Bitterroot Star - November 16, 2022

Turkey Trot raises funds for local food pantries

by Nathan Boddy

The recent snow will not stop Dom inic Farrenkopf from donning his well worn turkey uniform and hitting the streets in order to raise money for the valley’s food banks. For the past six years, Far renkopf has made the annual ‘Turkey Trot’ a part of his job as Direc tor of Community Life at Sapphire Lutheran Homes. In that time, he has raised thou sands of dollars which have then been turned into critical services for those in need.

“We try to be a part of the community, rather than apart from the community,” said Farrenkopf.

To that end, Farrenkopf plans to carry his cornucopia in search of financial donations in Hamilton, Stevensville and Darby this week. Of course, he will be in full avian regalia.

“There are a lot of good turkey jokes,” he says, but adds that the service is a lot of fun and reminds people that it would be a good time to give. “It always seems to work out well,” he says, Farrenkopf, who has been with Sapphire Lutheran Homes for 10 years, says “We understand the challenge that local nonprofits face.” To that end, Far renkopf engages in a variety of commu

nity outreach projects like the summer concert series, Shakespeare in the Park, playing Santa Claus and others.

“Part of my job description is to extend Sapphire services to the commu nity,” said Farrenkopf. “Dressing up as a turkey is kind of right up my alley.”

Michelle Wilson, a volunteer at Haven House, was recently busy filling approxi mately 300 orders for Thanksgiving meal box es, and anticipates that the requested number may increase before the holiday.

“The need has really increased,” she said but she and other volunteers were working hard to process and prepare the requests.

Haven House, locat ed at 316 N. 3rd Street in Hamilton (entrance on the east side of the building) is always ready to accept food or financial donations. A box near the door is available at all hours. Pantry Partners in Stevensville is located at 3614 ALC Way, and the Darby Bread Box is located at 304 Tanner Ave.

As for Dominic Farrenkopf and his Turkey Trot, he made the rounds in Hamilton on Tuesday and residents can expect him to be strolling around Stevensville on the morning of Friday, November 18th, and in Darby by that late afternoon.

Cowboy Ball tickets to go on sale

The 11th annual Cowboy Ball is already in the works. Mark your calendars, the date is set for Saturday, February 11, 2023. Ticket/table sales begin Monday, November 21st. Call 406-363-3411. Think Christmas gift for your sweetheart and friends.

The Cowboy Ball is a fun, west ern-themed fundraiser with proceeds raised to support The Rockin RC Rodeo and the equestrian side of The Ravalli Country Fairgrounds. So, dust

off your boots, get dressed up in your western duds and join in an evening of dancing, dining and drinking your favorite spirits, and donating to a great cause.

Last year the event sold out, so don’t wait. The Cowboy Ball commit tee has been working to improve your experience. New padded seat chairs and steak dinner, plus wonderful items, and experiences to bid on. We’ll see you there!

Dominic Farrenkopf doing the Turkey Trot to help our our local food banks.

Festival of Trees starts this weekend

For some, November snowfall in the Bitterroot Valley has triggered holiday music and hopes for decked halls and decorated trees. The Festival of Trees this weekend is the perfect balm for those who are anxious for the season of giving to begin.

“I grew up near a children’s hospital that was supported by an annual Festival of Trees,” said Stacie Duce, Director of Philanthropy for Bitterroot Health. “I have lots of magical memories from my childhood associated with that event and I’m excited to have a wonder ful team helping me make that happen in our valley.”

The Bitterroot Health Foundation has been fund raising for the new cancer and infusion center that’s under construction on the south side of Daly Hospital in Hamilton, so the Foundation will have many trees there designated to raise funds for various color teams.

“We have a gorgeous black and white tree that has been decorated by Elke Olbricht of Vignette Designs that will ben efit our Colors of Cancer Team Black for skin cancer preven tion,” Duce said. “People will fall in love with the soft pink tree decorated by WestSlope Distillery that will benefit Team Pink. We’ll also have a western tree that supports the Darby Rodeo Association’s ongoing efforts to increase awareness of Testicular Cancer. So many wonderful people are working creative magic to supply trees that will support our mission and fundraising efforts.”

Gina Collins and David Evans are co-coordinators of the event and serve as Bitterroot Health Foundation Board members. Both are decorating trees to support causes close to their hearts. David’s tree is all white in honor of his parents who both succumbed to lung cancer and Gina’s tree is a collabo ration with many fine artists in the valley to support Hamilton Players’ programming.

“This will be an amazing oppor tunity for people to have works of

art in their living rooms this holiday season,” Collins said. “The process has been so much fun and the results will

table top trees and wreaths that are up for live and silent auction. The Ravalli County Museum and the Bitterroot

favorite trees until 8 p.m.

“Those people’s choice and judge’s choice trees will be saved for the live auction at our dinner event on Tuesday night,” Duce said. “We hope the tables are filled with people who want to sup port their favorite non-profits with generous end-of-the-year giving. The rest will be open for silent auction until Monday evening.”

Collins said Monday will be a fun time to return to the festival for a three-hour “Hot Toddy in the Trees” event where adults can gather for warm beverages and tend to their silent auction biddings. “We’ll have live music and food, so we encourage people to register for this event on the website as well,” she said. “You can also bid on items through an online option, which will help those who are coming back to the Bitterroot for the holidays and want a tree deliv ered to their home before they get here.”

The stage will be open to live music all weekend and will also be the site for Bitterroot Health Hospice’s annual “Tree of Lights” memorial service on Sunday evening.

take your breath away. We hope the entire community spends some time at the Festival this weekend. It’s only a dollar to get in and will just get you in the mood for a beautiful holiday season.”

Collins admits that this holiday season will be extra special for her as she appreciates the little things in life after battling breast cancer for the last two years.

“I just had my thirteenth surgery and hopefully my last,” she said. “This festival will be a celebration for me and my family and all we’ve been through. I know the new infusion center is going to help so many others endure their treatments better when they don’t have to travel so far.”

The event includes full-size trees,

Humane Society are two groups who have hosted holiday events prior to the pandemic, but are now collaborating with the Foundation this year to bring their beautiful offerings to this larger event. Ballet Bitterroot offered a chil dren’s event last year and is now help ing host “Teddy Bear in the Trees,” which gives children a holiday experi ence that focuses on giving. Dancers will dress up in costumes and help the children enjoy holiday photos, rein deer games, and teddy bear cookies and more. Reservations are required for the Teddy Bear experience and can be purchased at www.bitterroothelath. org/FofT

On Saturday, November 19, the festival opens at 11 a.m. and the public has the opportunity to vote on their

“Our hospice team reaches out to all the families they’ve worked with each year and invites them, as well as anyone else who would like to remember a loved one, to submit names for the candlelight reading,” Duce said. “It’s a really special experience for families who are grieving, and we are so happy to help them host that experience in a beautiful venue.”

So far, the festival anticipates 40 full size trees and another 40 wreaths and table tops displays.

“It will be so beautiful,” Collins said. “A wonderful place to meet friends, go to the tea room or have a nice dinner next Tuesday, and get in the right spirit for the holiday season.”

For more information, go to www. bitterroothealth.org/FofT or call the Bitterroot Health Foundation at 406375-4674.

Phyllis Green, board member for the Bitterroot Health Auxiliary, chooses a table top tree to decorate for the upcoming Festival of Trees. She is also involved in the Empty Bowls project and will be of fering a silent auction tree surrounded by Clay Works handmade pottery bowls to raise funds for the program. Festival of Trees is hosted by the Bitterroot Health Foundation but the multi-day event will raise funds for many non-profit groups in the valley.

‘Celebrating Ernst Peterson’ event to benefit county museum

The Ravalli County Museum will hold a fundraising event enti tled “Celebrating Ernst Peterson” on Friday, November 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. The museum is the repository for renowned Montan an Ernst Peterson’s photographic collections and archive.

Peterson was born in 1912 at a time when the shadows of the old West still lingered on the hori zon. Peterson’s avocation began as a hobby when he received a Best pocket camera at the age of fourteen. But it was not until the end of World War II that Ernst, or “Ernie” as his friends called him, began taking his hobby serious ly. “I had an idea that perhaps I could make a living from my pho tography,” he said.

Indeed. Peterson began mar keting his photos of the West, and his first client was his native state of Montana. Although many pho tos were used without his byline, he slowly developed a far-reach ing reputation. His real break

came in 1953 when he was discovered by the editors of National Geographic, Colliers, and The Saturday Evening Post. Major calen dar compa nies sought his work, and corporations like Ana conda Com pany, Dow Chemical, and Montana Power Com pany used his photos for ad vertisements and year-end reports.

Peterson documented life in the

Bitterroot from a time that is now long gone, as well as rare scenes of the Bitterroot backcountry and wildlife.

According to a local history book titled “Bitter Root Trails,” Peterson collaborated with Glen Chaffin to produce two small booklets of photos and verse, the first about out door priv ies, called “Sittin’ and Thinkin’,” and the second about dog houses, entitled “I’m In the Dog House.” Some of Peterson’s photos were

sold in local stores but the vast majority of his photos have never been exhibited or sold. He died in 1991.

The Ravalli County Museum is fortunate to own a large collec tion of Peterson’s photographic negatives and film positives, due to a generous donation by Tom J. Peterson.

At Friday’s event, the public will have a chance to purchase custom art books featuring a selection of Peterson photographs of the Bitterroot Valley. There will also be a selection of limit ed edition Peterson prints from the museum collection available for sale. People can also donate to help purchase items from the museum’s wish list which will help create exhibits, support ed ucational programming and host cultural heritage events. There will be wine and cheese and live music.

Preservation and restoration of our local treasures is at the heart of the Ravalli County Museum. The museum is located at 205 Bedford in Hamilton. For more info call 406-363-3338.

An old postcard with a photo of Trapper Peak by Ernst Peterson currently for sale on ebay.

Ernst Peterson. Photo courtesy of Ravalli County Museum.

Stevensville prepares for Country Christmas celebration

The annual Country Christmas cel ebration in Stevensville, sponsored by the Stevensville Civic Club and local businesses, will be held Friday and Saturday, December 2nd and 3rd.

The evening will kick off with the Parade of Lights, which will be all-ve hicle again this year. Last year, the parade was changed from a walking parade to a vehicle parade, and the response to that was overwhelmingly positive. People can still gather at 3rd and Main to enjoy caroling, view the Living Nativity, and hear the reading of the Christmas Story. New this year will also be a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Santa Claus will be riding on one of the decorated fire trucks that will be featured in the parade. Individuals are invited to decorate their vehicles and line up at 6 p.m. in the alley on the east side of Main heading north. The parade will take place around 6:30 p.m. (Call Sean at 406-303-9221 for more information.). After the parade, Santa will be walking around on Main Street.

Before the parade, the winner of the Flip the Switch coloring con test, sponsored by the Town of Stevens ville, will flip the switch that turns on the overhead holiday street lights. Also new this year, members of the Stevens ville Civic Club have been working hard to add more holiday lights going down Main Street.

A2Z Personnel is sponsoring tree and window decorating contests for local businesses. The public can vote on the trees from December 2nd through December 5th. Voting on the windows goes from December 2nd

Thank You Supporters!

through December 19th. Winners will get to display the travel ing trophies.

An online auction to benefit the Stevens ville Kids Backpack and Pantry Program will be held Decem ber 6th through 9th. The Christmas trees decorated by local businesses will be in the auction, as well as a number of other specialty items, such as gift baskets, gift certificates and a cork pull, where people can purchase a cork that represents a “mystery” bottle of wine.

As always, Stevensville’s downtown businesses will have open houses and special sales during the Country Christmas celebration.

Free horse-drawn wagon rides will be available on Friday evening, load ing at Cenex and Discovery Fitness

I will be coming by to pick up my larger signs in the next two weeks. I had hoped to pick them up sooner but the weather has complicated things. Please contact me if you need the sign down immediately.

Election Results 2022

I was glad to see that the local Open Lands Bond passed. State wide, I was also glad that the unnecessary and ultimately cruel LR 131 failed, along with the attempt to inject partisan politics into the Montana Supreme Court election.

Thank you Regina and the staff at the county elections office for once again performing your job with efficiency and professionalism, and my hat is off to those of you who volunteered to help at our local polling stations.

The people of Ravalli County have spoken and I respect but disagree with the results. Accepting the outcome of elections that don’t go your way is the jewel in the crown of American democracy, ensuring a stable republic for 246 years. Nationwide it looks like those who would corrupt our election system for partisan gain came up short. The price of freedom, though, is eternal vigilance

John Schneeberger

(formerly Montana Bob’s). You can ride up and down Main Street or catch a wagon to St. Mary’s Mission where there will be a nativity and wreath display, as well free crafts for the children and chapel tours. Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Museum will host the Christmas Around the World and Wreath Display on December 2nd, 3rd and 4th. (You can share your nativities and wreaths in this special exhibit by bringing them to St. Mary’s Mission at 315 Charlos Street. Call 406-777-5734 for information on delivery times.)

A2Z Personnel is also sponsoring a yard decoration contest with voting by the public from December 12th through December 19th. Registration is due by December 28th. Maps and voting forms will be available in the Bitterroot Star’s upcoming editions or at A2Z Personnel, 215 Main, and can be dropped off any time until December 19th. You will also be able to vote on Facebook. The winner will be announced on December 23rd. For more information contact Liz at 406880-2007.

‘Quarteto Nuevo’ next in Performing Arts series

The Bitterroot Performing Arts series’ second presentation of its 19th season is the world classical jazz fusion ensemble “Quarteto Nuevo.” Made up of multi-award winning master musicians – Damon Zick on saxophone/woodwinds, Jacob Szekely on cello, Kenton Youngstrom on guitar, and Felipe Fra ga on percussion – the ensemble seamlessly weaves western classical, eastern European folk, Latin and jazz into their truly unforgettable performances. Quarteto Nuevo’s concert will be Saturday, Novem ber 19 at 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center.

The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council kicked off its 2022-2023 season on October 15 with a daz zling concert by singer Steve-March Tormé.

Outside of its regular series, the Bitterroot Per forming Arts Council celebrates the holiday season with a pair of special performances by Montana’s own pianist and composer, Philip Aaberg. Aaberg gained international recognition through a series of successful piano recordings released on Windham Hill Records, and has subsequently contributed his talents to over 200 recordings. Two concerts by Aaberg will be presented at the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center at Victor Schools, on Friday, December 16, and Saturday, December 17. Both shows are at 8 p.m.

Tickets for all performances are available online at www.bartc.org or by phone at 406-363-7946.

‘Quarteto Nuevo’ will perform in Hamilton on Novem ber 19th.

Nicole recently received the prestigious Emerging Conserva tionist Award from the Missoula Conservation Roundtable for emerging leadership in the field of natural resource management or environmental protection through individual action and effective partnerships.

After Nicole’s talk, there will be a special drawing for a copy of “The View from Tawney’s Rock,” by Monte Dolack. This beautiful print depicts a spot on one of the Refuge streams near where Nicole teaches many classes. The prints are no longer commercially available so this is a rare chance to add one to your collection of fine conservation art. There will also be a drawing for some Teller Refuge caps and all the proceeds will go to Nicole’s education programs.

Nicole’s presentation will start at 7 p.m., but come down early for a beer and a chance to meet Nicole and catch up with old friends.

And remember that the public is invited to attend all BRTU events and there is no charge for admis sion.

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, November 18 at 12 noon at The Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevens ville. Guest speakers will be Kayla Cross, TPUSA Faith, and Robin Sertell. This is the club’s Thanks giving Lunch and the fifth annual Ed Hebner Memorial Lunch. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Music scholarship benefit

The Bitterroot School of Music presents Jenn Adams and Tom Catmull in concert on Friday, November 18th at 7 p.m. ath the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center at Victor School, 425 4th Avenue, Victor. Tickets are $40. This is a fundraiser for music edu cation scholarships. By supporting BSoM scholarship programs, you ensure Ravalli County students continue to have access to music education. 2022 has seen a sharp increase in applications. Your sup port matters. All concert proceeds will go to scholarship programming at BSoM. For more information call Jenn Adams 406-544-6988, or visit www.bitterrootschoolofmusic.org.

Holiday craft fair

A holiday craft fair will be held Saturday, November 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lolo Community Center, 12345 Hwy 93 South, Lolo. Ther will be over 30 vendors and food will be available.

Quarteto Nuevo in concert

November 19 at 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton Performing Arts Center

The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council presents a concert by the group Quarteto Nuevo. Referring to themselves as a “World Jazz Ensemble”, the music of Quarteto Nuevo merges Western classi cal, Eastern European folk, and Latin jazz, all with a contemporary groove that appeals to audiences of all ages.

Food box distribution

Crosspoint Church on Wood side Crossing by the river will be giving out 25 ‘Boxes of Blessings’ to families in need. They will be filled with the fixings to make a Thanksgiving dinner, including the turkey! If you need a little help with your Thanksgiving dinner, pick up will be at the church on November 20th. They will be given out to the first 25 folks who reserve them ahead of time--so call now! For more details contact Rebecca at 406 375 4215--this is a landline, so

you’ll need to call.

Rotary Club

On Monday, No vember 21, Rotary welcomes guest speaker Joel Walthall, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon. Rotary is an international service organization of over one million members that focuses its service and financial support on public health. Rotary meets Mondays at 12 noon at BJ’s restaurant at 900 N. 1st in Hamilton (across from Walgreens). Guests and prospective members are welcome.

Republican Women

Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, November 22 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be State Senator The resa Manzella who will show how to follow bills in the Legislature.

Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month; there will be no meeting in December.

Corvallis Sewer District

Corvallis County Sewer District monthly meeting will be Tuesday, November 22 at 6:30 p.m. at 234 Brothers Way, Corvallis.

Thanksgiving at Stevi Senior Center

Stevenville Senior Center will be having their Thanksgiving Lunch on Wednesday, November 23 at 11:30 a.m. Turkey, mashed pota toes, and all the trimmings. $3.50 for 60 and older and $6.00 for under 60. Ravalli County Council on Aging is in charge of the meals served at the center.

‘Happy Tails’ holiday auction

Ring in the holiday season with Bitter Root Humane Association’s “Happy Tails” Holiday Online Auc tion! This virtual event helps make it possible for the Shelter to care for all the wonderful critters that come through the doors! Start your holiday shopping by visiting the auction…with values ranging from $10 to priceless, you’re sure to find just the perfect gift for everyone on your gift list...and for yourself too!

Shopping dollars will be matched, up to $5,500 by this year’s auction sponsor, Exit Realty Bitterroot Val ley! Preview opens November 21st, with items added up till the auction ends! Bidding will open November 24th, Thanksgiving evening at 6 p.m. and be open for your shop ping pleasure all through Cyber Monday, November 28th at 6 p.m. So, don’t fight the early holiday shopping crowds, relax and shop where your holiday dollars will buy great gifts, donated from local busi nesses, artists and private donors, and support a great cause! Find the BRHA “Happy Tails” Holiday Online Auction at: www.32auctions.com/ BRHA2022

5 Valley Accordion Club

5 Valley Accordion Club will hold a jam session and dance on Saturday, November 26th from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lolo Community Center. Admission is $4 members, $5 for guests. All are welcome.

Victor Museum fundraiser

The Victor Heritage Museum will be holding its 24th annual Chocolate Tasting Party & Silent Auction on Monday, December 5 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Victor Heritage Museum, corner of Main & Blake in downtown Victor. There will be homemade chocolates, wassail, camaraderie, and bidding on silent auction items to support the museum. (Silent auction bid ding will end at 7:30 p.m.) Out West Wagons will provide horse-drawn wagon rides around Victor.

This event is the Museum’s

major fundraising effort each year.

The Victor Heritage Museum is an “all-volunteer” organization. Silent auction items are donated to the Museum by many fine busi nesses and individuals throughout the Bitterroot valley. Admission is $5.00 per person, no charge for chil dren ages 4 and under.

For questions or information call Suzanne at 3633165 or the Museum at 642-3997, or email victormuseum@ cybernet1.com

Christmas Murder Mystery Party

Don your fa vorite ugly Christ mas sweater and a new identity for a holiday-themed murder mystery party on Decem ber 14th or De cember 15th! The North Valley Li brary’s community room will become the Snowflake Lodge for this fun, interactive event, during which guests will delight in discovering clues, embodying their character, and cracking the case of the Murder at the Ugly Christmas Sweat er Party. When the registration period closes, or the maximum number of guests (20) is reached, each registrant will be assigned a character and provided every thing they need for the event. No pre vious experience or acting skills required for this beginner-friendly murder mystery party. Two parties available (same storyline, please sign up for just one party) Register for either Wednes day, December 14th from 12 to 2 pm or Thursday, December 15th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at northval leylibrary.org.

Reserve the NVPL Community Room

Organizations are welcome to reserve the NVPL Community Room for events that are civic, educational, cultural, intellec tual, entertaining, or beneficial to the communi ty. Events held must be free of charge and open to all. This room accommodates up to 67 people. Tables, chairs, and A/V avail able. To apply, go to northvalley publiclibrary.org under My Library Services.

Jean

by Nathan Boddy

Denise Rose, the Executive Director of the Hamilton Play ers, hopes that the non-profit community theater will soon see a comeback from the pandemic induced slowdown, starting with “The Little Mer maid Jr.” The youth produc tion had its opening night on Friday, November 11 and will have three more shows begin ning on Friday, November 17.

“This is the first youth production since the pandemic started,” says Rose, and adds that they are very excited about the upcoming year, which will include “Little Shop of Horrors,” “A Wrinkle in Time” and “Rock of Ages.”

Rose explains that being limited to small audiences and small cast productions meant that ticket sales for the Hamilton Players were down nearly 80%, for nearly two and half years as the pandemic ran its course. But, Rose says that “The Little Mermaid Jr.” production is made up of a large cast, raising hopes that the production could even make a small profit. Add ing to that is the support by TrailWest Bank, the Davis Group PLLC and the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foun dation, which have all aided to lower the cost of putting on the production.

Rose says that working with kids can be a challenge, but it’s well

worth the effort. Even with 40 differ ent schedules, constant chatter and unbridled energy, Rose says that it is inspirational to see the kids giving their all. Perhaps more importantly, she points to research which suggests that participation in theater can im prove children’s critical thinking skills and test scores, as well as improving creativity, teamwork, and self-esteem.

“The theater is also a safe place to be

quirky and creative,” she says, “traits that are not always appreciated in mainstream education. The arts teach people to appreciate and find beauty in the world… and goodness knows we need more of that!”

Sisters Kinley and Karter Sorensen are playing the twin electric eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, that serve at the whim of the evil sea witch, Ursula. The sisters have been onstage

before with Missoula Chil dren’s Theater, but are both looking forward to acting with the Hamilton Players. Kinley says that her favorite scene is the song, “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” while Karter’s favorite is the whirlpool scene. When asked how she deals with pre-performance jitters, Karter responds that it helps “looking at the crowd and seeing my family and knowing that if I do my best, that’s great.”

Ursula is played by 16 year old Eva Joy, who has been on the Hamilton Players stage several times in the past. “I love it,” says Eva, who says that seeing the cast really come together in the final week of rehearsals has been a lot of fun. She also mentions how much she’s enjoyed step ping outside of her comfort zone to play Ursula alongside Kinley and Karter, who she says are “really fun to work with.”

“The Little Mermaid Jr.” production also benefits from the assistance of: Emily Athman, Mi chelle Post, Ellen Nichol, Tia Morello, Jessica Dufresne, Melissa Zielinske and Tasha Fain.

Tickets for “The Little Mermaid Jr.” as well as information on the Hamilton Players’ upcoming season can be found at: https://hamiltonplay ers.com.

Karter and Kinley Sorensen play Flotsam and Jetsam, the underlings of the evil sea witch, Ursula, played by Eva Joy Erickson. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Creative sea coral lines the stage for “The Little Mer maid Jr.” set. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

The river in winter

“A River Never Sleeps” is a simple but profound pronouncement; Rod erick Haig-Brown wrote that phrase as the title of what many consider his best book.

No other angling author captures the essence of fly fishing in words as Haig-Brown did. Some might grab it for a sequence of phrases, a para graph, or an entire pas sage; none did it as well as Haig-Brown for the length of an entire book.

He wrote from a sense of intimacy with his home river, the Campbell on Victoria Is land in British Columbia. The Campbell at the time Haig-Brown fished it was pretty much unspoiled. It has always hosted magnificent steel head and salmon runs, and the upper river is home to some pretty decent cutthroat fishing on flies when the salmon aren’t in.

Today the river is crowded as compared to Haig-Brown’s era; the town of Campbell River where he was a magistrate judge is now a city roughly half the size of Missoula; still, you can find a virtually unspoiled river there that offers some prime angling experiences.

A fly fishing conservationist

Haig-Brown understood and ap preciated the many-layered nuances of the fisheries he enjoyed. His life was a fulfillment of Lee Wulff’s observation: as a fly fisher one ultimately becomes a conservationist.

If he were alive he’d bemoan the crowds but could take comfort in knowing that despite the piracy that Japan has unleashed for generations on the high seas, if the salmon make it home to the upper Campbell, the spawning grounds are still there.

The scenery, lodged and etched into the rough and majestic rock that surrounds the riverbed, is unchang ing. The river itself hasn’t been serially abused. There is still a sense, when an angler today shares a riffle that he might have had to himself in years past, that the intricacies of life-chains and their habitat are pretty much unspoiled.

Haig-Brown was a pioneer fishery conservationist who set the tone and provided the example for many who followed. Where he wasn’t a leader he was a spokesman. One man can only

do so much; he did a great deal.

The unspoiled sense that we crave

Today on the Bitterroot there are more conservation organizations than on Haig-Brown’s Campbell. To put it bluntly, they are fighting a battle of attrition and losing, in increments, against the bureaucratic and com mercial interests that are sacrificing the Bitterroot River on the altars of career-building and financial gain. And that is sad – so sad.

You can still get an unspoiled sense

of the Campbell when you fish it, even if you’re not alone.

We’re losing that unspoiled feeling here on the Bitterroot. Trophy homes continue to sprout up along the river and creek banks. The river’s vital streambed habitat is being wrecked with domino-like chains of conse quences. The river’s fishery is under constant attack.

The river would restore itself, and it wouldn’t take too long or demand too much from us, if we had the collective will to change a few things. Unfortunately that would take consid erable push, given the sophisticated self-interest, mellifluous lip service, and money backing the spoilers.

Now we have to go elsewhere to experience the unspoiled sense of a fishery that Haig-Brown wrote of; we used to experience it here.

The river in winter

The forces working against the river take a hiatus under the blanket of snow that brings the construction equipment and chainsaws to a stand still. The serenity returns, for a while.

Beside that canopy of snow that is etched by her currents along her banks, the river is not asleep.

The leaves, needles, twigs, bea ver-chewed willow ends, and fallen trees that are the uniquely indispens able, integral, woody base of this river’s living matrix, will continue, ever-slowly but incessantly, to decay as their component nutrients become food for a wide range of biota – bacte ria, algae, and phytoplankton.

The nymphs that feed on this biota will continue to grow. Along the way some of them will hatch into the little bugs we call midges, and later, snow flies. Others will hatch next summer – and they are maturing now.

And the trout, too, will continue to eat. They consume less and expend less energy, now, but they still eat. Ev ery now and then you can catch some.

The snow brings its own beauty, tranquility, and serenity, which can be deceiving as far as the river in winter is concerned – though still, it never sleeps.

Chuck Stranahan

With a fresh blanket of snow on their banks, the rivers and streams don’t sleep during winter.

ELECTION

continued from page 1

Ravalli County voters also showed outstanding support for Constitutional Amendment C-48, adding electronic data search and seizure protections to the state’s constitution. The ballot issue garnered 18,193 votes for approval with only 3,706 votes against. It was approved statewide.

Legislative referendum LR-131, the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, was approved in Ravalli County by a vote of 12,646 to 9,837. However, that measure failed statewide.

There were no surprises in the outcome of the legislative and county races, with the majority of Ravalli County voters chosing the Republican option when there was a choice.

U.S. Representative - 1st District Ryan Zinke-R MT 120,285 (50%) Rav. Co. 14,803 Monica Tranel-D MT 112,271 (46%) Rav. Co. 7,424

John Lamb-L MT 9,305 (4% ) Rav. Co. 869

Supreme Court Justice #1 Jim Rice MT 302,580 (77%) Rav. Co. 14,700 Bill D’Alton MT 87,081 (22%) Rav. Co. 4,306

Supreme Court Justice #2

Ingrid Gustafson MT 235,225 (54%) Rav. Co. 9,127 James Brown MT 195,892 (46%) Rav. Co. 12,723

BALLOT ISSUES

Open Lands Bond Yes 15,960 No 6,436

Legislative Referendum- 131 Montana Yes 209,218 (47%) No 231,729 (47%) Ravalli Co. Yes 12,646 No 9,837

Constitutional Amendment-48 Montana Yes 357,590 (82%) No 76,822 (18%)

Ravalli Co. Yes 18,193 No 3,706

State Senator District 43 Jason Ellsworth-R 7,700 (67%) John Schneeberger-D 3,722 (33%)

State Representative District 85 Michele Binkley-R 4,646 (76%) Rosan Stover-D 1,495 (24%)

State Representative District 86 David Bedey-R 3,506 (66%) Anne Brown-D 1,770 (33%)

State Representative District 87 Ron Marshall-R 3,908 ((72%) Will Moore-I 1,483 (27%)

State Representative District 88 Wayne Rusk-R 4,019 (70%) Ko Moua-D 1,729 (30%)

County

Clerk and Recorder/ Supt. of Schools Regina Plettenberg-R 19,544

Justice of the Peace Dept. #1 (retain Jen nifer Ray) Yes 17,321 No 2,758

Justice of the Peace Dept. #2 Scott Burlingham 16,363

Bitterroot Conserva tion District Supervi sor- Area 1 Jeff Rennaker 11,826 Todd Reagan 5,624

Town of Pinesdale Selectman S. Kent Jessop 236

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

Wayne Rusk, elected to represent House District 88, and Jeff Burrows, who won another term as County Commissioner, congratulate each other at a victory party. Photo by John Rudow.

Gavin Ricklefs, executive director of the Bitter Root Land Trust. Michael Howell photo.

RODEO: everyone benefits when the rodeo is a good one

members. The Rodeo of the Year is selected by the top 15 cowboys and cowgirls along with the board of directors of the NRA.

Freeman said that the rodeo committee puts on more than just the NRA Rodeo which is on Friday and Saturday of the fair. They also have the Ranch Rodeo on Wednesday and Bulls n’ Broncs on Thurs day.

Freeman said the “platinum” designation has to do with the size of the purses (the amount of money the contestants can win).

“In previous years they gave the award to one rodeo,” said Freeman. “But the rodeos that added more money are now in the Platinum Division. Those with less money are in the Gold Division.”

“The added money is the money we put into the purse (the payout) for the cowboys,” said Freeman. “We do that so we get the best cowboys, so we get the best performance for the crowd. We add more money to each event. Ours is also the next to last rodeo of the season. Everyone is competing for the finals which just happened in Kalispell.”

Freeman said it helps that they have Red Eye Ro deo out of Deer Lodge as their stock contractor. Red

Eye had the Bareback Bucking Horse of the Year, the Saddle Bronc of the Year and the Bucking Bull of the Year, awarded by the NRA. “Their livestock is recognized as the best,” said Freeman.

Freeman, who also serves on the Ravalli County Fair Board, said, “For the last 12 or 14 years we have not charged to get into the rodeo, only to get into the fair. So once people are in the fair they can attend the rodeo for free. We wanted to increase the fan base and it’s worked. We have standing room only [at the rodeo] for at least three nights every year.”

“The cowboys love it,” said Freeman. “It’s a sport like any other, they like to compete in front of an audience. The bigger the audience, the better they like it.”

Freeman said not charging for rodeo admission also works the other way around – it increases the fair attendance and income. He said there’s a steady stream of people going in before the rodeo, as well as the money they spend on food, etc.

Freeman estimated that they have an audience of about 3000 each night at the rodeo. “That’s one of the problems we have right now,” said Freeman, and more seating is needed, “but it’s a good problem to have. We’re working to address that.”

HURRY, HURRY, HURRY, BE READY!

Information you need to know...

When we leave this earth, we will either go to Heaven or Hell. You want to be saved? Say this prayer and if you mean what you say, then you will be saved.

“Dear God in Heaven, I am asking You that you save my soul and cleanse me from all sin. I am accepting Christ into my heart and what He did on the Cross in order to purchase my redemption.

In obedience to your Word, I confess with my mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in my heart that God has raised Him from the dead. You have said in your Word which cannot lie, for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. I have called upon your name exactly as you have said and I believe that right now, I am saved.”

In Heaven, you will have peace and joy forever. It will be wonderful.

In Hell, you will have eternal punishment for the unrighteous. Hell may be described as God’s cosmic garbage dump. You will suffer forever, never let up, it will be terrible.

Best you choose now for Jesus, before it’s too late.

Everything that one wants to know about God is found in the Bible.

Fear not --- Don’t let fear rule your life. Don’t let fear keep you in your house, afraid of a man-made health crisis. Yes, bad things happen in the world, but don’t become a slave to the fears of what might happen.

God can do great things for those who will believe Him and not allow fear to rule and reign. Believe God for big things. He is a big God, so ask big. God can and will do great things.

Freeman and Jim Stenger, arena direc tor, attended the recent awards ceremony in Kalispell.

Theresa Sorlie, Execu tive Secretary of the NRA,

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stated, “The NRA is very proud to present the 2022 Platinum Rodeo of the Year award to the Rockin’ RC Rodeo. We want to thank the com mittee for the countless hours that they dedicate to rodeo and the contin ued development of our association and the sport of rodeo.”

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“This award is a trib ute not only to our facil ity but to the hard work that the rodeo commit tee does,” said Freeman.

“All of the events are managed and supported by the rodeo committee and volunteers. It’s not a one man show.”

EAGLE FEATHER RANCH Classic, traditional, log home on almost 10 acres, fenced/ cross fenced, upper & lower hay field, good water/irrigation, spring fed pond. Detached 3-car garage/shop w/mechan ic’s pit. Barn/tack room & 3-sided loafing shed. AWESOME VIEWS. Rare property on the westside w/MILD covenants. Private, yet close to Victor. Bring your horses and ride on in.

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Rod Freeman, chari of the Rockin’ RC Rodeo Com mittee. The Rockin’ RC Rodeo was named Rodeo of the Year by the Northern Rodeo Association. Photo by Victoria Howell.

Groups file motion to prohibit start of wolf trapping season

A motion was filed last week asking a Montana state court to prohibit the start of the state’s wolf-trapping season as well as to immediately halt the ongoing wolf-hunting season while the merits of a pending lawsuit are being considered.

Conservation groups WildEarth Guard ians and Project Coyote, a project of Earth Island Institute, filed the time-sen sitive motion with the wolf trapping and snaring season set to begin on November 28, 2022. The hunting season began in September.

The motion comes two weeks after the conservation groups filed the initial lawsuit against the State of Montana, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) and the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission (the “Commission”) alleging that the state’s current wolf hunting and trapping reg ulations violate numerous laws and the Montana constitution.

The motion asks the court to issue a temporary restraining order, followed by a preliminary injunction, to stop all recreational killing of wolves in the state pending resolution of the lawsuit. In the 2021-2022 season, 273 wolves were

killed by hunters and trappers—includ ing 19 Yellowstone wolves—with nearly 70 percent of the wolves killed after the trapping season began on November 29, 2021. So far, hunters have killed 55 wolves this season, while regulations permit hunters and trappers to kill an additional 395 wolves before the season ends in March 2023. The motion alleges that the conservation groups’ interests will be harmed beyond repair if the court allows the hunting and trapping season to proceed while they fully litigate their case.

The motion—and the underlying lawsuit—claim that there are significant flaws in the population model used to es timate the total number of wolves in the state. Since the 456 quota for the 20222023 season relies upon what they allege is a flawed population model, reaching the quota could have devastating conse quences on the state’s wolf population. Per allegations in the motion, “Montana does not have an accurate picture of how many wolves are living in Montana and cannot sustainably and legally manage the species through another wolf hunt this winter.”

This motion is part of the groups’ lawsuit filed on October 27, which claims that the State of Montana, MFWP, and the Commission are violating the law by relying on stale and insufficient scientific data in order to authorize the killing of roughly 40 percent of the state’s wolf population this coming winter. The suit also alleges that the state is flouting its responsibility to manage wildlife for the benefit of the entire public and is over stepping its management authority by allowing wolf killing on the boundaries of federal lands, namely Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

“At the time of this writing, the lives of 55 wolves have already been claimed in Montana since the September start of the hunting season,” said Michelle Lute, PhD in wolf conservation and carnivore conservation director for Project Coyote, an organization that works to protect native carnivores. “Multiple studies document that illegal poaching increas es during legal recreation hunts so we know that untold numbers of additional wolves, as well as non-target animals, have been indiscriminately killed and are not reflected in the official death toll. We

need to put a halt to this season’s wolf hunting and trapping seasons at least until the court can determine whether the state of Montana is in violation of its policies.”

During the approval process for the challenged hunting and trapping reg ulations, first adopted in 2021, MFWP noted that the new killing method most anticipated to increase the number of dead wolves is snares, because snares are cheap, easy to place in abundance, and easy to maintain in bad weather. Additionally, trapping and snaring are inherently non-selective for the tar get species. Research shows that neck snares are anywhere from 21-50 percent selective, and foot snares are approxi mately 32-45 percent effective at captur ing the intended animal. Non-target animals that die in traps and snares set for wolves include, among others, com panion animals, deer, bighorn sheep, and imperiled species such as grizzly bears and Canada lynx.

Plaintiffs are represented by Morri son Sherwood Wilson Deola, PLLP of Helena, Montana and Greenfire Law, PC of Berkeley, California.

Legals

Naomi J. Cheeney

Cheeney Law, PLLC

PO Box 212

Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Personal Repre sentative

MONTANA TWEN

TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRIAN NILES MINASIAN, De ceased.

Case No.: DP-22-120

Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDI TORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representa tive of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months af ter the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

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

DATED this 25th day of October 2022.

/s/ Garrett Minasian, Person al Representative BS 11-2, 11-9, 11-16-22.

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

jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com

Attorney for Personal Repre sentative\

MONTANA TWEN TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MYRA JANE PELTIER, a/k/a Myra J. Peltier, a/k/a Myra Maris ka Peltier, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-22-117 Dept. No.: 1 HOWARD F. RECHT NOTICE TO CREDI TORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representa tive of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months af ter the date of the first publication

of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to JAMES MICHAEL PELTIER, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o LionWood Law, PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 17th day of October, 2022.

/s/ James Michael Peltier 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 Repre sentative BS 11-2, 11-9, 11-16-22.

PUBLIC NOTICE Town of Stevensville

Notice is hereby given that a vacancy exists in the office of the Town Councilmember-Ward 1 created by the resignation of elected councilmember Marilyn Wolff.

Town Council will appoint a Stevensville resident to fill the unexpired term of the position vacated on the Town Council. The

term expires December 31, 2023. Qualifications to serve as a Town Councilmember are as follows:

• Must be a citizen of the United States

• Must be a Stevensville resident for at least 60 days.

• Must live in Ward 1 (the area is north of 5th Street and north of Central Avenue)

Any qualified person interested in being considered for appointment to the position of Town Council may make an appli cation to the Town of Stevensville. Applications are available online at www.townofstevesnville.com/ council<http://www.townof stevesnville.com/council> and at Town Hall at 206 Buck Street Ste vensville, MT 59870. Completed applications can be dropped off at Town Hall or mailed to PO Box 30 Stevensville, MT 59870.

Applications must be received by 5:00 pm, Monday November 21, 2022.

For more information contact Town Hall at (406)777-5271.

Attest: Jenelle S. Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 11-9, 11-16-22.

Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC

PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Personal Repre sentative MONTANA TWEN TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MILDRED L. TAYLOR-WILLIAMS, Deceased.

Case No.: DP-22-126 Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDI TORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representa tive of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months af ter the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Courtney Leon Taylor III, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 7th day of November 2022.

/s/ Courtney Leon Taylor III, Personal Representative BS 11-9, 11-16, 11-23-22.

Looking for the Bitterroot Star?

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

Looking for a new member of the family?

Call 363-5311 or visit our website at bitterroothumane.org

Harley

Booked for the Season

by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos

c.2022, Hanover Square Press $27.99 288 pages

X marks the spot.

The map is clear: that’s where the treasure was bur ied. It’s up to you to figure out which island it’s on, what landmarks match the clues, and who owns the piece of property that supposedly contains wealth and riches. You have your shov el, your GPS, your courage, and this map but beware. As in the new book “The Pirate’s Wife” by Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, you could lose everything.

Fourteen-year-old Sarah Bradley must’ve had an inkling that her trip across the Atlantic would end as it did. Mother less and adept at caring for her father’s home and her little brothers, she would make a fine wife for a seagoing merchant.

By the time she was sev enteen, her husband, William Cox, had set her up with a fine home and a shop in Manhattan, from which Sarah sold goods that Cox imported. Women in eighteenth-century New York couldn’t own property but Sar ah was a good businesswoman, and she and Cox became “extraordi narily wealthy.”

It’s curious, therefore, that he left

John Oort, a former ship captain; around this same time, she met Captain William Kidd, with whom she fostered a deep friendship.

Soon, the friendship became more than that, but “divorce was not an option.” Still, Sarah and William “were such solid citizens... that an investigation into Oorts death was not initiated” when he died sudden ly in 1691 and Sarah married Kidd quickly afterward.

But Kidd was a merchant sea captain, and his job was at sea. When he was hired by the British Crown to capture pirates at a time when Britain had a shaky hold on its colonies, “It satisfied a thrill.” He’d been “rest less,” and Sarah knew it. She couldn’t ask him to stay home, and so he sailed out in late March of 1696, promising to be home in a year.

Kidd left with a full crew, including Sarah’s younger brother.

He returned home a pirate.

Looking for a high-seas adventure and a chance to buckle your swashes? Nope, sorry, “The Pirate’’s Wife” isn’t

by Terry Schlichenmeyer Teh Bookworm Sez, LLC

that. It’s better.

Toss out all the stereotypes and legends you think you know about pirates, because this book makes short work of that mythology. Instead, author Daphne Palmer Geanaco poulos tells a love story here about a gentleman and his wife, a resourceful, wonderfully intelligent woman who could read but likely could not write. Hers is a tale with a tinge of feminism, circa 1698; there’s also an enemy that you just know was prone to sniveling, and a thoroughly fascinating history of American life in pre-Revolutionary times. Just beware, mateys, that you won’t find any blood-and-guts, there are few high-seas hijinks – and at the risk of being a spoiler, the ending here is nowhere near happy. Arrrrgh!

Still, you will be, when you start this absolutely absorbing book. Find “The Pirate’s Wife” and settle in. This book really hits the spot.

“The Pirate’s Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd”

her relatively little, when he wrote his will in 1689. Three weeks later, he was dead by drowning. After a customary period of mourning, Sarah married

With the use of comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation pro gramming, the Twenty-First Ju dicial District (Ravalli) Treatment Court serves the community and promotes public safety by reduc ing the rate of criminal recidivism of individuals who commit crimes because of clinically diagnosed substance use dependency. Honesty and individual account ability are at the foundation of the drug treatment court program. The multi-disciplinary program involves a team of profession als led by District Court Judge Howard Recht, including the court’s drug coordinator, a pro bation officer, community-based treatment providers (Western Montana Treatment Services and

Sapphire Community Health), a sheriff’s deputy, an Assistant County Attorney and a represen tative from the Public Defender’s Office, and other local community agency representatives dedicated to serving the population living in recovery.

Judge Howard Recht said he’s “extremely pleased to see our first treatment court par ticipants graduate.” Regarding these participants, Judge Recht stated, “They have worked hard to consistently demonstrate a willingness to remain law-abiding and sober. They want to show the community that they have ad dressed their issues and want to remain contributing members of the community. I recognize that

their course in Treatment Court has not been easy. It has required their time, dedication, and re sources. The staff members of the Treatment Court have invested in them, and these graduates are showing that this has been a good investment and that it will contin ue to pay dividends in the future. I wish them well as they continue to maintain a sober, law-abiding future.”

Nearly 40 treatment courts are in operation around Mon tana, including adult and juve nile drug courts, family/depen dency and neglect drug courts, DUI courts, adult co-occurring courts, tribal healing to wellness courts, and veterans’ treatment courts.

Kids’ backpack food program at Stevensville schools to benefit from Parade of Trees

A2Z Personnel, with the support of the non-profit Proj ect 59870, is raising funds this holiday season to support the Stevensville Schools Backpack and Pantry Programs.

The goal of the Stevensville Schools Backpack and Pantry Programs is to meet the needs of chronically hungry students and provide more food security so they can concentrate and perform the complex tasks required in school. Increasing students’ food security allows for more engage ment in their learning environ ments and greatly increases their likelihood for academic, behav ioral, and future success.

Stevensville Primary School’s

Backpack Program has been pro viding meals for students on the weekends since January of 2016 and sends home between 3844 bags of food each week. The weekend food bags are non-per ishable and consist of:

• two servings of cereal

• two servings of fruit, typical ly a fruit cup or apple sauce

• two servings of lunch/dinner

• one cereal bar and one serv ing of condensed milk

Through generous donations from community members, businesses, and organizations, Stevensville Primary School is also able to provide supplemental servings of fresh fruits and vege tables each week, and addition

al food over long weekends or school holiday breaks.

The Stevensville Middle/High School Pantry program has been providing meals for students/ families since 2018 and serves ap proximately 20-30 students each week. Studentsin grades 6th-12th have the opportunity and flexi bility to select preferred items to bring home each week.

Proceeds for the Parade of Trees online auction will go to this program. Monetary dona tions can also be dropped off at A2Z Personnel at 215 Main. Checks should be made out to Project 59870 with “Backpack Program” in the memo. Call Liz at 406-880-2007 for more info.

Hunter check stations continue to report slightly above-average hunter success in our region

Hunter check stations in west-central Montana continue to report elk and deer harvests up from last year and the five-year average.

The number of hunter trips through the check stations near Darby, Bonner, Fish Creek, and Anaconda totals 6,769 so far this season. These hunters checked 239 elk, 81 mule deer and 299 white-tailed deer, compared to 141 elk, 71 mule deer and 258 white-tailed deer at this point in the 2021 season.

Cold, snowy weather began al most as soon as the 2022 general big game season opened and has been one contributor to hunter success. Temperatures were on average 30 degrees cooler over the past week, compared to 2021, and snow accumulations are one to two feet ahead of last season in most places in the region.

Elk harvest is up at all three stations, and most notably at the hunter check station near Darby, where a large portion of the elk tally includes those harvested in

the Big Hole Valley. White-tailed deer harvest also continues to outpace recent years in most places, due in part to more lib eral regulations in some hunting districts. Mule deer harvest is up from last year and the five-year average region wide.

Hunters must stop at all check stations that they pass, even if they have not harvested any animals. The general big game season runs through Sunday, Nov. 27.

Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee accepting project proposals

The Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is now accepting new project proposals for 2023. The project submission deadline is close of business on December 15th, 2022. The RAC is anticipating approximately $200,000 in project funding to award. Fund ing and administration for the Ravalli RAC is provided under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-De termination Act.

Projects must benefit National Forest System lands and ecosys tems in Ravalli County. Projects must meet established criteria and improve federal lands in the following areas: roads and trails, infrastructure maintenance, soil and forest ecosystem health, watershed restoration, maintenance and improvement of wild

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

life and fish habitat, control of noxious weeds, re-establishment of native species.

At least 50% of all project funds are dedicated to restoring streams and watersheds; or road maintenance, decommissioning or removal. Projects may be on private land but must show a direct benefit to National Forest System lands.

Project application forms are available online at https://www. fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOC UMENTS/fseprd680169.pdf. To submit a project proposal, send an application totod.mckay@ usda.gov by December 15th, 2022.

The Ravalli Resource Advisory Committee will meet in the winter of 2023 to hear project proposals

and make funding recommen dations. Meeting dates have not yet been finalized. The RAC is comprised of a group of local citizens representing a wide array of interests. Since 2001, RAC has approved more than $2.65 mil lion in funding for projects that benefit National Forest System lands in Ravalli County. For more information on submitting a project proposal, contact Abbie Jossie, Darby/Sula District Ranger at 406-821-4244 or abbie.jossie@usda.gov or Tod McKay, RAC Coordinator at 406363-7122.

Project 59870 to participate in Festival of Trees

Project 59870 to participate in Festival of Trees

This year, instead of holding a gala in Stevens ville, Project 59870 will be part of the Festival of Trees in Hamilton. The non-profit organization is one of several non-profits throughout the valley that have been invited to participate in the event put on by Bitterroot Health.

Project 59870 helps facilitate and raise funds for projects that benefit the residents of the greater Stevensville community. Some of its successful efforts include raising the money to build the Stevensville Splash Pad at Lewis & Clark Park, providing micro-grants to help businesses stay afloat during the pandemic, financial support for the Stevi Summer Food Program, the Stevensville Sharing Tree, and the Kids Backpack Programs at Stevensville and Lone Rock schools.

“We really hope everyone will come to the Festival of Trees and bid on our tree,” said Victoria Howell, Project 59870 chair. “It was designed by Jan Perrin, well-known for her beautiful creations. This is our only major fundraiser this year and we want to replenish our coffers so we can continue providing help to those who need it.”

The Festival of Trees starts November 19 at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds and ends with a ban quet and live auction on Tuesday, November 22.

For more information, go to www.bitter roothealth.org/FofT or call the Bitterroot Health Foundation at 406-375-4674.

Humane Shelter ‘CAT-pacity’ sale in progress

Cats, kittens, cats, oh my! The Bitter Root Hu mane Association is holding a “CAT-pacity” Sale at the Shelter in Hamilton. The cat rooms are full, so BRHA needs to make room for all the homeless felines that are still coming through the doors.

From now through Sunday, November 27th, the “CAT-pacity” Sale will feature reduced adop tion fees with all approved adoption applications.

Fee discounts include: adult cats for $50 and kittens under 11 months old, $75 each.These dis counted fee prices also include BRHA’s “Cat Buddy Program”: adopt two adult cats for the price of one and kittens are full price for the first and 50% off for the second when adopted at the same time. Community members age 55+ are eligible to adopt a senior feline, seven years of age or older, under the “Senior to Senior” Program with fees waived completely. All the feline adoptions include spay/ neuter, basic vaccinations, micro-chipped and ID tag.

If you’ve got room in your heart and home, now is the “purr-fect” time to adopt your new feline family member. The Humane Shelter is located at 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton with adoption hours Tuesday-Friday, 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.

For more information call 406-363-5311 or online at www.bitterroothumane.org.