Bitterroot Star - November 6, 2024 by Bitterroot Star

Trapper Creek Job Corps helps out on North Burnt Fork Creek restoration

by Michael Howell

Bitterroot Trout Unlimited is getting a helping hand from students at the Trapper Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in their ongoing restoration work at North Burnt Fork Creek on the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. The restoration work is associated with a fsh passage project initiated by Montana Trout Unlimited in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service involving the replacement of a culvert that has blocked fsh passage from the river into North Burnt Fork Creek for over 50 years. Bitterroot Trout Unlimited was instrumental in extending the fsh passage project into a broader stream restoration project stretching over half a mile upstream from the culvert.

The help from Trapper Creek Job Corps students goes beyond providing cut willows. They are also involved in planting them along the stream bank as well as in building the “exclusion” fencing that will help protect the young willows and shrubs from being decimated by beavers and deer before they can mature.

Forestry Conservation and Firefghting instructor at the Job Corps, Scott Aronson, said that when Trout Unlimited approached them about helping out in the project they jumped at the chance.

“I feel like I have a purpose in life, getting out and doing things that I’ve never done before, working on things like this natural resource project, helping the community and helping the environment. It’s been an amazing opportunity.”

- Mason Quest, TCJC Student

The restoration work includes removal of a lot of Reed Canary Grass, an invasive species that has taken over long stretches of the stream bank and foodplain along the lower portion of North Burnt Fork Creek, and replacing it with shrubs and willows. According to Trout Unlimited’s Special

He said the Job Corps ofers students handson experience in many areas of work including construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and renewable resources and energy.

He said this project was a good ft for the students in his Forestry Conservation and Firefghting program.

One of the student volunteers working on the project, Mason Quest from Billings, Montana, said he would like to get it out there that the Job Corps

Project Manager Christine Brissette, the domination of the area by the aggressive Reed Canary Grass not only reduces stream bank stability it also reduces habitat more preferable for waterfowl and migrating songbirds.

The plan involves replacing much of the grass with locally sourced shrubs and willows. The shrubs are coming from Great Bear Native Plants in Hamilton and the willows are coming primarily from cuttings taken from Skalkaho Bend Park in Hamilton. Bitterroot TU president Dave Ward succeeded in getting permission from the Hamilton City Council to harvest the willow cuttings from the park and student volunteers from Trapper Creek Job Corps and the Corvallis High School’s Classroom Without Walls program did the cutting. Over 2,000 willow cuttings were harvested from the park.

Brissettte said that willow cuttings purchased from a private contractor cost about $1.25 each. “Thanks to the City’s cooperation and the help from these student volunteers we have saved about $2,500 in project expenses,” said Brissette.

is a great place to go if you are feeling kind of stuck in life and don’t know where to go or what to do.

“Since I came to the Job Corps my life has completely changed,” said Quest. “I feel like I have a purpose in life, getting out and doing things that I’ve never done before, working on things like this natural resource project, helping the community and helping the environment. It’s been an amazing opportunity.” He said he has been with the Job Corps for six months now and will continue for another seven months. After that he hopes to work as a wilderness ranger in Yellowstone National Park “or any other park that may have opportunities,” he said.

Brissette said that she enjoys working with local businesses on her projects and feels lucky to have Timberland Excavating on the job. Owner of the business, Jake Watts, said that Timberlands Excavating started out in 2017 chasing timber sales around west central Montana and northern Idaho but has shifted over into restoration work in recent years.

Besides the primary work involved in removing the old culvert, which blocked fshed passage from the river into the creek, and installing a new fsh-friendly bottomless culvert which leaves the stream uninterrupted, they are working extensively on the removal of the Reed Canary Grass and restoring the stream bank and associated wetlands

for miles upstream. This involves digging trenches to plant rows of willow cuttings and importing a large quantity of woody debris and old bed rock. According to Watts, the restored stream bank will include associated foodplains of varying depths creating good habitat for amphibians, waterfowl and songbirds.

“These guys just came onto our radar in the last fve years or so in terms of stream restoration work,” said Brissette. “They are super-efcient and fexible, good trouble shooters and have a good eye for what rivers and streams and foodplains are supposed to look like.”

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge Manager Tom Reed said, “This is a project that has been on our books for a long time, but because of the size of our staf and funding we probably wouldn’t have gotten to it. So, it’s been very positive to move forward with it and to move forward at the rate we are.” He said that because the stream restoration was taking place in the Refuge’s Wildlife Viewing Area that gets hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, the interpretative signing and stream restoration work associated with the culvert work will greatly enhance the public’s wildlife viewing opportunities.

“The partnership with the Refuge on this project has been a great opportunity for us as well,” said Brissette. “Not only do we know that the work we have engaged in is going to be protected long term, but it also opens up a lot more opportunity for public engagement.”

The project is ongoing and, according to Brissette, there is still an opportunity for the general public to be involved. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up by contacting Bitterroot Trout Unlimited on its web site at www.bitterroottu.org.

Trapper Creek Job Corps students Tye Rackliff, Caidan Lore and Blake Fowler fnish up construction of an “exclusion” structure that will protect newly planted shrubs in a restored foodplain area along North Burnt Fork Creek from being ravaged by beavers or deer before it has a chance to mature. Photo by Michael Howell.

A Work in Progress- Project Manager for Trout Unlimited Christine Brissette coordinates the effort as volunteers from Trapper Creek Job Corps and the Corvallis High School Classroom Without Walls complete a stream bank and wetland restoration project on a half-mile stretch of North Burnt Fork Creek in the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge east of Stevensville.

One man’s treasure is another man’s trash

Dispute over Stevensville property spans 40 years

by Victoria Howell

Sarah Urfer stood before the Stevensville Town Council on October 24, 2024 and made the following statement: “I would like to know why the town has decided to spend thousands of dollars of taxpayer money on legal fees in order to assist a set of private citizens in a lifelong harassment campaign against my family…”

Urfer, one of the owners of Berta’s Farm, LLC, a fve-acre piece of property located at the corner of E. 3rd and Park Streets, said she decided to go before the council in order to “provide some perspective and additional facts” about this situation, which has been an ongoing issue for decades.

Urfer said that she had flled out a request form to be on the agenda but, she said, “I was denied that right claiming that this is an issue for court yet no such limitation has ever been placed on Pat, Mel, or Loey [plaintifs in the lawsuit over the property].”

“... This is not even the frst time the town council has specifcally singled us out,” said Urfer. “For example, in 2010 Pat Groninger stated in a town council meeting that a specifc town ordinance was intended to ‘get Frank.’”

She said the Town had previously denied a request for inspections needed in order to complete the construction of the building on the property “and now the town says they have no records of the permit for the add-on to the existing building. However, we have the original permit with all the sign-ofs… At the request of the town we allowed the town building inspectors to come and look at the building and the permit. Despite multiple requests to the mayor to provide the results of this inspection we were denied that information and eventually I was forced to contact the

inspectors directly to get a copy of their report at which point I was sent an informal email, not an actual report. Since then I have talked again with the inspectors and have confrmed the steps needed to renew the expired permit which I am working on now.”

“I have never come to a council meeting asking the town to cite our neighbor who has a garage that is under ongoing construction and appears to have someone living in it,” said Urfer. “I have never asked the town to cite our neighbor who has an inoperable truck in their feld and outdoor storage that is not shielded from public view. Yet we were cited at the mayor’s request in what I believe to be an arbitrary and capricious manner for three diferent alleged ordinance violations and every single one of those charges were dropped by the town attorney. Historically, the town has lost six prior cases that they have brought against us as well.”

“Why us and why go about it the way you have?”

Since this item was not on the agenda, the council did not respond, other than thanking her for her comments.

“Berta’s Farm property has been a farm since the early 1900’s and the land is our livelihood and our home,” said Urfer. “We live in constant fear of having our home invaded, our property destroyed, our crops mowed down, or animals displaced or even killed by massive mowers, and our way of life and survival destroyed. We live in constant fear of who is watching us after in 2017 our neighbors hired someone to fy a drone over our property and made a video recording while my sister, then a 7 year old child, was living there and playing outside… Through all this my father has been fghting for his life, including fve hospitalizations for sepsis, two major surgeries and four minor surgeries, while my father‘s wife battles an auto immune disorder, and we all, including my little sister who is a minor, live in constant fear. It is hard to understate how horrifying it is for us to feel unsafe in our own home due to the actions of the town and our neighbors and how that lack of security impacts our ability to heal and have a happy home.”

“Since every attempt to have a discussion with the mayor about this issue has been shut down, I am here to attempt to get answers,” said Urfer.

The Town, some nearby property owners, and Urfer’s father, Frank Piwarski, have been embroiled in a bitter dispute over the condition of the property for more than 40 years. Piwarski purchased the property in the 1980’s and currently lives there with his wife and daughter, where they grow garlic and other crops and maintain a wetlands area for wildlife. Piwarski demolished a home that was on the property when he bought it and started to build another structure, but that project was shut down by the Town because he didn’t obtain the necessary permits. The Town sued Piwarski in 1986 and again in 1991 in an attempt to get him to comply with town regulations regarding the property.

that abatement would be the appropriate action in this matter, and that the Town of Stevensville had the authority to conduct abatement proceedings. The Town was given a window of 60 days to remove all hazards and obstructions from sidewalks on the property, remove all inoperable vehicles or construct a barrier to shield them from public view, remove or conceal all junk and debris, treat and mow all noxious weeds, remove overgrown vegetation that obstructs motorists’ line of sight, remove all non-conforming and dangerous structures and bring the property into compliance with all applicable town ordinances. The Town was also granted the authority to assess all abatement costs “to the property tax assessment for the parcels comprising the property.”

The 60-day abatement period passed with very little action by the Town. Some of the neighbors involved in the lawsuit attended an August 22 town council meeting to discuss the status of the abatement. At that meeting, the council approved the formation of a committee to come up with an abatement plan. Mayor Bob Michalson agreed to serve on the committee, along with council member Cindy Brown and Pat Groninger, one of the plaintifs in the lawsuit. Groninger said he could help with cleanup and identifying funding sources, since lack of funds was the mayor’s stated reason for not completing the work.

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

For years the condition of the property has been a thorn in the side of neighboring landowners, who claim it’s an eyesore and a public nuisance due to the presence of overgrown and noxious weeds, unused building materials and junk vehicles. In 2017, a group of neighbors who live across the street from the property successfully sued the Town and Berta’s Farm in order to get the Town to enforce its ordinances. In 2018, the neighbors agreed to dismiss all claims against the Town in return for the Town agreeing to enforce its ordinances and if necessary, to bring an action against Berta’s Farm for ordinance violations. A non-compliance letter was sent to Berta’s Farm giving them 60 days to come into compliance.

BeautifulCustomFarmhouse Development Potential

529/527 W River Road • Hamilton

106 E Waldo Street, Darby

358 Hamilton Heights Road, Corvallis

643 Adirondac Ave, Hamilton, MT 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 Come and Check it Out!

106 E Waldo Street, Darby 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/mechanic’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.

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

But Urfer and her father believe they did everything that had been asked of them, based on a meeting they had with town ofcials in the spring. So, on September 19, 2024, Berta’s Farm’s attorney fled a Notice of Satisfaction of Judgment in the case, claiming that Berta’s Farm had completed all the required abatement work that the Town had identifed in an April 2024 site visit. According to Urfer, the case was closed. However, she said that Stevensville Town Attorney Greg Overstreet has fled to reopen the case.

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 $1,799,900 807 W. Main Street, Hamilton CONVENIENT! RESIDENTIAL and/or COMMERCIAL ZONING. Extra nice, manufactured home with large 3-car garage (warehouse) on W. Main St. in Hamilton. Great views of the mountains out your living room windows. Walk to the river, parks, shopping, hospital/medical ofces, Bitterroot College. 2

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

tra RV spot (all hookups) for another mobile home/RV; separate 4 bed/2 bath home with detached 2-car garage, creek, apple orchard; metal building with concrete foor, 110V & 220V. Plenty of income with good cap rate. $2,975,000. MLS #30029924

MLS #22203944 $1,150,000

After 60 days, the Town’s compliance ofcer visited the property and determined that nothing had been done.

The case was eventually heard in Ravalli County District Court and in February 2024 the court found

At the October 24 council meeting, Urfer stated, “I have ofered repeatedly and in writing to work with the town to address any legitimate issues the town identifes at no cost to the town.” She said she had met with the neighbors in April 2024 “to try to understand what exactly it is that they want since this has been going on longer than I’ve been alive. In that conversation Pat Groninger told me that this was our punishment from God for the way that we have lived our lives… It now appears that the tool that our neighbors want to use to administer this punishment from God is the town and its resources.”

Berta’s Farm property at the corner of E. 3rd and Park in Stevensville.

Photo by Victoria Howell.

Cow-patty fres: another way to campfre

Montana is big. This may seem like an understatement, but it really is hard to get one’s head around. If you are familiar with the states of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, as they are lined up together, you’ll notice that crossing the three is about the same distance as crossing from one side of Montana to the other. More than half of Montana is plains, and for the early peoples, both native and pioneer, it was no small feat to go from one side to the other. As it were, supplies were in short supply.

truly be like. But what did we have to lose?

by John Dowd

During a hunt a couple weeks ago, we went to the eastern part of the state to chase after pronghorn. While there, we camped out on the plains, just like those early west-goers. Another thing keen folk may notice is that there are not a lot of trees on the plains. Given this, the question may come up: how did they have campfres? And we found ourselves in the same predicament.

We had fuel for cooking, and haven’t had fres there in the past, but this year, camping out on public land, we wanted to have campfres in the cool nights.

The answer came in a strange form for people today. Something that was quite abundant back then, and still today, were cow patties. Pioneers moving droves across the West, as well as Indians following bison herds, could easily fnd and gather these dried excrement piles. And, as it turns out, they burn really well.

On our hunt, my hunting partner and I decided to give it a try. He, at frst, was not receptive to the idea. He would have preferred to burn all the sagebrush in the area, which would have been what it would have taken for just a single night. That sage burns fast. However, I convinced him to give it a try, and to use the patties. I was not sure how that would turn out myself. I had read about doing so, in historic documents, as well as in books and accounts, but I had no idea what it would

After starting up a bit of sage as a base, I threw on a couple patties, or chips, as they were called in the Old West. Within seconds, they were alight. To our astonishment, no smell, very little smoke, and a hot and wonderful coal base is what resulted. In fact, upon the end of our trip, and after three nights of cow-patty fres, we both left with the assurance that we had now found our favorite campfre fuel.

It was true, too, those accounts I had read. I remember read-

ing about several scenarios where chuck-wagoneers preferred the chips over everything else they could burn. They preferred them as a cooking fuel especially, and even had fghts with greenhorns less confdent in the idea of drinking a cup of cofee boiled over cow crap. In our experience, the chips dry out fast, even with a substantial rain. They burn hot and long, and cook down to an even, consistent and very hot coal base. In fact, there was no sparking or spitting and the fre burned slow and safe. So much so that it really was a lot like coal. We started to compare these chips to Dura-logs, essentially a natural version. We even cooked a few meals over the patties, with confdence.

It started as a joke and something new to try, but turned out changing the

way we both view fre. Really, people of the time, and in these circumstances, must use what they have available. People in Third World countries, and remote parts of earth, still use cow chips to heat their homes and to cook their food. On islands, they use coconuts. In the mountains, a good pine or oak will do. In the jungle, halved bamboo burns fast, but hot. On the coast they use driftwood. In the plains and on steppes, they use cow patties.

It is interesting, just to look at it from another perspective, what we do with fre, and all it achieves. It really is so essential, and people are resourceful. It makes a person consider everything they might be able to use as fuel, to cook, heat, make light and even protect. In a pinch, I really would advise trying the chips. You won’t regret it.

Our team of dedicated providers prioritize the health and well-being of your litle (and not-so-litle)

We’re here for your range of pediatric needs. OB/GYN & Maternity (406) 375-4777 Birthing Center (406) 375-4470 Primary Care

Stevensville (406) 777-6002 & URGENT Care

Corvallis (406) 961-4661

Hamilton (406) 363-1100 & URGENT Care

Victor (406) 375-2990 Darby (406) 375-4142 Pediatric Physical & Speech Therapy (406) 375-4570 Ear, Nose & Throat (406) 375-4499

Neurology (406) 375-4119

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (406) 375-4868

Here, I cook a hotdog over a cow-chip fre. It was surprisingly effective and imparted no ill-taste or aroma. Photo by Rob Christensen.

County declines to support Utah lawsuit over BLM lands

by Michael Howell

In a two to one vote, the Ravalli County Commissioners recently rejected a resolution expressing support for the State of Utah lawsuit before the U. S. Supreme Court asking whether the federal government “can constitutionally hold unappropriated lands within a State indefnitely.” In the lawsuit the state of Utah seeks to gain control over the 18.5 million acres within the state’s boundaries currently owned by the federal government and managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The proposed resolution noted that “the scope of Utah’s lawsuit applies only to the federally held land that is ‘unappropriated’, meaning that the

United States simply holds the land without any designated purpose.” The resolution also noted that the “unappropriated” land referred to does not include “appropriated” public land designated as national parks, national monuments, wilderness areas, national forests, Tribal lands or military properties.

Back Country Horsemen

Thankful for the Opportunity to Give Back

It also stated, “WHEREAS, although Utah’s lawsuit is specifc to the 18.5 million acres of unappropriated land within Utah administered by the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM), it is imperative that the Court answer the vital legal questions in this case as they inherently apply to all of the 245 million acres of unappropriated land administered by the BLM in 11 Western states, Alaska and Dakotas, and a few Eastern states as well. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Ravalli County, in the State of Montana, hereby supports Utah’s legal action as a co-signer of the Amicus Brief to be fled at the U.S. Supreme Court by the American Lands Council.”

Commissioner Greg Chilcott spoke repeatedly in favor of the resolution. In moving to approve the resolution, he said, “Distilled down to the

basic question, the question that’s being asked is whether the federal government can hold unappropriated lands. There’s a lot in there, but at the end of the day the question is, can they hold unappropriated land? It has long been argued on both sides as to where state sovereignty falls in this. Can states manage lands? In some cases, I don’t think states can. But these are unappropriated lands… The question is not whether they can be taken out of public ownership. In fact Utah has expressed that it is not their intent to take public lands and make them private… But I think the states in some cases can manage public lands and I believe personally that the best management is management that is closest to home. I think it’s a question that’s been out there for decades and it’s time to put it to bed one way or the other.”

In public comment, Steve Schmidt of Darby, a retired Idaho Fish and Game Supervisor, said he worked a great deal with BLM in eastern Idaho over issues concerning sage grouse, elk winter habitat and public recreation on BLM lands. He expressed strong opposition to the resolution, saying it was based on faulty assumptions, the frst being that he doubted that the public would support the transfer of public land to the states out of fear that it would lead to the reduction or loss of public access and harm natural resources in the process.

I don’t know why they would want to take on that tremendous expense.”

He said it was also a false assumption that unappropriated BLM land has no purpose.

“Unappropriated land does not mean the land has little or no value,” said Schmidt. “Nor does it mean that the land is not managed for explicit uses. BLM lands in the West contain very important wildlife habitat.” He noted that sagebrush lands are essential habitat for sage grouse and their management is crucial to keeping sage grouse from being placed on the Endangered Species list. BLM lands are also often crucial lands for wintering of elk, mule deer and other wildlife.

Schmidt also noted that the states do not have a valid claim on federal land constitutionally and that the courts have ruled in favor of federal ownership of lands, quoting a few cases and pointing out that Utah relinquished its claim on federal lands as a condition of becoming a state.

“In my opinion this resolution is part of a hopeless endeavor that if pursued will be an expensive legal issue at taxpayer expense,” said Schmidt. “Why in the world would you commit Ravalli County tax dollars to this fool’s errand? If you sign this resolution, you do so at your own peril because you could be identifed as anti-public land.”

In this season of being thankful, the SelwayPintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen would like to send a special thanks to all of our volunteers who worked diligently and enthusiastically to help maintain and keep open our beautiful Bitterroot trails. We also want to express our sincere appreciation of our willing and loyal horses and mules who help make this work possible!

Together we sawed and removed 700+ downed trees, cleared overgrown brush, and made several scouting trips up Sawtooth trail Volunteer crews helped clear a total of 230 miles of trails, logging 380+ volunteer hours this 2024 season. Work is done with chainsaws, crosscut saws, hand saws, pulaskis, wedges and jacks, etc., all carried in wooden tool boxes by hard working, seasoned horses and mules

With the high winds this year in the valley, we made multiple trips up Sawtooth, and cleared Sheephead, South Fork of Lost Horse, South Fork of Bear Creek, and Watchtower trails.

Working on trail projects is a great way to get out with friends, enjoy our loyal stock, and show our appreciation for the abundant beauty that surrounds us here in the Bitterroot

SPWBCH would like to encourage you to join us on Thursday, November 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hamilton Forest Service for our general meeting and also on Saturday, November 16 for a hot dog roast and potluck at the Three Sisters Pavilion at Lake Como at noon Come enjoy the bonfire and lots of trail talk”. For more information contact Kathy Hundley at 406-363-8230

Schmidt also expressed doubt that the state and local governments could better manage public lands.

“That has not been my experience,” he said. “State and local governments do not have the capacity to manage vast amounts of federal land. Even more so,

It was noted by the County Administrator that the dollar amount mentioned in the original resolution in support of the amicus brief had already been removed.

Chilcott noted that the lawsuit was specifc to Utah and did not apply to Montana. He said it was simply about a question of whether the federal government can hold on to these lands or not.

“I don’t know why anyone would object to having that question answered by the Supreme Court instead of hanging out there all the time,” said Chilcott. He said that Utah had made it clear that if successful in getting the land transferred their aim was to keep them in public ownership. “I reject completely that this board is anti-public land.”

Carlotta Grandstaf, a former county commissioners, raised the question of how little BLM land there is in Ravalli County and asked how does Ravalli County beneft from getting involved in this issue?

Chilcott said, “It gives us leverage in policy and planning on federal public lands.”

“In Ravalli County?” asked Commissioner Jef Burrows.

“Potentially, yes,” said Chilcott

“But there is hardly any BLM land at all in Ravalli County, so I don’t know what you are talking about,” said Grandstaf.

“I think states in the east don’t have hardly any federal public lands,” said Chilcott. “But in the West the land was never transferred to the states.” He said we have a disproportionate amount of land under federal control in our jurisdiction. “So anything we can do to get a little more of a seat at the table is a good thing,” he said.

Grandsatf said that she did not believe that the state or local government could provide the kind of consistency in management that the

See COUNTY, page 18

Anti-semites

I didn’t know there were any Jew-haters in Stevensville (anti-semites). Israel is just trying to protect itself from the ongoing attacks from Iran and all its proxies. Iran is the modern Nazi. They started attacking Israel over a year ago (Oct. 7, 2023) – atrocious, barbaric killings. God blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who curse Israel - Genesis, Chapter 12, Verse 3. God was talking to Abraham, the father to the Israelites.

God said also: “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Thru Jesus this prophecy is possible for all the earth.

Richard Parker Stevensville

Thanks from RCFWA

On behalf of the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, I would like to thank the following. But frst an explanation. The RCFWA recently installed warning signs (south of Darby) and headlining the Aug. 21 Bitterroot Star to attempt to reduce vehicle strikes on the Big Horn Sheep that are commonly near or on Hwy. 93 near Sula. Human safety, and conservation of the sheep are most important to the RCFWA members.

Thank you. To Jeremy Shields, of JS Ironworks for procurement and welding sign posts. To Ed Stoddard of Full Curl Manufacturing for powder coating and storage of the signposts. To Fred and Shane Upchurch, and Jerry Walker for helping with the installation. To Steve Tintzman for the coordination of the men and equipment, and transportation to the sites. To Ravalli Electric Co-Op, Kyle Kearns and crew, Matt Olson and Dan Kratofl. And last but not least, the property owners (names withheld) that granted permission to install the signs, without whom this project would not have been possible.

Mark Oswald, President Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association

Chasing freedom

“Freedom.” “Our freedom is precious.’’ “Reproductive freedom belongs to us all.” I hear these quotes as arguments for pro-abortion and CI128. Associated with these quotes are pictures of families with their beautiful children while claiming they have a right to abortion. Does this not seem to be a contradiction?

What is true Freedom? And who defnes it? Webster defnes freedom as “the state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.” People can be enslaved by many things: addiction, toxic relationships, social media, and busyness. The Bible defnes freedom as the ability to escape the consequences of sin, and the power of sin in one’s life. To be free from guilt and shame.

Freedom does not mean we have the liberty to do as we please, otherwise our world would be dictated by chaos and every conceivable evil. Yet, people cry for freedom because they do not want to be told what they can and cannot do. Can I use my hands for violence because I am angry? Is it my bodily right to cause harm to another person merely because I want to?

What about the unborn child’s freedom? Do they not have the right to pursue life? Consider this biological defnition: Abortion is destroying life somewhere between conception and birth.

Let’s review the reproductive cycle. When a sperm and an egg come together, they form a single cell called a zygote. The result is a tiny new cell, smaller than a grain of salt, which contains all the genetic information for every detail of the newly created life. Approximately four weeks into pregnancy, many things develop: a heartbeat, signs of brain development, eyes, arms and legs buds, circulatory system, lungs, fngers, toes and even taste buds… human and very much alive. Therefore, life begins at conception. Did you know that touch receptors form in a fetus at seven weeks of gestation, not long after the mother discovers her pregnancy? And current neuroscientifc evidence indicates the possibility of fetal pain perception during the frst trimester, also as early

as seven weeks. With scientifc advances that now provide a window into the womb, we can see the many ways a child responds to sensation well before birth:

• They feel their mother’s emotions at the same level of intensity.

• Babies remember and gain comfort after birth from specifc music that was played to them in the womb.

• Signs of stress and nervous movement appear when the mother is smoking.

• A cold glass of water makes them shiver.

• They have hiccups as early as the frst trimester.

• Months before birth, the whole body becomes sensitive enough to feel a single hair brushing across it

… and we want to allow women to abort at any viable stage? We think this is freedom, our right? Our right to take a life.

How does this ‘freedom’ afect the emotional wellbeing of the mother? The rate of depression after spontaneous abortion in some of the western populations is in the range of 40-50%.

A textbook of the National Abortion Federation (Baker, Beresford, Halvorson-Boyd and Garrity, 1999), has identifed many negative reactions that some women have after abortion such as nightmares about babies, insomnia, negative emotions of guilt, anger, worthlessness and shame. Engaging in self-punishing behaviors such as substance abuse and relationships with abusive partners, suicidal thoughts, and relentless thoughts of being a bad person.

Why is abortion so vehemently defended? Is it not because a mistake has been made (sometimes inadvertently), which would greatly afect the life of the individuals involved and abortion is a remedy readily available to eliminate the inconvenience of another life? In the 1970’s when abortion became legal there was great concern that women were using abortion in place of birth control. Is this reproductive freedom or a careless attitude? There are consequences to running a red light, driving drunk, cheating on your spouse or murdering a person. Life is full of consequences, and it

is best lived under the biblical commandments that keep us in check. Every life is precious. Every life is valuable and worth fghting for. Every life counts in the eyes of God. Abortion is not true freedom; it is a death sentence to the baby and a potential lifelong threat to the emotional well-being of the mother. The Bible tells us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Vote NO on CI-128.

Tatjana Horton Hamilton

Sheep Creek Mine

Remember, I am a kitchen-table grandstander, not a politician. I look at things from the practical aspect, from sitting and talking in my kitchen with other folks about our valley. But I am stumped, even with a college education and 80 years of living, why a company would invest in a project that will have a net loss of $4.2m as reported in the most recent Bitterroot Star. Are they counting on the market price going bananas by the time there’s minerals coming out of the ground? I wouldn’t move into a time-consuming project that a community is against, knowing I was going to lose that much money. OH WAIT! They’re counting on government subsidies, because these minerals are rare and in the national interest! Taxpayers come to the rescue. Wreck our tourism on the Bitterroot, pollute our river, then ask us to support their efort, when the history of mining shows they don’t clean up after themselves in this state. Nope, I’m not going for it. History, economics and plain common sense says this just doesn’t add up.

Star Jameson Hamilton

A Course of Love study group

Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480

Florence American Legion

Florence American Legion Post 134 is having a free pancake breakfast on the frst Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.

Knotty Knitters Guild

Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month except July, August, December, and January at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. You can also bring your knitting project to visit and knit with friends or get help with questions on Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Any questions call 406-381-5123 or just show up on Friday!

Yoga for Veterans FREE to veterans, frst responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm at the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-5307175. Come see us on 1st Friday in May ‘bout 1800 for more info! We’ll be in front of Active Care Wellness on Main in Stevensville

MS Support Group

Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Cofee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www.nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail.com

Republican Central Committee

The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee regular monthly meetings are held the frst Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Place Church, 273 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. All are welcome to attend.

Bitterroot Celtic Society

The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.

North Valley Library

Fiber Arts Club — Thurs. Nov 7 at 12pm

Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting? Bring your work-in-progress, problem piece, or brand-new pattern and enjoy the company of like-mind ed crafters during this informal Fiber Arts Club. There will be no presenter

or expert teacher but rather a cozy place to gather, tea, and a community of yarn and fber artists like yourself.

All experience levels welcome. Club is held the frst Thursday of every month from 12-1:30pm in the Community Room.

De-Stress the Holidays with Martha Piersma— Thurs. Nov 7 at 6:30pm

Martha’s inviting, practical, and truly enjoyable approach to taking care of yourself and living each moment more fully makes her workshops a perennial favorite among participants here at the library. As the holidays approach, learn simple ways to skip the stress and savor the season.

Hamilton school board

Governance Committee Meeting

Thursday – November 7, 2024

12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room. The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube.

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – November 12, 2024

6:30 p.m. – District Ofce –Conference Room. The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube.

Governance Committee Meeting

Thursday – December 5, 2024

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – December 10, 2024

Florence-Carlton Church bazaar

The Florence-Carlton Community Church will hold its annual bazaar on Friday and Saturday, November 8th and 9th, at 20075 Old Hwy 93 just north of Carlton Creek Road, three miles north of Florence. Times are Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch of homemade soup, sandwiches, casserole and pie will be available. There will be a bake sale of fancy breads, cookies, pies and much more, handmade crafts and specialty items for sale. Bring your friends! Since 1960.

Holiday decoration

rummage sale

A holiday decoration rummage sale will be held Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Three Mile Community Center. Buy, sell, barter, bargain, donate! A great opportunity for you to sell or buy used holiday decorations (Christmas, Halloween, Fall, Easter, etc.) Spaces are available for only $15. Or you can donate your items to the Community Center for them to sell. All funds raised at this event will go towards improving/paving the parking lot. The community

Joyce at jmchp@pacbell.net.

Grief coping sessions

Coping with Grief and Loss

During the Holidays -- The death of a loved one is one of the most difcult experiences we face in life. You are invited to come share your grief journey, learn how to honor and remember your loved one, and how to care for yourself during the holidays. Join in for a 2-hour faith-based pre-holidays grief care session ofered 4 times in November and December at St Francis of Assisi, 411 S. 5th St. Hamilton.

This program uses the faithbased Griefshare.org program which includes a free helpful handbook, viewing of a short DVD followed by small group sharing. This session is FREE and sponsored by the St Francis of Assisi Caring Hearts Ministry, 411 S. 5th St., Hamilton. RSVP at stfrancishwm@gmail. com or https://www.griefshare.org/ fndagroup

Four sessions to choose from: Sunday, November 10, 1:003:00pm Tuesday, November 12, 3:005:00pm Sunday, December 8, 1:003:00pm Tuesday, December 10, 3:005:00pm

Grief coping sessions

Coping After the Loss of Your Spouse -- The death of your spouse is one of the most difcult experiences we face in life. You are invited to come share your grief journey, learn helpful ways to cope, ways to honor and remember your loved one, and how to care for yourself. Join in for a 2-hour faith-based grief care session ofered in November and December at St Francis of Assisi, 411 S. 5th St. Hamilton. This program uses the faithbased Griefshare.org program which includes a free helpful handbook, viewing of a short DVD followed by small group sharing. This session is FREE and sponsored by the St Francis of Assisi Caring Hearts Ministry, 411 S. 5th St., Hamilton. RSVP at stfrancishwm@gmail. com or https://www.griefshare.org/ fndagroup

Two sessions to choose from: Sunday, November 10, 3:005:00pm Sunday, December 8, 3:005:00pm

Wings Equine Rescue pint night

Join the Wings Equine Rescue for a Pint Night at Blacksmith Brewing Company in Stevensville on Nov. 14th, 5-8pm. There will be minis to visit with, silent auction items, Wings logo sweatshirts and t-shirts, a 50/50 rafe and more! The Real Flavors food truck will be there with awesome eats as well! When you sip a pint $1 goes to help support our senior horses and donkeys who need extra care in the winter.

Women Newcomers

Club

Are you new to the Bitterroot Valley or a long time Resident? We would like to invite you to join us. The Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club is a fun group of women. They will be having their annual Holiday Arts, Crafts, and Bake Sale on November 14 at 10 a.m. at The First Christian Church on 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamiliton. After a short meeting we will open up to shopping, refreshments and socializing. Come and join this great group of women!

Bitterroot Bird Alliance

The November Bitterroot Bird Alliance (the local Audubon chapter) program meeting will feature a local author, Sophie Osborn. Her new (May) book has received praise from some important bird experts. The meeting will be held on Monday, November 18th, 7 p.m. at Teller’s education room (same parking lot as the Slack Barn).

Selway-Pintler

Wilderness Back

Country Horsemen

Does preserving our wilderness trails, stock packing and making new riding friends sound like fun? If so, you’re invited to attend the Thursday, November 14th SPWBCH general meeting at 6 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest building located at 1801 N 1st St in Hamilton. Entry is in the rear of the building. You are also invited to the annual hot dog roast on Saturday, November 16th at Three Sisters Pavilion at Lake Como at 12 noon. Guests are always welcome. For additional information, contact Kathy Hundley at 406-363-8230. Visit the website at bchmt.org/spwbch or follow on Facebook.

St. Francis Christmas

Bazaar

Come visit the Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St Francis of Assisi at 411 S. 5th St in Hamilton! Enjoy breakfast and lunch served by the Knights of Columbus, baked goodies, pasties, rafes, and hundreds of perfect holiday gift items like hand-made quilts, vintage decor, soaps, emu oil products, lavender items, gift jar mixes and more! Win a wonderful rafe prize: beautiful antique quilt; $100 certifcate for Hamilton Marketplace; homemade goodies and a mystery basket!

Mature driver course

Bitterroot Health (formerly Marcus Daly Hospital), located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, is hosting an ALL NEW 2024 AARP Driver Safety Course on Friday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This all new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome.

The program features new laws and up-dates specifc to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, new Vehicle Technologies, to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no tests or written exams and Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers. Certifcates are now good for three years! Class fee: $20.00, AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. For class sign up, call Hamilton Insurance at: 406-363-6583. For further information call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 406-369-0149.

Victor Museum

Chocolate Tasting

The Victor Heritage Museum is holding its annual fund-raising event, The Chocolate Tasting Party and Silent Auction, on December 2nd, the frst Monday in December 2024, from 3 to 8 p.m.; bidding will close at 7:30 p.m. OutWest Wagons will give wagon rides around Victor starting at 4 p.m. Come and enjoy the camaraderie, bidding on silent auction items and the chocolate. The cost for this event is $5.00 for ages 5 years and older. The Museum is on the corner of Main St. and Blake Streets. The Museum celebrated its 35th birthday in September 2024. Its success has been made possible with the support of the people of the Bitterroot Valley. For more information call Suzanne Tout at 406-381-8861, or the Museum at 406-642-3997.

Victor Museum

Chocolate Tasting

4 p.m. Come and

derie,

and

The

for

event is $5.00 for ages 5 years and older. The Museum is on the corner of Main St. and Blake Streets. The Museum celebrated its 35th birthday in September 2024. Its success has been made possible with the support of the people of the Bitterroot Valley. For more information call Suzanne Tout at 406-381-8861, or the Museum at 406-642-3997.

Calendar postings are free to non-proft groups. Submit by emailing to: editor@bitterrootstar.com

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Sports Falcons flatten Fairfield

The Florence Falcons hosted the Fairfeld Eagles in a “birds of prey” showdown in the frst round of the Class B State football playofs on Saturday, November 2. The Falcons, #3 in the fnal 406mtsports.com poll, fell behind early but quickly found their footing and rolled to a 56-20 victory.

Florence, the three-time defending Class B State Champion, has now won 13 straight playof games. Their last playof loss was to Fairfeld, an 8-6 state semifnal loss on November 14, 2021.

Early in Saturday’s game it looked like the visiting Eagles might be able to repeat history as Fairfeld jumped out to a 14-6 lead in the frst quarter.

But that was as far as Fairfeld’s upset bid would go, as Florence’s ofense scored seven, that’s right, seven straight touchdowns and, with the help of a

sufocating defense, pulled away for the lopsided 36-point victory.

Florence QB Mason Arlington continued his strong play, completing 14 of 17 passes for 238 yards and throwing a whopping 6 touchdowns. Florence’s Drew Wagner had 5 receptions for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns, Wagner also had 9 tackles on defense. Bridger Alexander had 4 catches for 61 yards and 2 touchdowns. On defense Alexander was a force of nature with 9 tackles including 4 tackles for a loss. Isaac Bates and Levi Winters each had a touchdown reception.

Falcon RB Jake Schneiter ran strong all day and had 15 carries for 110 yards with 2 rushing touchdowns. On defense, Schneiter led the Falcons with 10 tackles.

Florence’s defense calmed down after giving up an early scoring drive and dominated the rest of the game. They allowed Fairfeld only 168 total yards (151 passing and 17 rushing). In contrast, Florence’s ofense gained a total of 435 yards, rushing for 188 yards and passing for 247.

With the win, Florence advances to the second round of the Class B

playofs where they host #5 Jeferson on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m.

This is a rematch game, as Jeferson defeated Florence 24-21 in the frst game of the 2024 season on August 30 in Florence. Since then, Florence has won 9 straight games, while Jeferson has gone 7-2, their two losses being to #1 Manhattan and #2 Malta. It’s unlucky for both teams to play each other so early in the playofs, but that’s how the bracket ended up.

The winner advances to the semifnals where they will play the winner of the Malta/Three Forks game.

Western A volleyball divisionals

The Western A Divisional volleyball tournament is set to begin in Corvallis on Thursday, November 7 and will go through Saturday. It pits the top four teams from the Southwest against the top four teams from the Northwest.

The top three Southwestern A teams (Frenchtown, Dillon and Hamilton) received a bye into divisionals, while the bottom three teams (Corvallis, Stevensville and Butte Central) had play-in games to determine the Southwest’s #4 seed.

Stevensville took 5th place in the conference and hosted Butte Central, the 6th place team, in the frst play-in game on Saturday, Nov. 2 and the Lady ‘Jackets won 3-0.

Corvallis then hosted Stevensville in the second play-in game on Monday, November 4th. The game was yet to be played at the time of print. But the winner, either Stevensville or Corvallis, will be the #4 seed in divisionals and plays Whitefsh, the #1 seed out of the Northwest, on Thursday, Nov. 7 at noon in the opening round of divisionals.

Hamilton fnished 3rd in the Southwest and received a bye into divisionals. They play the Northwest’s #2 seed Polson on Thursday at 4 p.m. in their opening round divisional game.

Hamilton defeats Corvallis

The volleyball teams of Corvallis and Hamilton squared of in Corvallis on Tuesday, October 29 in the last regular season game for both teams. It was a spirited atmosphere as each school’s student sections traded barbs back and forth. But in the volleyball match, Hamilton had too much frepower and won 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-16).

Hamilton’s Aurie Duncan (#1) trys to hit the ball around the block of Corvallis’s Britta Iman (#3) and Kaitlyn Keller

in Hamilton’s 3-0 victory over Corvallis on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The Western A Divisional volleyball tournament begins in Corvallis on Nov. 7. Photo by Scott

Corvallis football ends season at Columbia Falls

The Corvallis football team went to Columbia Falls for the opening round of the Class A State football playofs on Friday, November 1 and lost 42-16. The

was tied 0-0 after an evenly played

Columbia Falls then scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 21-8 lead at halftime. After three quarters the Blue Devils

trailed 28-16 and were still in striking distance, but the Wildcats scored twice in the fnal frame to seal the victory.

For Corvallis, QB Aydan Mayn rushed for 88 yards and had a 30-yard TD run. Mayn had 72 yards passing, including a 10-yard TD pass to Solomon Morgan. Corvallis’s RB Logan Avery rushed for 93

yards and, from his linebacker position, had 22 total tackles to lead the Blue Devil defense. Drew Lewis also had 12 total tackles.

Corvallis ended the season with a 5-4 record. They had back to back winning seasons for the frst time in 25 years, and back to back playof appearances for the frst time in over 40 years.

score

frst quarter.

(#15)

Sacry.

Florence QB Mason Arlington hands off the ball to RB Jake Schneiter on Saturday, Nov. 2 in Florence. Arlington threw for 238 yards and a whopping six touchdowns, while Schneiter ran for 110 yards and two TDs in Florence’s 56-20 victory over Fairfeld. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Above, Florence’s Bridger Alexander (left) and Mose Smith (right) pressures Fairfeld’s QB in Florence’s 56-20 victory over Fairfeld in the frst round of the Class B State playoff in Florence on Saturday, Nov. 2. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence volleyball wins districts

The Florence girls volleyball team steamrolled through the District 6B tournament on Saturday, November 2 in Deer Lodge, winning all 6 sets they played.

In the opening game on Saturday morning they defeated Deer Lodge 3-0 (25-9, 25-14, 25-22). Then in the championship game on Saturday afternoon they played Missoula Loyola and won 3-0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-8).

For Florence in the Loyola game, Ava Philbrick had 12 kills, Taylor Pyette had 2 aces, Maggie Schneiter had 22 assists and 2 blocks, Elise Schneiter had 2 blocks, and Ella Goeltz had 10 digs.

For Florence in the Deer Lodge game, Elise Schneiter had 4 aces and 11 kills, Maggie Schneiter had 23 assists, Taylor Pyette had 11 digs, and Ava Philbrick had 3 blocks.

Florence advances to the Western B Divisionals in Anaconda this week where they play St. Ignatius in the frst round on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. (the two teams played on Oct. 24 and Florence won 3-0). The winner plays the winner of the Anaconda/Eureka game on Thursday at 5 p.m. A potential Florence/Eureka matchup is worth keeping an eye on, as Eureka is one of the few teams who has beaten Florence this season.

The Darby volleyball team played a District 6B play-in game against Deer Lodge at Deer Lodge on Tuesday, Oct. 29 and lost 0-3 (25-19, 2516, 25-9) This loss ended their season.

The Victor volleyball team played a District 13C Play-in game at Noxon on Wednesday, Oct. 30 and lost 0-3. This loss ended their season.

Stevensville’s Newsom signs with Dickinson State

Stevensville senior softball standout Lilly Newsom signed her letter of intent to play college softball with Dickinson State University in a ceremony at Stevensville High School on Friday, November 1. Newsom is excited for the opportunity. “I wanted to go someplace that wasn’t too close to home, but was near enough that my parents could come see my games,” said Newsom. “I went on a visit and got to practice with the players. I really liked the players and coaches.”

Newsom plans to study Exercise Science at Dickinson, working towards becoming a Physical Therapist. Newsom looks forward to her senior softball season and is excited to continue improving her skills. “When I practiced with the Dickinson players,” said Newsom, “they were all really good,

so I’m motivated to work hard this season to keep improving so I can compete with them next year.”

Newsom has been a standout softball player for the Lady ‘Jackets. She was Honorable Mention All Conference as a sophomore. Then as a junior last year, she was an All State selection. Newsom is also on Stevensville’s volleyball team. Dickinson State University is a public university founded in 1918 and is located in Dickinson, North Dakota with an enrollment of 1392 students. The Blue Hawks are an NAIA school and play in the North Star Athletic Conference. Former Hamilton High School softball player Cierra Cole is also on the softball team.

SKI: ‘connection between people and mountains’

Continued from page 1

coming ski season, and to fnancially break even.

“It was almost a sell out crowd,” she said.

In recalling that inaugural event, Menning pointed out that the crowd was not only approaching sell-out size, but comprised of a surprising diversity of folks.

“It was really cool to see the mingling of the community.”

The well-being of the community, and the environment that it thrives within, is clearly important to Menning. She said that the success of the frst flm gave her the confdence to, “not only do it again, but to have it give back to the community as well.” And the way she’s chosen to do that in 2024 is by hosting the movie as a fundraiser for the Bitter Root Land Trust (BRLT), the organization that she has been a part of for the past 14 years.

“It is near and dear to my heart,” said Menning about the BRLT, adding that she has served it in capacities ranging from outreach to Vice President. She says that she is glad to have the flm as an additional way to add to her support of the BRLT, so that the land trust can continue to

do the work it does. Ultimately, she also sees the connection that exists between BRLT, the community and landscape it serves as being echoed within the flm itself.

“This year it’s a bit more on the connection of the people to the mountain,” said Menning about “Calm Beneath Castles.”

“I thought it was a really nice connection to the land trust, with our mission being, protection of the land for agriculture as well as for recreational purposes.” The connection, she says, is about keeping people in touch with nature.

Matchstick Productions describes the flm as, “a testament to their extraordinary skill, courage, and determination, showcasing their connection with nature and the tranquility they fnd beneath towering castles of snow,” and as portraying, “skiers’ relentless pursuit of their goals and their harmonious relationship with the mountains.”

But whether your connection to the mountain is by gracefully fying down SacJac Trees, or nervously snowplowing down Meadow Run, the positive vibes at a community showing of a ski flm is sure to

stoke you up.

The doors at the Rocky Mountain Grange will open at 6 p.m., allowing people to mingle, enjoy some food and drink and learn about BRLT before the movie starts by 7:00. The event will include door prizes, and a rafe.

Menning says that Bitterroot Brewing has been a wonderful partner in helping to complete the event, and that other sponsors such as Lost Trail, Burton, LMNT, and MODL have generously stepped in as well.

To purchase tickets online, visit: https://www. eventbrite.com/e/matchstick-productions-calmbeneath-castles-ski-flmtickets-1054527964529 or learn more by visiting the Facebook site for the event at: https://www.facebook. com/events/rocky-mountain-grange-116/matchstick-productions-ski-f lm/894574405617303/.

The Florence volleyball team celebrates with their District 6B Championship trophy in Deer Lodge on Saturday, Nov. 2. Florence plays in the Western B Divisionals in Anaconda on Nov. 7-9. Photo by Florence School Activities.

Stevensville senior softball standout Lilly Newsom signs her letter of intent to play college softball with Dickinson State University. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Heather Menning has organized a second ski flm viewing, and this time funds will go to support the Bitter Root Land Trust. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Catherine Ann Booth

Catherine Ann Booth was born January 8, 1953, in Los Angeles to Mary Catherine and James Reid. She was the ninth of eleven children and embraced every aspect of competition that came along with a big Irish family. Holidays were flled with laughter that often ended with the family ranking which sibling could speak the fastest. She always won hands down.

Our mom loved sports of all kinds, but basketball was her favorite and she enjoyed playing every Friday night with friends and family. In 1972 she played as a freshman for Long Beach State in the frst-ever women’s national college basketball tournament. Her team sold cookies to fund their trip to Indiana and she was very honored to participate. Even last week she shot an old bandage from her hospital bed into the garbage can across the room and said, “I still got it”.

She didn’t consider herself much of a traveler, but she said some of her favorite memories were being baptized in the Jordan River in Israel, attending the World Cup in Brazil and walking the Freedom Trail in Boston. She also loved seeing her oldest grandson touch the Atlantic Ocean for the

Donald Lee Welch

Donald Lee Welch, 88, passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 27, 2024, surrounded by family members. Don was born in Hamilton, MT, on December 8, 1935, to Eva Lucinda Dye and Thomas Dewey Welch. He was a fourth generation Montanan. The great grandson of George Tolson Dye, an early Bitterroot Valley resident, Don’s roots in the valley ran deep.

He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1953, where he lettered in track and feld, participated in the drama club and performed in high school plays. Don loved baseball and played from boyhood through his early twenties, playing town team baseball for Hamilton. He was a standout pitcher and mastered throwing a knuckleball few could hit.

Don met his wife, Mable Spracklin, at a valley dance. The two began dating and were married in 1957. Their marriage was later solemnized in 1969 in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Mable was the joy of Don’s life, and they celebrated 52 years of marriage before she passed away from breast cancer. Don and Mable had fve children, four daughters and a son. Don worked for 32 years for the United States Postal Service until his retirement in 1990. After retirement, he served for several years as a member of Hamilton’s zoning commission.

With a love for fast cars, he was proud of the Model T Roadster he customized and worked on as a young man. A growing family necessitated him to sell his Roadster, but his skills as a mechanic continued to grow. He did his own mechanical work, including overhauling the family’s car engines and rebuilding their transmissions, when necessary, often in the winter when the temperature in his garage reached zero degrees.

A master craftsman, the pinnacle of Don’s creations was a sailboat he built for his family to enjoy. The boat was a cabin cruiser that slept four. The family’s primary recreation during summers was sailing at Como Lake and occasionally Flathead Lake. The boat was fawlessly built with perfectly feathered joints and mahogany trim. It

frst time in Maine. After decades of family trips to Montana, she and Dad decided that is where they wanted to spend their golden years, so they packed up their dogs and of they went.

Our mom lived every moment for her family and the Lord, which directed every aspect of her life. She enjoyed gathering with members of her Bible study every Tuesday. We remember several times when someone close to Mom had passed, she would look sad but say “I wish I could see what they see now”. She didn’t consider herself a perfectionist, but when it came to quilting, she wanted every seam and border to be better than her last. She won a blue ribbon at the Ravalli County Fair for Applique in 2023 and loved the relationships she formed with ladies of the Bitterroot Quilters Guild.

Catherine is joined in eternity with her son, Danny. She is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Dan, two daughters Katie Troutman and Joanna Brown, and son-in-law Taylor Brown. Her four grandsons Killian, Rider, Sheridan and Ryan brought endless joy to her days. She is also survived by four siblings: Julie, Shari, Betty and Jim

attracted attention every time the family launched it in the water.

At age six, Don started playing the piano. He loved playing Dixieland and Ragtime Jazz, especially Scott Joplin compositions, and played with several groups from his twenties into his late eighties. Don enjoyed playing Saturday afternoons at the Hamilton House with many musicians he played with throughout his life. He was a founding member of the Bitterroot Valley Ragtime Society.

Don enjoyed distance running and could be seen out jogging from the 1970s until he was nearly 70 years old. He competed in dozens of 5K and 10K races. He enjoyed skiing and for decades went to Lost Trail Ski Area each season with friends. Don enjoyed going of-piste to Moose Creek and bombing the chutes. He was a season pass holder into his late seventies.

Don treasured his experiences hiking, hunting, skiing, motorcycling and mountain biking with his cousin, Dale Dye. Dale, a renowned recurve bowyer, encouraged Don to make custom, Flemish hand-twisted bow strings, which Don did, selling his product for more than 25 years under the brand of H.o.T Custom Bow Strings to some of the biggest names in traditional longbow and recurve bow circles. Dale and Don were like brothers and enjoyed 70 years of adventures and close friendship.

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Don served in many capacities including as a young men’s leader for more than 30 years.

He was a positive infuence on everyone he met and made friends wherever he was. Witnessing the passing of many of his friends as he grew older took its toll on his spirits and near the end he longed to be released from this life and be reunited with his wife Mable.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mable, sister Vivian Welch Algie and granddaughter Moriah Hughes. He is survived by his children Sherri Hughes (Russell), Hamilton, MT, Cynthia Brinkerhof (Neil), Piedmont, SD, Angela Welch,

and joined in heaven by siblings Barbara Jean, Tom, Doug, Greg, Mary and Teri.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Daly-Leach Memorial in Hamilton on November 8th at 2 PM, concluded by light refreshments in the funeral home’s community room. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com

Eugene, OR, Jefrey Welch (Jessica), Houston, TX, and Amy Haines (Brad), Fort Davis, TX. He has 16 grandchildren: Jasper Hughes, Berkley Hughes, Jordan Hughes, Moriah Hughes, Naomi Hughes, Ethan Brinkerhof (Keshia), Kolton Brinkerhof (Taylor), Erin Brinkerhof (Josh Merkey), Bekah Rhoades (Chris), Boe Fogel (Brittany), Hope Welch, Holland Welch, Harrison Welch, Maja Haines, Ashton Haines (Yolanda) and Brynna Haines, and 16 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at 9:00 am in the Relief Society Room at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 401 N Eighth Street, Hamilton, MT. Funeral services will follow at the church at 10:00 am with bishop Chris Barrow ofciating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. We express gratitude to the staf of Beehive Homes and Bitterroot Health Hospice for their compassion and caregiving in Don’s fnal months. Condolences may be left for the family atwww.dalyleachchapel.com.

ADAMS: veteran speaks on sacrifce

landscapes.

“To me, this was just my job,” said Adams. He never thought about what they were doing as something that unusual, and he never kept track of medals or anything like that. The one thing he was especially proud of was that he never lost anyone from his crews. “I was very fortunate to have brought all my people back,” said Adams. However, that doesn’t mean they never came close, and they were often surrounded by death, both friends and enemies.

The frst time he can remember really being at war was in Somalia, of the coast, chasing after pirates. He said they were everywhere, and danger was often close. They would be sent out on patrol for 30 to 60 days and would sometimes act as security for ships traveling through the area. One time he can recall, they had two Iranian gunships approaching the ship they were on. For him, that was one of the closest times he has come to really losing a lot of people. He gave the order for his men to go out and “sweep the decks.”

- Blakney

However, luckily, he believes the gunboats had not counted on him and his men being there. As soon as they came out, the gunboats veered of, turning the story from tragedy to a really close call.

Another time, he remembers being stationed at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) outside of Fallujah, Iraq. Their mission was to apprehend numerous

targets, interrogate them and turn them in to the Iraqi Police (IP) if they were wanted by the IP. This was at the end of the second battle of Fallujah. He said they got all but one. Most soldiers were supposed to get a certain amount of decompression time. However, he never got that. Adams’ career often saw him rocketed from one assignment to

another, for years on end. After six tours, it started to get to him in ways he did not yet understand. That is, until the PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) caught up with him. in Yorktown, work ing with a special efects company to train others on work ing around motors. After hearing them go of, they were so realistic, that his body would act on

its own, over and over again. Hitting the deck, other soldiers thought he was simply showing them how to react to the fre. He wasn’t. After feeling embarrassed, he simply walked of. He checked himself in and started a year-long process to try to get a handle on a growing problem. During that time, a doctor told him that his was “one of the worst cases of PTSD she had ever seen.”

Eventually, he retired. Only fve days later, he was told he had cancer, and that was it. He said he just laughed. For him, that seemed like the only reaction he could have. He even knew exactly where he had gotten the cancer. In Somalia, he had a pipe of Benzene-laced gasoline spray on him. After getting soaked, all over his body, in his eyes, mouth and on his face, he left to shower. He said his body felt numb and he knew something was wrong. That was eight or so years prior. After numerous severe rounds of chemotherapy, he surprised his doctors and nurses by the sheer amount of pain he could withstand, and always kept a positive attitude.

“I don’t give up. I refuse to give up,” said Adams. After all the hardships in life and in his service, fghting cancer, bone marrow transplants, and dying twice, he just would not stop.

For Adams, it comes down to the lessons he learned in life and from the “old school” people of Montana. “They are a hard people, and hard workers.” Adams said these lessons helped him to keep his spirits up and to take life head-on. They are what he credits for helping him eventually beat cancer, and everything else.

He lives with permanent Graft-Versus-HostDisease (GVHD), where his body often rejects the marrow that was transplanted. “My body is still trying to kill me,” Adams joked. He cannot do as much as he used to, and he lives in near constant difculty, he suffers extreme pain and cramps often, his nerves afect him poorly after he was blown up and his memories are often hard to escape. But when asked about his service, he said without regret or pause, “I would do it all over again.”

According to Adams, people need to enjoy every day. They also need to know how fortunate they are to live in this country.

“Quit hating each other, and get a perspective from somebody that doesn’t live here,” said Adams. “This country is the only one of its kind. I’ve been to most of them, the good and the bad, and none even come close.”

He added, through all the terrible stuf he has seen and experienced, he believes people should fght to preserve the freedoms they have here with a passion.

Today, Adams is a little reclusive and humble of his service, just like many service men and women. For Adams, family is the most important thing that can never be replaced, and that extends past blood.

He does not care how anyone lives their life, he passionately believes it is their freedom to do so, and he cherishes that above all else. However, he tells people, “you have that right because of the sacrifces other people have made.” For Adams, that should never be forgotten.

Blakney Adams grew up in the area, and even served as a police offcer in Stevensville for a time. Photo by John Dowd.

FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $4.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today!

1-855-995-3572

Switch

Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5Gand 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-419-7978. Get your deduction

ahead of the year-end!

Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855- 901-2620 today!

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-762-1508

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Of for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-601-2865.

HOME FOR RENT - 406 N. 4th, Hamilton. 3-bdrm, 1 bath, W/D, stove/fridge. $1200/mo. plus utilities (power, water, garbage). Text or voicemail - 406-961-4145.

ROOM FOR RENT. Bed, dresser, TV, small fridge, includes utilities, common areas, kitchen use. Hamilton, $350/

month. Call or text (406) 880-8351.

LOOKING TO

William J. Nelson, Esq.

Nelson Law Ofce PLLC

217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840

Telephone: (406) 363-3181

email: wmziplip@gmail. com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY

IN RE THE ESTATE OF: PENNY EILEEN NIXON, Deceased.

Cause No. DP-2024-109

Dept. No. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING OF PETITION FOR ADJUDICATION OF INTESTACY, DETERMINATION OF HEIRS, APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND FOR SUPERVISED

ADMINISTRATION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JESSI L. JESSOP has fled in the above court and cause a Petition for adjudication of intestacy, determination of heirs, and the appointment of Jessi L. Jessop as Personal Representative and for supervised administration of said estate. For further information the Petition, as fled, may be examined in the ofce of the clerk of the above Court.

Hearing upon said Petition will be held in said Court at the courtroom in the courthouse at Hamilton, Montana on the 20th day of November 2024 at the hour of 1:30 p.m., at which time all interested persons may appear and object.

DATED this 18th day of October 2024.

/s/ Jessi L. Jessop Petitioner BS 10-23, 10-30, 11-6-24. MNAXLP

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 email: wmziplip@gmail. com MONTANA TWENTY

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: PHILLIP F. JOHNSON, Deceased.

Cause No. DP-41-2024117

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 decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Shelby Heinz, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 18th day of October 2024.

/s/ Shelby Heinz Personal Representative BS 10-23, 10-30, 11-6-24. MNAXLP

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 email: wmziplip@gmail. com

MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: MAX R. LEMONS, JR., Deceased.

Cause No. DP-41-2024115 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 decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Mary A. Lemons, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 18th day of

October 2024.

/s/ Mary A. Lemons

Personal Representative

BS 10-23, 10-30, 11-6-24.

MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD LLYNN WILEY, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-2024111 Dept. No.: 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Amber Sparks has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Amber Sparks, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

BS 10-23, 10-30, 11-6-24.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Michelle Reynoso, Michelle Reynoso, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-41-20240000392-NC

Dept. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Michelle Josefna Reynoso to Michelle Josefna Sorenson-Brown..

The hearing will be on December 4, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 23rd day of October, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk of Court BS 10-30, 11-6, 11-13, 11-20-24.

MNAXLP

Return To: Kevin S. Jones Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

To be sold for cash at Trustee’s Sale on March 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m, at the Ravalli County Courthouse, north entrance, main foor lobby, located at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, all of Trustee’s right, title and interest to the following-described real property situated in Ravalli County, Montana: Lot 18 and the North ½ of Lot 17, Block 2, Pleasantvale Addition to the Town of Stevensville, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

EXCEPTING AND RESERVING THEREFROM the Northeast corner of Lot 18, described as beginning at the Northeast corner of said Lot 18; thence due South 20 feet; thence due West 32 feet; thence due North 20 feet; thence East 32 feet to the place of beginning.

Recording Reference: Book 145 of Deeds, Page 309 and Book 230 of Deeds, Page 754.

George Eden and Debra Eden, as Grantors, conveyed the real property to Flying S Title & Escrow – Ravalli County, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Clearwater Credit Union, as Benefciary, by Deed of Trust dated December 15, 2023, as Document No. 792496, records of the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder. A Substitution of Trustee designating Kevin S. Jones as Successor Trustee was recorded October 8, 2024, as Document No. 799881, records of the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder. The default of the obligation, the performance of which is secured by the aforementioned Deed of Trust, and for which default of this foreclosure is made, is for failure to pay the monthly payments as and when due. Pursuant to the provisions of the Deed of Trust, the Benefciary has exercised, and hereby exercises, its op-

tion to declare the full amount secured by such Deed of Trust immediately due and payable. There presently is due on said obligation the principal sum of $85,393.20, plus interest continuing to accrue at a rate of 8.75% per annum, as of October 15, 2024, plus the costs of foreclosure, attorney’s fees, trustee’s fees, escrow closing fees, and other accruing costs.

The Benefciary has elected, and does hereby elect, to sell the above-described property to satisfy the obligation referenced above. The Benefciary declares that the Grantors are in default as described above and demands that the Trustee sell the property described above in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Notice.

DATED 15th day of October, 2024.

/s/ Kevin S. Jones, Trustee STATE OF MONTANA

ss. County of Missoula

On this 15 day of October, 2024, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public for the State of Montana, personally appeared Kevin S. Jones, Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year frst above written.

/s/ Christy Shipp Notary Public for the State of Montana residing at Missoula, MT. My Commission Expires May 7, 2025. (SEAL)

BS 10-30, 11-6, 11-1324.

MNAXLP

LEGAL NOTICE

The Ravalli County Board of Health (BOH) will conduct a Public Meeting to receive public comment on a variance requested by Janet Chafn for the Property at 416 N Grant Lane, Hamilton, Parcel # 827200. The applicant is requesting a variance from the requirement of a minimum of 48 inches of natural soil from ground level to seasonal high groundwater level and allow for an increase in use for an Existing Wastewater Treatment System. Property description: GRANTSDALE ACRES, LOT 5, 1.00 ACRE.

Information describing the variance request is available for inspection on November 6, 2024, at the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department, in the Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite D, Hamilton. The public meeting will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Administrative Building located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton. The public may comment verbally or in writing, at the meeting or online. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting will be considered in the decision on said variance request.

BS 10-30, 11-6-24.

MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY REQUEST FOR BID –PRESENTING SPONSOR FOR 2025 FAIR

ONE (1) PRESENTING SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE

The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS are requesting bids for a Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Fair. The 2025 Fair will take place on August 27, 2025 through August 30, 2025 at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds.

Presenting Sponsorship for the 2025 Fair – MINIMUM BID of $5,000.00

Any bid submitted shall provide a specifc dollar amount that the bidder is willing to pay to become the presenting sponsor. Any response must include the ability to pay the fully committed dollar amount by January 31, 2025.

Upon the award to the successful bidder, the County will issue a Contract that must be executed by the bidder and the Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners.

This solicitation shall be awarded pursuant to all applicable Montana statutes. Included in the awarded

bidders’ sponsorship are the following:

A Bucking Chute Banner display (estimated $250.00 value, provided by the Fairgrounds). As a chute gate sponsor, your company’s name and/or logo will be printed on a banner and placed on the sponsored chute gate.

25 gate tickets (estimated $250.00 value)

Prime press announcements at all Wednesday through Saturday Rodeo Fair Events. During the rodeo events, the announcer will announce the chute gate sponsor.

Two Sponsor VIP Parking passes on rodeo side.

Logo link on Ravalli County Fair & Rockin’ RC Rodeo website

QUESTIONS ON THE REQUEST FOR BIDS

Please email your questions on this Request for Bids to Melissa Saville (msaville@ rc.mt.gov) no later than FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2024.

Any questions on the bid process must be communicated through email to msaville@rc.mt.gov and will be answered and copied to all bidders on record.

BID SUBMITTALS AND AWARD PROCESS

Three (3) copies of the sealed bids must be submitted to the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorders Ofce at 215 South 4th Street, Suite C Hamilton MT 59840 by TUESDAY, NOVEMEBR 12, 2024 AT 4:00 PM. Adjust your mail and or hand delivery of the bids accordingly. Bids must be clearly marked “Presenting Sponsor 2025” and must be received by the time listed above.

Bids will be opened and a possible award by the Ravalli County Commissioners, 215 S. 4th Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room, Hamilton, Montana on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10:30 AM.

DATE AND TIME OF PERFORMANCE

The sponsorship and contract will be a one-year contract with the possibility of contract extension on a year-to-year basis at the discretion of the Ravalli County Commissioners.

COUNTY’S RIGHTS RESERVED

All bids received will be evaluated at the discretion of the Ravalli County Commissioners.

While the County has every intention to award a contract as a result of this Request for Bids, issuance of the request for bids does not constitute a commitment by Ravalli County to award and execute a contract.

Upon a determination, such actions would be in its best interest, the County, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to:

Cancel, terminate or not award this request for bid, at any time including after bids have been received and opened, if it is in the best interest of the County not to proceed with contract execution;

Reject any or all proposals received in response to this request for bids; Waive any undesirable, inconsequential, or inconsistent provisions of this RFB, which would not have signifcant impact on any proposal.

The County also reserves the right to request a best and fnal ofer from this request for bids, based on price/cost alone, if two or more bidders come in with the same bid.

BS 10-30, 11-6-24.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LAUREL C. BURNHAM, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-20240000116-IT

Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that Barbara A. Burnham has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either

be mailed to the Personal Representative, Barbara A. Burnham, PO Box 444, Darby, MT 59829, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. /s/ Barbara A. Burnham Personal Representative BS 10-30, 11-6, 11-1324. MNAXLP

Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SCOTT OWEN LYNG, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-2024123 Dept. No. 02 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to JANET J. KOCHIS, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED the 1st day of November 2024.

/s/ Janet J. Kochis, Personal Representative BS 11-6, 11-13, 11-2024.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Colleen Jean Bruce, Colleen Jean Bruce, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-41-20240000389-NC Dept. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Colleen Jean Bruce to Kelly Jo Bruce. The hearing will be on December 4, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 21st day of October, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk of Court BS 11-6, 11-13, 11-20, 11-27-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF APPLICATION OF STOCKMAN BANK OF MONTANA FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BRANCH OFFICE

Notice is hereby given by the Applicant, Stockman Bank of Montana, 700 Main Street, PO Box 250, Miles City, Montana 59301, that it has applied to, or will apply to, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Montana Department of Administration, Division of Banking and Financial Institutions for permission to establish a new branch at the following location: 316 Main Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870.

Any person wishing to comment on this application may fle his or her comments in writing with the Regional Director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation at the appropriate FDIC ofce at 25 Jessie Street at Ecker Square, Suite 2300, San Francisco, CA 94105 not later than November 21st, 2024. The non-confdential portions of the application are on fle at the appropriate FDIC ofce and are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Photocopies of the non-confdential portion of the application fle will be made available upon request. Publication Date: November 6th, 2024. Stockman Bank of Montana Miles City, Montana /s/ Jefrey D. Johnstone Chief Accounting Ofcer BS 11-6-24. MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE – SURPLUS PROPERTY SALE The Corvallis County Sewer District will accept sealed bids on a surplus outdoor storage shed building, approximately 8’ by 10’ wide and 9’ tall. The shed building is being sold “AS-IS, WHERE-IS, WITH NO WARRANTIES OR GUARANTEES.” The shed building is currently located at the Corvallis WWTP. The purchaser is solely responsible for loading and transportation of the shed. Sealed bids including the bidder’s name and contact phone number and the dollar amount ofered must be received no later than Monday, November 25 via postal mail at P.O. Box 134, Corvallis, MT 59828. Please write Att’n: Public Surplus on the envelope. The bid is intended to be opened and awarded on Tuesday, November 26. Final payment must be made by cashier’s check or in cash. Photos of the shed are available online at bit.ly/3NL2fWr Bidders may arrange an appointment to view the shed by contacting Steve Mosbrucker by call or text during normal business hours at 406-370-4832. BS 11-6, 11-13-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is Hereby Given that the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville will hold a Public Hearing to amend Ordinance No. 135 Sec.10.06.100 Speed Restrictions (3), updating proposed changes to the Stevensville Trafc Code of the Town of Stevensville to read: “ (h) E. 3rd Street to E. 2nd Street via Railroad Ave” “Future amendments to Sec. 10.06.100 (3) and (4) may be set by resolution.” 1st reading of Ordinance No. 135 will take place at the 11-14-24 Town Council Meeting and the 2nd reading will take place at the 12-12-24 Town Council Meeting. Comments may be given on the 1st reading of Ordinance No. 135 orally at the Public Hearing Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 6:30 pm and at the 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 135 at the Public Hearing on December 12, 2024, at 6:30 pm. Comments can also be given to the Town Clerk at PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870, email townclerk@townofstevensville.gov<mailto:townclerk@ townofstevensville.gov> or before 5:00 pm in person on the scheduled Town Council meeting day. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-777-5271. Attest: Jenelle S. Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 11-6, 12-4-24.

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 3633181 email: wmziplip@gmail. com MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: ROBERT EDWARD PISCOPO, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-2024122 Dept. 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Linda L. Garstang, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 4th day of November 2024. /s/ Linda L. Garstang Personal Representative BS 11-6, 11-13, 11-2024. MNAXLP

Highway bridge work paused for winter

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group are pausing construction on the South of Missoula Bridge Preservation project for the winter season. Crews recently completed applying fnal epoxy paint to the bridges.

Construction will resume in 2025, when crews will return to complete crack sealing work on the bridge on Secondary Highway 531 (S 531).

Continued from page 6

federal government provides. She said if the state had control of all the federal

it would be a

debate and struggle over what to do with the land and open the door to privatization.

Burrows said that he was lukewarm over the Utah issue, in part because it was not clear what appropriated and unappropriated or dedicated land really meant. He said he did believe that the public lands issue was one of the biggest issues in Montana right now and that he didn’t know why a state or local govern-

Work on this project began this summer. Crews have completed rehabilitation work on 37 of 38 bridges, including bridges on US Highway 93 (US 93), Bell Crossing West, Secondary Highway 269 (S 269), and Secondary Highway 203 (S 203). Each bridge received rehabilitation based on need, including repairing the bridge deck (driving surface) and joints, sealing cracks in the bridge deck, smoothing bridge approaches, and

adding new pavement markings.

“Our contractor L & J did a great job at making sure work on this project went smoothly and quickly,” said Che Hassan, MDT Missoula District Engineering Project Manager. “The work planned for 2025 is a minor holdover and won’t take long to complete, but it is important to wait for warmer temperatures for the crack sealing material to bind properly.”

ment would want to take over federal public land.

“If you gave me a million dollars to take over public land I wouldn’t vote for it,” he said. “I would say that there isn’t any direct beneft to Ravalli County to take over BLM lands.”

“I think Steve is right,” said Grandstaf. “If you pass this, regardless of how much you personally may support public lands, the perception out there will be that you are anti-public lands.

This is Utah’s issue, and they have been banging this drum for years. I don’t see how we have any reason to sign on to this at all.”

opposed the resolution and said it has been a longstanding issue from even before the “sagebrush rebellion.” He noted that the American Lands Council whose amicus brief they were considering signing on to is a conservative think tank that has been advocating for the takeover of federal lands for a long time and their policies are echoed in this resolution.

This project, when complete, will have successfully extended the service life of 38 bridges originally constructed between 1949 and 2011. Bridge preservation projects such as this one are a cost-efective way to ensure that these bridges will continue to serve the public for many years to come.

For more information about this project, visit the project website: mdt. mt.gov/pubinvolve/southmissoula/.

to unappropriated public land over a state’s objection.

He said the issue is a big one that could lead to the privatization of public land and should get much more publicity and public involvement before moving forward with it.

“I think the only reason I would sign on is just to support those commissioners that we’ve heard from that have been at loggerheads on an issue that would beneft their county, their economic base, their constituency and they have basically been ignored,” said Burrows. “I don’t think it’s a Ravalli County issue and I don’t think it’s a Montana issue for the most part, but we have heard from some commissioners down there who think they may beneft in some way economically, but who have basically just been ignored.”

Skip Kowalski also

“I think this is potentially the camel’s nose under the tent,” said Kowalski. He said if you follow what happened in the Sagebrush Rebellion, frst they wanted to transfer all of the federal public lands to the states. It brought on a huge negative response from the public. So, they said they would drop the national forest and drop the national parks and talk about it and that also had a negative response. The next move then was to say that if the lands were transferred to the states they would propose state legislation that would guarantee that it would forever remain public.

“My response to that is that the very next legislature could change that,” said Kowalski. “So, I think that this is more than what it appears to be on the resolution.”

Chilcott reiterated that the issue of privatization of land was not the question, the only question was whether the federal government can hold on

Commission Chair Dan Huls said, “I’m kind of caught in the middle here. I agree with Greg [Chilcott] in that it would be good to have an answer here once and for all so that this issue would be put to bed. But I agree with our public comment in many instances in that how does it afect Ravalli County. It actually has no efect on Ravalli County other than showing support of county commissioners in other areas and we would hope that they would support us if we asked them for support. The collaboration there weighs for me as well. And then there is Jef’s [Burrows} question of what is the defnition of unappropriated land.”

Chilcott brought up past disagreements with the Forest Service in which he felt the commissioners’ opinion had been disregarded. “Anything that can help Ravalli County have more of a say in the management of their public lands and in the economic impact, and wildlife habitat protection and their utilization and resources, I think is a good thing.” He said that anything to keep these decisions close to home was good.

“I’m not a hundred percent convinced that it’s going to be successful in the challenge and I don’t think it’s worth the signature on it given the consequences that may come back,” said Burrows.

In the end, Chilcott voted in favor of the resolution and Burrows and Huls voted against it.

Recycling event set for this Saturday

Ravalli County Recycling is holding its next event on Saturday, November 9th, at the north end of the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. From 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., glass, batteries and cardboard can be dropped of with suggested donations of $5 per 5 gallons of unbroken glass, and $2 per pound weight of batteries. Cardboard is collected by C2C Cardboard Recycling at $10 per cubic yard. Donations cover the cost to send collected materials to recycling facilities. This is the last event of the year for glass and

batteries. The next event will be in the spring, 2025. Cardboard will continue as usual.

RCR held its annual meeting recently, and welcomed new members of the community interested in learning about recycling in the Bitterroot Valley. Discussion was heard on proposals for education and outreach to a younger generation of recyclers, and the challenges of fnding facilities that accept and reprocess recyclable materials collected locally. The point was well made that if we are unable to fnd a way to recycle, we should explore ways

to reject, replace or rethink our use of plastics, for example.

The board expressed their deep appreciation for all the volunteer work that Rob Thomas has donated during his many years as an RCR board member, and wished him the very best in his new adventure. He will be missed by all who worked with him.

RCR encourages anyone interested in the organization to visit the website ravallirecycling.org for information on recycling, how to get involved, or to post a comment or question.

SEMILINK: semiconductor materials to be made here

Continued from page 1

essentially employs an enclosed space with the chip present. The gas is released into the space and it settles via heat, cooling or other chemical reaction. The flm created from the settled gas is then layered, often combining many layers of multiple materials, circuitry or others, to produce the fnished chip.

SemiLink Materials will produce only the materials to be used by other companies in the manufacture of semiconductors. Because they will work with numerous companies, a large warehouse is a requirement. The companies that produce the chips often each have their own requirements as to the types of gases, tanks and cleaning process they will accept in order to maintain high standards of safety, containment and material purity. This means that some companies even use specific tanks for specifc gases, and will require new tanks for every batch. In the end, SemiLink Materials will need a plethora of tank types and sizes and a place to store them.

certifcation process to produce and sell the gases. This could take up to two years, and involves sending numerous samples to various companies for testing of purity and to confrm the results that SemiLink Materials has found in their own state-of-the-art laboratory. In this interim, they will sell no products, and it will be

“We fnd that Montana people want to stay in Montana.”

- Dave Keck

SemiLink Materials will also need to go through a long and extensive

an investment of both time and money. According to Keck, this will be a “hurry up and wait,” scenario. Once that “certifcate of analysis,” is achieved, SemiLink will step into its next phase, hiring around 15 more people. These jobs will be high paying, said Keck, with a six-month-long training period. They do not require a college degree and will give preference to local residents, assuring they have the

passion to stay in the area.

“We fnd that Montana people want to stay in Montana,” said Keck, who is also from Montana, along with many of his coworkers. He spoke about how there are few high paying technical jobs in the state, which can make it difcult for families and young people to stay here.

Keck and others believe this will further trickle down into the local economy. To those that will be hired, Keck also said, “You would learn pretty special skills,” which he believes, “creates high value jobs,” and eventually, “results in more investment into the future and the community.”

SemiLink Materials believes they will ofcially open their doors by January of 2025. The entire project has been estimated to cost around $20 million. When asked why they chose to open up shop in Stevensville, instead of in Missoula where their parent company is located, Keck explained their reasoning. First, he said the land and property pricing was better. How-

ever, a bigger part of it was they have always found Ravalli County good to work with and a great community.

SemiLink Materials’ main building is still under construction, which will hopefully be fnished within a couple months, said Keck. Their facility will be state-of-the-art for safety and material purity. They are one of the only locations in the state with a modern air sealed chamber. The building as a whole will also complete up to 10 air exchanges per hour, and will be equipped with advanced gas detection equipment. The facility even includes what Keck called a “fancy dishwasher,” which is essentially a giant machine that chemically cleans used tanks for re-use. All of this efort is meant to maintain the utmost purity of these high value gases and liquid materials.

Keck and others with SemiLink Materials are excited about the prospects their company can create, for them and for the state of employment in Montana. They also hope to be a driving force in keeping these materials U.S. made and sold.

SLOUGH: permit applications to be considered

Continued from page 1

to the property boundary line as reasonably possible. Recreational portage will be considered in fnal site selection. Wood and/or steel posts and wire will be used to construct fences. Cable and/or stays may be used to maintain proper tension,” it states in the application. “Fencing will be constructed perpendicular to the channel whenever possible. Fencing will extend far enough outside the channel to ensure that ground is dry enough that

brace posts can be sturdily set to maintain proper tension. This distance may range from 1 to 60 feet outside the high water mark.”

According to the application, a tractor or skid steer with auger or post pounder attachments will be used on the bank to set posts where possible. Hand and power tools will also be used and no equipment will be used in the water.

Mitchell Slough is a sixteen-mile

long branch of the Bitterroot River that landowners attempted unsuccessfully to remove from protection under both the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act (310 Law) 310 Law and Montana Stream Access Law in 2000 because the waterway was “no longer natural” because it had been altered by man through the placement of headgates, rip-rap and dredging.

The Montana Supreme Court found the landowners’ arguments in that case to be “absurd” in that they would lead to almost every river and stream in the state being removed from

environmental protection and public access and turn the 310 Law into a self-destructive law because issuing a permit for any alterations would immediately qualify it for removal from the laws due to its being altered.

Following the lawsuit, fourteen Portage Routes were established to allow passage through existing fences along the slough.

The Bitterroot Conservation District is scheduled to consider the current 310 Permit applications at its regularly scheduled meeting on November 12.

NOTICE OF RANDOM AUDIT & OFFICIAL CANVASS

Notice is hereby given that a public post-election audit (pending a recount) of 10% of the voting machines used in the November 5, 2024 General Election will be held on the 14th day of November, 2024, at approximately 10:00 a.m, in the basement Election Room of the Ravalli County Justice Building located at 205 Bedford Street in Hamilton. Reconciliation of the ballots to be part of the audit will be done beginning approximately 8:00 a.m. The audit may be continued on November 15th if necessary to complete. If a recount is conducted, the post-election audit will not be held pursuant to MCA 13-17-503(5)(b).

The ofcial canvass for the General Election will be held on November 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., in the Commissioner Conference Room (3rd foor), County Administrative Building, located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton.

Dated this 29th day of October, 2024 Regina Plettenberg Ravali County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

Dave Keck stands outside SemiLink Materials, in Stevensville. Photo by John Dowd.

Joah Smith, a chemical engeneer with SemiLink Materials, compares samples for testing in a sealed and pressurized laboratory glove box. Photo by John Dowd.

Mitchell Slough. Star fle photo.