Bitterroot Star - November 23, 2022

SENATE: new leadership

Sen. Brad Molnar, R-Laurel; Sen. Ken neth Bogner, R-Miles City, as Speaker Pro Tempore over Sen. Barry Usher, R-Billings; and Usher along with Sens. Dennis Lenz, R-Billings; Steve Hine bauch, R-Wibaux; and Tom McGill vray, R-Billings, as whips.

Votes for leadership positions are conducted by secret ballot and not made public.

Such elections often become proxy fghts over ideological and strategic divides in the caucuses. While none of the candidates highlighted a confict dynamic in their speeches, the game was nonetheless afoot, especially in the House, where the loose coalition of self-described pragmatists that brands itself the Conservative Solutions Caucus sought to rally support behind Ca sey Knudsen, who served as Speaker Pro Tempore in the 2021 session. The Solutions Caucus has existed in various confgurations for several sessions, and was especial ly active in passing bipartisan policy with Democratic colleagues under the consecutive gubernatorial terms of Democratic Govs. Brian Schweitzer and Steve Bullock. Capitol observers regard the two Regiers, on the other hand, as generally more friendly to the Republican caucus’ right-fank.

One signifcant challenge for Republican leaders — a perennial one that will become even more important with a 102-seat majority in the Leg islature — is to stitch party factions into a policymaking coalition without provoking internal backlash.

“We have a diverse group of con servatives who span a broad spectrum of ideas,” said Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, who is aligned with the Solutions Caucus, in an interview with MTFP. “And I think that it’s always a challenge to bring a diverse group like that together. We’re hopeful that the new speaker-elect recognizes the diversity of opinion in the caucus.”

Democrats also caucused to select

their leaders Wednesday. In the House, previous minority leader Rep. Kim Abbott of Helena fended of a challenge from Rep. Marilyn Marler, D-Missoula, who called for the caucus to be more vocal on issues before the Legislature.

“Our caucus had a strong focus on staying silent, and people noticed our silence across the state,” Marler said. “We need to get our message into our record and out across the state so voters know what we stand for.”

Abbott said she wanted to work to advance the Democratic agenda despite the over whelming Republi can majority.

“I want this job because I want to leverage all of you, every single vote we have, every single relationship we have, to create opportunities to move things when we can and to stop things when we can,” Abbott said.

House Democrats also selected Reps. Derek Harvey, D-Butte; Tyson Running Wolf, D-Browning; and Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, as whips, and Rep. Alice Buckley, D-Bozeman, as Democratic caucus chair.

The nominees for minority leader and whips in the Senate Democratic caucus were all unopposed. Sen. Pat Flowers, D-Bozeman, will be minority leader. Sens. Shannon O’Brien, D-Mis soula, and Susan Webber, D-Brown ing, will be whips.

Lawmakers will continue meeting throughout the week for orientation ahead of the 2023 session. The next step is to assign legislators to commit tee chairmanships, which should be fnalized by next week.

In the Senate, standing commit tees are appointed by the Committee on Committees. Sens. Hinebauch; McGillvray; John Esp, R-Big Timber; Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings; Mike Lang, R-Malta; and Jef Welborn, R-Dillon, will serve on the panel.

In the House, Regier, as speaker, has unilateral control over commit

Taking care of our veterans

A welcoming party of

White, Sandy Runkel, Amy Claridge and Carda Taylor)

the delivery.

Later, Vickie Crawford, formerly from Stevensville, joined the group with several bags of knitted and crocheted items to include hats, mittens, scarves and baby items.

Additionally, banners and artwork created by Stevensville School stu dents were presented for the hospital staf to use in decorating for the holidays.

The attached photo shows, left to right, Jerry Esmay, American Legion Post 94, Bill White, Amy Claridge and Carda Taylor from Volunteer Services, Sandy Runkel, VAVS Director Ft. Harrison and Mickie Esmay, American Legion Auxiliary 5th District President.

tee chair appointments, a power that often leads to confict as diferent members vie for committees based on a variety of criteria. In the 2021 session, for example, Speaker Wylie Galt’s appointment of Solutions Cau cus leader Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, as House Appropriations Committee Chair generated ire from hardliners in the caucus.

Regier said his approach will be to treat everybody fairly, and that he’ll consider seniority, talent and goals in his appointments.

“It’s a puzzle and everybody’s got a piece to play,” he told MTFP.

Bedey said he believes seniority should be a primary consideration.

“Our view on committee assign ments is that seniority and expertise and experience matters and should be respected when making committee assignments,” he said. “We think that the expertise of people, especially the frst-term legislators coming on board, need to be considered. Now, you can’t make everyone happy all the time, but these are general principles of fairness that we think are correct.”

Mara Silvers and Eric Dietrich contributed reporting.

Mickie and Jerry Esmay traveled to the Veterans Hospital at Fort Harri son on Wednesday, November 16 to deliver quilts, hygiene products and lots of clothing items for the homeless veterans. Items donated for the Veterans Gift Shop were also included in the delivery. These items had been collected by the members of the 5th District Auxiliary units.

representatives from Volunteer Services (Bill

were present for

Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton.

and trapping regulations violate nu merous laws and the Montana con stitution, had asked a Montana state court to prohibit the start of the state’s wolf-trapping season as well as to im mediately halt the ongoing wolf-hunt ing season while the merits of the pending lawsuit are being considered.

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

The motion by the conservation groups was fled two weeks they fled their initial lawsuit alleging that the state’s current wolf hunting and trapping regulations violate numerous laws and the Montana constitution.

In the motion they asked the court to issue a temporary restraining order, followed by a preliminary injunc tion, to stop all recreational killing of wolves in the state pending resolution of the lawsuit. In the 2021-2022 sea son, 273 wolves were killed by hunters and trappers—including 19 Yellow stone wolves—with nearly 70 percent of the wolves killed after the trapping season began on November 29, 2021. So far, hunters have killed 55 wolves this season, while regulations permit hunters and trappers to kill an addi tional 395 wolves before the season ends in March 2023. The motion alleges that the conservation groups’ interests will be harmed beyond repair if the court allows the hunting and trapping season to proceed while they fully litigate their case.

Notably, the motion—and the underlying lawsuit—claims that there are signifcant faws in the population model used to estimate the total num ber of wolves in the state. Since the 456 quota for the 2022-2023 season relies upon a fawed population model, reaching the quota could have dev astating consequences on the state’s wolf population. Per allegations in the motion, “Montana does not have an accurate picture of how many wolves are living in Montana and cannot sustainably and legally manage the species through another wolf hunt this winter.”

“Montana’s wolf hunting and trap ping season must be stopped before

our state’s wolf population faces potential decimation and the point of no return,” said Lizzy Pennock, Mon tana-based carnivore coexistence advocate at WildEarth Guardians.

“As long as the wolf killing season contin ues, each wolf that sufers and dies under the alleged unconstitutional and illegal policies is a wolf that should never have been killed in the frst place.”

This motion is part of the groups’ lawsuit fled on October 27, which claims that the State of Montana, MFWP, and the Commission are violating the law by relying on stale and insufcient scientifc data in order to authorize the killing of roughly 40 percent of the state’s wolf popula tion this coming winter. The suit also alleges that the state is fouting its responsibility to manage wildlife for the beneft of the entire public and is overstepping its management author ity by allowing wolf slaughter on the boundaries of federal lands, namely Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. For more information about the specifc claims in the complaint and the legal background that led to this lawsuit, click here.

“At the time of this writing, the lives of 55 wolves have already been claimed in Montana since the Septem ber start of the hunting season,” said Michelle Lute, PhD in wolf conserva tion and carnivore conservation direc tor for Project Coyote, an organization that works to protect native carni vores. “Multiple studies document that illegal poaching increases during legal recreation hunts so we know that un told numbers of additional wolves, as well as non-target animals, have been indiscriminately killed and are not refected in the ofcial death toll. We need to put a halt to this season’s wolf hunting and trapping seasons at least until the court can determine whether

the state of Montana is in violation of its policies.”

During the approval process for the challenged hunting and trapping reg ulations, frst adopted in 2021, MFWP noted that the new killing method most anticipated to increase the number of dead wolves is snares, be cause snares are cheap, easy to place

in abundance, and easy to maintain in bad weather. Additionally, trapping and snaring are inherently non-selec tive for the target species. Research shows that neck snares are anywhere from 21-50 percent selective, and foot snares are approximately 32-45 per cent efective at capturing the intend ed animal. Non-target animals that die in traps and snares set for wolves include, among others, companion animals, deer, bighorn sheep, and imperiled species such as grizzly bears and Canada lynx.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will make legal arguments in the case at a hearing scheduled for November 28. The court has set the temporary restraining order to expire on Novem ber 29.

Photo credit: Montana FWP.

Forest Service to implement use restrictions at popular hot springs

Many people drive from over Lolo Pass fr0m the Bitterroot Valley to enjoy the soothing waters of Jerry Johnson and Weir Creek Hot Springs. The public should be prepared for some new restrictions.

The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will imple ment new use restrictions at Weir Creek Hot Springs starting the last week of No vember, citing public health and safety concerns and natural resource damage. The hot springs and surrounding area will be closed to occu pancy from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Pacifc) daily under the new restrictions. A grace period for outreach and education will take place before the closure is enforced on a date to be announced.

guidelines, and some choose to participate in illegal behavior,” said Brandon Knapton, Lochsa-Pow ell District Ranger. “Sanitation, vandalism, and natural resource damage com plaints are common at both loca tions. These issues range from littering and dispersed camping viola tions to illegal drug and alco hol use and improper human waste disposal.”

cused on responsible recre ation at the hot springs.

hospitaliza tion, often at night due to intoxication.

Recently, the Lowell Quick Response Unit, a volun teer emer gency med ical services provider, contacted the Forest Service expressing concerns about medical emergencies occurring at the Lochsa Corridor hot springs.

amphetamine.”

The Idaho Department of Transportation has also cited concerns for public safety as an increased number of vehi cles access the Weir Creek Hot Springs parking area, which is located of of U.S. Highway 12 on a corner with limited visibility.

Weir Creek Hot Springs is one of two easily accessible hot springs locations in the upper Lochsa River corridor on the National Forest’s Loch sa-Powell Ranger District. Each location garners high visitation and heavy use by the public.

“Unfortunately, a signif icant portion of the visitors to these hot springs do not follow responsible recreation

In the past, Jerry Johnson Hot Springs was sub jected to the most use due to the easy trail access and proximity to U.S. Highway 12. When impacts of use began to damage resources, restric tions were put in place to manage use through an overnight trail and area closure. Sub sequent improve ments to the trail, coupled with the closure and use re strictions, helped to mitigate the impact of the increasing popularity of that area.

Similarly, public visitation to Weir Creek Hot Springs has been steadily increasing for years, resulting in the forest and Nez Perce Tribe working together to make improve ments to the parking area and install a vault toilet to reduce public health risks and protect natural resources. The forest has also engaged in education and outreach campaigns fo

“While these eforts at Weir Creek have reduced some of the sanitation issues, impacts to natural resources have actually increased,” said Knapton.

The decision was made to implement use restrictions at Weir Creek Hot Springs due to the frequency and severity of natural resource and hu man health and safety issues occurring at the site, and due to the success of similar eforts at Jerry Johnson Hot Springs. The existing Jerry Johnson Hot Springs closure will be reissued concurrent with the new Weir Creek Hot Springs closure and restric tions.

“We anticipate that these changes will result in less damage to federal facilities and natural resources, and will increase the safety, use, and enjoyment of the hot springs by the public,” said Knapton. “We also under stand the strain these issues have put on our local law enforcement and emergency services providers.”

Forest Service and emer gency management services have responded to a number of serious injuries at Weir Creek Hot Springs requir ing extraction of victims for

“There has been a distinct increase in 911 calls to these hot springs in the past two years that has required our immediate response,” wrote Lowell QRU. “We are con cerned for the safety of the users of the trails at night and in the winter, as well as the safety of our crews that have to hike up these trails and endeavor to carry patients down the trails.”

Federal, state, and local law enforcement and For est Service staf have also documented an increase in natural resource dam age, health and sanitation issues, and law infractions at the hot springs in recent years.

“From January 1 to Dec. 14, 2021, Idaho State Police issued 49 misde meanor violations for drugs, alcohol, and para phernalia infractions at the hot springs, of a total 108 misdemeanor citations along Highway 12,” cited Knapton. “Over the past 5 years, over 44 incident reports have been documented at Weir Creek Hot Springs by Forest Service Law Enforcement Ofcers. These span from littering and damage to the vault toilet to possession and use of drugs including cocaine and meth

Visitors to the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and all public lands should always make eforts to Leave No Trace and Recreate Responsibly. Remember to “take only photos, leave only footprints.” Leave nature where you found it, and make sure that anything you bring to the forest with you comes home with you after your visit. Abide by rules and regulations in the location you are visiting; they are in place to keep you safe and our natural spaces thriving. Don’t forget to call or visit your local ranger station for the latest information you might need before setting out on your ad venture, and be prepared with all the necessary equipment

and supplies you may need for the journey ahead.

When the new hot springs use restrictions become efective, a copy of the Forest Supervisor’s Order will be available at Nez Perce-Clear water National Forests ofces or online athttps://bit.ly/ NPCclosures.

User-created pools at Weir Creek Hot Springs. Photo credit: U.S. Forest Service.

Vandalized restroom door at Weir Creek parking area. Photo credit: U.S. Forest

Broken restroom window at Weir Creek parking area. Photo credit: U.S. Forest Service.

Sports

Lady Tigers nab big win over Victor

Valley wrestlers hold Battle of ‘Root

drew another foul with the opportunity to extend the Pirate lead. After missing the frst, she hit the second, 43-45 Pirates. Then Lady Tigers inbounded the ball rushing down with 47 seconds remaining when freshman Petra Mustafa rebounded the long shot and banked in a basket with a foul sending her

made basket was thwarted by a line violation, bringing the score to 45-45, Pirate ball.

Falcons back-to-back state champs

At the start of the 2022 season, Florence’s head coach Pat Duchien had said, “We challenged this year’s team to not ride on the coattails of last year’s team. They need to create their own identity for 2022.” If you have to choose an identity, the 2022 Class B State Champions is as good as any.

thal, the event is unique in a variety of ways. He said, “Te ‘Root is really a special event. In addition to bragging rights, it is one of the rare opportunities Florence gets a chance to wrestle against the other Bitterroot Valley teams since Florence is B/C and Hamilton, Corvallis, and Stevensville are A. It is also the only time where it is just our local teams. Many of our families know each other, have battled in earlier generations, and actually get a chance to connect at this event.” Rosenthal said the event began about 10 years ago, at the direction of the valley coaches.

Strong backcourt pressure from the Tigers forced a bad pass right into the hands of Sierra Reed who promptly dribbled down for the basket, fnally claiming the lead for the Lady Tigers. But not for long.

in the world,” said Duchien.

Darby boys prevail against Pirates

Te 2021-2022 season has apparently been somewhat of a rekindling of the wrestling community in Florence. “As far as the Florence team’s performance, I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Rosenthal. “We’re in a bit of a rebuilding year with a new coaching staf and a renewed commitment to wrestling from the Florence School Administration and School Board. We will have a school-sponsored Middle School Program beginning this year and will be moving into our new dedicated Wrestling Room in the next couple of weeks. Te future of wrestling in Florence is looking bright.”

by Thomas Spencer

The Florence-Carlton Falcons (112) defeated the Missoula Loyola Rams (7-5) 48-7 on a cold and sunny day to win the Class B State Championship on Saturday, November 19th. The Fal cons successfully defended last year’s title and are now back-to-back State Champions. The frst half went back and forth with neither team dominat ing, but starting from the end of the second quarter, Florence exploded for 34 straight points to gain the lopsided victory.

Senior QB Patrick Duchien had a ftting end to a stellar high school ca reer. He had six total touchdowns on the day, throwing for fve and running for another. When the team needed a big play, he was there to make it.

Rosenthal, refecting on his athletes’ performance this season, said, “Our kids have been working hard, are in great shape, focused, and having fun. We may

In their 13C rematch from earlier this year, the Darby boys were eager to fend of the Victor Pirates. Besides a slow frst quarter where the Tigers trailed by 4, the rest of the game was really just a slow march to victory. Darby head coach Krystal Smith said, “Ball movement, defense, and hustle are what helped us pull the win against Victor.” This seemed to be a good representation of Darby’s success against the Pirates. The Tigers did a good job of being patient in their ofensive movements and took high percentage shots at the basket.

several matches on the day. Seth Wilson pinned Connor Jessop of Corvallis, Aidyn Meinzen pinned Bodee Davis of Corvallis, Sean Larson, at 170, pinned Carter Morgan and Noah Guisinger of Hamilton, Lance Burrows, at 182 pinned Issac Martinez of Hamilton. At 205, Luke Maki won his match, and Dallas Blair pinned Gabe Rassmussen of Stevi. And lastly, Arie McLaughlin pinned Trevor Lewis of Hamilton in 5:26.

The key moment in the game came with 1:39 seconds left in the 2nd quar ter. Florence was up 14-7, but faced a 4th and 10 at the 50 yard line. They set up in punt formation with Duchien standing next to the punter; the snap came to Duchien and he passed it to junior Ethan Alexander who rumbled down the feld for a frst down. “We knew they were going to bring the house to try and block the punt, so it was a perfect call and the players ex ecuted it,” said Duchien. The Falcons then scored with 29 seconds left in the half on a 14 yard pass from Duchien to William Wagner to increase Florence’s lead to 21-7.

The Tiger ofense did execute and took advantage of each mistake of the night. They had four guys score over 10 points on the night, notably 14 from Preston Smith who has been solid all season, and 16 from Hooper Reed who had a great night in the post.

Before the fake punt the game was still up for grabs; after it, Florence had all the momentum. From this point on they would score fve unanswered touchdowns and outscore Loyola 340.

Senior RB Brodie Hinsdale had a huge game, catching three touchdowns passes. Senior WR William Wagner and junior WR Tyler Abbott each caught TD passes. Florence’s ofen sive line deserves immense credit for their outstanding pass protection for Duchien. The starters on the ofensive line are Lance Burrows, Sean Larson, Arie McLaughlin, Jonathan Luhmann, and Jared Weaver. “Those guys did a heck of a job and deserve all the credit

“Our success this year has been a real team efort; pushing each other hard at practice, supporting teammates on and of the mat, and being model student-athletes,” said Rosenthal. “Tis core group has established a great culture that we can build on. Stand-out performances included Sean Larson at 170, Adyn Meinzen at 152, Arie Mclaughlin at Heavyweight, and Luke Maki at 205 who wrestled his last match at home but will certainly make a

“We have been really pushing for the boys to take good quality shots and tonight they all did that,” said Smith. “Hooper took over attacking the key while Preston, Cully, Sawyer, Andrew, Jackson, and Nolan worked on shooting when they were open and driving to the hoop.” When asked which players really stood out she responded, “That’s a tough one, this game all of our players did a roll and did it well.”

Coach Duchien said, “I’ve never been around a team that works as hard as this one to get better every week.” The road to the championship was bumpy for Florence, with losses to Jeferson and Bigfork. But after the Bigfork loss and as the playof moved forward, you could see this team grow stronger and stronger. And it all culminated on Saturday against rival Loyola with the Falcons dominating the Rams in virtually every aspect of the game.

by Thomas Spencer

When asked what their week of practice looked like leading up to this matchup and what they anticipated, Coach Smith said, “We always know that a rival game can go any way, so our biggest advice was to keep our head in the game, play our game and hustle and work together and they defnitely worked together! And with a little press the whole game we wanted to slow them down and try taking advantage of a few mistakes.”

Yellowjackets and community celebrated their seniors from the girls basketball team, cheer, and other extracurricular activities.

has the greatest sense of humor and quick wit,

Stevi plays Florence on Senior Night

“As this team goes down in histo ry, they will be remembered for their

By the end of the third quarter, this game was still very close, 32-28, but the fnal score was 41-60. Darby had a great fourth quarter, outscoring the Pirates 28-13. Townsend and Smith both had stellar 4th quarters, each posting 8 and Reed had 6 in that

efort. In the second half of the game it was this relentlessness that propelled them forward.”

and play in the varsity game. You saw the players and fans go berserk when Faith al most scored in the frst minute of the varsity game!”

For most of the frst half it was a close game. Florence took their frst drive down the feld and scored on a 28 yard pass from Duchien to Hinsdale to take an early 7-0 lead.

with 29 seconds in the half to take the 21-7 lead. Loyola fumbled on their next possession and, with 9 seconds left in the half, Caleb Brossman came down with a spectacular grab in the back of the endzone, but was out of bounds and the frst half ended.

the two teams only separated by 4 and the Falcons also managed to keep that lead in the fourth as well but only outscoring the Yellowjackets by 2 in that quar ter. Te fnal score was 61-43, Florence.

by Thomas Spencer

And although the Lady Jackets did not walk away with a win against Florence, they competed against a strong, well coached team and the atmosphere of the night remained positive and cheerful. Te three seniors on the basketball team that were recognized on the night were Hailey Tomas, Kelti Wandler, and Faith Huenergardt.

Florence’s defense then forced a punt and got the ball back. They drove down the feld, but turned it over on downs.

Bill Fulbright, speaking to his experience coaching Hailey Tomas, commented, “I have been privileged to coach Hailey for the past four years. Hailey is one of the toughest young ladies, mentally and physically, you will ever meet, and yet is so com passionate toward everybody around her. She plays her heart out every time she is on the court. I couldn’t ask for a player

Yellowjackets took on the Broncs of Frenchtown on Saturday in Stevensville. The Yellowjackets came out really strong in the frst quarter, beating some tough defensive pressure numerous times and capitalizing on strong drives to the basket and open looks from the foor. The frst quarter ended 13-14 Frenchtown where Kellan Beller had 8 in that quarter and was absolutely everywhere. Beller worked strongly defensively and

was a freshman.

Faith has a won derfully cheerful, upbeat attitude about everything, and doesn’t let anything get her

in the fourth and responded with 9 of their own including 5 from Tad Tackes in that quarter. Beller accounted for 14, Tackes, 9, Travino, 5, and Grazzani had 4 on the night.

Both teams came out fast and strong in the frst quarter, not really giving much up on defense for either team but Stevi managed to come out ahead 10-7 going into the second quarter. But, like she has done many times this sea son, Florence’s Kasidy Yeoman went of in the second quarter with 11 of the Falcons 27 to end the second half.

Loyola then took their second drive 70 yards for their lone score of the game, making the score 7-7 with 11 minutes left in the second quar ter. Florence quickly responded, as a big reception by Tyler Abbott set up anoth er Duchien to Hins dale TD reception to make the score 14-7.

After trading punts,

This Saturday also happened to be Senior Night for the young Stevi squad and in a sea of junior boys, Lorenzo Grazzani stood out as the team’s only senior. Grazzani, an

Stevi boys drop one to Frenchtown

The third quarter proved decisive. The Falcon defense forced a punt on Loyola’s frst possession. They got the ball back, and quickly moved down the feld, with Duchien hitting Abbott for a 23 yard touchdown, extending the lead to 28-7. On Loyola’s next drive, William Wagner intercepted a pass, giving Florence the ball back.

Te Jackets were carried by their Captain, junior Clair Hutchinson, who had an out standing night.

When asked later what he liked about his experience, Grazzani said, “My favorite aspect about being an exchange student is to experience a new type of life and culture with new people and have the opportunity to play basketball at a higher level than before.”

“Claire had a real good game, turning hard work on defense into steals and fast breaks on of fense,” said Fulbright. Hutchin son had 21 on the night, scoring mostly in transition but she was also efective pulling up from the mid and three-point range as well. But the Lady Jackets are most efective in the more runand-gun style of play.

A long Duchien pass to Drew Wag ner set up a 1 yard Duchien TD run. Florence now led 35-7. Once again, Florence’s defense stopped Loyola on their next drive, setting up another Falcon scoring drive. A big catch by Ryan Winters set up a double reverse TD run by Aspen Goeltz. The score was 41-7 with 5 minutes left in the third quarter. Florence again stopped Loyola on their next possession and at the end of the third quarter they got the ball back. This

“Tey only missed two shots in the 2nd quarter alone,” Fulbright said. Tat quarter proved to be the defning moment of the game.

Te third quarter

“I’ve played basketball in Italy for fve years,” said Grazzani. “This is my sixth year in a club, because in my country school and sports are separate programs.” Grazzani usually exhibits a positive attitude and it wasn’t surprising to hear his response when asked what he liked most about his team and experience thus far. “I love how we support each other on our team. Our coaches are trying to make us compete and get better every

“Getting the ball up the foor quickly and without a lot of wasted dribbling is something we have been working on all year,” said Fulbright. “It’s gratify ing to see the progress the girls have made this year, and to see it work efectively during parts of the game.”

we’ve been able to achieve this

opponents. Kanyon Stoker at

tlers are mostly in the upper-weight classes

and

momentum, the Lady Tigers marched

and was followed by Mustafa who had

in the basket, hustle back, play hard defense, and outwork the opponent,” said Smith. “This group of boys never

quit, so if we are behind or ahead, it’s not over until the buzzer rings.”

Darby’s Preston Smith scans Caleb Rockwood and the Pirate defense. Photo by Thomas

Corvallis took frst place in the Battle of the ‘Root. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Scott Sacry Sports Editor

relentlessness,” said coach Duchien. “They were relentless in their drive, they were relentless in the prepa ration, they were relentless in their

Florence faced a 4th and 10 at midfeld with 1:39 left and did the aforemen tioned fake punt, after which Duchien hit William Wagner on a 14 yard pass

drive ended in another TD pass from Duchien to Hinsdale making the score 48-7, which would prove to be the fnal score.

Florence’s QB #15 Patrick Duchien running the ball. Duchien capped of an outstanding high school career with six total touchdowns in Florence’s 48-7 victory over Loyola in the Class B State Championship game. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Florence’s #20 Brodie Hinsdale caught three touchdown passes in the Falcons’ 48-7 victory over Missoula Loyola in the Class B State Championship game. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Florence’s #24 Colten Rice and #10 Ethan Porter making a tackle. The Falcon defense was solid all day, holding Loyola’s ofense to only one touchdown in their 48-7 victory. Photo courtesy of Stepha nie K Geiser Photography.

Red Cross response in 2022: Donations help most vulnerable

This has been a year of crisis for families across the country — from Hurricane Ian in Florida to historic fooding in Montana to the frst-ever national American Red Cross blood crisis.

“Whether a crisis is felt by an entire community or a single person, it turns lives upside down — especially for the most vulnerable,” said Nicole Sirak Irwin, regional CEO of the Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and East Oregon. “This holiday season, join us to provide help and hope for people in need during future emergencies by making a fnancial donation or by giving blood.”

Visit redcross.org to make a fnancial donation or an appointment to give blood. Individuals can also register for volunteer opportunities in their

area by visiting redcross.org/ volunteer.

This year’s extreme disasters in the U.S. are clear examples of the increasing frequency and intensity of the climate crisis. So far in 2022, 15 billion-dollar disasters have up ended lives across the country — more than twice the number of billion-dollar disasters that struck annually two decades ago.

Red Cross volunteers have worked 24/7 to provide shelter, food and care during tens of thousands of disasters across the country — including help ing Montana families following devastating fooding in June.

Internationally, the confict in Ukraine has forced millions of people to fee for their lives. With such vast needs, the American Red Cross has pro

vided fnancial donations and international crisis responders to support the global Red Cross network’s response on the ground, which spans more than a dozen neighboring countries to deliver food, shelter, medical care, emotional support and other critical aid for displaced families.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has also provided fnancial support to the on going hunger crisis in Africa. Overall this year, as part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross provided humanitarian aid in more than 108 countries. Here in Idaho and Montana, our volunteers are working to reconnect families separated by war, famine and other crises through our Restoring Family Links program.

In January 2022, the Red Cross experienced its worst national blood shortage in over a decade due to ongoing collection challenges and varied hospital demand during the pandemic. Patients in need of lifesaving blood transfusions relied on an outpouring of sup port from hundreds of thou sands of generous blood donors to overcome the crisis.

Beyond national headlines, the need for blood is constant. One in seven patients entering a hospital will need a blood transfusion. As seasonal illness and the threat of winter weath er ramp up this holiday season, make a donation appointment and be a lifeline for car accident victims, parents with compli cated childbirths, individuals battling cancer and people with sickle cell disease.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Give thanks and give back — now is the time to make and keep blood donation appoint ments. Book a time to give at RedCrossBlood.org. As a thankyou, all those that come to give Nov. 23-27 will get an exclusive Red Cross beanie, while sup plies last. All donors who come to give blood Nov. 28-Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon gift card by email.*

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: 11/23/2022: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Marcus Daly Hospital, 1200 Westwood Dr, Hamilton 12/13/2022: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton

Visit https://www.redcross. org/local/montana/ways-todonate/local-giving.html for more information.

A fy fsher’s season of Thanksgiving

This season I’m thankful for fy fshing.

It may seem a little silly, or some how empty, to express thanks for a cu rious hobby that not everybody shares, but please bear with me.

There are other things we are tradi tionally thankful for: the warmth and presence of friends and family; our homes (or the fact that we have shelter at all;) the beautiful place we live (here in the Bitter root Valley that’s easy;) our nation, our freedoms, and those who wrought them, fought for them; many of us, in the spirit of the frst Thanksgiving, thank God for those blessings.

Then there’s the feast, the over abundance (for those who are so fortunate) of tryptophan-laced white meat and gravy and all the trimmings, (a harbinger of the involuntary naps to follow;) the traditional All-American apple and pumpkin pies for dessert; the gatherings of friends and family to celebrate; the long afternoon of foot ball games on TV; the holiday and how we celebrate is only the surface of it.

We give thanks with grateful hearts

Somewhere in the middle of it there is usually a pause, spoken outloud in many ways, to express our gratitude for what we have.

I’ve only attended one Thanksgiv ing meal where the head of the house, sitting at the head of a table where three families were gathered, cut any expression of thanksgiving short by demanding, “Pass the potatoes.” The potatoes were passed, followed by ev erything else; we sat, we ate, we tried to defect our embarrassment and disappointment with feigned laughter

and small talk.

A few weeks later when his wife was cut down by a stroke he was with out the inner resources to deal with it. I pitied him, but couldn’t help him.

Gratitude for what we have, even if what we have is very little, is good for the soul. It fuels the hope that keeps us going, makes us more fully alive.

And the best of what we have is both seen and unseen. I see the faces of my grandchildren. What is unseen is the immense love that passes both ways between us, the joy that wells up and overfows when we are together or even when I look at their art; joyful pictures painted in love that decorate our refrigerator.

What I experience in those mo ments, even when I recall them in their absence, brings a both/and sense to their presence in my life. It is partly them, who they are, and more than that, it is our immense and deep love for each other and how we express it, how we share it.

It’s the same thing with fyfshing

A few days ago I received a group email from a fy fsher about the shared experience of fy fshing. He wrote of the diference between conversations that begin with questions such as “Did you catch any?” and those that ask which fy or what size tippet did you use.

Those latter questions probe a little deeper: You know you’re possibly in the presence of a kindred spirit, someone you can connect with, when you hear that kind of a question.

Maybe the person who asks it is an old friend, one with whom you’ve shared some meaningful experiences in the past that included the fner points of fy selection to unmask the mystery hatch or fnally getting the tippet size right.

But that’s only the surface of it. The best fy fshing experiences are those that connect us, in some unspeakable ways, to everything from the warmth of the sun on our faces and the chill of the current on our legs, the scents of overhead pines and water on streamside rocks, the inspiring grandeur that sur rounds us, and the mystery of the trout and what they’re eating and our attempt to enter that whole universe by way of an artifcial fy.

The fy fsherman, most likely, is connected to the unspeakable through his sport in that way. Some call it a mystical or religious experience – a rare place to fnd kinship with another who is connected in the same way.

So we sit on the tailgate of a pickup after an evening hatch that brought some exhilarating moments when it all came together, and as twilight overtakes a vanishing sunset, we say things like “This is what it’s all about.”

That’s as close as we need to come. And my life is so much richer for it –and I’m thankful.

Chuck Stranahan

Author Chuck Stranahan and his best fshing buddy, Jan – so much to be thankful for.

Coming up at North Valley Public Library

Stories & Songs for Pre schoolers - Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 10:30am

little one(s) can share in the fun singing, clapping, reading and dancing while connecting with other young families in our com munity. Ages 0-5. Registration encouraged but not required.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

NVPL will close at 5pm on Wednesday, Nov 23, and will be closed Thursday, Nov 24 through Friday, Nov 25 in observance of Thanksgiving. The library will be open and regular hours resume on Sat urday, Nov. 26 at 10am.

Wild & Weird Wednesdays

with Science Ofcer Lisa –Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 4pm Explore the universe, both micro and macro, and learn the science mysteries behind the natural word. Expect fun activities with Legos®, paper planes, food, and more. Children will soon be formulating their own hypotheses, experiments, and documentation in order to participate in a grade-free science fair at the end of the summer. Be sure to register as this program will get flled soon and we need to know how many supplies to have on hand. Concepts taught are geared towards ages 8-12, but younger scientists/siblings ages 6-7 welcome. Parents/caregivers must register themselves as well as each child attending.

The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main, Stevensville. Programs are free and open to the public. For infor mation call 406-777-5061.

a.m.4:53 p.m.9:01 a.m.5:17 p.m.

a.m.4:52 p.m.10:20 a.m.6:11 p.m.

a.m.4:52 p.m.11:27 a.m.7:19 p.m.

a.m.4:51 p.m.12:19 p.m.8:38 p.m.

Mon7:57 a.m.4:50 p.m.12:57 p.m.10:01 p.m.

Tue7:58 a.m.4:50 p.m.1:25 p.m.11:22 p.m.

EXIT Realty helping out animal shelter

In

of

local Bitter Root Humane Asso ciation, EXIT Realty Bit terroot is sponsoring The Paws-abilities of Holiday Giving donation drive.

With the increase in the Bitterroot Valley’s population and the rising costs of food, services, rent and just about everything, people are having to make difcult choices. Increased rent prices, fewer available houses to rent and a lack of dog friendly rentals, folks are in a bind. Our

local shelter has become their last resort choice. Donating a bag of pet food won’t change the world but it might just help folks on fxed incomes keep their companion animals.

Exit Realty Bitterroot invites you to consider the Bitter Root Humane Asso ciation as deserving of your support. BRHA is celebrat ing 50 years of service to the Bitterroot Valley. Their goal is to have every dog at the shelter get a walk every day. Human connection and love goes a long way toward helping the adop tees stay healthy in body and mind. Volunteers are needed for grooming, dog walking, washing blankets, cleaning bowls etc.

There are a record number of adoptees coming through the doors. Donations are needed to keep the shelter doors open. Whether you can give a little or a lot, it’s appreciated... and stays local!

What can you donate?

• Unopened cans/ bags of dog and cat food

• Cat litter

• Dog and Kitty treats

• Stainless steel food bowls

• Collars, leashes and Pet coats (new or gently used and laundered)

• Toys

• Cash

These items will go toward helping our community members keep their companion animals warm and fed.

The donations stations:

It’s easy to give. Simply drop of your gifts at the Hamilton EXIT ofce located at 301 N. 1st Street.

Can’t make it to the Hamilton EXIT ofce? The Stevensville and Darby ofces will accept donations as well.

Exit Realty Bitterroot will make two runs to BRHA on December 13th and 15th. The goal is to fll the EXIT Realty moving van with donations!

For more information contact the EXIT animal advocates: Sue Justus at 406-360-9799 or Kathie Butts at 406363-8114.

Sue Justus and Kathie Butts, agents at Exit Realty Bitterroot, are hoping to fll this van with dona tions of pet food and other items to help the Bitter Root Humane Shelter care for the many animals that come through the doors.

SLEEPY HOLLOW Real Estate &

Online Only Auction. Real estate features a 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse w/ ofces on 31 acres, Winifred, MT. Bid closes Wed., Nov. 30th, 1p.m. Real Estate starting bid: $160,000. Also selling 5 service pickups, shop tools, 3- 2000 gal. fuel tanks, ofce equip. View catalog, terms/ conditions & register to bid @ www.ShobeAuction.com 406-366-5125

and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.mon tana.edu/postings/30105.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

The City of Wolf Point, Montana, is seeking a City Attorney. For more informa tion, contact the city clerk at 406-653-1852, ext. 110, or email ctywlfpt@nemont.net.

Electrician Foreman. Facilities Services – Mon tana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/32936. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veter ans/Disabled

Project Architect. Planning, Design & Con struction – Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.mon tana.edu/postings/33010.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Interior Designer. Planning, Design & Con struction – Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.mon tana.edu/postings/33016.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

SNAP-Ed Extension In structors, various locations across Montana. Fun job teaching youth and adults about nutrition, physical activity, food safety and food resource management. For complete description and application instruction, please see msuextension. org, click on “Careers.” Screening continues. Equal opportunity employer, veter ans/disabled.

Contract Specialist.

Planning, Design & Con struction – Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.mon tana.edu/postings/33123. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

HVAC Technician (Heating/Ventilation). Facilities Services – Mon tana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/33152. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veter ans/Disabled

Custodian I Facilities Services/Montana State University - Bozeman **UPDATED SALARY **For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.mon tana.edu/postings/29525.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Maintenance Paint er Facilities Services/ Montana State University - Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/30461. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veter ans/Disabled

Locksmith Facilities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.mon tana.edu/hr/postings/31185

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans

Journeyman Carpen ter Facilities Services/ Montana State University - Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/30789. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veter ans/Disabled

Preventive Mainte nance Manager. Facilities Services- Montana State

University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.mon tana.edu/postings/32290. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Mail Clerk/Carrier I Facilities Services/Mon tana State UniversityBozeman. For complete job announcement and appli cation procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/ hr/postings/30400. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veter ans/Disabled

Facilities Engineer Engineering & Utilities/ Montana State University –Bozeman.For complete job announcement and applica tion procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/32010 Equal Opportunity Employer, Veter ans/Disabled

Irrigation Techni cian. Facilities Services/ Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/30326 . Equal Opportunity Employer, Veter ans/Disabled

NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISCONTINUE RAIL SERVICE

AB-575 (SUB-NO. 2X)

SNOW SHOVELING AND SNOW PLOWING. 406-207-1793.

Montana Rail Link, Inc. (“MRL”) gives notice that on or about November 21, 2022, it intends to fle with the Surface Transportation Board (“STB”), Washing ton, DC 20423, a petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 from the prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10903, et seq., permitting MRL to (A) discontinue common carrier service over approxi mately 656.47 miles of non-contiguous main rail line owned by BNSF Railway Company (“BNSF”) (collec tively, the “Leased Premises”), including: (1) Hunt ley, MT (MP 209.91) to Spurling, MT (MP 17.8); (2) Spurling, MT (MP 17.8) to Helena, MT (MP 238.4); (3) Helena, MT (MP 0.0) to Missoula, MT (MP 119.31); (4) Missoula, MT (MP 119.31) to Sandpoint Junction, ID (MP 118.7); (5) De Smet, MT (MP 0.0) to Paradise, MT (MP 64.27); (6) Laurel, MT (MP 15.15) to south of Laurel, MT (MP 514.47); and (7) Moss Main, MT (MP 0.00) to a point north of Moss Main, MT (MP 0.50); and (B) discontinue bridge-only trackage rights over approximately 96.04 miles of rail line owned by BNSF, including the following segments (collective ly, the “Trackage Rights Lines”): (8) Sand Point, ID (MP 2.79) to Spokane, WA (MP 68.17); (9) from MP 68.17 to MP 69.0 near Spokane, WA; (10) from MP 0.74 to MP 1.0 near Moss Main, MT; and (11) from MP 51.07 near Garrison, MT to MP 21.5, south of Warm Springs, MT. The Leased Premises traverse the following zip codes: 59037, 59101, 59102, 59105, 59106, 59044, 59063, 59019, 59069, 59033, 59011, 59047, 59082, 59715, 59718, 59714, 59741, 59752, 59643, 59644, 59647, 59635, 59601, 59602, 59728, 59713, 59731, 59733, 59832, 59936, 59825, 59851, 59802, 59808, 59834, 59846, 59820, 59821, 59863, 59831, 59872, 59866, 59859, 59873, 59874, 59853, 59844, 83811, 83836, 83840, 83852, and 83864. The Trackage Rights Lines traverse the fol lowing zip codes in Montana: 59044, 59711, 59731, 59722 and 59756; in Idaho: 83813, 83864, 83860, 83801, 83858 and 83854; and in Washington: 99025, 99027, 99212, 99216, 99206, 99202 and 99201. The Leased Premises and the Trackage Rights Lines (col lectively, the “Lines”) traverse the following counties: Yellowstone, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Park, Gallatin, Broadwater, Jeferson, Lewis and Clark, Powell, Deer Lodge, Granite, Missoula, Lake, Mineral and Sanders Counties, Montana; Bonner and Kootenai Counties, Idaho; and Spokane County, Washington. The pro ceeding has been docketed as AB-575 (Sub-No. 2X).

The proposed action entails the discontinuance of MRL’s rail service over the Lines with BNSF resum ing operations and maintenance of the Lines. Fur ther Board approval would be required for BNSF to abandon the Lines. Accordingly, this proceeding is exempt from environmental reporting requirements under 49 C.F.R. § 1105.6(c) and from historic report ing requirements under 49 C.F.R. § 1105.8(b), and the STB will not prepare an environmental assessment. Appropriate ofers of fnancial assistance to con tinue rail service under a subsidy can be fled with the Board. Because the proposed action is for the discontinuance of service over, but not the abandon ment of the Line, requests for public use conditions and rail banking/trails will not be accepted. An origi nal and 10 copies of any pleading in response to the proposed discontinuance of service (such as ofers of fnancial assistance) must be fled directly with the Board’s Section of Administration, Ofce of Proceed ings, 395 E Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20423 [See 49 C.FR. §§ 1104.1(a) and 1104.3(a)], and one copy must be served on MRL’s representative [See 49 CFR § 1104.12(a)]. Questions regarding ofers of fnancial assistance or other such matters may be directed to the Board’s Ofce of Public Assistance, Governmen tal Afairs, and Compliance at 202-245-0230. Cop ies of any comments or requests for specifc Board action should be served on MRL’s representatives: Rose-Michele Nardi and Crystal M. Zorbaugh, Baker & Miller PLCC, 240 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Ste. 300, Washington, DC 20037. BS 11-23-22.

VIRGELLE MERC.

Crossword Solution

Naomi J. Cheeney

Cheeney Law, PLLC

PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Personal Rep resentative

MONTANA TWEN

TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DIS TRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MIL DRED L. TAYLOR-WIL LIAMS, Deceased. Case No.: DP-22-126 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDI TORS

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 pres ent 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 Courtney Leon Taylor III, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 7th day of November 2022.

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

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

Attorney for Personal Rep

Legals

resentative\ MONTANA TWEN TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DIS TRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: WAYNE C. RASMUSEN, a/k/a Wayne Clifton Ras mussen, Jr., a/k/a CW Rasmussen, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-22-127 Dept. No.: 1 HOWARD F. RECHT NOTICE TO CREDI TORS 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 pres ent 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 TERRI K. NEW MAN, the Personal Represen tative, return receipt request ed, 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 16th day of November, 2022. /s/ Terri K. Newman Personal Representative c/o LionWood Law, PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 LionWood Law, PLLC /s/ John S. Masar Attorney for Personal Rep resentative BS 11-23, 11-30, 12-7-22.

Martin Kukich, Broker MT/lD GRI, ABR, CNHS, PSA, SFR 406-241-9982 P.O. Box 475 Victor, MT 59875

martykukich@hotmail.com

Airbnb potential!

106 E Waldo Street, Darby

BeautifulCustomFarmhouse Development Potential

807 W. Main Street, Hamilton

3 bed / 1 bath, 1 car garage w/ alley access, partially fenced big backyard, may be govt loan eligible (RD, VA, FHA) close to stores, Bitterroot River, and trails MLS# 2201609 $274,900

358 Hamilton Heights Road, Corvallis

Looking for that cute, in town, updated home, here it is. Con venient to all outdoor recreational activities including prime Montana hunting, fshing, & boating. Major rodeos also. Smalltown charm with many small shops to entertain you. This 1994 3 bd/1 bth ranch style home has had numerous upgrades, including a new, covered patio area in the back, and huge, fenced-in backyard. Come and check out this charming home, you won’t be disappointed. MLS #22211206 $399,900

CONVENIENT! RESIDENTIAL and/or COMMERCIAL ZONING. Extra nice, manufactured home with large 3-car garage (ware house) on W. Main St. in Hamilton. Great views of the moun tains out your living room windows. Walk to the river, parks, shopping, hospital/medical ofces, Bitterroot College. 2 bed room/2 bath/AC/natural gas with large bonus room between home & garage. Updated fooring plus refreshed cabinets. Extra clean/well maintained. GREAT location for your home business.

Looking for that cute, in town, updated home, here it is. Con venient to all outdoor recreational activities including prime Montana hunting, fshing, & boating. Major rodeos also. Smalltown charm with many small shops to entertain you. This 1994 3 bd/1 bth ranch style home has had numerous upgrades, including a new, covered patio area in the back, and huge, fenced-in backyard. Come and check out this charming home, you won’t be disappointed.

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

Unique custom-built country home. 3 bed / 3 bath on 16+ acres with 360 degree views. Apple orchard, yearround creek and Daly Ditches irrigation. Open concept living; can be divided into 3 separate living quarters with 3 kitchens and 3 granite walk-in showers. Many possibilities for the creative entrepreneur. MLS #22110617 $1,799,900

Come and Check it Out!

Unique custom-built farmhouse. 3 bed / 3 bath on 16+ acres with 360-degree views. Apple orchard, Daly Ditches irrigation. Open concept living; can be divided into 3 separate living quarters with 3 kitchens & 3 granite walk-in showers. Many possibilities for the creative entrepreneur. MLS#22110617 $1,699,900

MLS #22211206 $374,900

MLS #22203944 $1,150,000

MLS #222043 $399,900

Help Wanted - Editor

We are seeking an editor to oversee the reporting/editing of the Seeley Swan Pathfnder. The Pathfnder is a community weekly newspaper in the quaint town of Seeley Lake, Montana. Pay: $35,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year Benefts: 401(k) • Flexible schedule • Paid time of Hiring Now! Please send your resume to lyssa@mullennewspapers.com or call 406.677.2022 for more information.