Bitterroot Star - November 17, 2021

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

Stevensville Parade of Lights

’ ! l a c o L t

a t s e B e h ‘T Volume XXXVII, Number 18

www.bitterrootstar.com

Dec. 3 • 6:30 pm Decorate your car or truck for Car Parade Call Liz for info 406-880-2007

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Town of Darby, former mayor sued by Michael Howell A complaint and demand for a jury trial has been filed in Ravalli County District Court by former Darby Public Works Director Terry Linton against the Town of Darby and former Mayor Matthew Locati, claiming wrongful discharge along with allegations of libel, slander, and deceit. The lawsuit, filed on September 29 of this year, has apparently gone largely undiscussed by the current Town Council and administration. The town’s current mayor, Ruth Lendrum, told the Bitterroot Star last week that she was aware of the issue but could not discuss pending litigation. Town Council member

Tammie Jones, who has been on the council since last August, said that she had remembered seeing a memo once about the lawsuit but did not believe that the council had discussed it. She said she was not aware of any details concerning the case and did not know why exactly the lawsuit had been filed. Council member Bill De Spain, however, said he was aware of the lawsuit and was also at the meetings “where Terry was basically fired.” He said, “If Terry had simply come in and said there were charges brought against him and that he agreed with some of them but did not agree with all of them, but if you guys would give me another 120 days and keep an eye

on me, I’ll do everything the mayor asks me to do, then I think he would still be employed. But he was caught in multiple lies and he admitted it and there is no way that he can get out of it.” De Spain also mentioned that when Linton appeared at the meeting with an attorney the attorney was not allowed to speak. He said there was a rule in the Town’s charter where a person can have support present on their side, but that person cannot speak. He said when the attorney tried to speak, “I read off that section to him in our charter and he got very quiet. He understood it.” De Spain said that at the time, current Council President McKinney tried to make

Country Christmas in Stevi is a go

See CHRISTMAS, page 5

See DARBY, page 6

Let’s Turkey Trot! Dominic Farrenkopf, with Sapphire Lutheran Homes, was making the rounds last Friday in Stevensville and Darby, raising funds for Pantry Partners and the Darby Bread Box. This Thursday, he’ll be in Hamilton all day. This is the 5th annual “Turkey Trot.” He’s pictured here with Melissa Elmore, sales clerk at Browsing Bison Bookstore in Stevensville. Elmore encourages folks to “be generous with this turkey.” Donations can also be made directly by calling Darby Bread Box, 821-2081; Haven House, 363-2450, or Pantry Partners, 777-0351. Dominic says, “Tell ‘em the turkey sent you!”

by Victoria Howell The annual Country Christmas celebration in Stevensville, sponsored by the Stevensville Civic Club and local businesses, will be held Friday and Saturday, December 3rd and 4th. The evening will kick off with the Parade of Lights, which will be allvehicle 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 by members of the Stevensville High School Choir, view the Living Nativity, and hear the reading of the Christmas Story. Santa Claus will be riding 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 Liz at 880-2007 for more information.) Following the parade, the winner of the Flip the Switch coloring contest, sponsored by the Town of Stevensville, will flip the switch that turns on the overhead holiday street lights. A2Z Personnel is sponsoring tree and window decorating contests for local businesses. The public can vote on these from Monday, November 29th through Friday, December 3rd. Winners will get to display the traveling trophies. New this year will be a live auction on the sidewalk in front of Rocky Mountain Bank, which will take place around 7 p.m. A select group of Christmas trees decorated by local businesses will be auctioned off to benefit Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the Bitterroot Valley. That program supplies a free book a month to children ages birth to 5. In addition to the trees, live auction items include a dinner at Mission Bistro for a family of four with a personal visit from Santa, gourmet cheesecakes and some mystery items. The end of the live auction will signal the beginning

an exception to that and allow him to speak on behalf of his client. “At that point I said, why do we even have a charter?” Former Mayor Matthew Locati did not return phone calls seeking comment on the lawsuit. According to the lawsuit, the circumstances leading up to Linton’s termination involved his absence from work due to potential exposure to COVID-19 among his family members. The lawsuit alleges that Linton was subjected to continually changing demands for various forms of verification about his or his family member’s status relating to COVID

Stevensville to move forward with transportation master plan update by Victoria Howell At its November 8th meeting, the Stevensville Town Council decided to hire Robert Peccia and Associates and HDR Engineering to do a Transportation Master Plan update. The current plan was last updated in 2006. Mayor Brandon Dewey said this agenda item came out of the council’s previous discussion regarding their frustration in dealing with the Burnt Fork Estates

subdivision proposal. “This is an initiative to rectify that situation,” said Dewey, “so that as future annexations and growth occur there is some sort of plan in place to deal with that.” He said the update will cover all modes of transportation (walking, bicycling, sidewalks, etc.) The Town received only one response to the advertised Request for Qualifications, a joint proposal from HDR and RPA. Dewey said the Planning Board

had reviewed the proposal and recommended approval. “We are pretty fortunate to get this type of proposal from an engineering firm,” said council member Paul Ludington who also sits on the Planning Board. “There are a lot of changes to the area since the last plan was done… this is more of a plan for what we will be able to do in the future and facilitate See STEVI, page 4

Lions Club donates to cancer center The Hamilton Lions Club has donated $4000 to the cancer center that is being built at the Bitterroot Health/Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton “On behalf of the generosity of all of the people that played Lions Club Bingo at the Ravalli County Fair, Hamilton Lions Club President Dixie Dies and Vice President Dr. Rob Wilkins presented a $4000.00 donation to the new Cancer Center at Bitterroot Health,” said

Dixie Dies, Hamilton Lions Club President. “This is the first time our club has chosen a specific organization to receive proceeds from the Bingo Booth,” said Dies. “In the past, Bingo Booth profits have always stayed in the community to help with eyesight and hearing needs and diabetes education. We will continue with that mission. We are here and ‘We Serve.’” Dies said the club realized how

important the Cancer Center is to the community and wanted to do something to help with that effort. She said the important part of the donation is that it came from all of the people that played bingo at the fair. Fifty cents a card, three cards for a dollar, over four days. “The donation came from the community, the Lions club just helped with the follow through,” said Dies. “Thank you – to all of the bingo players for your generosity.”

Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

THANK YOU for supporting the 2021 Colors of Cancer campaign Together, we raised

$101,256 Cancer

Colors of

2021

inspired by our friends and neighbors who are cancer warriors and their caregivers. Bitterroot Health pledged to match October’s donations dollar for dollar. Our campaign continues until we’ve raised enough for a new cancer/infusion center in Hamilton UP NEXT: Online auction in Dec. for holiday gifts

32auctions.com/ColorsofCancerHOLIDAY

THANK YOU

to our campaign sponsors & major donors

ROB & TERRY RYAN VALERIE GATES GARY LYNN ROBERTS FINE ART DARBY RODEO ASSOCIATION & Treasure State Frames

OCTOBER - MATCHED FUNDS $5,000 - $10,000

Brent & Arlene Musburger Darby Rodeo Association Evans Ace Hardware $2,500 to $4,999

Clearwater Credit Union Hamilton Lions Club HHS PINK OUT - Ella Gablehausen Hospital employees - kick-off lunch Mike & Pattie Ducey

$1,000 to $2,499

5K participants David & Colleen Dennis Garlington, Lohn & Robinson Hospital employees - art swap/sale John & Linda Bird Judy Grewe Kerry Hanson, PureWest Realty Valley Drug & Variety

$250 to $999

4G Plumbing & Heating Ann & Jim Mildenberger Anne Merrifield Amber Pike, Aliva Designs Bill & Karen Leard Deborah Peterson Family Medicine Center J&J Lumber Kathryn Urquhart Marylynn Leiter Nap’s Grill Ravalli County Federal Credit Union Tin Can Brewery TrailWest Bank

$249 and below A2Z Personnel

Betty Andrews CanyonView Dental - Dr. S. Gividen LubeQuick Nukhet & Jon Anders Residents of Sapphire Luthern Homes Snow Mountain Electric

Key Volunteers this fall Andrew & Sara Searle Angie Bratsch Arianne Pearce Baylie Nordgren BreAnn Duce Bryn Letola Dara & Andrew Kilian Darlene Corkrum HHS Cheerleaders HHS Girls Volleyball Team Jill Hansen Ken & Bev Cramer LDS Missionaries Liliana Pennington Lisa Heppner Maria & Isabella Kanenwisher Pam & Patrick Chaplin Robin & Randy Yeargan Rocky & Tracy Bailey Shannon Urso Sierra Berry Spence & Sandy Lloyd In-kind donors

Opportunity Bank Tom & Carron Grymes Norma Pfaff Fine Art Cynthie Fisher Fine Art Steve Wilson Fine Art Alyssa Durling Fine Art Barefoot Basics - Jeanie Robbins Canyons Athletic Club Evans Ace Hardware James Main Jr.

KLYQ The Screening Room WestSlope Distillery Flower Happy Walter & Judy Grewe Ryan & Stephanie Searle Larry & Susan Levenstein Utmost Enterprises Morgan Hill, artisan Bison Boys

SPECIAL THANKS TO: • OUR 5K PARTICIPANTS • MDMH EMS SERVICES • HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PROJECTS during 2021 Tanner Hanson Austin Drake Olivia Burns Ella Gabelhausen

OTHER RECOGNITION $10,000 pledges for 2022

First Security Bank Darby Rodeo Association $5,000 Gala / Event Sponsors

Massa Home Center Farmers State Bank TrailWest Bank Paul & Ann Thomas Herb & Melinda Depp (2) anonymous Virginia Mason Franciscan Health System, Seattle

Gala supporters / Sept. donors Rob & Amy Horlacher Ron & Susannah Madeen Bill & Judy Rummel Scott Smith & Lois Hedg-peth Mark & Mimi Jergens Linda Dodds Dr. Ed & Linda Voss Tom & Judy Anderson Max & Tina Coleman Michael Faulk Dr. Tim & Mary Woods John & Halsey Bishop Troy & Kerry Hanson Dr. April Weinberger & Seth G. Jason & Becci Bargfrede Bobby & Kate Pfennings Kellie & Larry Lockhart Chris & Trina Barrow Bob & Becky Byrne Donaldson Brothers Dr. Benjamin & Rachael Watters Lisa & Brian Glenn Betsy Kratofil, Cornerstone Realty Criddles - Beehive Homes Ed & Michelle Adams Laura Merrill & Janine Benyus Robert & Maggie Stelzl Dr. Donald & Joni Lodmell David & Marsha Chambers David & Barb Garten Charlene Schaefer Stephen & Bethany Loosli Susan Thraen

& Charles Scripps - our generous donor for the new Darby Clinic

BITTERROOTHEALTH.org/GIVE

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 3

Sabai Massage has found a niche through serving veterans by Victoria Howell According to Rachel Smead, owner of Sabai Massage in Stevensville, “sabai” is a Thai word that means “happy, comfortable, relaxed.” Smead has been a certified massage therapist for the past 17 years. In 2020, she opened her Main Street business. She had come to the realization that it was time to either quit or expand, and she chose the latter. She says the valley had a need for “immediately available massage” and she aimed to fill that need. Since then, her business has expanded to seven massage therapists, as well as a craniosacral therapist and an esthetician. “We are really growing,” said Rachel. “The support from the community is amazing.” Smead said that before coming to Stevensville, for the first six years of her career she provided massage services to active duty military personnel, for four years at bases in Germany and then three years at Little Rock Air Force Base. She’s always had a soft spot for veterans. In March of 2020, she got a phone call letting her know that the Veterans Administration was now covering the cost of massage. Smead decided

to become credentialed and approved by the VA. But, she says, nobody knew then that massage was a covered cost. Smead started seeing veterans with VA coverage last year. By now people know about this option. Smead said the VA has been really generous Rachel Smead, Certified Massage Therapist and owner of Sabai in Stevensville, caters to the in the amount needs of veterans through her massage business. The Veterans Administration has added of massages massage therapy to the list of covered services. Photo by Victoria Howell. they allow to be covered. Now two of her other practitioners are credentialed, and three others are currently going

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the courses being offered or to register please call: (406) 210.5129 or email your questions and/or registration to: adulteducation@lonerockschool.org, or you can mail your registration to: Lone Rock Adult Education Attn: Julie Bachman 1112 Three Mile Creek Road Stevensville, MT 59870

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through the process to be certified. Soon there will be six therapists at Sabai that can provide covered services to veterans. “I really want the veteran community to know this is an option that is available to them,” said Smead. She said having so many therapists that can offer this is a really big deal. She said all of the therapists at Sabai have a special connection to veterans. “Kristin’s dad is retired Navy, Marnie worked for years in VA mental health and Sara is a natural patriot,” said Smead. “We feel honored to be able to give back this way.” Veterans who would like to schedule a massage at Sabai need a referral from their primary care physician who will contact the VA. Smead said she is not sure who else in the area is doing this VA-covered massage. She said she would love to know so they could collaborate. Smead is looking into the possibility of a yoga program for veterans as well. “I want to take part in their total wellness,” said Smead. “It’s about quality of life. This doesn’t feel like work to me because it’s something I care about. Veterans are my heart.” Sabai is located at 314 Main in Stevensville. The phone number is (406) 414-9200.

Evans Ace Hardware

Community Corner

• CPR • Smart Phones PRE-REGISTERED • Cooking/Baking • Guitar Please do NOT send in payments. • Intro to iPads & • Wood Carving Payment is due the first Tablets • Weight Loss night of class. • Firearm Safety •SENIOR Selling and Buying CITIZENS • Scrapbooking & on eBay/Craigslist Card Making • Fly Fishing/Tying • Intermediate Chris and Rachel Computers will be smoking

For more information, please contact

JULIE BACHMAN at 406-210-5129 adulteducation@lonerockschool.org

2022 MEDICARE CHANGES GET THE INFO YOU NEED

Annual Election Period Ends Dec. 7th • INSULIN Savings Progam - $35 co-pay through the GAP on Select Insulins • NEW Plans available for 2022 Dental/Vision/Hearing included • Medicare Advantage • Some plans include a “GIVE • Medicare Supplements BACK” benefit that REDUCES • Part D Drug Plans your PART B premium Contact me for participating plans - Your Local Licensed Agent

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Come see us Saturday for our

ThanksGrilling Event!

up turkey and Thanksgiving samples on the Traeger! All spices, rubs, and sauces 20% off! Check out our Holiday Sales! We’re taking donations for the Daly Mansion! Daly Mansion Event Schedule - Winter 2021

• Fri., Nov. 19 & Sat., Nov. 20 - Holly Jolly Craft Show, 10 am-5 pm • Dec. 6-11 & 13-18 - Holiday Feature Tours • Sat., Dec. 11 - Special Evening Tour Featuring a Concert by the

Bitterroot Valley Chorus • Sat., Dec. 18 Santa at the Mansion

714 N. 1st St. Hamilton 406-363-3351

Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Stevi: preparing for administrative transition

continued from page one

further action by the Town.” Dewey said updating the Transportation Master Plan will put the Town in a better position as the infrastructure bill just passed by Congress gets implemented. Getting the plan done will help demonstrate the need for certain projects and help prioritize those projects, he said. The motion by Ludington to select HDR and RPA was approved 3-0 (council member Jaime Devlin was

absent). The council also approved a contract with Central Square/ Zuercher for a police department reporting software system. This would be an improved system over what the department has been using. The Montana Board of Crime Control has offered a grant with an $18,000 grant with an $1800 match to switch to this better system which is the same that Ravalli County Sheriff’s

Supporting veterans

The Florence American Legion Post 134 hosted a Veterans dinner at a local health and fitness center as part of their Veterans Day activities. Legion Commander Terry Wahl (right) and board member Jim Hamilton (left) are shown with owner Silas Torrey at his fitness center in Florence Thursday evening. Torrey allows the Post to use his facility for meetings and dinners as appropriate. Post members donated and prepared all the food served at the dinner. Silas Torrey has a full gym with indoor Pickleball courts to promote fitness for the Florence/Stevensville/Victor communities.

Department uses and will allow for better reporting of crimes and better communication. Mayor Dewey said the annual maintenance fee is $1600 plus a subscription, so the total cost yearly cost to the Town will be about $2000 going forward which would include technical support. The contract was unanimously approved. The council also decided to move forward with an agreement between the Town and the Stevensville School District to provide a CARES police officer at the school. Mayor Dewey said that this is a hybrid of the former School Resource Officer and that the school has agreed verbally to partner with the Town on helping with the cost of this program and this position. Chief Mac Sosa has prepared a contract between school district and town to be retroactive to the beginning of September. The council unanimously approved the plan and the contract will now go the school district for ratification. The council also unanimously approved an amendment to an agreement with HDR for engineering services, adding a water tank condition assessment and grant application preparation at a cost of approximately $253,000. Dewey said they want to complete the assessment before applying for an American Rescue Plan Act grant for water system improvements.

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The council also unanimously consented to the appointment of Robert Rohbock as Volunteer Firefighter Engineer and Landon Henderson as Firefighter Cadet. Consent of Landen Henderson as firefighter cadet. Unanimously approved. A discussion on whether to replace yield signs with stop signs on Buck Street at the north and south sides of W, 3rd and W. 4th Streets was tabled to November 23 when the citizen requesting the change could be present. Mayor Dewey said that the administration is easing into the transition following the results of the recent mayoral election, which Dewey lost. He said he had received indication from some staff members that they are planning to resign. “Given that, there may be some transition hiccups or delays that we’ll just have to address on a case by case basis… If we receive a resignation for a position, I’m not inclined to replace that position under my last 55 days in office. I’ll essentially hold that until Mr. Gibson can come in and make that selection and decide whether he wants that position replaced and who he wants that position replaced with. So if there’s a change in service delivery because of those resignations, we just ask that the public to be patient with us.”

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Bitterroot Conservation District Steve Vogt Memorial $10,000 Scholarship Award The Bitterroot Conservation District (BCD) will award one Ravalli County High School Senior a $10,000.00 ($2,500 per year for four years) scholarship in honor of long time Bitterroot Conservation District board member and rancher, Steve Vogt. More specific detailed requirements and the scholarship application form can be found on the BCD website at http:/bitterrootcd. org/, from your school

counselor, or by calling the BCD office at 406361-6181. The competition is open to Ravalli County Montana Public and Private High School seniors. The application deadline for the 2022 BCD Scholarship program is the 15th of March 2022. Governed by locally elected supervisors, Montana’s 58 CDs are state-created political subdivisions whose boundaries usually follow county lines. For over 85 years CDs have been conserving our state’s resources by helping local people match their needs with technical and financial resources, thereby getting good conservation practices on the ground to the benefit of all Montanans.

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

Hamilton Eagles Lodge gives back to community

Slower than average hunting season Deer and elk harvest reported at the hunter check stations near Darby, Anaconda, Bonner, and Fish Creek sit below the five-year average as snow depths remain low and temperatures mild. Just under two weeks remain in Montana’s general big game hunting season, which closes on November 28. Over the first four weekends of the season, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff tallied 6,947 hunter trips through the Anaconda, Bonner, Darby and Fish Creek check stations combined. Hunters checked 141 elk,

71 mule deer, and 258 white-tailed deer, compared to 187 elk, 56 mule deer and 283 white-tailed deer at this point last year. As of Sunday evening, FWP Bitterroot-based wildlife biologist, Rebecca Mowry, reported 92 elk through the Darby hunter check station, the lowest since the station began operating on weekends-only in 2014. The harvest of 37 mule deer through the Darby station was the highest in the past five years, while the white-tailed deer harvest of 36 was on par with the five-year average.

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The Bingo Committee of the Hamilton Eagles Lodge is donating the money they make from bingo nights to worthy causes in the community. They recently gave $500 to the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department for the new fire hall, and $1000 to the Hamilton Boxing Club, which they support on an ongoing basis. Pictured above right, second from left, is Brian Taggart, secretary/treasurer of the Hamilton VFD, with bingo committee members Jeff Olsen, Sis Mitchell, Merrick Schonfeld, Francine Dyke and Nick Nichols, Eagles President. Pictured above left is the bingo committee with volunteer boxing coach Travis Bennett and his two sons, Roland and Evan. Photos by Victoria Howell.

Christmas in Stevensville continued from page one

of an online auction that runs from December 3rd to December 6th. The online auction will feature more decorated trees, stockings stuffed with special gift items, gift baskets and a cork pull, where people can purchase a cork that represents a “mystery” bottle of wine. The proceeds of the online auction will also benefit Imagination Library. As always, Stevensville’s downtown businesses will have open houses and special sales during the Country Christmas celebration. Free horsedrawn wagon rides will be available on Friday evening, loading at Cenex and 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 snow globe display. Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Museum will host the Nativities Around the World and

Snow Globe Display on December 3, 4 and 5. (You can share your nativities and snow globes in this special exhibit by bringing them to St. Mary’s Mission at 315 Charlos Street on Nov. 30, Dec. 1 or 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 777-5734 for information.) A2Z Personnel is sponsoring a yard decoration contest with voting by the public through December 29th. Entries are due December 1st. 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 29th. You will also be able to vote on Facebook. The winner will be announced on December 31st. For more information contact Liz at 880-2007.

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Please contact Hamilton School District with any questions 406-363-2280 ext. 2513 or visit our website at www.hsd3.org

Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Darby: suit seeks damages for former employee

continued from page one and was fired for contradictory and irrational reasons. It states in the lawsuit that on January 29, 2021, Linton found a letter addressed to him on Lenny Beiler’s chair in the Public Works office. The letter was signed by Locati on Town of Darby letterhead and dated January 29, 2021. The full text of the letter follows: “This letter is to provide you notice of the investigation of your actions with relation to abuse of leave, insubordination, lack of trust, dereliction of duties, and theft of taxpayer funds, currently underway by my office as the Mayor of the Town of Darby. You are hereby immediately placed on administrative leave without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. Furthermore, understand when the investigation is concluded, there will be disciplinary action(s) taken.” It states in the lawsuit that, “as ordered, Terry did not report to work and heard nothing more from Locati or any other Darby representative until the morning of Monday, February 8, 2021, when Terry went to the Darby clerk’s office to get his paycheck, while he was still on what Locati called ‘unpaid administrative leave.’” The Town Clerk informed Linton that his paycheck would not be released to him until he made an appointment with Locati. At around noon on February 8, 2021, he met with Locati who handed him a termination letter dated February 5, 2021, his final paycheck, and a payout of his annual leave and sick leave. The termination letter, on Town of Darby letterhead, claimed that Linton’s termination was effective February 5, 2021, and again accused Linton of “abuse of leave, insubordination, lack of trust, dereliction of duties, and theft of taxpayer funds.” Linton’s attorney Dan Browder claims in the lawsuit that the statements in the letter are demonstrably false and have no factual basis and that Locati and Darby were or should have been aware that the statements were false. He also claims that no real investigation was ever conducted. Browder also argues that the Policy

Manual gave Linton the right to be “included in the investigative process and allowed to share [his] account of the suspected violation or misconduct in question before discipline is issued.” “Terry was never afforded such opportunity,” he writes. “Locati determined, in advance and in clear and direct violation of Darby’s Policy Manual, that Terry would be disciplined before an investigation was conducted.” Despite the fact that the termination letter stated that Linton’s termination was purportedly effective February 5, 2021, Browder claims Terry was never paid for the period from January 29 to February 8, 2021, when Locati handed him the termination letter. “Terry was therefore either terminated or constructively terminated on January 29, 2021, when Darby ceased paying him,” wrote Browder. Linton filed a first step grievance in February. In his letter Linton stated “the Mayor insinuated that I had lied about my COVID quarantine, and claimed that I ‘betrayed the trust of Town Hall and the trust of our citizens, and have committed no less than theft of taxpayer funds and abuse of leave.’ I strenuously deny these outrageous allegations.” Linton claims that if there had been any real investigation, it would show that he acted in the most appropriate and safe manner under the circumstances. Locati responded to the grievance in a letter dated March 4, stating, “Your due process rights were not violated because you were told of the issue before any action by me was taken, and shortly after you had been informed by me, you arrived unannounced at my doorstep that weekend to try and convince me of your side of the story and how you didn’t want me to think you were lying, and that you had erroneously made ‘assumptions’ relating to your COVID-19 quarantine claims. The 6 days you took off with pay due to your lies is absolutely theft of taxpayer funds and abuse of leave.” Attorney Dan Browder submitted a Step 2 grievance letter on behalf of Linton on March 18 stating that the town’s response to Terry’s first

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You are the reason we’ll always push the boundaries of medicine. We understand you and your ups and downs. That’s why we’re dedicated to being there when you need us most, pushing the boundaries of medicine while never losing sight of the role compassion plays in the way we deliver world-class health care.

grievance letter was written by and signed by Mayor Locati, the person who fired Terry and the person against whom the grievance was directed. Yet Darby’s Policy Manual expressly states: “If the grievance is against the Mayor, the employee will file with the Council/ Town Attorney. (MMIA suggests using a third party—city attorney or outside attorney rather than involving the City Council in Personnel matters).” In this case, Browder argues, “the Mayor has acted as supervisor, investigator, judge, jury, and for the grievance, also even the court of appeal. Clearly Mayor Locati is not the right person to objectively evaluate this matter, and his doing so violated the Darby Policies quoted above and the policies discussed below.” Attorney for the Town of Darby, Benjamin Burns, from Kalispell, responded to the grievance letter, noting that Linton had not yet exhausted the Town’s administrative grievance procedures and as such has not been deprived of due process. He states that the grievance is being forwarded to the City Council for an independent review. He states, “the Council will conduct an independent review and may either accept all or part of the Mayor and/or their designee’s recommendations or reject the recommendations and formulate their own resolution to the disputed issue.” Burns also defends Locati and the Town’s actions and states that in his opinion Linton’s conduct would qualify as violations of “employee conduct/ behavior/performance standards that would permit potential disciplinary action. Likewise, the Town at its discretion may choose termination as a disciplinary action.” One problem with Burns’ reply, according to Browder, is that it contained two letters that were attached purporting to be the January 29, 2021 letter giving Linton notice of Locati’s “investigation” and the termination letter. Browder notes that neither of the documents attached to Burns’ response letter are the actual documents that Locati/Darby sent to Linton. Browder states in his lawsuit, “Presenting false documents in support

of Terry’s termination is another instance of false, malicious, deceitful, and slanderous conduct by Locati and other Defendants.” Browder maintains that Linton was fired for no good cause and was effectively fired when the town quit paying him; that he was fired in retaliation for following public health guidance and that the reasons proffered were “false, arbitrary, capricious and pretextual.” Charges of slander and per se slander allege that by charging Linton with crimes in their writings, the defendants tended to directly injure Terry in respect to his office, profession, trade, and business. Damages claimed include loss of his job, denial of unemployment, other economic damages, harm to his professional reputation, harm to his standing in his community, emotional distress, and the expense of hiring legal counsel to clear his name. The deceit charges have to do with the letters that were attached to Burns’ reply to the grievance. The lawsuit accuses one or more of the defendants of having tampered with public records. The charge alleges that one or more of the defendants “willfully presented false documents to Linton, to the Town Attorney, and to the Town Council, and that the statements in the purported letters were presented as facts of Darby’s prior communication to Linton, but the statements were not true and that the defendants knew or should have known that the documents were false and the statements within them were not true.” The lawsuit seeks punitive damages against Locati who is being sued individually as well as in his capacity as Mayor, claiming that Locati exhibited a reckless or callous disregard for Linton’s rights, that Locati’s conduct was precipitated by actual malice, that he had notice of the facts that contradicted his false statements and claims, and that he deliberately acted in conscious or intentional disregard of the facts, causing a high probability of injury to Linton. Linton seeks a jury trial and award of damages, punitive damages and attorney’s fees and costs.

We see the life in you.

Providence.org/Life

Opinion Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Covid lies and manipulations

Why is there such an incessant push for this new and experimental, yet clearly ineffective vaccine?! “It’s the science!” proves: 1- a survival rate of 98+% (taken from the CDC site itself comparing cases to deaths), 2- that the vaccine does NOT work, because those vaccinated (and wearing a mask that does NOT block the .1 micron sized virus!) still get sick, pass the virus, and even die from the virus (notice how the number of vaccines has gone up from one to three... for now... (sounds very experimental to me!) 3- these vaccines kill people... with no legal recourse, because the manufacturers have federal immunity (why do they need federal immunity, if it works the way they says it does?!). You ought to be following the money (and demanding the shysters be held accountable!): the vaccine manufacturers are making liabilityfree money off this, and there’s a reason that many of our senators/ congressional representatives paying for two houses (and transportation to/from) off less than $200K a year are multi-millionaires: lobbying kickbacks (read: bribes). Of course, there’s the control side they also gain... because you’re literally giving up your Freedoms for a modern snake oil! Stop being manipulated by people who clearly are pushing something that’s ineffective at best, and killing people (with federal immunity) at worst. And just for you, Bitterroot Star reporters... why don’t you start start doing some objective research on the positive side of this problem, such as the survival rate, our bodies immunity design (various forms on ‘humans’ have been around for millions of years, so it must be pretty good!), vitamin/herbal supplements to decrease/minimize the effects of covid-19, faulty studies in the beginning of this, doctors (such as Dr David Martin) speaking out against these vaccines, suicide rates going up because of this, Ivermectin use (in use by people since the 1970s) discussed in the National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health), people dying (and getting other horrible side effects) from the covid vaccines, etc. After all, there are two sides to every story, so why don’t you start telling the other side? Mike Miller Stevensville

FDA approval Covid-19 vaccine for 5-11 year olds

FDA committee members that reviewed the Pfizer vaccine for children have worked for Pfizer or have connections to Pfizer. Members include a former vice-president of Pfizer, a recent consultant for Pfizer, a recent Pfizer research grant recipient, a man who mentored a current top

Pfizer vaccine executive, a man who runs a center that gives out Pfizer vaccines, and a chair of Pfizer data group. Recent FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb is on Pfizer’s Board of Directors. This Committee recently approved the use of Pfizer vaccine in 5-11 year olds. First question, “why does this age group need this shot” with a 99.9% survival rate? Covid-19 has very little affect on children. During discussion, Dr. Eric Rubin stated they don’t even know how safe it is. “But, we’re never going to learn how safe the vaccine is unless you start giving it. That’s just the way it goes.” ARE YOU KIDDING! Unfortunately, he isn’t. One doctor shared data on myocarditis/pericarditis during the meeting using words like “high” and “excess risk.” They publicly stated they don’t know how it affects adolescents but are willing to use YOUR children to test it. VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Reporting System) for the CDC gives reported adverse reactions to Covid-19 vaccine. Last report listed 818,042 adverse events, with 17,128 deaths. CDC protocol for considering a person “vaccinated” is TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SECOND SHOT. Any adverse reaction before that is not reported as an adverse event. It is estimated that VAERS is only showing 1% of cases. Parents, do your own research on this EXPERIMENTAL vaccine (until 2023). Research using search engine DuckDuckgo, listen to the FDA committee meeting, check out videos on Rumble, Bitchute or Odyssee. Do it for your children. Lurina Egusquiza Hamilton

PLWA obviously lost!

A recent article in the Bitterroot Star, dated October 27th, reported that the public Land Water Access Association (PLWA) has filed suit against Ravalli County over the Hughes Creek gate. The article says the PLWA “point out that the National Forest trail that lies beyond the gate leads to the Bitterroot National Forest, the Salmon National Forest, the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and thousands of acres of recreation.” Allow me to clarify: The Ravalli County Commissioners, in the so-called “fact finding hearings,” determined that the alleged county road does not service the national forest trail the PLWA is referring to. The road falls half a mile short, so you would have to trespass across private property to get there. The gate is also located on private property. All the properties behind the gate are Patented Mining Claims that were conveyed to private ownership before the Bitterroot National Forest existed. These properties are completely surrounded by the Bitterroot National Forest – an island of private land surrounded by federal land. You have to drive through miles and miles of the Bitterroot National Forest to get there.

There are more direct routes in the area that provide access to the Salmon National Forest, such as Woods Creek off the main West Fork Road – if the Forest Service hasn’t Kelly humped or placed a locked gate on it. The southern boundary of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is located approximately 20 air miles to the northwest of the Hughes Creek Gate. The most direct route would be to take the West Fork Road to Nez Perce Road. I’m telling you folks, you are going the wrong direction if you come to Hughes Creek to get to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. But the world is round, so if you travel in one direction around the world you could end up there eventually. I am of the understanding that the PLWA was founded by, and is largely run by, a group of retired Forest Service and Fish & Wildlife Service personnel – possibly the same people who gated and blocked off thousands of miles of public access roads but it’s okay to attack private property? The public should be concerned that these organizations mislead, lie and manipulate to get their way. The dishonesty is mind blowing, and these groups and their attorneys are filing lawsuits? I have watched this whole gate debacle unfold and I have to say: the landowners on the upper Hughes Creek have been denied due process of law, evidence was ignored and state statutes were manipulated to suit the County’s agenda (remove the gate). The court system is supposed to be there to settle these types of disagreements but instead denied the landowners their fair day in court to display evidence and find the real truth. This is clearly an attack on private property rights and is precedent setting. Perhaps the voters will seek an opportunity to correct this moral deterioration amongst our elected officials. Joe Kirschten Stevensville

Montana sportsmen/ women, wake up! I am a 68-year-old, retired farmer, fourth generation Montanan, and a lifelong avid hunter, angler, and conservationist with a degree in Wildlife Biology and research experience on large predators. I started farming in 1977. Now I own Circle S Ranch in eastern Montana and pay property taxes in five counties. I have always shared the bounty of the ranch with sportsmen and conservationists for free. No one has ever paid a dime for access. My wife and I have been engaged in conservation, habitat improvement, and fish and wildlife management for a lifetime and belong to many hunting and conservation groups. Several of us founded the Montana Sportsmen Alliance to be the voice of reason in sportsmen’s issues and MSA PAC to hold politicians accountable! I don’t

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hold myself out as a Republican or a Democrat. However, I write this letter as hunting season begins to urge all Montana hunters to start paying attention to how you vote, which party is helping local Montana hunters, and which one is not. This past legislature, ruled by an overwhelming Republican majority, was the worst I have ever seen for local Montana hunters. The laws passed by this Republican legislature and signed into law by the Republican Governor were rabidly anti-Montana Resident Sportsmen! The current Director, Deputy Director, and Fish and Wildlife Commission (all appointed by the Republican Governor) are the most incompetent I have ever seen. We resident Montana hunters are treated poorly and the comments we make are completely ignored by Republican legislators and the Republican Governor and his appointees. Here are just two examples to consider: 1. Years ago, the citizens of Montana passed I-161 and trounced the notion of guaranteeing tags for out-of-state guided hunters. However, this year our Republicanled legislature ignored that clear message. First, they tried passing a bill for these guaranteed licenses, which was defeated early in the legislative session because so many of us voiced our objection again. However, on the closing days of the session the Republicans snuck an amendment into another bill without any notice or opportunity to comment. This amendment did exactly what we had voted against years ago and had again voiced our objection to early in the session. This amendment guaranteed a license to every non-resident hunter who simply hires a guide. Our Republican Governor then signed it into law. 2. Following the legislative session, the Fish and Wildlife Commission (all but one appointed by our Republican governor) adopted a rule giving large landowners bull elk licenses to use as they see fit in exchange for allowing hunters, whom the landowners essentially select, to control the cow elk populations on their land. Make no mistake, the Republican Party, the Montana Outfitters and Guide Association, the Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Director and Deputy Director, and the Governor are moving rapidly toward Transferrable Tags, which means ranching for wildlife. Lack of transparency is rampant! Montana has an old and rich traditional heritage of hunting and fishing. These folks are out to deny that to us. One thing is certain. The Republicans and only the Republicans are responsible for these latest actions, which demonstrate that they have no respect for ethics or fair chase principles, while nonresidents are given priority over local resident hunters. Are we just going to sit back and let this happen? If we as hunters continue to vote for the Republican party, that is exactly what we will be doing. Joe L. Perry Brady

Bitterroot Star staff Jesse Mullen Owner

Alyssa DePompa Publisher

Victoria Howell Editor & Advertising Sales editor@bitterrootstar.com

Nathan Boddy Reporter nathanboddy09@gmail.com

Kevin Schumacher Advertising Sales kevin@bitterrootstar.com

Scott Sacry Advertising Sales scott@bitterrootstar.com

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

Member 2021

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Gamblers Anon

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

WIC clinics

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

Family Shelter

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

Stevensville Al-Anon

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

Brown Baggers Al-Anon

Brown Baggers Al-Anon meets Tuesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Open Minded Expressions Art Studio, 201 Daly Street, Hamilton. For more information, call 406-3630060.

Three Mile Coffee

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

BitterRodders Cars

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

Divorce Care

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

Calendar Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Victor Senior Center

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

Hamilton Senior Center

St. Mary’s Parish Mass

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

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

Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group

Golden Age Club

The Quantum Group of the Bitterroot invites you to attend its monthly meetings. You needn’t have knowledge of quantum physics to enjoy learning about this exciting field of science that affects our daily lives. Topics alternate each month between Science (particles, fields, etc. and their practical applications) and the Metaphysical aspects of quantum physics. Meetings feature presentations and discussion WHEN: The last Wednesday of each month. TIME: 6:30pm to 8:30pm WHERE: St. Francis Catholic Church Community Center, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton ENTER: Please enter through the North-facing door. Call 363-0683 for additional information.

Stevensville Senior Center

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

Victor Masons

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

Rotary Club

Rotary meets the first, third, and fourth Mondays at Noon at BJ’s restaurant at 900 N. 1st in Hamilton (across from Walgreens). The 2nd Monday of the month is the Breakfast meeting (coffee provided) starting at 7:30 AM at the Elks Lodge located in Hamilton at 203 State St. Guests and prospective members are welcome to attend.

Sapphire Quilt Club

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

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

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

203 Main St. Stevensville • 777-0028

Soul Suppers

Open for lunch Monday, Wednesday, Friday, serving from 11:45-12:30 p.m. Bridge, Sundays & Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Canasta (Hand and Foot), Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Cards/shufflers provided. $1. Pinochle, Fridays, 1 p.m. All supplies provided. $2. Flea Market, every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Center is located at 820 N. 4th Street. Pinochle, every Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. Coffee provided; wrapped candy OK, no food please. $2. Light exercise Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-10:00 a.m. 50 cents. The Club is located at 527 South 5th Street.

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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

Quantum Group

American Legion Post 94

Meetings 3rd Tuesday of month, 7 p.m., at 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For Info call Chuck, 253-380-7016.

Film screening Worship at 11:00 a.m. In this Church there shall be no outcasts. you are welcome to bring your own dinner and socialize between 6:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Elections for the 2022 officers and directors will take place. We will discuss our annual Christmas food pack which will take place on November 30th, in Stevensville. This is one of BCH’s volunteer jobs that is in partnership with Pantry Partners. For more information, please call Gene at 208-310-6326 or check out the website at www.bchmt. org/bitterroot. Find us on Facebook at: Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen (BR BCH).

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, November 19 at 12 noon at The Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Dr Al Olszewski who is running for Congress. This will also be the Fourth Annual Ed Hebner Memorial and Thanksgiving Lunch. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Holiday bazaar

Join us on November 20 for the St. Francis Holiday Bazaar! A great opportunity to begin your Christmas shopping for locally made gifts. There will be homemade baked goods, handmade quilts and crafts, books, gently used items, and raffle items. The Knights of Columbus will be serving coffee and doughnuts beginning at 9:00 and lunch at 11:30. Come enjoy the Holiday Bazaar!

Republican Women

Meetings 1st Tuesday of month, 6:30 p.m., at 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For info call Cheryl, 406-531-4132 or email cherylburgmeier@yahoo.com

Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 11:30 am at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Our guest speaker will be Quentin Rhoads talking about the Missoula Election Integrity Project. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Lions Club

Kids Shopping Day

American Legion Post 94 Auxiliary

The Hamilton Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesdays at noon at BJs restaurant 900 N First Street in Hamilton. Guests and prospective members are welcome to attend. For more information check https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/hamiltonmt/.

Great American Smoke Out

The Stevensville Clothes Closet (free store) will again be having the “Kids Shopping for Christmas” on Saturday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Donations for gifts are always welcome and appreciated. Volunteers are needed for elves and wrappers. For further information, you can call Gail Fisher at 777-5694 or 369-0394.

A single day of giving up tobacco can help you take the first step to a longer, healthier life. Let the Great American Smoke Out® event on Thursday, November 18th be your day to start your journey toward a tobacco-free life. On November 18th, join with other Montanans across the state and celebrate the Great American Smoke Out® by making that day the first day of your tobacco-free life. The Great American Smoke Out® raises awareness about the deaths and chronic diseases caused by smoking. Around 26% of Montana adults still use tobacco, and tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. Every year, 1,600 Montanans die from smoking-related illness. Quitting tobacco may seem impossible, but with a plan and the right support your chances of success increases. What better day to start than today? Call the Montana Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUITNOW to talk with our coaches about quitting.

Chili cook-off

Reagan Republican Club

The band, Nashville 406, will be playing western style music Saturday, Novembe 20, for dancing and your listening pleasure. At the Eagles Lodge (open to the public);125 N Second Street, Hamilton. 7 pm – 11 pm; $7 cover charge. Food and beverages available. Come join the fun! Eagles organization is a 501c3; and supports many local organizations.

The Ravalli County Reagan Republican Club will meet Thursday, November 18 at 9 a.m. at Glen’s Cafe, Florence. This will be a no-host breakfast. All are welcome to come and join in the civil and respectful discussions. 406-369-1965 for more info.

Back Country Horsemen

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen host their monthly meeting on Thursday, November 18th, at the Corvallis School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis. The meeting runs from 7-8:30 p.m. There will be no Thanksgiving dinner this year, but

support on public health. Hamilton Rotary local fund raising is focused on Valley children. Rotary meets Mondays at Noon at BJ’s restaurant at 900 N. 1st in Hamilton (across from Walgreens). We welcome guests and prospective members.

A community chili cook-off and silent auction will be held Saturday, November 20 staring at 5 p.m. at the Victor Fire Hall sponsored by the Volunteer Fire Association: $5 Chili pot entryCash Prize! Donation to eat. Silent Auction Fundraiser of many community businesses. Don’t miss out!

Bluegrass Hootenanny

Come join in the old-time fun at the MRBA Hootenanny on Saturday, November 20th from 1pm to 5pm at the Stevensville Playhouse. We’ll have a sign-up sheet there if you want to perform on stage. Admission is $5 for nonmembers and $3 for members. Performing members get in FREE. Folks are encouraged to bring cookies and let’s get to HOOTIN’!

Eagles Lodge music and dancing

Rotary Club

On Monday November 22, Hamilton Rotary features two Rotarians as guest speakers, Gordon Read, Capt, Navy Chaplain, USN, (Ret) and Ken Riemer former Adjunct Professor, Temple University. Rotary is an international service organization of over one million members that focuses it’s service and financial

Award winning film to screen at St. Francis of Assisi on Monday, November 22 at 6 p.m. at 411 S. 5th Street, Hamilton. This film was produced by St. Francis for the 168 Film Festival, 168project.com. This is a timed film competition where you shoot and edit a film in one week, which is 168 hours. “I’ve produced a few of these and I saw it as a great way to engage our church with the community,” explains Business Manager and Producer, Nancy Bevins. Crew and talent from all over Ravalli County were used in the production. This short film now boasts eleven nominations for awards. “We’ll find out the winners on next Monday and everyone expects to win a couple,” says Yvonne Lyon, Parish Councilmember. This event is free and open to the public with refreshments served.

Nativities display

Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Museum will host the Nativities Around the World and Snow Globe Display on December 3, 4 and 5 during the “Stevensville Country Christmas.” You’re invited to share your Nativities and Snow Globes in this special Christmas exhibit. Please bring them to St. Mary’s Mission at 315 Charlos Street - Stevensville on Nov. 30, Dec. 1 or 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 777-5734 for information.

‘Happy Tails’ Holiday Auction

Ring in the holiday season with Bitter Root Humane Association’s “Happy Tails” Holiday Online Auction! Due COVID-19 concerns, we’re celebrating our holiday fundraising season just a bit different again this year, but for the same cause...to make it possible for us to care for all the wonderful critters that come through our doors! We hope you will join us and in the safety of your own home, start your holiday shopping by visiting our auction….with values ranging from $10 to priceless, so we’re sure you’ll find just the perfect gift for everyone on your gift list...and for yourself too! Preview opens November 22th, with items added up till the auction ends! Bidding will open November 25th Thanksgiving evening at 6pm and be open for your shopping pleasure all through Monday, November 29th at 6pm. So don’t fight the early holiday shopping crowds, relax and shop where your holiday dollars will buy great gifts and support a great cause! Find the BRHA “Happy Tails” Holiday Auction at: www.32auctions.com/BRHA2021

Melodious Grandeur

A musical prelude to the events of the season will be sponsored by Chapter BV of P.E.O. at the First Christian Church of Hamilton on December 5, 2021 at 2 pm. The concert will feature Prodigy Pianist, Dannielle Cromwell, Prodigy Violinist, Lauran Roberts, and Ballerina, Catalena Alcrudo Perez. A $5 donation will help fund “Women’s Educational Scholarships” for women locally and around the world. For more information contact Jan Hinton at 406-360-2473.

North Valley Public Library

Full STEAM Ahead Ages 5-11 Thursday, Nov 18, 4 pm Full STEAM Ahead is funfilled programing for ages 5-11 focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. This week we explore services offered by the MSU Ravalli County Extension 4-H with Annie Bauer. Mother Goose on the Loose Ages 0-3 Monday, Nov 22, 10:30 am Mother Goose on the Loose is an award-wining early literacy program that is filled with rhymes and music for infants, babies, and toddlers. Storytime & More Ages 3-5 Wednesday, Nov 24, 10:30 am Each Wednesday during November, we will have stories and activities about the autumn harvest, indigenous people, and native plants. We read books, tell stories, sing songs, dance and march, and create pumpkins with our imaginations. Come along on this amazing journey! Register for events on the online calendar at northvalleylibrary.org. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville.

Obituaries Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 9

Gertrude Emma Unruh Victor - Gertrude Emma Unruh was born August 22, 1926, in New Salem, North Dakota, to John and Katie Winckler. While at home in her bed, she was taken to her Heavenly home in the arms of Jesus on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. According to God’s divine plan, she was taken on the same day (November 7) as her husband, David, who was also received into the arms of Jesus 11 years earlier on a Sunday shortlybefore midnight. Gertie married David Unruh November 5, 1946. In 1949 the couple moved to Dave’s family farm near Zap, North Dakota, where their two sons, James and Merle, were born. In 1962 the family moved to a 900-acrecattle ranch near Victor, Montana. Gertie was a mother, housewife, and helper on the ranch. Sometimes newborn calves were laid in her bathtub in early spring so she could thaw them out. As the ranch cook, she hostedworking crews, friends, and family with a table spread like you wouldn’t believe! She did the same at worksites in the field. Up until the time of her passing, Gertie brought

cookies and birthday cakes to friends in nursing homes or in their homes. She shined with gifts of hospitality and serving, making blankets, quilts, doilies, and afghans:too many to count. Gertie is survived by her sons: James Unruh (Kathy) of Victor, Merle Unruh (Debra) of Victor; her grandchildren, Jennifer Shepherd (Jason), Nichole Gossett (Darren); great-grandchildren, Dylan Goracke, Hannah Goracke, Olivia Cary, Ashley Snow, Emily Gossett-Snow; her brother & sister-in-law, Garmon & Janice Winckler, Mandan ND, her sister Doris Voegele, Tacoma WA, and her sister-in-law Ruth Winckler of New SalemND. She was preceded in death by her sisters Erna, Edna, and Hilda, and her brothers, Reuben, Aaron, and Albert; and in 2003 by her two twin greatgrandsons, Brandon and Garrett. Funeral Services were held Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene in Victor with burial to follow at the Victor Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Donna Lou Sutherland Copeland Corvallis - Donna Lou Sutherland Copeland was born March 19, 1933 and passed peacefully in her sleep on October 25, 2021. She was 88. Donna was born at Marcus Daly in Hamilton, MT to Joe and Ruby Sutherland and raised northeast of Corvallis on the family farm with her two younger sisters Paula and Patsy. Donna graduated from Corvallis High School in 1951. She graduated from Kinman Business University in Spokane, WA in 1952. She worked as a payroll clerk and in the printing department for Washington WaterPower. Donna married Lee Copeland in August 1952 in Coeur ‘d Alene, ID. Lee was in the Air Force and Donna worked at the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, TX as a payroll clerk before going to Landsburg, Germany with Lee in October 1954. Roger Lee Copeland was born at Lackland AFB in San Antonio in 1955. After Lee was discharged from the Air Force, the family moved back to the Bitterroot. Rory Joe was born in 1956 and Russell

Wayne in 1958 in Hamilton. The family later moved to Billings in 1968. Donna and Lee divorced in 1972. Donna worked at Coles Department Store and then at Mountain States Telephone and US West. She worked in Billings for 18 years and then in Bozeman for another 5 years, retiring in 1995. Donna loved her family and the Bitterroot, moving back to Corvallis where she lived out her days. She enjoyed staying in touch and spending time with her extensive family and many friends, researching family history, attending church, sewing and quilting, ballroom dancing, and watching or attending sporting events. Donna was preceded in death by her parents Ruby and Joe Sutherland, her sister Paula and Paula’s son

Paula Gail Burrier Paula Gail Burrier, 73, of Stevensville, Montana was called to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, November 4, 2021 in Twin Falls, Idaho. Born March 5, 1948 in Sacramento, California. Retired from UC Davis Medical Center in 2004. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a world class crafter, and also had a passion for English cottages. Paula loved life, entertaining, family and friends. Survived by her husband Chuck, mother Jo Netzley, brother Dan and wife Carol, brother Larry and wife Caryl, daughter

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Rocky Ailport, sister Patsy Smith, her sons Roger and Rory Copeland and great grandson Lane Steele. Donna is survived by her son Russell Copeland, his children Corinne and Conner, granddaughter Tracy (Tony) Steele, their sons Takota and Thane, granddaughter Melissa (Randy) Clifton, their children Dustin Copeland and Kaylee Clifton, Rory’s widow Kim and her daughter Trisha Smith, Roger’s widow Allyson and her daughter Allyssa, niece Janet (Scott) Fredrickson and their children Ella, Natasha, Katrina, Sergey, and Anna, nephews Doug (Sarah) Smith and daughters Zena and Denali, Jay (Les) Smith, RJ (Kay), Paul (Delfina) and Shane (Jill) Ailport. A celebration of her life and following reception will be held at Daly Leach Memorial Chapel from 2:00-5:30 PM on Saturday, November 20th. Memorial gifts can be made to Montana Special Olympics and Shriners Hospital in Spokane. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com

Desiree, 9 grandsons, 9 granddaughters and 7 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to “Operation Christmas Child” by November 21st in the form of filled boxes and dropped of at the Christian Life Center, Missoula, Montana, or a charity of your choice. Paula will be laid to rest at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair oaks, California 95628. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Friday, November 19th at 1:00 pm at the Christian Life Centre, 3801 S. Russell, Missoula, Montana.

Kevin G. Schlapman Darby - Kevin G. Schlapman, 70, passed away early in the morning, Monday, November 08, 2021, at the Bitterroot Health - Daly Hospital Emergency Room. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com Beryl W. Jones Hamilton - Beryl W. Jones, 92, passed away in the afternoon, Tuesday, November 02, 2021, at the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com Jackie Few Hamilton - Jackie Few, 80, of Hamilton passed away Sunday, November 7, 2021 at Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital of natural causes. Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel. Martin W. ‘Marty’ Maclay Florence - Martin W. “Marty” Maclay, 67, passed away in the night, Saturday, November 13, 2021, at the St. Patrick Hospital. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

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Page 10 -- Bitterroot Star

Sports Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Broncs head to championship by Thomas Spencer

After picking up a couple of yards from junior wide A defensive battle that receiver Eli Taylor, Rostad ultimately ended in a 28-7 and the Broncs turned to the Hamilton Broncs victory over tenacious Zohner to continue Lewistown played out last the drive. An open Zohner Saturday on the Broncs’ home blazed down the field to secure turf. the Broncs’ second score of the The Broncs struck first day. After the successful point with an 11-yard quarterback after, it was Broncs 14, Golden keeper from Tyson Rostad in Eagles 0. A momentum shift the opening drive. The rest of was underway and the energy the first half was characterized on the Broncs sideline was by turnovers and failed drives electric. with neither team finding But, the Golden Eagles the endzone again until the didn’t get to the semi-final second half, mostly due to the game of the playoffs being excellent pass coverage of the a slouch team. After a huge Broncs’ secondary. return from the Lewistown The second quarter special team, their drive saw both teams struggle started in the red zone. in two different ways that After an unsuccessful run, complemented each other, the Golden Eagles went to strong defense and selfthe air where Zohner was Tim Zohner (#2) powers past a Lewistown defender to claim the Broncs’ fourth touchdown of the day and waiting for yet another Broncs inflicted errors. The Broncs secure their spot in the state championship game. Photo by Thomas Spencer. marched the ball down the interception. field to start the second See HAMILTON, page 13 absolutely sensational play on the ball of the second half. quarter but failed to score, giving the to pick off the Golden ball back to the Golden Eagles. They Eagle quarterback, put together a 7-play drive but ended ending the first half in an interception by sophomore Broncs 7, Golden Tyson Bauder. The Bronc offense Eagles 0. took over again trying to gain some Lewistown momentum. Senior quarterback received the ball Tyson Rostad connected with Liam to start the third O’Connell for a first down pick up quarter and in the and handed it to Tim Zohner to grab ensuing drive, the another first down but a failed snap Broncs defense made with 1:19 left in the half gave the ball a fantastic stand to back to the Golden Eagles. begin the second The Golden Eagle offense half, punctuated by attempted to capitalize on the a devastating sack takeaway to end the first half and tie by senior defensive the game going into the second half. lineman Jonas Three tough defensive plays by the Johnson. After the Bronc offense put the Golden Eagles forced punt the into a crucial third-down conversion. Broncs took over Airing the ball out with seconds left around midfield to Eli Taylor (#12) extends for a Rostad pass. Taylor posted 5 receptions for 88 yards including this touchin the third quarter, sophomore start their first drive down catch. Photo by Thomas Spencer. defensive back Taylor Searle made an

Falcons on to championship by Scott Sacry

suffocated Jefferson’s offense, allowing under 100 yards total offense, no offensive touchdowns, and intercepting the Panthers In last year’s semi-final game, the Florencethree times. Carlton Falcons lost to Fairfield 6-8. They were Speaking about his defense, coach determined not to let that happen against Jefferson Duchien said, “Our defense is so locked in this year. Before Saturday’s game, Coach Pat right now, both players and coaches. We Duchien led the team onto the field holding a flag which read “6-8: Remember the Taste” (a reference just realized that we have only allowed one rushing touchdown all year. That’s got to be to the taste of losing last year). He planted it in the one for the record books!” ground for the players to see as they took the field. Florence’s first offensive play set the And the team responded. The Falcons left little doubt that they belong in next Saturday’s Class B tone for the game. Duchien hit senior wide State Championship game as they dominated the receiver Caden Zaluski for a long pass down Jefferson Panthers on both offense and defense the middle, and, from that point on, the and cruised to a 51-7 semi-final victory. Jefferson Panthers couldn’t stop the wellThe Falcon offense would not be denied and balanced, high-powered Falcon offense. their offensive line controlled the game. Senior Later in the drive, Duchien hit Shoupe on a wide receiver Blake Shoupe scored three TDs, 5-yard strike for the first touchdown of the junior quarterback Pat Duchien threw for three game. TDs and rushed for one, senior running back The Falcon defense forced a punt on the Tristan Pyette rushed for two scores, and senior Panthers second possession. The punt was tight end Luke Maki caught a 10-yard TD pass. mishandled and Shoupe tackled the punter, forced a fumble, and the Falcons took On the other side of the ball, the Falcon defense possession on the one yard line. Duchien ran it in to give the Falcons a 14-0 lead. Jefferson’s lone highlight came when Will Wagner stripped Caden Zaluski (#3) tips the ball into the waiting arms of Levi Posey (#1) the ball from Pyette who makes the interception. Photo by Jason Larson. and ran gain. Pyette finished off the drive with a 1-yard 25 yards into the touchdown run. endzone, bringing After a quick stop by the Falcon defense, the the score to 14-7. offense took over and, aided by a big pass and Florence’s response catch from Duchien to Posey, Pyette scored on a was immediate. On 2-yard touchdown run. On the following Panther the ensuing kickoff drive, Zaluski tipped a Panther pass and Posey return, Senior Levi acrobatically intercepted the ball. This set up a Posey received the Duchien pass to Maki for a 10-yard touchdown, kickoff and pitched giving Florence a convincing 34-7 halftime lead. it to Shoupe who The Panthers started the 3rd quarter with the The Falcon defense stood tall all day allowing less than 100 yards total offense. Senior Ethan took it down the Abbott (#75) helps corral a Panther runner. Photo by Scott Sacry. See FLORENCE, page 13 sidelines for a long

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

Congratulations on a great season, Hamilton Broncs Football Team!

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who led the team to state this season, plenty more improved this year and show much promise for the future of the program. Coach Benson commented, “I saw huge improvements in the team as a whole this season but I see Elli Davis and Tylin Sorensen making big strides between this season and next, as well as Olivia Lewis and Emma Cashell.” Those younger players will have the rich experience of having been to a state tournament as they begin to take over the team. Like many new coaches, it takes time for the players and community to adapt to changes in leadership. Coach Benson grappled with this issue this season. “With me being new to the community, we had to overcome all the ‘newness’ of getting to know each other, blending together, learning ‘new’ ways of being coached and me learning the ‘old’ traditions.” This season’s performance closely matched that of the previous year’s state appearance. The future of the program looks bright for coach Benson. “I am looking forward to next season as we’ve got a good group of sophomores coming up to add to a solid pair of juniors and I’m hoping that we turn going to the state tournament into an ‘old’ tradition.”

coach Christy Duchien who is approaching 20 years of coaching and seven years with Florence. The Falcons were perfect in the regular season and into the postseason. They beat Glasgow 3-1 in the first match-up of the state tournament. That win advanced them on to the soon-to-be state champs, Huntley Project. Coach Duchien commented on their “quality performance” against the state champions. Florence then moved on to Jefferson who would end up placing second in the state. When you advance to the state tournament level you are playing the best teams in the state and for Coach Duchien they needed to find more ”moments in which everyone was on” at the same time.” Some of the athletes who led the team to the state tournament were, “All-State players Kasidy Yeoman and Kolbi Woos, 1st Team Jaidyn Larson, 2nd team Maddie Potter and Honorable Mention Elise Schneiter.” Considering the team’s hopes and ambitions for the future, Coach Duchien aspires to “continue to build character representing our culture with upcoming players while developing state caliber athletes.”

selections. Victoria Uskoski of Stevensville and Taylor McCarthy of Hamilton were named to First Team AllConference. Rylee Herbstritt and Madison Henry of Corvallis were named to the Second Team All-Conference. Dawsyn Brewer, Maddie Sacry, and Kristin Polly of Stevensville were named to the Second Team All-Conference. Lexi Brenneman and Simona Rizzon of Hamilton also made Second Team All-Conference. Brynne Johnson of Hamilton, Sydney Wolsky of Corvallis and Maya Peretto of Stevensville received Honorable Mention.

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Sports Roundup Corvallis volleyball season recap Coming off the high of winning the Class A district tournament held in Corvallis, the Lady Blue Devils went into the divisional tournament with a lot of momentum and positivity. The Blue Devils are led by Halie Benson who is just beginning her head coaching experience with this squad and she is off to a great start. Under Benson, the Blue Devils won the district, placed third in the division, and then competed well in the state tournament. Based on their performance this season it is accurate to say that the Blue Devils are “up and coming,” as Benson describes the team. That team is composed of a mixture of senior leaders, some rising stars, and several girls who will most likely develop their game over the course of the coming seasons. “I feel like we had a solid core group of girls that included seniors Hailey Anderson, Tahnee Lewis, and Paige Colaprete,” Benson said. “I think Madison Lewis, Madeline Gilder, and Jessica Saturday stood out this season.” Among those players mentioned, Saturday is the only junior, and in their narrow loss to the Polson Pirates deep into the western division tournament Saturday posted 1 assist and 12 digs. Along with those stand-out players

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Florence Volleyball season recap The Florence Falcons volleyball team competed at the State tournament last weekend. Overall, a fairly successful season for veteran

Girls All-State and All-Conference soccer selections announced Stevensville’s Kyra Nishimoto was chosen All-State, along with Josie Lewis and Kelsen Zahn. Hamilton’s Gracie Vasquez and Em Courchesne were named All-State. Ella Dowd of Corvallis also made the All-State

Boys All-State and All-Conference soccer selections announced Luke Sangster of Corvallis was named to the Boys All-State Team, along with Garrett Schreiber and Cole Olson of Stevensville and Braeden Stevens of Hamilton. Levi Weidkamp of Corvallis and Mathew Radford of Stevensville were named First Team All-Conference. Tim Hickey and Jack Hanssen of Corvallis were named to the Second Team All-Conference. Rylan Campbell and Jacob Yaskus of Stevensville were named Second Team All-Conference. James Truax and Kellen Yockey of Hamilton were also named Second Team AllConference. Janis Wingerath of Stevensville, Isaac Harmon of Hamilton and Ian Wilson of Corvallis received Honorable Mention.

Page 12 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Congratulations, Florence Falcons, on a great football season!

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Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

Hamilton Broncs: staying on top of their game continued from page 10 The Broncs offense started with big reception from Taylor followed by a keeper from Rostad, then a first down pick up from Zohner. This put the Broncs offense within striking distance of the third score of the day. Shifting and cutting like lightning, Rostad connected with a striding Taylor for the score. Broncs 21, Golden Eagles 0 with 4:04 left in the third quarter. The Golden Eagle special teams once again receiving the ball collected a strong return. After a huge catch from Luke Clinton, the Golden Eagles found themselves inches from the endzone. After a short run from quarterback Chance Fields, the Golden Eagles were finally on the board. With 3:34 left in the third quarter, it was Broncs 21, Golden Eagles 7. The Broncs drive lasted for the remainder of the third quarter and ended with a 4th and 20 punt giving the ball back to the Golden Eagles. That drive only lasted two plays and ended with, you guessed it, another athletic interception from Bauder. The Broncs’ next drive ended in a three and out that resulted in a punt, giving the Golden Eagles another shot with 7:37 left in the fourth quarter. With just over seven minutes

remaining in the fourth, the Golden Eagles needed a quick score to narrow that Bronc lead and get another shot at the end zone. This drive saw two first-down completions by the Golden Eagles and it appeared that they might score again, closing the gap and extending the play. However, it may have been the thunderous banging of bleachers echoing throughout the stadium or the adrenaline of a defining moment but defensive linemen Derrick Saltzman and Andrew Burrows answered the call for a big play. Saltzman sliced through the offensive line and brought Fields to the ground. This eventually led to a 4th and 4 when Burrows blasted through the line and broke up the play in the backfield. A fumble to start the next Bronc possession turned the ball back over to the Golden Eagles. After a short pick-up on first down, the Golden Eagles were poised to air out the ball and find some downfield receivers. The only problem with that plan was the willing receivers were wearing the wrong color jersey. Now on the defensive side of the ball, Rostad back peddled and timed the pass to perfection, picking it off and adding a couple of extra yards after the catch.

Rostad and the now-fired-up Broncs offense took over in the red zone and put together a drive that included a couple of strong runs from Andrew Frederick and ended with a touchdown pass to Zohner. The Golden Eagles’ final attempt was demolished by another brutally executed sack by Burrows. The next play would be the Golden Eagles’ final try of the season. Fields aired out the ball to a would-be receiver who was actually open for a second but a fantastically athletic Isiah Van de Bann made an absolutely miraculous play on the ball that resulted in an interception that you would have had to be there to believe. Glowing with gratitude after the win, sophomore Andrew Burrows reflected on the moment, “This is where we are supposed to go, we’re supposed to win,” apparently harkening back to the confidence instilled by their head coach Bryce Carver. Burrows attributed a lot of their success to Coach Steve Weston as well. “It’s a lot of coaching. Coach Weston is an amazing coach, he coaches us well and pushes us to be the best we can.” Burrows and the entire defensive line put pressure on the Lewistown backfield and

Florence: the final countdown continued from page 10

ball and Florence’s senior linebacker Jace Pedersen promptly intercepted a Panthers’ pass. Then on a crucial 4 and 20, Duchien hit Shoupe over the middle for a touchdown, extending the Falcon lead, and all but extinguishing any life the Panthers might have had coming out of halftime. “The message at halftime was all about finishing,” said coach Duchien, “and I was super impressed how they

kept their foot on the gas in that third quarter.” After another forced punt, the Falcons put together another scoring drive, aided by punishing blocking by the offensive line and a long run by Pyette. Then on a QB run, Duchien fumbled the ball into the endzone. Blake Shoupe was in the right place at the right time and pounced on the ball for the score, giving

Florence a 48-7 lead. Due to their commanding lead, by the fourth quarter the Falcons were able to get some game time for all of the younger players. Kicker Zaluski tacked on a 29-yard field goal to make the final score 51-7. The undefeated Falcons will host Bigfork (9-2) in Florence on Saturday for the Class B State Championship.

it was a major factor in those various defensive backs being able to make well-timed plays on the back and almost completely stop the Golden Eagle offense. Offensively, Rostad and the Broncs spread the ball out well. Four touchdowns with four different players, Rostad, Zohner, O’Connell, and Taylor. When asked about their offensive success, Taylor replied, “It starts with our offensive line. I feel like we have one of the best offensive lines in the state. Our quarterback can do almost anything too, and then you have people that can go up and make a play with it on top.” Taylor, like his other teammates who echoed similar sentiments when asked to explain their success, said, “It’s a family. We’re all happy for each other. If one person scores or we all do, we are just excited for each other.” This Saturday the Hamilton Broncs will make the long trek over to Laurel for the state championship game. Both teams are undefeated and the #1 seed out of their respective divisions. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

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Page 14 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Chuck Stranahan’s

Flyfishing Journal

Endless fall and days gone by If this is global warming I’ll take it. I’ve enjoyed the crisp mornings, the clear afternoons with temps in the 40’s and 50’s, maybe a little sun or a little fog and a little overcast, more good fishing days than not-sogood – and nothing so foreboding that you don’t want to get outdoors and do something. We’ll deal with man-made carbon emissions later. I have no doubt that winter will arrive, fullblown and in a fury, soon enough. I recall a couple of other late, balmy falls in the past thirty years or so – just a couple – where that happened. I’ll wait, thank you. I have no desire, at the moment, to shovel snow. Do you? I’d rather go fishing.

were onto something. They spent their entire careers being observant. They had a thorough and deep-seated wisdom regarding what was on the water and in it. As fly tyers, they literally had the world at their fingertips. Think back to the ladies’ hats of England’s colonial period: they were elegantly and gaudily decorated with every imaginable exotic plumage; the plumage, in turn, was brought to England’s milliners by way of the tea and spice trade from places like Ceylon, the Spice Islands, (the names are different today) and India where exotic birds flourished along with the spices. The ghillies, in turn, noticed Flies by Dale Darling. how the peacock and macaw the Lady Caroline, and catches some and other feathers in milady’s hat impressive trout on it. caught the light with a certain glint and There is a certain glint – a bronzethey wanted to put those patterns of olive burnt orange way to the feathers light in front of the fish. in the fly bounce light in the air. They brought a high level of Underwater, as the old ghillies must craftsmanship to every fly. The have envisioned it, this combination of resulting patterns are at once elegant feathers must refract and polarize light and beautiful. What is overlooked by in a unique way – one that caused the the modern observer is that these flies salmon to recognize the fly as a living were ultimately designed to catch fish. thing, something they might eat or attack as an Lady Caroline intruder. One such fly was named for the Lady Bill and I saw that this of the Estate – one Lady Caroline, who old fly, the Lady Caroline, loved to fish, and by the old accounts bounces light around in was good at it, hence she enjoyed the much the same way as – honor of having the fly named for her. dare I say it – the Brindle Today my friend Bill fishes the ‘Chute.

Chuck

Stranahan

Present meets past So would my friend Bill Peddie. He is an aficionado of bamboo rods and traditional old English and Irish flies. He brings a sense of the past into the present as he ties and fishes some of those old patterns. They are fashioned of multicolored layers of material and are typically dismissed as quaint or obsolete, however beautiful. To the modern mind, a fly should imitate something. Flies that don’t tend to get dismissed. That’s why we decorate our sculpin patterns with teeny, tiny eyes, just like a real sculpin has, and ignore the glaring question of why a trout might smash a Mepps spinner instead. The old English fly patterns have something in common with the Mepps spinner. There is something about such a fly that makes fish hit it. Never mind that it doesn’t, to our eyes, resemble a baitfish or a bug. Bill and I are captivated by these old patterns: 21st century Americans tend to fall into the trap of thinking that by virtue of our current technology we’ve recently invented everything that is good; everything else, the vestige of past ages, is obsolete. Not so.

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Fly tying and the spice trade In the case of the 19th and early 20th century English ghillies, the lifelong servant-class guides and fly tyers and river keepers on their patron’s estates, they

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we face, in light of what we saw, is to incorporate what we learn from the design of these old flies into the flies we design today. There is much to be seen there beyond the decorative veneer of all those fancy feathers. And those old flies still work if, like Bill, you’re willing to set contemporary conventions aside and learn from the past.

Fly Tying with Chuck Stranahan

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Keeping the “Real” in Real Estate Sharon Dedmon

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As the General Contractor/Construction Manager, Jack• way cool person son Group, Inc. on behalf of LoloManager, School DisAsContractor the General Contractor/Construction Jackson Contractor Group, Inc. on behalf of Lolo School District, • award winning agent trict, accepting pricing Lolo School - Bid willwill be be accepting pricing for for thethe Lolo School - Bid Package #1. Package Scopes#1. of work for Bid Package #1 includes the following: Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI Scopes• of work for Bid Package #1 includes the followStructural Steel – Supply and Install 406-360-0258 ing: • Precast Concrete Panels – Supply and Install • Structural Steel – Supply and Install rd – Supply and Install • Precast Panels Bid Due date is Concrete November 23 at 3:00 pm MST. Bids must be delivered to Jackson Contractor Group, 5800 Hwy

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Legals Wednesday, November 17, 2021

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 TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ROBERT THOMAS COOPER, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-41-20210000130 Dept. No.: 1 HOWARD F. RECHT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to THOMAS BRUCE COOPER, 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 25th day of October, 2021. THOMAS BRUCE COOPER Personal Representative c/o LionWood Law, PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 BS 11/3, 11/10, 11/17 ___________________ David T. Markette Dustin M. Chouinard Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, Mt 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of JERALD DAVIS COCKRELL Deceased. Probate No. DP-21-136 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims withing four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed

to SCARLETT C. CREWS, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 25 day of October, 2021. Scarlett C. Crews BS 11/3, 11/10, 11/17 ___________________ RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Estate of: KENNETH T. BROWN, JR.; Deceased. Case No.: DP-21 -135 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Martin R. Eitel, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A.Weber, 345 West Main, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 1st day of November, 2021. Martin R. Eitel Personal Representative BS 11/3, 11/10, 11/17 ___________________ Craig Mungas State Bar No. 6746 Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC 2809 Great Northern Loop, Ste 100 Missoula, Montana 59808 Telephone: 406-721-8896 Telefax: 406-541-8037 Email: craig@bjornsonlaw. com Attorneys for Paige R. Boyer, Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MICHAEL J. KROETCH, Deceased. Dept. No.: 1 Cause No.: DP-21-134 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal

Representative of the abovenamed Estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to PAIGE R. BOYER, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 29th day of October, 2021. Paige R. Boyer, Personal Representative Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC By: Craig Mungas Attorneys for Paige R. Boyer, Personal Representative BS 11/3, 11/10, 11/17 ___________________ RICHARD A. WEBER 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Estate of: LYNN M. ROCH, aka LYNN MIREILLE ROCH; Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-124 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Richard A.Weber, 345 West Main, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the aboveentitled Court. Dated this 18 day of October, 2021. Richard A. Weber Personal Representative BS 11/3, 11/10, 11/17 ___________________ Notice of Public Meeting Corvallis County Sewer District The Corvallis County Sewer District will hold a public meeting on Thursday November 18, 2021 at 7:00 pm at the Corvallis High School Library, 1045 Main St, Corvallis, MT 59828 for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the ongoing Wastewater System Preliminary Engineering Report. The District’s consulting engineer, MorrisonMaierle, will provide an overview of the facility planning process, summarize the

existing and future conditions, and discuss deficiencies of the water system. The District is soliciting input from the public in this planning process, and all attendees will have the opportunity to express their opinions regarding this project. Public attendance is encouraged. Written comments may be submitted to Aaron McConkey, Morrison-Maierle, Inc., 1055 Mount Ave, Missoula, MT 59801 BS 11/10, 11/17

Bitterroot Star -- Page 17

David T. Markette Dustin M. Chouinard Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, Mt 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of MELVIN EUGENE HAYES Deceased. Probate No. DP-2021-140 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims withing four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to VICTORIA M. HAYES, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 4th day of November, 2021. Victoria M. Hayes BS 11/10, 11/17, 11/24

a variance of the following local zoning regulations: Developmental Code, Section 10-224- Dimensional Requirements Chart 1. The minimum front lot line setback in a C-3 Highway Commercial zone is 25 feet. The applicant is requesting a variance adjusting the front lot line setback to 0 feet for this parcel. 2. The minimum side lot line setback in a C-3 Highway Commercial zone is 7.5 feet. The applicant is requesting a variance adjusting the side lot line setback to 0 feet for this parcel. 3. The minimum rear lot line setback in a C-3 Highway Commercial zone is 25 feet. The applicant is requesting a variance adjusting the rear lot line setback to 0 feet for this parcel. 4. Then maximum lot coverage percentage in a C-3 Highway Commercial zone is 70%. The applicant is requesting a variance adjusting the lot coverage to 90% for this parcel. 1. The minimum lot area in square feet in a C-3 Highway Commercial zone is 0. Outside the town limits, the minimum lot size is one acre until such time as the land is annexed, or when annexation is approved prior to a final plat approval. The applicant is requesting a variance adjusting the lot area to be reduced from one acre to 10,000 feet. Additional information, including the application for variance, can be found on the Town’s website: https:// www.townofstevensville. com/comm-development/ page/projects-proposals The public hearing will be held at the North Valley Public Library Community Room, 208 Main Street. Written comments may be mailed to the Clerk of the Town of Stevensville, 206 Buck Street, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870, on or before 5:00 p.m. November 22, 2021, or may be emailed to clerk@townofstevensville.com. Questions may be asked or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-7775271. BS 11/10, 11/17

___________________

___________________

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town of Stevensville Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library Community Room, 208 Main Street, for the purpose of considering a Petition for Variance from Dan Metully, owner of 3792 Eastside Hwy. The parcel(s) is unannexed and within the Town’s extra-territorial zoning jurisdiction. The Petition for Variance requests the Board to approve

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Office PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 Facsimile: (406) 552-0153 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF JEROME RICHARD ROBUCK, Deceased. Cause No.: DP-19-112 Department No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

___________________

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Julianne Robuck, return receipt requested, c/o William J. Nelson, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 9th day of November, 2021. /s/ Julianne Robuck, Personal Representative /s/ Bill Nelson, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 11-17, 11-24, 12-1-21. ___________________ Becky Doyle, Notice is now given, that pursuant to the provisions of MC 70-6-601, et seq, and the contract you signed, the contents of your storage unit is now subject to operator’s lien. Unless the accruing balance is paid in full before noon, December 1, 2021, the contents will be removed and sold at Westbridge Storage, Hamilton MT, at 1pm on December 1, 2021 BS 11/17, 11/24, 12/1 ___________________ RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Estate of: DONNA L. COPELAND, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-143 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Russell W. Copeland, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A.Weber, 345 West Main, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 12th day of November, 2021. Russell W. Copeland Personal Representative BS 11/17, 11/24, 12/1

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$ 99

$ 88

for

1

$

lb.

3 3

Fresh Organic Mangos

2 $4 2 $5 bags 12 oz.

Taste Local!

lb.

for

2

lb.

5

lb.

2

1 lb.

4

10 lb.

lb.

3 lb. bag

Save!

Delicious

U.S. No.1

Great Snack!

Kiwi Fruit

Fresh Pineapple

Boar’s Head Swiss Cheese

Franz Premium Breads

$ 88

$ 99

$ 39

In Our Deli

Stuffing Time!

Simply Done Facial Tissue

Simply Done Napkins

Stove Top Stuffing

Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Cubes

Swanson Chicken Broth

¢

¢

$ 99

$ 99

Assorted

Assorted

78

Food Club Whipped Topping

Folgers Coffee

Jell-o & Pudding

for

Assorted

$

99

160 ct.

68¢

Frozen

Fresh Cranberries

Taste Local!

12 pak.

Delicious!

Libbys Canned Vegetables

for 16 oz.

Save!

$ 99

Save!

Save!

Delicious!

lb.

7

¢

4 3

lb.

99

2 5 $

12 ct.

¢

Radishes & Green Onions

Montana Choice New York Roasts

Delicious!

$ 69

lb.

lb.

88

1 lb.

Fresh Express Salad Blends

2

88

¢

88

lb.

Jumbo White Mushrooms

2

Fresh U.S. #1 Yams & Sweet Potatoes

9

Montana Medium Eggs

Save!

250 ct.

Food Club Cream Cheese

88¢

14.5-15 oz.

8 oz.

Save!

2

1

Each

6 oz.

99¢ Frozen

8 oz.

7

2 5

lb.

2

Bag

22-24 oz.

¢

Also Beef

14.5 oz.

99¢

$ 99

24-30 oz.

Assorted

Assorted

.9-3.95oz.5 oz.

Taste Local with Montana Beef this Holiday Season! Roederer Sparkling Brut

21

$

99 750

Stock Up!

Daou Cabernet

19

$

Duck Pond Oregon Pinot Noir

99 750

Steak Friendly!

13

$

99 750

Turkey Friendly!

Acrobat Oregon Pinot Gris

9

$ 99 750

Turkey Friendly

Ken Wright Pinot Noir

17

$

Portugal Red Blend

5

99

$ 99

750

Willamette Valley

750

Holiday Juice!

10% off when you purchase 6 or more bottles of Wine, Mix or Match! Florida’s Natural Orange Juice

Sutter Home Box Wine

$ 99

$ 99

Assorted

Cab-Chard-Gris

4

89 oz.

7

3 ltr.

Sierra Nevada Narwhal

11

$

99

6 pak.

Limited

Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider

2

$ 88

25.4 oz.

Assorted

Bud Light Ugly Sweater Seltzer

14

$

99

Limited

12 pak

601 Main St. Stevi • Local Flavor 7 Days a Week! • 7AM - 10PM 777-4663 • Locally Owned

Coors, Coors Light, Bud, Bud Light

23

$

99

30 pak

Miller Lite