little air at the crestfallen slump on his face. At that point I tried to push my ego aside and tend to his needs. He was describing almost every October Caddis nymph in commercial production, flies that decorate the bins in fly shops and work quite well as angler attractors. One exception is Skip Morris’ Brickbat Caddis. Skip fishes a lot and designs flies that improve his on-the-water experiences. I went to the back room and returned with a photo of a natural caddis nymph beside one of my artificials, wet from being fished, laying together in my hand.

shades of greens, browns, and tans peeking through. The biggest noticeable difference was the obvious hook extending from one of them. I said nothing. He studied the photo for a bit. “Oh… I see… it looks a lot like the natural,” he said. “Isn’t that the idea?” I answered. We both laughed. He left with some flies and came back a couple of days later, his face beaming and with a good report – a pleasant surprise for him, but kind of expected for me. He bought some more flies and headed to the river without more small talk. That fly goes by the name Caddis UV Conehead. Chuck’s Caddis Drifter. Nemes. We first met each other Another good one is the UV Conehead at a flyfishing conclave where we Caddis, one I designed more recently were both on program. That chance to fish deeper. meeting blossomed into a friendship, They both work, and if there is correspondence, and later fishing enough afternoon left after I finish dates where I learned immensely and this column, I’m going to put a couple contributed where I could. of apples from my neighbor’s tree in Syl was a professional my fishing vest and head for the river. photographer before You never see too many adult retiring to Montana orange caddisflies on the surface to research the compared to the numbers the trout effectiveness of his soft slaughter underneath. If you hit it hackle flies (he published right, it’s a glut. The right flies help, eleven books, most of and I have some, and I know where them on soft hackles,) to go… photograph the naturals they imitated, and fish. The mahogany swimming emerger His tying sessions Another fly I won’t be without at the conclaves were is one that owes its birthing to always a treat – and I got correspondence with the master to sit beside him, listen, of the soft hackle fly, Sylvester and when I could, watch.

Chuck

Stranahan

Flies that look like bugs? Both bugs were dull-colored, kind of gooshy and buggy-looking, deﬁnitely orange but not the ultrabright orange of most artiﬁcials, with

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When there were lulls, we talked. He was more than approachable – humble, quiet, but more than willing to answer questions and share. Much of our correspondence centered upon the mayfly genus that anglers know as mahogany duns. There are about thirteen species in the Western U.S. Some of these flies hatch underwater and swim, fully formed, to the surface. Syl photographed them and we both tied flies to mimic these swimming emergers. Mine, the Mahogany Swimmer, grew out of a question I wrote to Syl: ”Why don’t we put the soft hackle wings on top?” That’s where the wings are on the natural, I reasoned; the silhouette and swimming action of the fly will be more accurate. Fairly often, on lazy autumn afternoons, mahoganies will pop out of the water, fully formed, and float undisturbed for a couple of feet before taking off. When I see that I think of Syl – always fondly – tie on a Mahogany Swimmer, and usually catch the fish, some of them good-sized, that target the easier prey underneath. That’s what Syl and I both had in mind.

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Page 12 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

MAPS Media Institute offers fall classes MAPS Media Institute classes continue this fall with exciting selections in design, film, music, and new technologies. Fall is looking bright for MAPS students, and it isn’t just because their free-of-charge media arts classes will all be in-person. MAPS Fall line-up offers students the chance to work with new instructors, learn new skills, and create more than ever before. This Montana nonprofit was launched in the Bitterroot in 2004 and continues to empower, inspire, and prepare future generations for success through engaging community service, compassionate mentoring, and professional media arts. “This fall we are excited to see what stories MAPS students will tell,” said Clare Ann Harff, MAPS Executive Director. “After a year online and a successful summer of

in-person programming, we’re ready to continue working with students on their endless ideas and creative expression.” One way students will be able to make their worlds come to life is through MAPS Design Class led by the expertise of 3D Artist Amanda Estrada. “My commitment to learning and working with students to help them explore the limitless possibilities of 3D art is what makes me so excited to join the MAPS team. I am excited to help students understand and push boundaries as they enter into new generations of digital entertainment,” said Estrada. In addition to design, MAPS students will be able to dive into the world of filmmaking with field professional Katie Scott whose knack for film production has landed her in producer positions for major TV

networks such as CBS, A&E, National Geographic, Discovery Channel and BBC Worldwide. Scott has an organic approach to storytelling, saying, “Around every corner is something that needs to be known and needs to be told. Now, instead of circling the globe I stay closer to my own backyard and am curious to see how MAPS students will share their meaningful stories through the camera lens.” Take a quick trip to mapsmediainstitute.com for class overviews and to learn more about our statewide programming. Returning Ravalli County students will ﬁnd this part familiar, with classes in Music and Technology taught by the local musician and Shakewell band member, Cove Jasmin and Bitterroot College Fab Lab Director John Springer.

It can’t be said enough. “MAPS teaches communication skills to help students express themselves more articulately and effectively. Together, our team of professional media artist educators help our students find their voices in this ever-changing world,” said Harff. “This work is what shines a light on the many possibilities the future holds. We just have one question - what stories will you tell?” ● All abilities welcome! ● Students may enroll at any time. ● Classes run October 4th, 2021 thru May 2022. ● All classes are free-of-charge for 8-12th grade students. ● MAPS is open 3:00pm – 7:00pm Monday thru Thursday. For more information about MAPS, or to enroll, visit mapsmediainstitute.com

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

Settlements: insurance rate increases will continue continued from page three premiums have jumped from $23,494 in Fiscal Year 19-20 to $32,049 in FY 20-21 and $73,383 in FY 21-22. The costs of litigating and settling these two cases have contributed to the Town’s insurance premium increase and will be considered in the insurance rate calculations for the next five years. The Bitterroot Star contacted Tribbensee for comment following the release of the settlement agreements. Here is her statement: “When I submitted my resignation from my position as the Community Development Director for the City of Sedona, working in the public sector for over 30 years to take the position of Town Clerk for the Town of Stevensville in 2018, I never dreamed that I would soon after find myself subject to constructive discharge and filing two lawsuits against Stevensville Town Council, namely Bob Michalson, Stacie Barker, Robin Holcomb and Ray Smith. However, beginning with my very first day

working for Stevensville, I found myself working in an extremely hostile environment, that is hard to describe as it is unlike anything I have ever seen or experienced in all my years as a public servant. I have worked with many Mayors and Council members, not all of them agreed with me or did I agree with them, but we were all able to agree to disagree and carry out our rules and responsibilities in a professional and respectful manner. This did not happen in the Town of Stevensville government during my employment. “Mayor Dewey always tried to protect me and staﬀ and minimize our exposure to Council’s rude and disrespectful behavior and that of their friends and family. I believe he honestly did everything he could do to address my situation but I recognize he could not force citizens or Council members to play nicely or act professionally. The tone, attitude and actions of Council President Bob

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Michalson was most always as nasty as one can get. He was dishonest, calculated and manipulative. Very early on, it became glaringly apparent that Bob Michalson intended to hold up his pledge to Council member Robin Holcomb to make Mayor Dewey’s life as miserable as possible to force him out of the office. It also became, unfortunately very apparent that Michalson would stop at nothing to achieve this objective, including running the Mayor’s staff out of the office as well. “Although I submitted a formal complaint against Bob Michalson and the Town Council in October 2018, simply asking for the hostility and bad behavior to stop and that Council and staff work professionally together to address town business, Michalson and Council dismissed my claims and rather than stop their bad behavior chose instead to increase their pressure and deceitful activities and doubled down their efforts to make the environment as miserable as possible to force Mayor Dewey and staff out. After being subject to unbelievable treatment and hostility at the hands of Bob Michalson and Council for over nine months, I was left with no other option than to resign from my position, and file for constructive discharge with the State of Montana. Not surprisingly, after reviewing hundreds of

pages of documented incidents, the State agreed that I was eligible for constructive discharge stating that no reasonable person should ever be subject to the horrendous behavior and actions that I was subject to every day while employed by the Town of Stevensville at the hands of Bob Michalson, Stacie Barker, Robin Holcomb and Ray Smith. “Filing for constructive discharge led to the hardest decision of my life to hire an attorney and file a lawsuit against the Town of Stevensville Town Council and a second case singling out Council President Bob Michalson for the literal hell he put me, the Mayor and my co-workers through on a daily basis. The list of actions and activities against me personally is long, unbelievable and horrendous. These actions and activities also sufficiently supported my claims of abuse, harassment and hostility that MMIA worked hard to settle my claims out of court and willingly wrote two separate checks to settle both cases. “Again, I never dreamed I would find myself in such an unconscionable and completely offensive hostile working environment, but I did. I never dreamed I would find myself making the decision to file legal cases against the Town Council and Bob Michalson, but I did. Ultimately, the decision to file the lawsuit came easy as I hoped to expose the longstanding offensive behavior of Bob Michalson and Council so that the current staff and future staff never have to suffer his intentional hostility, harassment and literally nasty tactics again.” Bob Michalson is currently running for a town council seat (see story in this week’s paper). When asked whether he wanted to comment on the release of the settlement agreement, he said, “I feel like Audree got in the middle of a pissing match between the mayor and me. I was too forceful. Even though I thought I was helping her do her job, I was hurting her.”

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Page 14 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Bitter Root Land Trust meets campaign goal Funds will help conserve thousands of acres

After announcing a valley-wide call to action this summer that resulted in an outpouring of community support, the Bitter Root Land Trust (BRLT) announced the closing of its “Keep It Bitterroot” campaign - to increase the pace of conservation in the Bitterroot Valley to protect more working farms and ranches, the Bitterroot River and its tributary streams, open lands for

wildlife to thrive, and community recreational parks and open space. The Bitter Root Land Trust’s Keep It Bitterroot campaign has now met and exceeded its $600,000 goal – in which the community was asked to raise the ﬁnal $150,000 this past June. “We made a big ‘ask’ to our community, and the response has been overwhelming,” says Lauren Rennaker, BRLT Development Director. “We are seeing more open land disappear, and the need to conserve our Bitterroot heritage and way of life is more important now than ever. It has been a humbling experience to witness our community members, local businesses and

partners come together to protect what we all love about the Bitterroot. I feel incredibly lucky to call this place home.” The Bitter Root Land Trust is a 501 (c)(3) non-proﬁt organization that has partnered with nearly 50 local families to conserve over 9,100 acres of land since its inception in 1997, including iconic family farms and ranches and public parks and river access sites. BRLT works with landowners, farming and ranching families, partner organizations, local businesses, and community members to protect the stunning rural landscape and open lands that make this region of western Montana so special.

“The closing of this remarkable, one-time campaign means we have secured the funds to help increase the number of Bitterroot landowners the Land Trust can partner with,” says Bret Young, Vice President of the BRLT Board of Directors, “giving us a chance to compete for extraordinary conservation opportunities in this significantly inflated real estate market. Once completed, these projects will make a difference in our community for generations to come.” To learn more about BRLT and the Keep It Bitterroot campaign, visit bitterrootlandtrust.org, call (406) 375-0956 or stop by their office located at 170 S. 2nd Street in Hamilton.

Forest surveys coming to a recreation area near you Beginning this fall, you may see Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) employees working in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along Forest Service roads. They will be wearing bright orange vests and be near signs that say, “Traﬃc Survey Ahead.” These folks are wanting to talk with you about your visit to the national forest. All information you give is conﬁdential and the survey is voluntary. National Visitor Use Monitoring

(NVUM) Program surveys are conducted every ﬁve years. The surveys will be conducted on the BNF from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. The information is useful for forest planning and local community tourism. It provides forest managers with an estimate of how many people recreate on federal lands and what activities they engage in while there. Other important information includes how satisﬁed people were with their visit and the

economic impact of recreation on the local economy. The survey takes about 10 minutes and some of the questions include where you recreated on the forest, how long you visited, and how satisﬁed you were with the facilities and services provided. About a third of visitors will be asked to complete a conﬁdential survey on recreation spending during their trip. Although the survey is voluntary, the BNF is encouraging visitors to

participate. Whether you live here in the Bitterroot or are visiting from outside the area, we want to hear from you! For more information, contact Recreation Manager Erica Strayer at (406) 821-3913. Additional information about the National Visitor Use Monitoring Program can be found at https:// www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ nvum . Stay in touch with us at www. fs.usda.gov/bitterroot.

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• Sarah received a BS and a MSN from Virginia Commonwealth University with specialization in psychiatric care. • She has past acute inpatient psychiatric experience as a caregiver, RN, and NP. • She has provided psychiatric care in the Bitterroot valley for the past 5 years in crisis, outpatient, group home, and corrections settings, and with a special interest in addiction medicine. • She is originally from the heart of Appalachia: the beautiful Shenandoah valley of Virginia. • Prior to studying nursing, Sarah was a classical musician, a dance and movement enthusiast, and a practicing massage therapist. She has a BM in flute performance. • When Sarah is not at work, you may find her on top of a bike or a pair of skis, tending to her house plants, on a yoga mat, or in her garden, kitchen, Crossword Solution

or chicken coop.

(406) 541-0032 316 North 3rd Street • Hamilton, MT 59840 • www.sapphirechc.org © Feature Exchange

Bitterroot Star -- Page 15

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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Page 16 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

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YELLOW AND BLACK LABRADOR RETRIEVER PUPPIES FOR SALE! Registered, vet checked/vaccinated. Champion bloodline. $1295. Call Trina (406) 241-2433 in Stevensville.

TWO BARTENDERS NEEDED - Experience necessary. Great personality a must. Starting wage $10/hour. Call Eagles Lodge, 363-1113 or com in and get an application. 9-8 ufn.

BUILDINGS AUTHENTIC TIMBER FRAMED BARNS. Residential and Commercial Timber Packages. Full Service Design - Build Since 1990, (406) 581 3014 brett@bitterrootgroup. com, www.bitterroottimberframes.com UFN

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR SPORTS REPORTER. Covering all six Bitterroot Valley high schools. Call Victoria, 777-3928 or send resume to: editor@bitterrootstar.com.

in Hamilton that is cleaned 1X per month. We also have 1 building in Stevensville that is cleaned quarterly. We provide. everything. Great people to work for. Excellent pay per job. Call Ellen, (605) 381-6802. 10-6 thru 10-30.

NOTICES FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certiﬁed Professionals. Call (312)-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

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ACROSS 1. Digital audio tape 4. Woman in the O.T. 10. Time period 11. City in Pakistan 12. Mommy 13. Frustrate 14. Hawk 16. Snake like fish 17. Boyfriend 18. Sun god 20. Raleigh locale 22. Make over 26. Escudo 29. African country 31. Brand of frozen dough 33. Furniture wood 34. Malevolence 35. North northeast 36. Modern female mystery writer Christie 37. Shekel

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Legals

Bitterroot Star -- Page 17

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Estate of: RAY CLELAN; Deceased. Case No.: DP-21- 109 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 said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Sandra Skorupa, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A.Weber, 345 West Main, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 16 day of September, 2021. Sandra Skorupa Personal Representative BS 9/22, 9/29, 10/6 ___________________ Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE

ESTATE OF RAMONA TANNER ROY, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-110 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 ﬁrst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Robert F. Olsen, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or ﬁled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 16th day of September 2021. /s/ Robert F. Olsen, Personal Representative BS 9/22, 9/29, 10/6 ___________________ David T. Markette Dustin M. Chouinard Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD 601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALLEN BRUCE HEMMINGS, Deceased. Probate

No.: DP-21-113 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 ﬁrst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to DAVID T. MARKETTE, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamlton, Montana 59840, or ﬁled with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 22nd day of September 2021. /s/ David T Markette BS 9/29, 10/6, 10/13/21. ___________________ Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Echo Rose Newton: Trent Frederick, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-21-373 Dept. No.: 2 Notice of Hearing on Name Change of Minor Child This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Echo Rose Newton to Echo Rose Frederick. The hearing will be on 11/04/2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli

County. Date: September 30, 2021. Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court By: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk of Court BS 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27 ___________________ NOTICE The Town of Stevensville is currently advertising the following Requests for Proposals / Request for Qualifications for contracted services: * Real Estate Broker Services - Proposals are due 10/20/2021 at 5:00pm * Transportation Master Plan Update - Statement of Qualifications due on 10/22/2021 at 5:00pm Interested firms can find more information about the RFP’s/RFQ’s on the Town of Stevensville’s website at: www.townofstevensville. com/rfps BS 10/6, 10/13 ___________________ Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN WALTER SCHULER JR., also known as JOHN WALTER SCHULER, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-116 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 first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Juanita Louise Schuler, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 28th day of September 2021. Juanita Louise Schuler, Personal Representative BS 10/6, 10/13, 10/20 ___________________ Lori A. Harshbarger HARSHBARGER LAW FIRM P.O. Box 310 22 N. Pacific St. Dillon, MT 59725 Tel: (406) 683-6151 Fax: (406) 683-2282 Email: lori@harshbargerlawfirm.com office@harshbargerlawfirm. com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF LORETTA GAY ASHCRAFT, Deceased. Probate No. DP-21-108 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 ﬁrst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to David P. Ashcraft, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o HARSHBARGER LAW FIRM., P.O. Box 310, Dillon, MT 59725 or ﬁled with the Clerk of the above Court. “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct.” DATED this 21st day of September, 2021. DAVID P. ASHCRAFT c/o HARSHBARGER LAW FIRM P.O. Box 310 Dillon, MT 59725 BS 10/6, 10/13, 10/20

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Page 18 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, October 6, 2021 Delivery Service Monday-Friday 777-4663

Sale good thru 10/12/21

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Oktoberfest Savings at the Fork! We are loaded with fall flavor from hard squash, to a large selection of Oktoberfest & pumpkin beer. Also, first of season Local spooky pumpkins perfect for the Porch! Don’t forget about the Roots best selection of wine perfect pairing with pumpkin carving! So for more Fall Flavor head to the Fork, taste Local & save time & Money! Pumpkin Headquarters, Carve Local! Local Fall Hard Squash

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