Linda Massa Youth Home closes
by Nathan Boddy
Youth Homes, the Montana based non-proft organization dedicated to providing care, support and shelter to teens in crisis in Montana, has one less facility in Montana following the closure of the Linda Massa Youth Home in Hamilton last month. The home, which began as the Bitterroot Youth Home, was rebranded in honor of Linda Massa whose eforts as a founding member of the youth home helped bring structure and security to over 2000 young people during its 22-year run.
Deana Wolfe, Linda Massa’s daughter, explained the reasoning behind closure of the home.
“Our referrals had gone way down,” said Wolfe, adding that by late summer the home was operating with only three youth in the eight-bed facility.
The youth who stay in the homes are generally referred to the service from either youth court or from the Child and Family Services Division of Montana. Funding does come from the referring service, but that is not enough to maintain the home in operation. Therefore, after each of the remaining three youth moved on in mid-September, the time had come to close the home’s door.
Wolfe says that community support of the youth home had never wavered, but stafng the home for diminishing numbers would have been a disservice to the community whose largess helped fund an important portion of the home’s operation.
The decision to close the home was not taken lightly, Wolfe said, but she said many of the youth who had been placed recently had required a level of mental and legal resources that were hard to obtain in Hamilton.
“I’m sad about it,” said Wolfe. “It’s not like it’s suddenly not needed.”
She said that families haven’t changed, but the closure ultimately was a fnancial decision.
Wolfe’s mother, Linda Massa, had been a school teacher prior to beginning the hardware and building supply business which still holds the Massa name, and Wolfe said that her
mother always had a soft spot for children. Massa was one of the founding board members of the youth home and very passionate about helping kids whenever able.
“At the youth home, to even have helped one child would have been worth it all,” said Wolfe. “But throughout the 22 years it was open, [the home] helped over 2000. It is just a huge honor for her name to be associated with that.”
Statewide, Youth Homes provides places for Montana youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, or family instability through a variety of housing arrangements including short term crisis shelters, therapeutic group homes and long term living. The organization also provides foster care, adoption and outpatient services which reach hundreds of Montana families yearly. The housing component, however, has experienced a dramatic change in numbers in recent years.
Amy Schaer, Executive Director at Youth Homes, said that only several years ago Montana had “one of the largest numbers of youth in the foster care system,” with over 4000 youth in the system.
“Now we have around 2,000,” she said.
A number of changes have led to the decline in numbers that Schaer and other providers have noticed, but ultimately, Schaer made it clear that the closure would not mean a disadvantage to those Bitterroot Valley youth who need placement since there are still available locations in nearby Missoula, and more importantly, the track record of what the Linda Massa Youth Home accomplished is beyond
laudable.
“The Linda Massa Youth Home has had successes for 20 years,” she said. “We’ve served over 2000 kids, and we don’t want to diminish those
successes. Those successes are still out there and living their lives, and so we are so grateful for the community for the work that they’ve allowed us to do there.”
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Few items remain in front of the Linda Massa Youth Home, which closed last month. Photo by Nathan Boddy.
Daly Mansion new executive director and Tammany Trot
by John Dowd
The Daly Mansion is gearing up for the Fifth Annual Tammany Trot race event, and the excitement is mounting, especially with help from the new executive director.
Courtney Hartelius started as the new executive director for the Daly Mansion on September 9. She has a lot of history with the Mansion that she is excited to bring to fruition in her new position. Hartelius started working as a tour guide at the Mansion in 2015, and was hired as the events coordinator there in 2018. She is also notable in the Bitterroot Valley for having been brought on as executive assistant for the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce in 2022.
“what you would do in museums and working with people,” she described.
Hartelius loves the mission of the Mansion, to both preserve the history and to engage with the public, bringing history to the people in meaningful and proactive ways. Her goals with the Mansion include, “continuing to work on preserving its history,” and helping people to realize that the Daly Mansion “really is an asset to the community
“... an asset to the community and the valley because of its history, and a symbol of where Hamilton came from.”
- Courtney Hartelius
and the valley because of its history, and a symbol of where Hamilton came from.”
sion, she said her previous position there gave her a “good foundation on the inner-workings of the museum.”
Quickly approaching is the Tammany Trot, which will take place on Saturday, October 12. The event is a 5K trail run and 1K fun run, meant to raise money for the Daly Mansion. This year, the Mansion was hit hard by the wind storms in August. The goal will be to raise money for the repairs and cleanup of the historic trees that were damaged and taken down by the storm. According to Hartelius, the storm damaged and uprooted numerous trees on the property, and she estimates they likely lost around 10 of the historic trees. Much of the damage was on the front lane, among the linden trees.
Tap House, 352 Woodside Cutof in Corvallis, which will serve as a swagbag handout for race participants.
As for race day, Wings Program Inc., a horse rescue, will be there Saturday, showing of some of their rescued mini horses. There will be a trumpeter from the Bitterroot Community Band present to open the race and more will be available to the community to enjoy on race day.
Race participation is $35 for adults, $10 for youth and ages 9 and under can race for free. Winners will receive engraved pint glasses and all fnishers will get medals. Winners of the fun run, ages 13 and under, will receive pumpkin carving kits. Hartelius said she was grateful to the business sponsors.
She worked with the Chamber until this year, right before taking on the job as executive director for the Daly Mansion. For her, it has always been a goal to work for a museum or historic location. The job with the Daly Mansion is more than a dream come true. She got a degree in classical history and minored in anthropology, focusing on
Hartelius spoke of her time with the Chamber, saying, “it’s been great,” and that she is going to miss the people. She added that she is extremely grateful for everything she learned, saying that her time with the Chamber “was exponential as far as preparing me for a role like this.” With the Man-
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The Trot had 100 participants last year, but Hartelius said she hopes to draw a bigger crowd this year to help achieve the mission. The runs will take place on the grounds and through the neighboring Historic Bitter Root Stock Farm.
Race signups are available online, through the Daly Mansion website, as well as on the day of the run. Hartelius added that signups will also be allowed at a pint night on Friday, October 11. The pint night will be hosted at Fin’s
Hartelius also wanted to invite the community to the upcoming trunk or treat, which is a free event. It will be held Sunday, October 27 on the mansion grounds from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“October really is about engaging with the community and getting them to explore and engage with the grounds in fun seasonal ways,” said Hartelius. More information on the Daly Mansion and on their events, is available on their website, dalymansion.org, or on their Facebook.
Kovatch wins Florence Community Service Award
At a ceremony on September 14th, hosted by Backyard Tap House owners Chris and Tessa Lynn, the Florence Civic Club presented its 2024 Community Service Award to Christopher Kovatch.
Kovatch, parent of a Lady Falcon athlete, recognized the need to rebuild the Florence-Carlton High School softball facility. He secured funds through private non-proft grants and local businesses. Professional contractors and labor volunteers in the Florence community donated time and materials. In addition to building a facility worthy of hosting the Montana State Softball Championships (which Florence girls won), the crew developed a multi-use feld used by the football team and Physical Education classes. The sports complex parking lot was also upgraded. Kovatch’s enthusiasm for hockey and ice skating moved him to build the Florence Ice Rink.
Kovatch also approached the Ravalli County Florence Park District board, where he brought forward the need and supplied the energy and leadership skills to secure their approval and initial funding of Hide-out Mountain Playground. The Florence Volunteer Fire Department was and continues to be instrumental in the success of this great family-friendly facility, as well as many other community volunteers.
The Florence Civic Club chose to recognize Kovatch with the 2024 Community Service Award, given in grateful appreciation for his years of service to the community of Florence.
D.B.’s Overhead Doors
Roger DiBrito, at right, presenting the 2024 Community Service Award to Christopher Kovatch on behalf of the Florence Civic Club. Photo courtesy Florence Civic Club.
Bitterroot Star still bucking the trend
This week is National Newspaper Week. It’s a time to celebrate the newspaper industry and the people who work in it, and to show appreciation for the important role that newspapers have played, and continue to play, in our democracy.
Unfortunately, we continue to hear stories that newspapers across the nation are closing down and laying of their people. Recently, a longtime journalist who had worked for Lee Newspapers in Montana for nearly 30 years was laid of due to budgetary constraints. When revenues are falling, it seems that the reporters are the frst to go. Circulation, as well, has fallen drastically at many newspapers, as they try to fgure out the best way forward in the “digital age.” The most recent statement of circulation posted for the Ravalli Republic listed 652 as the average number of print copies per issue over the past year.
in the near term. We’ve noticed that readers seem to enjoy the tactile nature of holding the paper and turning the pages. (Perhaps it seems more substantial? More indelible since it’s printed with ink and paper? More trustworthy?) However, for those who do prefer to read the news online, we ofer that as well.
I’m happy to report that is not the case at the Bitterroot Star. Our circulation has been holding at 7000 copies per week for the past several years. The interesting fact about that fgure is that all those print copies get distributed and an average of less than 200 copies per week is returned, according to the Bitterroot Star’s most recent sworn statement of circulation. So, we know those papers are getting out to the community and they are being READ.
This is only possible because our advertisers seem to know it too, and it becomes evident when you pick up a copy and look at the ads. There is plenty of advertising in the Star, and we are so grateful to our local business community and the readers that support them by patronizing their businesses, cementing the symbiotic relationship between newspapers, readers, and businesses.
Many newspapers have chosen to focus on digital products, even going so far as to discontinue their print editions in favor of their websites. This isn’t going to happen at the Star, at least not
And maybe the best part of all this is that the Bitterroot Star is still FREE, no matter how you choose to read it. When the paper frst switched away from a paid model, it was in response to the economic recession of 2008. Subscriptions were one of the things consumers seemed to feel they could give up to save money. As it turned out, the free-paper model worked so well that there was never a compelling reason for us to go back. And now, in the post-pandemic, high infation environment of the past few years, a free newspaper is still the right thing.
The Star recently began its 40th year in print. We want you to know that all of us at the Bitterroot Star are passionate about what we do. We truly enjoy providing you with a great weekly product and we appreciate so much that you enjoy being on the receiving end. It’s been a great partnership! We look forward to maintaining that special relationship as together we address the challenges and opportunities of living in the Bitterroot Valley in the 21st century.
By Ryan Busse
Montana has never been more expensive, and Governor Greg Gianforte is pouring gas on the fre. Gianforte raised property taxes by as much as 111%. That’s the largest increase in Montana history. What’s worse, he’s handed out tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires like himself, while pricing hardworking Montanans and seniors out of their homes.
One of the most important decisions we face this election year is who we should ask to be our next governor. My name is Ryan Busse. I’m asking for your vote to Get Your Montana Back.
This decision isn’t about political party, and has almost nothing to do with national political elections. For me, it’s about saving the state we love: about lowering property taxes, making Montana more afordable, and protecting our individual constitutional rights.
I’m not a politician. I’m a former executive from the frearms industry. I sold 3 million guns while helping to build a company called Kimber. I’m proud of creating good-paying jobs in Montana.
With a multi-billion dollar government surplus in Helena, it’s simply unacceptable for Gianforte to continue to raise taxes. No one said “keep the change.”
It’s time for new leadership in Helena. Did you know that Gianforte—one of the wealthiest people in our state—is paying less on his own, personal property taxes this year? He’s the only homeowner in his entire neighborhood whose property taxes actually went down last year.
Don’t be fooled by those mailers Gianforte sent out. The State of Montana, not local governments, sets the overall tax rate for residential property, so it didn’t sit well with me when Gianforte tried to pass the blame for his own tax hike to local elected leaders—most of them fellow Republicans.
Now those Republican mayors and county commissioners are calling Gianforte out for his lies.
I’m proud that his campaign is made up of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats who are setting aside their diferences on national politics to come together and save our state.
But under Gianforte, it’s hard to stay afoat even with a good-paying job. That’s why on Day One, I have a plan to lower property taxes for everyone—not just private mansion owners like Gianforte. The nonpartisan Montana Taxpayers Association calls my plan the simplest. I’ll lower tax rates on all classes of property, and cut residential property taxes by $112 million. My plan will also cut taxes on small businesses and family farms and ranches.
In addition to lowering property taxes, I have a plan to fx our broken funding model for K-12 education. I also have a plan to increase access to public lands, so that you don’t have to be a millionaire like Gianforte to access Montana’s best hunting and fshing spots.
Montanans have a proud history of voting for the person, not political party. Gianforte has failed us by raising our taxes when Montana has never been more expensive. It doesn’t have to be this way. I am asking for your vote. Let’s get your Montana back. Gianforte raised your property taxes up to 111%. I’m running to lower them.
Let’s keep Jon Tester
Montanans need to keep Jon Tester in the Senate. Jon is a working Montana farmer and understands the importance of agriculture to our economy, open space, wildlife habitat and quality of life. Jon is a champion for our public lands and is committed to keeping our public lands in public ownership. He supports collaborative solutions to public lands conficts and authors legislation such as the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act and Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act to make the resolutions to resource conficts permanent.
Jon Tester’s commitment to our national security, our veterans and our men and women in uniform is unwavering. Instead of building a costly and inefective wall between us and Mexico, Jon supports using technology and adding legal staf and border control personnel to help resolve our southern border crisis. Jon’s pledge to support our veterans cannot be questioned and his actions on behalf of our veterans speak louder than words.
Jon understands Montana values and wants us to retain our rural way of life. He is responsible for expanding hi-speed internet to unserved rural areas, fought to retain health care services and maintain small rural clinics and nursing homes, and attained funding to maintain and repair our rural roads and bridges.
Jon Tester is a respected member of the Senate and works across the aisle to do what’s best for Montana and our nation. He is a straight shooter and won’t shy away from explaining why he believes his votes in the Senate are what’s best for the citizens of Montana. Jon Tester has my vote for Senate this November. In order to keep Montana the “Last Best Place,” I hope he has your vote as well. Skip Kowalski Stevensville
Lotta spending in this election
There sure is a lotta spending going on in Montana for the election coming up.
Just this week I have received a couple more cards sponsored by out of state organizations informing me of how an incumbent candidate hasn’t been working for me, a Montanan, for years now. Weird that they would promote an alternate candidate that hasn’t been in the state nearly as long as the other candidate has been in ofce.
I notice the dirt mining that has been going on. A whole lotta mining for little dirt and nary a trace of substance.
Yep, seems that there is all kinds of money available to buy a Montana election. We’ve seen this before, though. We already have a Senator that bought his seat, a Congressman that bought his seat, a Governor that bought his seat. I reckon that as long as Montana keeps her “for sale” sign up, there will be a representative that will pony up the bucks to be our representative.
Weird though. I’m an American, a transplanted Montanan (other than about 6% of our state’s population we or our ancestors are all here from somewhere else), a Veteran, and when I cast my vote, I cast it for someone to represent me.
Weird again, I suppose, I am not wealthy - I grew up in Montana. I am able to recognize the diference between business and governing.
Business is to generate a proft and government is to beneft the people. Optimally a business will beneft the people. Being good at one isn’t always a qualifer for being good at the other. Being bad at one isn’t a disqualifer for the other, though maybe it should be. I recognize that the two need to work together.
There sure is a lotta spending going on by organizations outside Montana, trying to buy your vote. Mine isn’t for sale. My vote will be for candidates that are able to represent me at our federal, state and local level of government. I reckon I don’t need some yahoo from outta state selling me their idea of what is good for Montana. Where does their qualifcation come from anyway? Money? I hope that I’m not the only one that isn’t going to sell my vote. What about you? Will your vote be formed (by someone else) or an informed vote? Is your vote for sale to the highest spender? Or will you vote for someone that can represent you?
Larry Keogh Hamilton
Roundabout dilemma
In reading all the difculties that are coming TO LIGHT about the construction of the roundabout at Bell Crossing associated with the Ravalli Electric facility, the new gravel pit business and electrical substation which are located in the area of the proposed roundabout, and all the modifcations that are going to have to be made to accommodate this roundabout, it is becoming obvious that (1) there are some shenanigans going on, (2) BIG MONEY is involved and (3) promises have been made to who and why is a mystery. Due to the reluctance of MDT to listen to the people of Ravalli County on the problems associated with this roundabout, it is time for some investigative reporting to be done by the Bitterroot Star or Ravalli Republic or maybe even the Missoulian and getting the Montana Governor’s ofce involved too, to undercover what’s going on with this instance of a roundabout at Bell Crossing by MDT. It should be noted that between 2015 and 2020 only six accidents occurred at the intersection.
SO, FOLKS, THERE IS SOMETHING GOING ON HERE THAT NEEDS TO BE UNCOVERED…BECAUSE WHAT IS GOING ON HERE IS NOT LOGICAL!
Joseph G. Gallagher Jr. Stevensville
Clarifcation on pesticide story
I don’t like to get credit for benefcial activities I had nothing to do with. Unfortunately, I did not make it clear to Michael Howell who wrote the excellent article “Pesticides linked to local declines” in the September 25, 2024 Bitterroot Star (thank you Michael and Bitterroot Star), that the Ravalli County Study Group was established with the aid of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lee Metcalf National Refuge. I did not know they even existed as a group until they asked me to furnish specimens of animals with the reported birth defects for them to examine. I did so and that was my only contact with them. They said they formed their study group to determine whether the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MDFWP)
were correct that the reported issues on wildlife were normal variations, or if they were actually birth defects. Everyone in the Study Group, made up of veterinarians, medical doctors and wildlife biologists, agreed that the wild and domestic animals I provided to them for examination did have the reported birth defects. They issued their report on April 12, 2001 along with suggestions for a study and how it should be done. Their report was sent to the Governor, the Ravalli County Health Department, the MDFWP and others. MDFWP said that the Study Group was wrong. None of the group’s suggested actions were done and the defnitive birth defects are still occurring on a signifcant prevalence of newborns.
Judy Hoy Stevensville
Get the best representation
Monica Tranel will protect public lands so everyone can continue to have access and they will not be sold of to private investors. Monica supports protecting our natural resources so people will be able to continue to hunt, fsh and live the Montana lifestyle enjoying the outdoors well into the future. Monica is committed to policies that help keep our kids and our country safe. She’s a gun owner and knows that most gun owners are responsible. They want other gun owners to be responsible too.
Charles Mabbot Darby
By the company they keep
I was taught that this was one way to judge the character of an individual. Over the years it has served me well. Senator Tester fails this test. For fve out of every six years his company is consistently that of the far left. He has supported Presidents Obama and Biden over 90% of the time. He has supported the crisis at the border, the WOK and extreme environmental issues imposed on the military, the war on fossil fuels leading to idiot dictates for electric cars. I could go on and on but maybe the following quote sorta sums it up.
“In Afghanistan Biden’s woke generals tucked their tails and ran. He dishonored the sacrifces made by every American soldier who fought in the 20 year war, especially those who gave their life for the cause.” (Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene)
Yep, you got it. Until the sixth year of his terms in ofce Tester’s silence has always been deafening! I often recall an old saying; maybe a limerick about a pig and its choice of companionship. Anyway, it seems this pig was lying in the gutter when a drunk came by and laid down in the gutter alongside. The pig got up and with dignity walked away. No, I’m not calling anyone a pig; but seems he had pretty good judgment.
Give the senator’s history some thought and then vote for SHEEHY!
Ed Sperry, Col USAF (ret) Stevensville
But the government can help!
I love all of these ads salivating over government health care. Is there a place for it? Absolutely. Should we be taking care of our elders and retirees? Yup! Should we be taking care of
our vets? Defnitely!
The problem is due to government intervention in the health care system, the cost has gotten way out of control. The government is involved in college education with its funding and backed government student loans and how is that working out? I’ll tell you... In 40 years, college tuition has increased on average 3,000%! Can you name anything else that has increased that much over that time frame?
Let’s look at another government run debacle…. Social Security. Say you have been contributing $5,000 a year into SS. At 65, you’ll get around $2,000 per month. If you had put that money into an S&P mutual fund, you would be getting $15,000 per month!
Now we have a major disaster in the mountains of North Carolina, with people stranded, no water, no power, limited food, and little to no help from this administration. What have they ofered? $750 to each household, and the assurance that FEMA is out of money. Well, why are they out of money, you ask? The Biden-Harris Administration gave $1 billion in FEMA money to help Illegal Immigrants. So the heck with U.S. citizens in need, let’s help out people who have contributed nothing to the system.
The Biden-Harris administration had no problem shipping $250 billion of to Ukraine which has a population of approximately 38 million. Simple math tells me that is $6,500 per person in aid to Ukraine (and some was used to frm up Ukrainian government pensions!).
Fourteen months ago, this administration approved $65 billion for rural broadband internet. This week Elon Musk provided more rural broadband internet to those in need in NC than the government has. This was an easy task given 14 months after the bill was passed, the nationwide internet installations from that bill equals exactly ZERO.
Who did they call when U.S. Astronauts were going to be stranded in space for over a year due to their failure? Elon Musk.
Trump will appoint Elon Musk to head the Department of Efciency so we don’t continue to throw away money recklessly and I am here for it.
The current government are the same geniuses that pay $10,000 for a toilet seat, so rest assured they have screwed up the medical system.
Bill Cavanaugh Corvallis
Sheehy campaign built upon layers of lies
Tim Sheehy’s recent meet-andgreet event in Darby stands out as an ugly example of a political campaign built on dishonesty, deception, and disinformation.
The senator wannabe lied over and over about the Democratic campaign against him. Lies layered like cheap plywood.
According to Sheehy, Democrats exaggerated his wealth, saying they doubled the size of his fortune and the acreage of his ranch. The Tester campaign never did this; no embellishment was needed.
He lied about his Cayman Islands experience. “They say I have a yacht there.” Not true. I have followed the campaign closely and no yacht claim was ever foated. Democrats have revealed how he registers his businesses in the tax haven of the Caymans to avoid legitimate taxes with other dis
honest millionaires. Sheehy never bothered to deny this ugly reality.
He claimed, truthfully, for a change, that Democrats doubt his commitment to keeping public lands public, and Sheehy cited his establishment of an aerial frefghting company as proof of his devotion. He failed to mention the proft motive that drives his passion for public lands.
He forgot what he said on the Working Ranch Radio show last October: “Local control has to be returned. Whether that means, you know, some of these public lands get turned over to state agencies or even counties, or whether those decisions are made by a local landlord instead of by … federal fat a few thousand miles away. Local control will almost always produce better results than a federal mandate…”
Sheehy doesn’t care if Montana taxpayers get saddled with the responsibility of paying his company millions of dollars to fght fres.
His deception continued when the subject of public health care came up. His commitment seems dubious at best, based on a donation he made years ago to a rural hospital. The candidate failed to mention the size of the tax deduction he enjoyed thanks to his “charity.”
Of course, the truth often comes out – from his lips, “We need to return health care to pure privatization…” This damning admission was recorded at a meet-and-greet, no doubt similar to his Darby event, in Glasgow last year.” Montanans understand that health care should never be dependent on the whim of a millionaire.
Perhaps the worst lie he spun that morning was this: In 30 years in government, Sheehy claimed, Jon Tester has done nothing to beneft Montana. Consider a few examples of his successes:
• Tester supported and helped pass the PACT Act beneftting veterans in Montana and beyond.
• He pushed the VA to halt foreclosures for veterans at risk of losing their homes.
• Championed legislation that invested in law enforcement to protect Montanans, cut crime rates, and combat widespread fentanyl abuse.
• Brought millions of federal dollars into our state to modernize roads, bridges, airports, trains, water systems, and access to high-speed internet.
Wednesday, October 9,
• Helped pass legislation to give the largest pay raise to military members in more than 20 years.
In fact, Jon Tester has done so much for Montanans generally, and veterans, specifcally, that Tim Sheehy himself should vote for Senator Tester. Wayne Adair Hamilton
Support for Lynch
In my 35 years as an attorney, I litigated cases in courts from Libby to Billings and in Municipal courts to the U.S. Supreme Court. I have had many complaints about many judges, but one judge of whom I never had any complaint is Jerry Lynch.
I appeared many times before Judge Lynch when he was the U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge in Missoula. Although he often didn’t agree with me, I always believed he ruled according to the law and not because of personal bias or political beliefs.
I have never before written a letter supporting a judicial candidate. However, the position of Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court is too important to be decided by partisan politics. Judge Lynch is, by far, the most qualifed candidate and the only independent candidate. For the sake of all Montanans, please vote Jerry Lynch for Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court.
Richard Buley Missoula
Not in favor of Harris
My opinion of Vice President Harris continues to be very negative. She continues to issue mumbo jumbo responses to the few questions that she will answer and has yet to provide any detailed description of her proposed policies to change the direction of the Biden term. So, I ask, why would you vote for her when you don’t know what she plans on doing?
The invasion taking place on our southern border continues without letup. If you have paid any attention to the devastation left by the recent Hurricane Helene, you surely heard that FEMA does not have enough money left to deal with anymore emergencies since billions of dollars have been raided from its budget to pay for support of the illegal immigrants who have been pouring into our
country. I see this as another criminal activity supported by the Biden/Harris administration. I frmly believe many other federal budgets have been raided to include the Veterans Administration which recently acknowledged a $5 billion shortfall.
Also, since my last letter, federal ofcials have admitted that at least a hundred thousand of these illegal immigrants have criminal backgrounds to include thousands with previous murder and sex crime convictions. Why would we let these people into our country? And worse yet, admit that we don’t know where these people are?
Finally, I again want to point out, in my opinion, that it is not the Trump/Republican Party that is the threat to our society. Rather it is the “woke” socialistic policies of the Democrats these last four years which have brought the problems of high crime rates, civilian unrest, unchecked infation, international turmoil, defcit spending and males in girls sports.
Bottom line – are you better of today than you were four years ago?
Jerry Esmay Stevensville
Zinke’s non response
“Zinke’s campaign did not respond to this question.” – Ravalli Republic (9/21/24)
Four of fve questions recently asked by the Ravalli Republic about housing afordability – “an issue that was already top-of-mind for everyone living here” (Rav. Rep. 9/19/24) –went completely unanswered by Ryan Zinke, the Republican candidate for Congress, the newspaper reporting four times: “Zinke’s campaign did not respond to this question.”
Monica Tranel, the Democratic candidate for the current congressional seat held by Mr. Zinke, comprehensively answered all fve questions about housing afordability.
The fve questions and Monica Tranel’s answers were published in the September 21, 2024 edition of the Ravalli Republic. The newspaper asked: (1) “How does housing rank with voters you’ve spoken with?”; (2) “How involved should the federal government be in resolving housing afordability and availability?”; (3) What specifc legislation would you support to address the lack of hous-
ing?”; (4) “Are short-term rentals part of the problem?”; and (5) the newspaper asked about their support or criticism of the housing proposals of the two presidential candidates.
Monica Tranel’s answers to the Republic’s questions described her three-part housing plan focused on “assessment”, “accountability” and “afordability”, identifed laws and programs that provide assistance and funding for Montana homebuyers, homeowners, nonprofts and renters, and said: “I support measures that align with what will work to address the housing issue in Montana.”
And Mr. Zinke? Except for defending Mr. Zinke’s operation of shortterm rentals in Whitefsh, as to four of fve questions, “Zinke’s campaign did not respond to this question.” Mr. Zinke failed to even ofer simple support for any proposal that may help Montanans.
What does it mean when a congressional candidate chooses not to answer questions put to him on a “top-of-mind” issue facing Montana? Montana voters may infer one of three reasons for not answering. Mr. Zinke has no answers to the housing afordability crisis. Or, Mr. Zinke believes he has no obligation to tell voters his answers. Or, Mr. Zinke simply does not think housing afordability is an issue important enough to waste his time thinking about, let alone proposing answers.
Whatever the reason, Mr. Zinke’s failure to respond to the Republic’s questions means one thing – he is not qualifed to represent the citizens of Montana and does not deserve your vote.
The headline to the September 21, 2024 Ravalli Republic article was inaccurate: “Tranel, Zinke discuss housing.” Monica Tranel discussed housing, Mr. Zinke “did not respond.”
In November, Western Montana voters have a clear choice, on the one hand, Monica Tranel – a native of rural Montana who has answers and plans to address Montana’s afordable housing crisis – and on the other hand, Mr. Zinke – who cannot or will not “respond to this question.” To paraphrase an old saying: Mr. Zinke is all hat and no answers.
Doug Hatchimonji Hamilton
Victor Adult Education Fall/Winter 2024
Victor Adult Education Fall/Winter 2024
For more information about instructors you can visit our web-site at www.victor.k12.mt.us
To sign up for a class, please call 642-3221.
Bitterroot Community Band: The Bitterroot Community Band is accepting new members! If you are interested in joining the Bitterroot Community Band, please contact them at bitterrootband@gmail.com or by sending a message through their Facebook page @Bitterroot Community Band. Uniform shirts can be purchased for $35 and instruments can be rented through Victor School for $40. Performances this season will include a Veteran’s Day performance, Instrumental Christmas caroling, and performing along-side the Missoula Symphony Orchestra in the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center in December
Meets: (Thursdays) Beginning Oct 24th 7:00 p.m.-8:30 pm. Rehearsals will be held in the Music Room. Cost: $25.00
Photos tell the story of our lives…but how can we turn our images into a lasting photo legacy? A legacy is a gift that is handed down from one generation to the next. Instead of handing down unorganized photos to future generations in your family, wouldn’t it be great to add the details in your photos, so the stories are not forgotten?
Creating a photo legacy involves taking some active steps to organize and manage your photos, so they are easily found and identified. Bring your photos (print and digital) and you will learn how to organize them so you can begin preserving your legacy. Email Shelley@cherishedmemories.com with any questions. Instructor: Shelley Hoffman. Meets: Nov 4th, 6th 11th and 13th 6:00-8:00 pm. Cost: $20.00
Intermediate Mix Media Painting: Bring your own brushes, paint-thinner in a wide mouth jar with lid and palate (if you have one). Paint and other supplies are provided. Class will be held in the Art Room. Instructor: Steve Wilson. Two sessions offered. Meets: (THURS, FRI & SAT)
First session Oct 24th and Oct 25th 6:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m. and Oct 26th 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Second session Nov 7th and Nov 8th 6:00 p.m. –9:00 p.m. and Nov 9th 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Max of 12. Cost $35.00
Co-Ed Volleyball (Advanced): This Class is intense and intended for those who have played a lot of volleyball. This is a very competitive group of players. Max 12. Gym Instructor: Amber Kay. Meets: (Fridays), beginning Nov 1st -Dec 27th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Cost: $25.00
Co-Ed Basketball: This class is intended for those who would like to have fun and play some competitive basketball. Gym Instructor: Dylen Spain-Brist. Meets: (Sundays) Starts October 12th 7:00-9:00 pm. Open enrollment Cost: $5.00 per night or $20.00 per session
A Course of Love study group Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480
Florence American Legion
Florence American Legion Post 134 is having a free pancake breakfast on the frst Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.
Women Newcomers
Club
Are you new to the Bitterroot Valley or a long time resident? You’re invited to join the Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club, a fun group of women. For the October meeting, they will be going to Open Ended Expression Arts at 201 Daly Avenue in Hamilton at 10 a.m.
Yoga for Veterans FREE to veterans, frst responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm at the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-5307175. Come see us on 1st Friday in May ‘bout 1800 for more info! We’ll be in front of Active Care Wellness on Main in Stevensville
Soroptimist Club
Ladies, do you want to help women and girls in the Valley through education and economic empowerment projects? Do you have a few hours to help with fundraising programs or are you looking for leadership opportunities? Make a diference and support projects that make life better for women and girls. Come to a meeting the frst and second Thursdays of the month, noon to one at BJs Restaurant. For more information, https:// www.sihamilton.org/ or contact Marcia Babowicz at 406-369-0915, marciababo@gmail.com.
MS Support Group
Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Cofee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www.nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail.com
Bitterroot Celtic Society
The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.
North Valley Library
Role-Playing Games for Teens – Tuesdays at 4pm
Enter the exciting world of RPGs! New campaigns are beginning now for ages 12-18.
Library Board Meeting - Thurs. 10/16 at 3pm
Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and the Public Participation are posted on the Library’s website. If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly. A link to Trustee contact information can be found atMontana.Gov
Ghost Stories of the Bitterroot Valley - Thurs. 10/17 at 6pm
As the leaves begin to fall, the stories of the past begin to come alive. Not just the stories you know all too well, but stories that linger in cemeteries and go bump in the night.
Ghost Stories of Western Montana will explore the haunting tales of murder, mystery, and conspiracy in Missoula and the Bitterroot Valley between 1860 and 1945. Come learn about Western Montana’s untold ghost stories...if you dare. If you’re interested in local history with a spooky twist, this fascinating presentation is for you.
Ballot forum
A public forum on the Ballot Initiatives 126 and 127, “Open Primaries” and “Majority Wins” voting at the Hamilton City Hall, 2nd and Bedford on Thursday, October 3rd at 6:00 pm. Sponsored by the Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee.
Lone Rock Park Board
Lone Rock Park Board will meet Wednesday, October 9 at 7:30 pm at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road, Stevensville. Public welcome.
Scarecrow Festival
Create a scarecrow and participate in this special event October 4-5 - viewing until Oct. 12. Stevensville Scarecrow Festival - Friday, 4pm - 9pm, Friday; Saturday 9am-9pm. Scarecrow display until October 12. Join in for music, food and fun. Visit www.StevensvilleScarecrowFestival. org
HD 88 candidate forum
On October 14, just as mail-in ballots are arriving at homes, a forum will be held at Florence-Carlton School featuring Greg Overstreet and Evan Schroedel, the candidates seeking to represent you in the next Montana Legislature. Before you cast your ballot, here’s a chance to hear your candidates’ positions on issues of importance to you. The forum will beheld Monday, October 14, at 7 p.m. at the Florence-Carlton Elementary School, multi-purpose room (east entrance, of Long Avenue)… watch for signs. Hosted by the Florence Civic
Club. For further information contact Ann Bethea, Secretary, Florence Civic Club, (406) 403-6491.
Trout Unlimited Montana waters are under assault from Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and it seems like every week or so another aquatic alien or terrorist is identifed. Sometimes they are fsh dumped from a home aquarium or live baitbox, or an escapee from an unlicensed private pond, and sometimes they hitchhike on fshing boots, tackle or watercraft from other states. No matter the source, they pose a serious threat to our trout fsheries and streams.
If you would like to learn more and understand what MFWP is doing to protect our resources, attend the BRTU meeting on Thursday, October 17. The program will focus on Aquatic Invasive Species, “plants, animals or pathogens not native to Montana that can cause harm.” MFWP has a vigorous monitoring program, backed up by laws and regulations, to prevent these AIS from getting into the waters and to deal with them if they show up. So far the program has been pretty successful but a slip up or two could produce irremediable damage.
Tayler Templin is the MFWP Northwest Area AIS Supervisor. She will provide an overview of the AIS program and describe some of the challenges and near misses that have been encountered. As the number of anglers and boaters coming to Montana increases, the risk of an AIS introduction increases pari passu. However, there are some simple steps that we as sportsmen and conservationists can take to minimize risks and to educate others.
The meeting will be at the Hamilton Elks Club at 203 State Street in Hamilton. The program will begin at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 17, but come on down at 5:45 to join TU for a beer and one of the Elks Club legendary brats cooked in beer, grilled and served with onions and ‘kraut.
There is no charge for admission and the public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Dave Ward or Marshall Bloom.
Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour
An Artists Studio Tour will be held on October 18-20, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm
Artists Along the Bitterroot is a coalition of artists that ofer a unique opportunity to explore an artist’s workspace, view demonstrations and learn more about their tools and sources of inspiration. Tour the Bitterroot Valley’s fnest art studios, only minutes away from beautiful hiking trails, fshing, scenic views, and local brews. Twenty artists working
in a wide range of mediums are opening their studios to visitors of all ages. Meet 28 artists, experience their working spaces and learn their stories! Artists’ mediums include cast bronze, glasswork, photography, printmaking, encaustic mixed media, leather art, concrete sculpting, collage, alcohol dyes, cold wax, oil, pastel acrylic and watercolor painting. Enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley as you take the Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour, October 18-20. For map and more information go to artistsalongthebitterroot.com.
Train & Toy Show
The Hamilton Train & Toy Show will be held Sunday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, corner of Adirondac and N. 4th. Admission is free; children welcome with parents. There will be model trains, railroad antiques, collectibles, memorabilia, books and much more for sale and trade. Reserve a table for $15 by contacting Mike Gouse at 406-363-0254. Proceeds beneft the Senior Center.
Driver safety course
Bitterroot Health (formerly Marcus Daly Hospital), Located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, is hosting an ALL NEW 2024 AARP Driver Safety Course on Friday, October 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This all new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The program features new laws and updates specifc to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, new Vehicle Technologies to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no tests or written exams and, Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers. Certifcates are now good for three years! Class fee: $20.00, AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. For class sign up, call Hamilton Insurance at 406-363-6583. For further information, call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 406-3690149.
Poets in the ‘Root Nature in nearly all manifestations has inspired poets since there were poets! And at least since the Roman poet Horace wrote Ars Poetica or the Art of Poetry in 19BC, literature, including poetry, sought to both instruct and delight. Poets in the ‘Root combines these two aims in an uncommon but simple way. One person reads a favorite poem or part of a poem that uses an element of nature to convey its message. Most read poems by
others, but if you’re a poet, we’d love to hear your work. Then the same or another person gives an explanation (5 minutes max) of some aspect of that nature element. The explanation focuses on nature interpretation, not literary interpretation. Listeners get a bit of poetry and a bit of natural history. Free and open to the public. The program will be hosted by Explore the Arts, at 701 Main, Hamilton, on Saturday, October 26th, at 1 pm. There will be refreshments, including cofee, tea, wine, and snacks! Bitterroot Bird Alliance, the Montana Natural History Center, and Blue Heron Nature Tours are sponsoring this event. If you want to read, provide natural history interpretation or have questions, contact Micki Long at mickilong@gmail.com
RML Community Liaison Group
The Rocky Mountain Laboratories Community Liaison Group (RML CLG) is scheduled to meet on Monday, Oct. 28. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the Seminar Room on the RML campus, 903 S. 4th St. The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting. People who want to attend can email Susie Miller at RML (Susie. Miller2@nih.gov) by 4 p.m. on Oct. 21 and she will share information on how to attend (e.g. valid photo ID needed). There is no online option for attending.
The tentative agenda includes: * RML Master Plan update * RML voluntary noise guidelines and monitoring program * August 23 windstorm, campus damage and remediation * Building 8 tree collapse and damage * RML campus
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Stevensville’s Beames having record season
Stevensville soccer striker David Beames is having a season for the ages. The ‘Jacket senior has 32 goals on the season, which is a school record, a Class A record, and an MHSA All Class record. The MHSA website has Kyle Sillars of Missoula Sentinel with the previous record of 31 goals and Cayden Ayers of Corvallis with 28 as the previous Class A record.
Stevensville’s head coach C.J. Clark said of Beames, “He works extremely hard, he’s probably one of the hardest working players I have ever seen. He has tons of speed and stamina, and just doesn’t give up or get tired. We are so proud of how well he is doing this year.”
“It wasn’t something that we were thinking about at the start of the season,” added Clark. “He just kept scoring goals. But he’s not selfsh at all; if he sees that someone else has a better shot, he makes the pass.” Beames is currently 3rd in Class A with 10 assists.
Of course, to score goals in soc-
cer it helps to have a good team and people to get you the ball. Stevensville has both. The ‘Jackets are 9-1 on the season and they have a strong, talented team. Evan Montague, Umar Sodagar, Anton Ptok, Mario Garcia,
and Spencer Moore are all near the top of the state with assists. Montague is second in Class A with 14 assists. “Beames and Evan play great together,” said Clark. “Evan is one of the state leaders in assists, and is great
at setting up Beames and his teammates.” Beames will have a chance to add to his record as Stevensville played its last regular season game against Hamilton on Tuesday, Oct. 8th.
Corvallis boys, Hamilton’s Burnett, 3rd at State
The Corvallis boys golf team of Brady Powell, Tate Jessop, Tag Jessop, and Dylan Wirt took home the 3rd Place trophy and Hamilton’s Cameron Burnett took 3rd in the girls individual competition at the Class A State golf tournament in Polson on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5.
The Corvallis boys were in 4th place after day one on Friday, but rallied on Saturday, as they shot the lowest team score of the day to earn 3rd place.
Individually for the boys, Hamilton’s Tyce O’Connell shot a 146 (+2) to take 6th place. Corvallis’ Tate Jessop and Brady Powell tied for 8th place, both shooting 149 (+5). Corvallis’ Tag Jessop took 12th (+8) and Dylan Wirt took 16th (+12).
Individually for the girls, besides Burnett’s 3rd pace fnish, Hamilton’s Bryn Cianfone tied for 12th. In the girls team standings, the Hamilton team of Burnett, Cianfone, Heather Beerman, and Haley Weber placed 5th.
Bitterroot Valley football roundup
Florence 28, Anaconda 0 Florence hosted Anaconda on Thursday, October 3 and won 28-0. The score was tied 0-0 after an uneventful frst half. But Florence found its stride
in the 2nd half. In the 3rd quarter, Florence’s Jake Schneiter had a 49-yard TD run and a 19-yard TD run to give the Falcons a 14-0 lead. Then in the 4th quarter, Bridger Alexander ran for two TDs to seal
the victory. Florence has now won 5 straight games and is #4 in the latest 406mtsports.com poll. The Falcons face a major test this week as they travel to Eureka (5-1) to face the #6 ranked Lions.
Corvallis 7, Dillon 42
Corvallis played at #3 Dillon on Friday, Oct. 4 and lost 42-7. Corvallis’ lone score came on an Aydan Mayn pass to Hunter Loesch. Corvallis has a bye this week, then hosts Hamilton on Oct. 18.
Darby 28, St. Ignatius 58
Darby traveled to St. Ignatius on Friday, Oct. 4 and lost 58-28. Darby trailed 44-6 at halftime, then scored 22 points in the second, but couldn’t make it all the way back. Darby (3-2) plays at St. Regis (3-2) this Friday.
Hamilton 0, Frenchtown 43
Hamilton went on the road to face #1 ranked Frenchtown on Friday, Oct. 4 and lost 43-0 in the battle of the Broncs.
Hamilton’s task doesn’t get any easier this week as they host defending state champion and #3 Dillon (4-1) this Friday.
Stevensville 14, Polson 60
Stevensville traveled to Polson on Friday, Oct. 4 and lost 60-14. The ‘Jackets host Whitefsh (3-3) this Friday.
Victor 12, Superior 70
The Victor Pirates played at Superior on Friday, Oct. 4 and lost 70-12. The Pirates got down early and couldn’t come back. Victor (1-5) hosts the Troy Trojans (0-5) this Saturday.
The Corvallis boys golf team took 3rd place at the Class A State golf tournament in Polson on Saturday, Oct. 5. Photo courtesy of Kristy Schlimgen.
Stevensville soccer striker David Beames has 32 goals this season, which is a school record, a Class A record, and a MHSA All Class record. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Florence’s Drew Wagner (#37) stiff arms an Anaconda defender in Florence’s 28-0 win over the Copperheads in Florence on Thursday, Oct 3. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.
Sports
Something special about a cross country meet
If you’re a fan of sports and competition, do yourself a favor and go to a cross country meet.
I’m a traditional American sports fan. I put football frst, basketball second, baseball or soccer third, then the
rest fll in behind. So I’m coming late to the cross country party.
Cross country checks all the boxes for an entertaining, competitive spectator sport. There are high level athletes
pushing themselves and their opponents to their limits; there is the underlying unpredictability of the outcome; there are records being broken both personal and beyond; and in real time you see the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. But, intertwined in all of this, there is something larger at play. There is something diferent about a cross country meet.
Runners from diferent teams encourage each other, opposing coaches cheer on their runners as well as opposing runners, parents cheer everyone, not just their child or their child’s team. It’s positive, it’s encouraging, it’s uplifting. It’s diferent.
We’ve all seen the bad side of high school sports: parents yelling at kids, parents yelling at refs, players taunting and fghting with each other, coaches losing their minds with players and ofcials. We’ve all seen parents brawling at little league games.
by Scott Sacry
You don’t see this level of vitriol at a cross country event.
The frst place fnisher gets the same adulation as the last place fnisher. There is no doubt that the runners are highly competitive and want to win, but there is a sense of kinship and camaraderie that is lacking in other sports.
The Hamilton Invitational meet at the Daly Mansion on October 3 is a prime example of this. In the varsity girls race, Polson’s Morgan Delaney and Hamilton’s Aleigha Child raced out to the front of the pack and fought for the lead as they wound their way through the historic grounds.
Delaney, a favorite to win the Class A state crown later this month, gradually pulled ahead and got the win, while Child held strong for second. After crossing the fnish line, Delaney turned around and waited for Child to fnish and congratulated her, then did the same as the other runners fnished. This showing of respect from the winner is lacking in sports today, where the norm is to taunt and belittle a defeated opponent.
Maybe cross country has its own issues and problems just like any other activity, but, overall, it just feels diferent, and sports fans could learn something from it.
So, if you’re a fan of competition and sports, do yourself a favor and go to a cross country meet. The 2024 State Cross Country Meet would be a good place to start. It will be held this year at the University Golf Course in Missoula on October 26.
Hamilton Invitational at the Daly Mansion
Hamilton hosted the Hamilton Invitational at the Daly Mansion on Thursday, October 3rd. The cross country teams from Darby, Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville were among the 17 total schools participating.
In the boys race, Corvallis’ Jack Davidson won with a time of 16:31.95. Darby’s Ben Martin took 5th (16:59.26), Corvallis’ Carter Koerner (17:09.00) was 6th. Hamilton’s Evan Bennett (17:12.80) was 7th, and Corvallis’ Marrek Jessop (17:14.31) was 8th. Stevensville’s highest fnisher was Benjamin White (18:31.26) who fnished 29th.
In the girls race, Hamilton’s Aleigha Child took 2nd with a time of 19:16.16. Hamilton’s Claire Seifert (20:05.26) took 3rd, Corvallis’ Violet Jessop (20:32.97) took 4th, Corvallis’ Autumn Benson (21:07.39) took 8th, Hamilton’s Reecelyn Walthall (21:10.73) fnished 10th. Darby’s highest fnisher was Lily Adair (21:33.14) who took 16th.
In the boys team standings, Corvallis took 1st, Hamilton took 2nd, Stevensville took 7th and Darby took 8th. In the girls team standings, Hamilton took 2nd and Corvallis took 3rd.
Valley soccer playof picture
The Class A State soccer tournament is on the horizon as the first round begins the week of October 14th. In Class A soccer there are three divisions: the North, the South, and the East. Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville are in the South. This year, the top three boys and girls teams from the South get an automatic berth into the playoffs. There is still one week of games until State begins, but the playoff teams are mostly set, except where they will be seeded.
For the South girls, Hamilton, Loyola and Polson all qualified for State.
For the South boys, Stevens -
ville, Hamilton and either Polson or Frenchtown will qualify for state.
The first round games begin the week Oct. 14th and we’ll know the matchups next week.
Soccer Roundup
The Hamilton soccer teams hosted Corvallis on Tuesday, Oct. 1st. In the girls game, Hamilton defeated Corvallis 8-0. For Hamilton, Hannah Hughes had 2 goals and 2 assists, Anna Lewis had 2 goals and an assist, Greta Gantz had a goal and an assist, Victoria Stuart, Loretta Hanson and Lauren Nelson each had a goal, and Tricia Wilson had 2 assists. In the boys game, Hamilton defeated Corvallis 9-0.
The Hamilton boys hosted Whitefish, one of the state’s top teams, on Saturday, Oct. 5 and lost 6-0. Corvallis
The Corvallis boys and girls played at Frenchtown on Friday, Oct. 4th. The girls won 3-2, while the boys lost 4-1. In the girls game, for Corvallis, Kate Allen had 2 goals, Farah Wyche had a goal and an assist, and Claire Child had an assist.
Corvallis’ final soccer games of the season for the boys and girls will be at Polson on Thursday, Oct. 10.
Stevensville
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, Stevensville hosted Polson. The boys won 5-1
while the girls lost 0-1. Then on Thursday they went to Frenchtown. The boys won 11-1 and the girls won 3-1. In the girls game, for Stevensville, both Addi Henderson and Madigan Hurlburt had a goal and an assist, and Bryton Brewer had an assist.
Finally, on Saturday, Stevensville went to Polson and played the Pirates for the second time in a week. The boys won 3-0, while the girls lost 3-4. The Lady ‘Jackets needed to win the game to have a chance to make the state playoff, but they fell just short. In the boys game, Evan Montague had 2 goals and 2 assists and David Beames had a goal and an assist.
Hamilton’s Aleigha Child and Polson’s Morgan Delaney fght for the lead at the Hamilton Invitational on Thursday, Oct. 3. Delaney won the race and Child took 2nd. Photo by Scott Sacry.
A group of Bitterroot Valley runners fght for the lead at Hamilton Invitational on Oct. 3 at the Daly Mansion. Corvallis’ Jack Davidson (bib #3294) won the race. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Obituaries
Rudy Pepprock Jr.
Rudy Pepprock Jr., Hamilton, was born on a warm spring day in 1939. He passed with family at his side on September 26th at Majestic Senior Living in Corvallis.
He was raised on a dairy farm in Northern Wisconsin and worked hard doing chores before and after school. He also cut pulpwood in his spare time to help the family.
Rudy married the love of his life, Barbara Kozak, in 1960, and seven children were brought into the family. They celebrated 64 years of marriage just this past August.
Rudy served proudly in the Wisconsin National Guard and was activated into duty at Fort Lewis in Washington State during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. Fidel was lucky that the crisis was resolved quickly, because Rudy was a skilled marksman, often entering and winning local turkey shoot contests. During this time he also worked in a machine shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Moving back to Northern Wisconsin in the mid 60s, he helped form a snowmobile club and was the organization’s frst president. He and Barb spent many hours riding the beautiful Wisconsin trails which the group helped maintain.
With a dream to cut big timber, he and the family packed up everything that they owned and moved to Montana in 1976 and settled in the Bitterroot Valley. He spent many years working in the logging industry and cut timber until his retire-
Death Notices
Anthony Benardo Villarreal
ment. He was well-known as an expert woodsman and was never without work. His slow, methodical way of approaching the job kept him safe his entire career, when often others were not as fortunate in the dangerous profession.
Fun times were spent motorcycling with Barb to all parts, and nothing made him happier than fnding a peaceful, quiet place for them to camp for a weekend. He was a lifelong motorsports fan, and would attend events whenever possible. One of his favorite memories was the time he got to meet his racing hero NHRA World Champion John Force, shook his hand and had his picture taken with him. Also a fan of the old western TV show, “Gunsmoke,” you could pretty much count on it always being on the TV when you went over to the house.
Rudy is survived by fve sons, Randy, Jesse, Greg, Roger and Daryld, his two daughters, Debbie and Julie, 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is preceded in his death by his parents, Rudy Sr. and Katherine, his brother Gene, and his beloved grandson, Jesse Sims. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Williams, Arizona - Anthony Benardo Villarreal, 58, of Corvallis, passed away as a result of a kayaking accident at Dogwood Lake in Arizona on Friday, September 27, 2024. His body was recovered on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www.brothersmortuary.com
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William F. Boughton Missoula - William F Boughton, 88, passed away yesterday, Sunday, October 6, 2024, at his home following an extended illness with his daughter Amy by his side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www. brothersmortuary.com
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An angler’s poem in October
This October I shall go fshing. I haven’t done so yet, but I will, soon. This is a statement of purpose, not the expression of an idle wish.
There aren’t many fshing days left. The changes in the weather as we enter October reminds me of that. While it is still a bit sunny, pleasantly chilly, or softly overcast but not too cold there is still time.
This year I won’t be among the diehards as I once was, stripping streamers through icy hands under stormy skies. Then, the chance to nail one more big brown trout was worth it. Not this year.
“The days dwindle down… to a precious few… “ and I’ll spend some of them on the rivers and streams where I can retreat from the noise of this election year. And as I do every fall, I’ll try to store up enough of what I fnd out there to sustain me through the short, dark days to come.
by Chuck Stranahan
I’ll take the conditions as I fnd them; this October I’d rather go out on a bright sunny day when there’s not much chance of catching anything, marvel at my surrounding and marinate in the solitude, make a few casts and maybe, on the very next one, catch a fsh. You never know. You never know until you make that cast, or the very next one…
While I wander along the cobbles of a seasonally low and clear river I can hear, in my head, Willie Nelson’s version of September Song. Willie Nelson’s September Song is far removed from Kurt Weil, the son of Jewish cantor who fed Nazi Germany to re-embark on a musical career in America during the 1930’s. The lyrics to Weil’s tune were written by playwright Maxwell Anderson and between then they pioneered what became the Broadway musical as we came to know it during the years that followed WWII.
Freedom to go fshing or to write songs celebrating love and freedom (in the case of September Song, love to be grasped as the days grow short in the seasons of one’s life) become especially poignant to me this October.
I’m reminded, too, every October, of the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’ Poem in October, written about his thirtieth birthday. Some of the lines go … Blackbirds and the sun of October Summery On the hill’s shoulder,
Here were fond climates and sweet singers suddenly Come in the morning where I wandered and listened
To the rain wringing Wind blow cold
In the wood faraway under me.
It was my thirtieth Year to heaven stood there then in the summer noon
Though the town below lay leaved with October blood.
O may my heart’s truth Still be sung
On this high hill in a year’s turning.
My heart too, Dylan, for many years past your thirty when you wrote your poem; there is still some truth to be sought and sung in every human heart, and as the leaves gloriously announce the turn of summer toward the stark stillness of winter, it’s there to be seen. And felt. And known, through our senses and stored within us where it matters most.
For me to do that is easy. I take a favorite fy rod, depending on the water, and a box of fies, some of them old and maybe sentimental favorites and some of them newly-tied, and
prepare to take my fy rod for a walk. When they’re ripe enough I’ll stuf one pocket of my fshing vest with a few local apples, tart little Macintoshes, and fll one water bottle with water and another with hot green tea.
If I see a fsh rise I’ll fsh in earnest. Until I do I’ll just walk, maybe cast and fsh a little, or take breaks to sit on a log or a grassed-over rocky bank. I might take an apple, feel it crack against my teeth as my mouth waters against its tartness, and reach for the tea or water bottle. The beauty can be too much to take in – it demands my attention and I give it, willingly, lingeringly. A glance is not enough to savor its full efect – and that’s what I’m after when I fsh in October.
*Three-session averages.
A river in October - a living poem for the angler. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.
BUILDING BRIDGES IS
WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE TO INVEST IN MONTANA INFRASTRUCTURE
Jon Tester worked with Republicans to write the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that’s connecting Montana, creating good-paying jobs, growing our economy, and keeping rural America competitive in the 21st century.
Jon’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act secured resources to improve segments of Eastside Highway in Ravalli County.
KEEPING MONTANA MOVING:
Investment and Jobs Act secured critical funding to upgrade airports across Montana, including Missoula Montana Airport.
“Steven Scissorhands,” created by BrassBound Barber, won them an artistic merit award. All photos courtesy Loey Knapp and the Scarecrow Festival.
The winners of the Extreme Pumpkin Carving Contest were August Doylestown with “Slithering” (far right) , and Andy Hebrard with “Frankengoof” (far left).
Zeke Berg’s “Luke Spafford McGary, Jr.” brought home frst place for the kids category.
FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $4.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
BARNS & SHOP LIQUIDATION! Reini Frank, 292 Lower Lynch Creek Road, Plains, MT. Gate opens at 9 AM on Saturday, Oct. 12 & Sunday, Oct. 13. 9-4 daily.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AUCTION: Commercial Real Estate Space, 3,500 Square Feet, 16,800 Square Paved lot, Near Malmstom AFB. www.nationalauctionusa.com Jim Eli & Cash Seal Cell (406) 899-6038 Ofce (406) 259-4730 Bidding ends 10/30/24
FALLIDAY ARTISAN MARKET (craft sale) at Stevensville Methodist church (216 College) on Sat, Oct 19 from 9 am - 2 pm. Craft vendors, Ella Buckalew, stained glass, knives, etc. Serving breakfast & hot cofee. Bake sale, plants, silent auction.
SPRINKLER BLOW OUTS. All Seasons Lawn Services are now winterizing Sprinkler Systems. If you need our services, please contact us at 529-0465 or 381-3106 or rapp@bitterroot.com.
CUSTOM HANDCRAFTED LOG, Post & Beam homes with Full-Round Large Diameter Logs from Design to Completion. Full service in WA, ID, and MT 1-800840-5647 www.paradiseloghomes.com
Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5Gand 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-419-7978.
Get your deduction ahead of the year-end!
Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855- 901-2620 today!
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-762-1508
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Of for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-601-2865.
HELP: organizations keep airstrip
Continued from page 1
the mission of keeping public backcountry airstrips in operation. They partner with the U.S. Forest Service, and work to staf projects and maintain various sites. Their operations utilize funding from the U.S. Forest Service for supplies, and many entities donate supplies, time and even aircraft to help. The group’s members fy their own aircraft out to locations and will complete the projects themselves, often also networking with other groups to make projects happen.
Creek. When they heard the airstrip was in trouble, they literally came from all over the country, and other parts of the world, to help.
“It’s a legacy of the wilderness.” - Craig Thomas
A linchpin in the Moose Creek operation was a special aircraft used to transport the supplies and some people; the Kodiak 100. A special backcountry utility aircraft, the Kodiak was designed to operate in difcult to reach places. Able to accommodate up to 10 people, and built rugged, it is able to be used by religious mission societies, law enforcement entities, wilderness fre support, military activities, MEDEVAC and rescue operations and more. When it comes to the project at Moose Creek, the Kodiak was right for the task.
This Kodiak is often volunteered to the RAF for many of their projects, by the airplane producer. The pilot, the fuel and the aircraft are all donated for these projects, which can become quite expensive. According to the manufacturer, the Kodiak can cost nearly $1,300 per hour to operate.
The aircraft was scheduled to stop in at the Stevensville Municipal Airport to pick up the outhouses, which also needed to be specially designed.
RAF Chairman, John McKenna, echoed those thoughts through thanks, when he spoke during the project to the volunteers. “People came from across the U.S. to put up a fence and some toilets where they will see no beneft. Thank you, thank you!” said McKenna. David Irvin, the District 7 director for the IAA, who is based in Stevensville, reached out to the airport to help design the outhouses. Irvin’s district covers the Moose Creek landing strip, and he works to help maintain it. He contacted Thomas to help, and Irvin was amazed at the project reception. “It kinda just all came together,” said Irvin, when talking about all the moving parts.
One of the volunteers, Krissy Ferriter, who is also the volunteer program director for the SBFC, came out to help with her husband. Ferriter’s group organizes volunteers for various service projects in wilderness areas, as well as being in charge of manning the Moose Creek airstrip and station with people. She also gets people into the host cabins at Fish Lake airstrip, Shearer airstrip and St. Mary’s Peak fre lookout. The SBFC organizes 25 to 30 hosts between April and November, making sure these outposts have people. The volunteer service projects they work on include wilderness stewardship and trail operations that maintain spaces for public access. Ferriter said she was excited to be a part of such a cool project, and to see so many pieces come together.
When asked why Stevensville was used to base the outhouse build, Craig Thomas, board chair for the Stevensville Airport Board, and designer of the outhouses, said, “Stevensville is kind of a center for this stuf, and it’s not really well known.” It also happens to be one of the closest airports to Moose Creek, about a 25-minute fight from Stevensville, depending on the aircraft. It would take a pack mule string nearly fve days to reach. Power tools are not allowed in the wilderness, and so the outhouse had to be built in panels, carefully measured to ft inside the Kodiak. Once delivered, the panels could be assembled on site. Thomas had a leg up on the design, as he knew the people that designed the aircraft. He added that all the supplies for the outhouses were purchased locally. Along with the panels, the aircraft would need to fy out the posts used in the jackleg fence.
The Kodiak few workers into Moose Creek on Wednesday. On Thursday, it few back to pick up the panels and other supplies. It continued to fy supplies and people through Friday and Saturday.
When Thomas was asked why everyone helped get this project together, he said, “It’s a legacy of the wilderness,” and he wasn’t alone. According to Bill McGlynn, president of the RAF, this project saw an inordinate number of volunteers. These projects usually involve only around 20 people. At Moose Creek last weekend, there were over 30 aircraft, and more than 60 volunteers from over a half dozen organizations. “It’s pretty darn cool, so many people wanting to do this,” said McGlynn. Many of the volunteers with RAF have fond memories of Moose
According to Thomas, many of these remote places are not accessible to most people. “It’s just not possible without an aircraft.” And it goes beyond recreation. According to Irvin, these areas are way-stations in the backcountry, where supplies can be dropped of for wildlife research, frefghting eforts and more. They also serve as spaces for medical evacuation and public access. Without these remote airstrips and stations, there could be dire consequences for all kinds of activities in the wilderness, including conservation. Information on these groups is available to interested parties on their websites. The SBFC can be found at selwaybitterroot.org. Information on the RAF can be found at theraf.org. The IAA can be found at idahoaviation.com.
PC-12 taking off from Moose Creek airstrip. Photo by John Dowd.
David Irvin, Dan Denton and Craig Thomas working on the panels before they are fown out into Moose Creek. Photo by John Dowd.
One of the outhouses, assembled at the Moose Creek Ranger Station. Photo by John Dowd.
Legal Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
The following is the complete text of Constitutional Initiatives No. 126, No. 127, and No. 128, which will be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the November 5, 2024, General Election. The text is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311, Montana Code Annotated.
THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 126 (CI-126)
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
NEW SECTION. Section
1. Article IV of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 9 that reads:
Section 9. Top-four primary election for certain ofces. (1) As used in this section, the term “covered ofce” means the ofce of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representative, state senator, United States representative, United States senator, and other ofces as provided by law.
The election for a covered ofce must consist of a primary election followed by a general election in which each of the four candidates for a covered ofce who receive the most votes in the primary election, and only those candidates, shall appear on the general election ballot.
In an election for a covered ofce, the following conditions apply:
All candidates, regardless of political party preference, afliation, nomination or lack of political party preference, afliation, or nomination shall appear on the same primary election ballot separated by ofce.
Qualifed electors, regardless of political party preference or afliation or a lack thereof, may participate in the primary election for each covered ofce for which they are eligible to vote.
Each qualifed elector may vote for no more than one candidate for each ofce in the primary election.
If it cannot be determined which four candidates received the most votes in the primary election because two or more candidates are tied, the tie shall be broken as provided by law.
If four or fewer candidates for a covered ofce qualify for the primary election ballot, a primary election is not required and all candidates shall appear on the general election ballot.
A space for write-in candidates may appear on the primary election ballot as provided by law.
A candidate may not be required to obtain the endorsement or nomination of any political party or organization in order to qualify for the primary election ballot.
If the legislature requires
candidates to obtain signatures to qualify for the primary election ballot, the number of signatures required may not exceed 5% of the total votes cast for the candidate elected for the same ofce in the last general election for that ofce.
A candidate may choose to have displayed next to the candidate’s name on the ballot the candidate’s preference for a political party or that the candidate prefers no political party. The format options must be as follows: “Party Preference _______________________” or “No Party Preference.”
The ballot may not indicate that a candidate has been endorsed by or nominated by any political party.
Each ballot must include a clear and conspicuous statement informing voters that a candidate’s indicated political party preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the political party or that the political party approves of or associates with the candidate.
This section may not be construed to amend, repeal, or modify Article VI, section 2 of the Montana constitution. This section does not apply to special elections for covered ofces.
NEW SECTION. Section 2. Severability. If a part of [this act] is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in efect. If a part of [this act] is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in efect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.
NEW SECTION. Section 3. Efective date. [This act] is efective January 1, 2025.
NEW SECTION. Section 4. Applicability. [This act] applies to elections for covered ofces as defned in [section 1] held on or after January 1, 2025.
THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 127 (CI-127) BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
Section 1. Article IV, section 5 of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended to read: Section 5. Result of elections. (1) As used in this section, the term “covered ofce” means the ofce of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representative, state senator, United States representative, United States senator, and other ofces as provided by law.
(2) In all elections held by the people for an ofce other than a covered ofce, the person or persons receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected.
(3) In all elections held by the people for a covered ofce, the person receiving a majority of votes as determined as provided by law shall be declared elected. If it cannot be deter-
NOTICE OF ELECTION
mined which person received a majority of votes because two or more persons are tied, the elected person shall be determined as provided by law.
NEW SECTION. Section 2. Severability. If part of [this act] is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in efect. If a part of [this act] is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in efect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.
NEW SECTION. Section 3. Efective date. [This act] is efective January 1, 2025.
NEW SECTION. Section 4. Applicability. [This act] applies to elections held on or after January 1, 2025.
THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INI-
TIATIVE NO. 128 (CI-128)
Article II of The Constitution of The State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 36 that reads:
Section 36. Right to make decisions about pregnancy.
There is a right to make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy, including the right to abortion. This right shall not be denied or burdened unless justifed by a compelling government interest achieved by the least restrictive means.
The government may regulate the provision of abortion care after fetal viability provided that in no circumstance shall the government deny or burden access to an abortion that, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional, is medically indicated to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.
The government shall not penalize, prosecute, or otherwise take adverse action against a person based on the person’s actual, potential, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes. The government shall not penalize, prosecute, or otherwise take adverse action against a person for aiding or assisting another person in exercising their right to make and carry out decisions about their pregnancy with their voluntary consent.
For the purposes of this section:
A government interest is “compelling” only if it clearly and convincingly addresses a medically acknowledged, bona fde health risk to a pregnant patient and does not infringe on the patient’s autonomous decision making.
“Fetal viability” means the point in pregnancy when, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional and based on the particular facts of the case, there is a signifcant likelihood of the fetus’s sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.
BS 9-18, 9-25, 10-9, 10-25.
MNAXLP Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
Notice is hereby given that the Federal General Election will be held on November 5, 2024. The following ballot issues will appear on the General Election ballot:
CI-126 – Provide a top-four primary election
• CI-127 – Provide that elections for certain offices must be decided by majority vote
• CI-128 – Provide a right to make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy
• Hamilton School District No. 3 selling the Hamilton Middle School property (Precincts 4-10)
All electors, as defined in Title 13, who reside in Ravalli County, are eligible to vote in the election.
An elector can request an absentee ballot by submitting a request to the Election Administrator. Absentee ballots for this election can be obtained until noon on November 4, 2024.
For electors who miss the close of registration deadline, late registration is available through the office of the County Election Administrator until noon on November 4, 2024, and will resume on Election Day, 7 AM to 8 PM.
Early preparation and reconciliation of absentee ballots will be held on October 31 and November 1, 2024 at approximately 10 AM in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Continuation of early preparation and reconciliation of absentee ballots, as well as the early counting of absentee ballots, will be conducted on November 4, 2024, at approximately 9 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Public is welcome to observe.
Beginning at approximately 11 AM on Election Day, November 5, 2024, absentee ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8 PM.
Dated this 2nd day of October, 2024 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215
In the Matter of the Name Change of Kellie Kay Jones, Kellie Kay Korman, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-41-20240000282-NC
Dept. 2 Judge Lint
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Kellie Kay Jones to Kellie Kay Korman.
The hearing will be on October 24, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 19th day of September, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Barbara Beavers
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 9-25, 10-2, 10-9, 1016-24.
MNAXLP
RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840
E-mail: countyattorney@ rc.mt.gov
Phone: (406) 375-6750
Fax: (406) 375-6731
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF: D.E.M.P., A YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE.
Cause No. DN 24-8
Dept. 2 AMENDED SUMMONS/ CITATION FOR PUBLICATION
TO: Juwayne Pinckney YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an Petition for Emergency Protective Services and Temporary Investigative Authority (“the Petition”) regarding, D.E.M.P, the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been fled in Cause No. DN-24-8 in Montana Twenty-First Judicial District Court, in Ravalli County by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 108 Pinkney St, Hamilton, MT 59840. The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Emergency Protective Services; Adjudication as a Youth in Need of Care; A Determination that Preservation / Reunifcation Eforts Need Not Be Provided; Termination of Parental Rights; and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is fled with the Clerk of District Court for Ravalli County, (406) 375-6710 and is hereby served upon you at this time.
The child who is the subject of the proceedings, D.E.M.P, was born on January 25, 2010. The child’s mother is Janay Nelson. The child’s father is Juwayne Pinckney.
NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 26th day of September, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., at the Ravalli County Courthouse located at 205 Bedford St., Hamilton, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition.
NOTICE: Your failure to
appear at the hearing will constitute a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to aford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you.
WITNESS the Clerk of Court and the seal of the Court afxed this 18th day of September, 2024.
/s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court By: Kimberly Provence, Deputy BS 9-25, 10-2, 10-9-24. MNAXLP
Joseph D. Houston Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 541-3333 joe@jonesmtlaw.com
Attorneys for Plaintifs MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY MELISSA N. DUNLAP, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE STATE OF TED DUNLAP, Plaintif, v. MARILYN L. JACKSON (a/k/a Marylin L. Dunlap) and her heirs and devisees, FRED DUNLAP and his heirs and devisees, ELITA MERCER DUNLAP and her heirs and devisees, SUSAN C. DUNLAP; and all other persons, unknown, claiming or who might claim any right, title, estate, or interest in or lien or encumbrance upon the real property described in the complaint adverse to plaintif’s ownership or any cloud upon plaintif’s title, whether the claim or possible claim is present or contingent, Defendants, Defendants. Hon. Jennifer B. Lint Cause No. DV-41-2024324 SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MONTANA TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS, GREETINGS: You are hereby SUMMONED to answer the Complaint to Quiet Title in this Action which is fled with the above-named Court, a copy of which is served upon you, and to fle your written answer with the Court and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintif’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after service of this SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION, or such other period as may be specifed by law, exclusive of the day of service. Your failure to appear or answer will result in judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. A fling fee must accompany the answer. This action is brought to quiet title to land in Ravalli County, Montana, and described as follows: Tract 1 of Amended Plat No. 735802, being a portion of Lots 3 and 4, Block 7, Lake Como Orchards No. 3, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the recorded plat thereof.
DATED this 19th day of September, 2024.
/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Michelle Goldman, Deputy Clerk BS 9-25, 10-2, 10-9-24.
MNAXLP
Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HARRIET NOBLES MCCLELLAND, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-2024106 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Terrill Keith McClelland, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
DATED the 24 th day of September 2024. /s/ Terrill Keith McClelland, Personal Representative BS 10-2, 10-9, 10-16-24. MNAXLP
Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MURIEL W. PARKER, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-2024107 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Thomas G. Parker, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 27 th day of September 2024. /s/ Thomas G. Parker, Personal Representative BS 10-2, 10-9, 10-16-24. MNAXLP
Megan S. Winderl CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus Street, 3rd FL Hamilton, MT 59840 meganw@cwlawmt.com Attorneys for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of CORINNE LEE LLOYD, Deceased. Probate No. DP-41-2024000000037 Dept No. 1 AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
www.32auctions.com/BRTUSpringAuction
Claims must either be mailed to ASHLEY DAWN LLOYD or CHELSEA RAE LLOYD, the Co-Personal Representatives, in care of CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C., 99 Marcus Street, 3rd FL, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. I
of
September, 2024. /s/ Ashley Dawn Lloyd
/s/ Chelsea Rae Lloyd
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C.
By: Megan S. Winderl
Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives
BS 10-2, 20-9, 10-1624.
John S. Masar
LionWood Law PLLC
115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 625-2682 jmasar@lionwoodlaw. com
Attorney for Personal Representative
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LLOYD D. JAMES, a/k/a Lloyd Donald James, a/k/a “Bud” James, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-412024-94
Dept. No.: 1 HOWARD F. RECHT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed
Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to DAVID JAMES, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o LionWood Law PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
Dated this 10th day of September, 2024.
DATED this day of September, 2024.
/s/ David James, Personal Representative
c/o LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 LionWood Law PLLC
/s/ John S. Masar
Attorney for Personal Representative
BS 10-2, 10-9, 10-1624. MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE RAVALLI COUNTY LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Ravalli County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will hold its meetings for the year 2024 at 12:30 pm at the Commissioners Meeting Room, 215 S 4 th St, Hamilton, Montana on the following dates: October 15, 2024, and at such other times as shall be duly authorized by act of the Committee or its Chairperson. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. The Ravalli County Hazardous Material Emergency Plan and information fled by covered SARA Title III facilities in Ravalli County may be reviewed during regular business hours by making an appointment with the Ravalli County Ofce of Emergency Management.
Name
Copies of documents may be obtained at this ofce, and a fee will be charged for copying. Any such request shall be in writing and shall be with respect to a specifc facility. For further information on these matters, please contact Erik Hoover, LEPC Chairperson, at 205 Bedford St. Suite J, Hamilton, MT, 59840 or (406) 375-6655. BS 10-2, 10-9-24. MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 10:30 AM in the Commissioners Conference room (3 rd foor) at the Ravalli County Administrative Center located at 215 S. 4 th Street, Hamilton, Montana. The purpose of this public meeting is to consider and take public comment on the frst reading and provisional
adoption of Ordinance No. 46, Vicious Dog, Dog at Large, Dog Bites & Rabies Control, repealing Ordinance 37 Dog Protection and Control. The required second reading and possible adoption of Ordinance No. 46 public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 07, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the same location. If you have any questions, or would like to make a public comment due to your inability to attend this meeting, please contact the Commissioners through either of the following : 215 S. 4th Street, Suite A, Hamilton, Montana 59840 or by phone 406-375-6500 or by email: commissioners@ rc.mt.gov Chris Taggart
BCC AA BS 10-9, 10-16-24.
Wars of Prophecy
Gog & Magog
Ezek. 38:2
Ezek. 38, 39
Knowledge from God Ezek. 38: 16, 39:22 Gog & Magog, Persia, Ethiopia, Libya, Gomer, Togarmah, Friends Ezek. 38:1-7
Latter Years Ezek. 38:8
Magog & Isles Mountains of Israel Ezek. 38:8, 39:6 7 mo. Burning the Dead Ezek. 38:9-39:17
Come like a Storm Ezek. 38:9
God Ezek. 38:18-39:17 Sacrifice Ezek. 39:17
Revelation
Power Ezek. 38:18-22
Armageddon Rev. 16:1 Rev. 14, 16, 19
Eliminates all Kings & Armies Rev. 16:14, 19:15
Antichrist, all Kings, all Armies Rev. 16:14, 19:15
End of Tribulation Rev. 16:12-16
Valley of Megiddo Rev. 16:15, Zech. 12:11 All Kings & Armies Rev. 16:14, 19:15
Devils working Miracles Rev. 16:14
God Rev. 14:20, 19:15 Wine Press Rev. 14:19 Person Rev. 19:11-16
Science of a Shadow
Science - “a branch of knowledge dealing with a body of facts or truths systematically arranged and showing the operation of general laws.”
Shadow - “a dark figure or image cast on the ground or other surface by a body intercepting light. Shade or comparative darkness. Shadows, darkness, esp. that coming after sunset.”
Darkness - “the state or quality of being dark.”
Any thought that cannot lead to a foundational truth will bring one to some form of loss and can even bring one into judgement that involves separation and suffering from joyful pleasure. The following facts can reasonably be accepted by merely looking around you form the rising and the setting of the sun.
1. Your shadow does not exist without your body.
2. Your shadow does not exist from a power within your body.
3. Your shadow requires a brightness, a light, that is being withheld by the presence of your body.
4. Your shadow has no power of itself.
5. Your shadow takes on the shape of your body and stays within this boundary.
6. Your shadow cannot move unless you move or light moves.
7. Your shadow is the same darkness as the darkness called night.
8. The darkness of the night is a shadow of the earth. While one side of the earth has light, the opposite side is in the darkness of night.
9. Your shadow does not exist in the darkness of night without another light other than the light of the sun for the creation of it.
10. The darkness between your body and your shadow does not seem to appear but can easily be detected with a light meter. A light meter can show the amount of light in the space shining on your body is greater than the amount of light between your body and your shadow.
11. Your shadow is not evil but it can sometimes reveal evil that you do.
12. Darkness cannot bring forth light, neither can light bring forth darkness.
13. The density of darkness is merely the amount of light and darkness being shared in the same space. The total absence of light in any given space is the greatest density the darkness can become.
Building upon these truths, we can say darkness cannot exist before light in our universe. The thought that darkness has always existed and at one point compressed to the point no bigger than the dot of a pen that caused it to explode and begin our universe is mere imagination. If you are willing to let me, I can show you when, where, why, and how darkness began in our universe. Our universe started as a place of light without any darkness. This light was not a direct light like the sun but a surround-around light so a shadow could not form. An event happened that brought about our universe to be surrounded by an object to withhold light from shining in from any direction. This is not a thought that begins with me but has been written in history yet you may need me to bring you into the realization of it. Text or call Allan Magnus: 406-396-0463
Genesis Time Chart
2:6 0 yrs. 11:10
Final War Rev. 20:9 Rev. 20:7-9
Eliminates Rebellion Rev. 20:7-15 All Unrepentant Rebellious People Rev. 20:8
End of 1000 Year Reign of Christ Rev. 20:7 Around Jerusalem Rev. 20:9 As Sand of Sea Rev. 20:8 Satan Deceives Rev. 20:7-8
God Rev. 20:9 Revolt Rev. 20:7-9
Place Rev. 20:9
Gen. 11:26 “And Terah lived 70 years, and begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran. This is the year 1948 A.C. (after creation). In 1948 A.D., on May 17, Israel is functioning again as a nation.
Gen. 12:1-7 “now the LORD said unto Abram, Get thee out of they country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: (2) And I will make thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: (3) And I will bless them that bless thee, and I will curse them that curse thee, and in thee shall families of the earth be blessed. (4) So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him: and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. (5) And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot, his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came. (6) And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. (7) And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.”
Abram left Haran in the year 2023 A.C. to Canaan, for this was where he led him to go, and this is where his seed became a great nation, and where he got a great name, and where he was blessed. In the year 2023 A.D., Israel the seed of Abram, began fighting to save their people and their land. Only by God intervening will Israel be able to continue and be in their land; will God intervene yet this year?
Israel Today
What is happening with Israel today will lead to an all out war where nations surrounding Israel will come up against Israel to battle and the U.N., U.S. or any other organization will not be able to stop it from happening. When this battle is over, the whole world will know: (1) Israel will be safe and continue as a nation. (2) Ungodly and false god mind thoughts will be proven to only be imaginations, with no power over God, who created the nation of Israel through the family line of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whom Israel worships and whose word they seek to live by. (3) The ungodly will know the God over Israel is a personal God and the gods of other nations have no person, only made up thoughts of their leaders. A true believer of the Father, Son and Hold Spirit and that their person is the person of God, is a believer of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (4) That God is the one who delivers Israel by killing all leaders and their armies who come against Israel, there are no survivors. It will also be known Israel was captive in the lands of other nations because of their actions of iniquity and trespasses against their God. (5) Israel shall know their God sent them into captivity in other nations, and it was He who brought them back to dwell in their own land again. God and Israel will be renown worldwide because God is the victor over His and Israel’s enemies. Here is how God fights the Battle: “And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, saith the Lord God, that my fury shall come up in my face. For in my jealousy and in my wrath have I spoken. And I will call for a sword against him through all my mountains, saith the Lord God: every man’s sword shall be against his brother. And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood; and I will rein upon him, and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, and overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I am the LORD.” This battle will change the mindset of the ungodly and their (Climate Change) theory. Look in a dictionary, you will find a meaning for climate besides what the weather is (the prevailing attitudes, standards, or conditions of a group, period, or place). This is why the U.N. uses the Phrase Climate Chance instead of Weather Chance, so they can deceive the nations into believing their real goal by deception. Because the world’s eyes will be turned to Israel and her God ,the U.N. will bring forth a leader and make a 7 -year covenant with Israel.
The knowledge of this event, of the signing of a covenant, will signal to the Church age their time of being God’s servants on earth is over and Israel with 144,000 unmarried Jewish men will be God’s witnesses to the world to preach repentance (the decision to turn from self-will and accept the God of Israel as Master and Savior of your soul from eternal judgement to eternal pleasure and fellowship). After 3 1/2 yrs. the U.N. deception will be known by their turning against Israel. Their leader will declare himself a god and make all under him to kill all who repented. Israel will have to flee from Jerusalem to a place of protection by God. Two witnesses will still remain in Jerusalem to show God still claims control of Jerusalem through the last 3 1/2 years. All who try to kill them will be killed by them. When 7 yrs. come to an end, the 2 witnesses will be killed. Their bodies will be on open display for the world to see. The world will rejoice, party and send gifts to one another, but after 3 1/2 days, the 2 witnesses will arise and ascend into heaven, an earthquake happens and 7,000 are killed and the rest of the city will be in fear and give glory to God. By the working of demons, all the world’s kings and armies are now headed to the battle called Armageddon. Israel’s Messiah appears, slays all present, then goes to Jerusalem to be King upon earth for a 1,000 years. After Armageddon the Jews who where protected by God in hiding will come forth and live again in peace with Jesus their Messiah and King. Satan, captive during the 1,000-year reign of Jesus Christ, is released and gathers all who lived during the 1,000 yrs. and had to obey King Jesus but in their heart didn’t want to, to be gathered around Jerusalem in rebellion. Fire comes down from heaven and destroys them all. The time of 7,000 yrs. has ended and everyone will go where they chose. Those who chose God’s will to live by, will in the presence of God enjoy the fullness of joy and pleasure forever more. Those who chose self -will will realize this will did not originate with man but with the devil. Jesus said to the Pharisees who opposed him, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.” Jesus is saying, you did not create your will to be for yourself instead of God, you obtained it by Adam’s yielding to the devil’s will over God’s will. Every person, including the first woman, obtained life power from the life power breathed into Adam. The power was defiled by the soul of Adam yielding this power to the lust of the enemy of God, Satan; every person of mankind needs to repent. Text Alan: 406 -396-0463.
CORVALLIS: read before you sign
members who qualify for the Matrix Stipend based upon their current steps and lanes, and pay every qualifying CFG member the Matrix Stipend according to the terms [of the negotiated agreement],” stated Doud.
According to the Board of Personnel Appeals’ (BPA) fndings of fact in the case, the parties’ ground rules established that “[a]ll proposals shall be in writing in contract language,” and “[a] ll Tentative Agreements shall be documented and verifed by both parties.”
The CFG presented an initial proposal including a one-time stipend in the amount of $1,500 per Full Time Employee meant to replace the Matrix Stipend, but this was rejected by the District “due to budgetary issues.” According to the BPA Order, the District’s bargaining team believed that they had made it clear that they had rejected all stipends and that a Matrix Stipend would not be included in any future negotiations. But CFG’s bargaining team believed that the District had only rejected the proposed $1,500 stipend, and that a Matrix Stipend could still be negotiated.
In its second proposal CFG removed the $1,500 FTE proposal but re-inserted the Matrix Stipend. After CFG presented its second proposal, the parties agreed to remove some paragraphs unrelated to the Matrix Stipend, however, there was no discussion between the parties regarding CFG’s proposal to reduce the Matrix Stipend from their original $1,500 proposal to the ordinary stipend during the May 22 negotiation session.
According to the Order, the District did not raise CFG’s proposed Matrix Stipend because they believed that they had made it clear that there would not be a stipend of any kind in the CBA due to the budgetary issues the District was facing.
It states in the Order that CFG then presented a third proposal which included the same Matrix Stipend language that CFG had included in its second proposal and after some discussion the parties believed they had an agreement.
Every member of both the District’s and CFG’s respective bargaining teams signed CFG’s third proposal, thereby making it the Tentative Agreement (Tentative Agreement) that the parties were
to take to their respective organizations for voting and ratifcation.
According to the Order, members of the District’s bargaining team neither read the proposal nor recognized that it contained the Matrix Stipend language.
The CFG members ratifed the agreement, but when it went before the District, board member Mark Fournier stated that the draft CBA contained an error and claimed that the one-time stipend had sun-setted, and that the District had not negotiated for the new stipend. Following a discussion, Fournier moved for ratifcation of the CBA with the exception that the Matrix Stipend be removed.
The District voted, unanimously, in favor of Fournier’s motion.
This was followed by CFG’s complaint alleging the parties had reached a Tentative Agreement on a CBA for the 2023-2024 school year, which was reduced to writing and accepted by both sides, and that the District’s decision to unilaterally remove the Matrix Stipend constitutes a failure to negotiate in good faith. CFG also argued that the District ratifcation of the CBA, without the Matrix Stipend, violated the requirement that the parties reduce their agreement in a written instrument.
In his discussion of the issues, Hearing Ofcer Jeferey Doud notes, “A ‘meeting of the minds’ in contract law is based upon the objective terms of the contract rather than on the parties’ subjective understanding of the terms. Thus, subjective understandings (or misunderstandings) of the meaning of terms that have been agreed to are irrelevant, provided that the terms themselves are unambiguous ‘judged by a reasonable standard’.”
“While the District argues that they never agreed to the Matrix Stipend, the undeniable fact is that every member of the District’s negotiating team signed CFG’s Proposal 3 as a Tentative Agreement. While the District’s witnesses testifed that they did not intend for the Matrix Stipend to be part of the CBA, and, as such, they assert there was never a meeting of the minds, to accept such an argument would require the Hearing Ofcer to act in direct violation of the above authority and examine the subjective intent of the District’s bargaining
team.”
He adds, “Accepting the District’s argument would also require the Hearing Ofcer to overlook a bedrock principle of contract law; i.e. that a person who executes a contract is deemed to know the contents thereof… Whether they took the time to read it and fully understand all the terms is immaterial. They executed the Tentative Agreement which is an acknowledgement that the parties had reached an agreement with respect to every term or provision included therein.”
Since there was no ambiguity in the document about what was agreed to, Doud states that “the integrity of written contracts would be destroyed if contracting parties, having admitted signing the instrument, were allowed to rescind the contract on the basis they neither read nor understood the expressed agreement.”
The Board’s holding establishes that a party will be bound by the terms included in a written agreement that they executed, whether they subjectively bargained for that provision or not.
“Since it has been determined that a valid agreement existed between the parties, the District’s refusal to execute the 2023 CBA with all the terms set forth in the parties’ Tentative Agreement constitutes an unfair labor practice in violation of [the law],” wrote Doud.
He also found that, “Regardless of its belief as to whether the Matrix Stipend was an error, once the parties executed the Tentative Agreement, the District was obligated to notify CFG of its intent to augment or remove any provision with respect to wages. It did not do so, and, as a result, violated [the law].”
“Given the facts of this case, CFG’s requested remedy is the only remedy that can rectify the unfair labor practices committed by the District,” wrote Doud. “Therefore, payment of the Matrix Stipend, for the 2023-2024 school year, should be made to any CFG member who qualifes for the Matrix Stipend based upon their current steps and lanes in the amounts specifed…”
Doud recommended that the Board determine the District committed an unfair labor practice when it failed to execute the written agreement reached between the parties and then unilaterally
removed the Matrix Stipend before ratifying the CBA without this provision.
“As such, the District should be ordered to cease and desist from committing unfair labor practices with respect to the Matrix Stipend. Further, the District should determine those CFG faculty members who qualify for the Matrix Stipend based upon their current steps and lanes, and pay every qualifying CFG member the Matrix Stipend according to the terms set out in the Appendix to the 2022 CBA,” he wrote.
No Notice of Exception was fled against the recommendations by the School Board and the District and every qualifying CFG member received their Matrix Stipend for 2023-2024 with no public discussion by the School Board concerning the complaint or its resolution.
Spencer Huls, who testifed at last year’s hearing on behalf of the CFG, said that when the School Board unilaterally altered a tentative contract agreement (TA) reached by negotiating teams of both groups, the CFG had no option but to fle an Unfair Labor Practice complaint against them. He said that the section removed from the agreement contained a stipend which had been paid for the previous seven years for the district’s most veteran teachers.
“Removing this stipend would have allowed approximately 14 teachers to be paid less in the ‘23-’24 school year than in the previous year,” said Huls. “While the CFG did not want to pursue arbitration in this matter, it was and continues to be our obligation to protect all members and their best interests.”
Contacted by the Star last week, School Board Chair Dan Wolsky, who was out of state at the time, emailed saying that he would provide some comment by Sunday. He emailed on Sunday saying he was “in and out of coverage” and suggested that Vice Chair Ken Lewis be contacted for comment. Lewis did not respond in time for publication.
Although the 2023-2024 contract expired on July1, teachers continue this year to work while the 2024-2025 contract is still being negotiated. These discussions take place behind closed doors and it is not known if the Matrix Stipend is at issue or not in the current negotiations.
ROUNDABOUT: County to send letter to MDT
favor of it. They all urged the commissioners to do what they can to stop the project. Most, including the commissioners, advocated for a trafc stoplight instead.
Commissioner Greg Chilcott noted that the commissioners have been requesting a stoplight at the intersection for decades and gotten no action. He also emphasized that the county has no authority over projects on the state highway.
Most of the citizens who spoke expressed frustration about not having a chance to make signifcant public comment before the decision was made.
“This is an anomaly,” said Chilcott. “We have a good relationship with MDT, but for some reason on this, they don’t seem to want to hear from us.”
Jim Olson, a local engineer, said that MDT fell short in trying out mediation measures prior to making a decision and did not examine all the alternatives. As a result, he said, MDT has not properly justifed either a roundabout or a stoplight as the best alternative. He noted in his written submission that the 2009 Manual on Uniform Trafc Control Devices requires that they show that “adequate trial of alternatives with satisfactory observance and enforcement has failed to reduce the crash frequency.” He ofered two examples of speed reducing designs for intersections that were not considered or evaluated in the process.
Olson also noted that the data used in the analysis was based on roundabouts across the nation that were almost all one-lane roundabouts. A few, he said, were two-lane, “but none of them had the characteristic of a major four lane thoroughfare with lots of high speed trafc and a low trafc volume coming in the side.
“So, I don’t think their percentages mean anything,” said Olson. “You owe the people here the actual data to make that decision and you haven’t done it.”
Olson also questioned whether a tractor-trailer on the lane next to the shoulder could stay in its lane as it travels through the roundabout and if two tractor-trailers traveling side by side could make it through. He also asked if a tractor and two trailers 150 feet long, which can be permitted in the State of Montana, can travel through the roundabout while staying in its lane.
MacLean, from Big Sky Public Relations, claims, “Roundabouts have been highly efective in other Montana communities similar to Victor (both rural and urban) in supporting Emergency Medical Services (EMS), large loads, and other oversized vehicles. Numerous studies have shown that well-designed roundabouts support trucking operations. This roundabout will be designed specifcally for the types of trucks and large loads that will navigate it, including emergency response vehicles.”
Senator Theresa Manzella (RSD44), who serves as chairman of the standing legislative transportation committee as well as serving on the interim transportation committee, said this particular project was approved by the transportation committee in June of 2023 and her phone started ringing about the project in February.
Manzella said the primary complaints she heard was that the project was approved before the public had been heard. She said the legislature may need to address this issue. She said that a colleague had discussed this project with the new Director of the Department, Christopher Dorrington, who agreed to speak with District Administrator Bob Vosen to delay the project for two years while additional public comment and education is conducted.
Manzella noted that there is a record of sight distance obstructions at the intersection that has never been addressed. She agreed with Olson’s assessment that the MDT is required to show that remedial measures to reduce crash frequency have failed, but they have not even been tried. She said removing the sight obstructions and lowering the speed limit in the area could both be considered remedial measures. She said they also haven’t met the crash criteria for installing a signal or a roundabout.
“The decision we are facing today is do we move forward with asking for a trafc signal at this time or do we allow the department to delay for two more years,” said Manzella. “I would say that in the time that they interfaced with their 200 people in their open house meetings, we are approaching 4,000 signatures in opposition on our petition.”
Fred Thomas, who serves on the board of the Ravalli Electric Co-op,
which is located on W. Bell Crossing Road near the intersection, said that he crosses the highway at Bell Crossing all the time when coming from Stevensville to the co-op or going to Hamilton.
“If safety was the department’s concern, they would have already acted on this,” Thomas said. “In my opinion they have failed to act on this. Then they come up with a plan that is not acceptable to us.” He said a roundabout is going to cost $5- to $10 million. “They say they are going to design it this year and build it next year. I call hockey puck on that,” said Thomas. He said a trafc light would run $1- to 2 million and the money saved could be well spent on other needs in the valley.
Thomas said Ravalli Electric Co-Op frst contacted MDT about the intersection in 2018, expressing a willingness to help out fnancially, “and what has been done? Nothing yet.”
He said MDT’s study of the intersection compares advantages and disadvantages but it does not list the lower cost of the stoplight as an advantage. They do list it as a disadvantage that the roundabout will be expensive. They also don’t list pedestrian access as an advantage for a stoplight, he said.
“How do you cross a roundabout? How do you cross that thing now? You don’t. What if you are handicapped and need to cross?” said Thomas. “What about expediency? The speed at which you deal with this issue? It seems to be a farce of a study, if you ask me. Have they done anything like this on any major highway in Montana? I think the answer is no. Why a roundabout? It costs more and you have to move the highway a signifcant distance to the west.” He asked the commissioners to write MDT a letter and ask for a stoplight.
A long line of citizens expressed concerns about the decision. They complained about the “canned letters” they get in response to their questions from MDT and from the Governor’s ofce. A few said the roundabout was being “crammed down our throats.”
A few who drive large rigs expressed concerns about navigating the roundabout.
Commissioner Jef Burrows noted that the roundabout would require extending the right-of-way a signifcant distance to the west and said as far as
he knew neither of the landowners to the west were willing to give up any land for the project.
“We absolutely would not support eminent domain on this project,” said Burrows.
MacLean, speaking on behalf of MDT, simply said, “All landowners bordering the Bell Crossing intersection have been contacted, and MDT right-of-way staf will work closely with them.”
A spokesperson for the Ravalli Electric Co-Op contacted by the Bitterroot Star said Friday that as far as she knew they were not in agreement yet because REC is very much opposed to the roundabout. She said that REC has tried to have conversations with MDT about the intersection for several years now and not been given much time and efort by MDT. She said she believed they were starting to come around a bit now, however, she was not aware of the latest correspondence with them, “but as far as I know I do not believe there has been any agreement from REC’s side of things for utilizing that land for a roundabout because we are very much opposed to it.”
She said when they were frst moving onto the land, they proposed paying for the paving of Bell Crossing Road from the highway to their facility and possibly contributing to the installation of a trafc light. “But that fell upon deaf ears,” she said, “and nothing was done for several years so we are no longer willing to help out with any of it. So, yes, several years ago we were willing to consider all that but at this point that is no longer on the table.”
Commissioner Burrows said, “We were at the open house. There was no conversation, no debate. They were simply selling us on a roundabout,” he said. He made a motion to approve an opposition letter to the roundabout that talks about speed zones; sight obstructions; data and safety; truck trafc; maintenance; the cost; land acquisition; and expediency.
“This could have been done fve years ago,” said Burrows. “We have consistently and repeatedly advocated for a light.” He said he would comb the record of public comment at this meeting for any other issues and include them.
