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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!”
‘The Volume XXXV, Number 12
Established 1985 - Locally owned & independent
Giant smiles all around
Colors
of
Cancer
Support those
Wednesday, October 9, 2019 fighting cancer.
Aquatic Center bond and levy on ballot Join a color team, participate in the 5K run, and the many other events throughout the valley!
Heighten the awareness of your cancer cause while raising money for Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Colors of Cancer activities and events happening all month long and donations are matched.
Donate now and find events at:
By Michael Howell
The Bitterroot Aquatic Center was established about 18 years ago when a $1.8 million bond and levy were passed for construction of the facility. In 2006, another levy was passed for $100,000 to cover the rising costs of operations. Now, according to the center’s manager Fern Schreckendgust, the center is ready, if not over-ready, for an upgrade and the time is ripe since the first bond is set to be paid off next year. According to Schreckendgust, the number of people and organizations using the pool has steadily increased over the years to the point that it is difficult to
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accommodate all the activities. She said that the bond and levy being proposed will not only make needed repairs and upgrades, but also some basic improvements and additions that could put the center follow us on facebook into prime condition to serve the community over the next 20 years. The plan has been in the works for a number of years and includes some major improvements, such as covering the outdoor pool so that it could be used in winter. The walls are designed to be opened up during the warmer months of summer, allowing lots of fresh air and sunshine in. The bathroom/changing rooms will be doubled in size and some muchColors ofTCancer TH ANKS O O U Elite R S PSponsors: ONSORS:
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Bitterroot Star - KPAX - Ravalli Republic
Media Sponsors:
Bitterroot Star - KPAX - Ravalli Republic
By Michael Howell Tiny, a huge Belgian draft horse that was rescued by Jasmin Shinn (center) of 1 Horse At A Time Draft Horse Rescue, is now happy to spend time visiting with residents and staff of Discovery Care Centre in Hamilton, bringing them great pleasure. Christin Rzasa photo.
Rescued draft horse gets new job
To say that the prospects for Tiny’s future have changed over the past 18 months would be an understatement, yet the essential purpose of this draft horse’s life has remained the same. A giant of a Belgian, Tiny was bred to haul and deliver goods for his human handlers, but these days, what he delivers is a thousand times lighter and infinitely more important. Thanks to the kindness and
determination of one Bitterroot Valley resident and the charitable organization she created, Tiny now delivers smiles—and a whole lot more. On a recent afternoon, Tiny and his handler, Jasmin Shinn (of 1 Horse At A Time Draft Horse Rescue, a 501(c)3 charitable organization), stopped in to visit with the staff and residents of Discovery Care Centre in Hamilton. Despite a chilly wind sweeping out of Blodgett Canyon and low clouds threatening rain,
the less-than-desirable weather failed to dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm. At 18.2 hands tall (a little over 6 feet at his shoulder), Tiny towered over the residents and even Shinn. Several people remarked on the enormous size of his hooves—“I wonder what size shoes he wears…”—and his calm demeanor—“He’s so QUIET!” For nearly an hour, the gentle giant’s presence under the portico at the Centre’s entrance was magnetic. Staff members and residents alike came and went in a
Fall feature
steady stream. Aside from being occasionally distracted by the verdant lawn surrounding the patio area, Tiny patiently greeted each admirer, cautiously investigating the faces and laps of the crowd, many of whom were wheelchair-bound and wrapped in blankets against the cold. He carefully nuzzled the “cookies” they offered and tolerated endless pats and strokes to his face and muzzle. See HORSE, page 3
See AQUATIC, page 2
He said the cost of these projects continues to go up and if put off will become more expensive down the road. According to Finance Officer Craig Shepherd, the Cost of Living rate hikes will generate an additional water usage revenue of $13,349 and additional base rate revenue of $18,169 for a total increase in charges of $31,518. Sewer usage with a COLA increase will add $11,272 in additional revenue and the increase in the base rate will generate an additional $16,414 for a total increase of $27,686. The council approved the annexation of a 69.96 acre parcel located along the river south of River Park and changed the property’s zoning classification to See HAMILTON, page 4
In search of roadkill By Michael Howell
A few citizen scientist volunteers were out collecting data along Highway 93 in the Bitterroot last week documenting the number and kinds of animals
Stevensville third graders Afton Fleck, 9, and Cora Masar, 8, proudly display their entries in the ever-popular Pumpkin Contest that was part of the Scarecrow Festival on First Friday. Afton said his entry, which appeared to be somewhat of a self-portrai, was named “Deadly Scarecrow.” Cora went for a mushroom motif. Victoria Howell photo.
At its last meeting in September, the Hamilton City Council approved increases to the monthly base rate charge and usage charge for both water and wastewater. Each will increase by 2.4%. The new rates became effective on September 25. Public Works Director Donny Ramer stated in a memo that small incremental increases in the water and sewer rates on a regular basis were preferable to putting off any rate increases until a large increase was required to meet the rising costs involved in the services. He said the Public Works Department was working on replacement projects throughout the water and sewer systems to try and minimize the long-term maintenance and operation costs.
that could be found killed on or beside the road between Hamilton and Florence. The project was put on by a group called Adventure Scientists that pairs outdoor enthusiasts with research scientists. In this case it
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Hamilton to see hike in water, sewer rates
By Christin Rzasa
W
Sprinkle the Colors of Cancer in Ravalli County!
involves pairing volunteers with the Montana FWP’s Montana Connectivity Project. Cyclists participating in the project are riding the highways all over the See ROADKILL, page 3
Citizen scientist cyclists Heather Hicks, Elise Rose and Ben Goldfarb were out in search of roadkill along Highway 93 last week as part of the Montana Connectivity Project. The volunteers were paired up with FWP on the project by a group called Adventure Scientists that pairs outdoor enthusiasts with research scientists. Michael Howell photo.