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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!”
‘The B Volume XXXV, Number 21
Spreading good cheer
Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!”
Another complaint against Stevensville mayor dismissed By Michael Howell
A holiday tradition that we at the Star really enjoy is when the Trapper Creek Job Corps choir makes their rounds singing Christmas songs at local businesses throughout the valley. Activity director Clarence Ferguson always makes it a point to include the Bitterroot Star on their tour and we really appreciate the good cheer! Jean Schurman photo.
Local landowners appeal gravel mining permit near Big Creek By Michael Howell
On October 30, the Opencut Mining Section at the Department of Environmental Quality issued a permit to mine gravel to Wade Moudy in the Victor area near Bell Crossing at the corner of Meridian Road and Curlew Orchard Road. The Moudy Pit Site covers 13.7 acres with 4.7 acres currently bonded for excavation purposes. The permit will allow up to 300,000 cubic yards of gravel to be removed across the 13.7 acres, although the applicant is only seeking a bond for 4.7 acres initially. At least fourteen appeals have been filed by local landowners objecting to the permit. The proposal was controversial, due primarily to concerns about the impact on groundwater in the area and Big Creek which flows nearby. There were other objections such as impacts
on existing ditches in the area, increased traffic at Bell Crossing intersection and other disturbances related to the operation such as noise, etc. During the review process, DEQ considered public comments submitted before, during and after the public meeting held in Hamilton on December 12, 2017. Based on its review of the proposal and comments, a series of deficiency letters were issued on March 16, 2018, April 25, 2019, August 14, 2019, and September 26, 2019 before finally approving the permit request on October 30. One of the appellants, Nancy Jacobsen, said that her objections extend beyond the personal impacts that she may have to endure from the mining project, which could last through 2032. She said the potential impacts to Big Creek should be of concern to everyone. “Big Creek is home to West-
The Bitter Root Land Trust is holding its fourth annual Art & Conservation Open House this coming Friday and Saturday at its office in Hamilton. It is a free community event. There will be hot cocoa, holiday treats and live acoustic music by BitterSweet Band that will, according to Bitter Root Land Trust’s communications director Emy Royce, “warm
your heart and soul.” There will also be a lot of local art on display. Talented artists from around the Bitterroot Valley will display paintings, pottery, textiles, jewelry and more. The art is for sale and a portion of art sales will be donated to the Land Trust by the artists. while you warm up with hot cocoa and music, you can admire and enjoy
slope Cutthroat trout and Bull trout. It is also a major access way for bear, moose, mountain lions, deer, elk,and contains elk calving grounds,” said Jacobsen. She said she is very concerned about the impacts on the creek and wildlife. “This, and the pits that may follow are going to ruin the environment here,” said Jacobsen. According to Jacobsen, a meeting has been scheduled by DEQ in Helena for Friday, December 13 for the case to be assigned either to the Board of Environmental Review itself, outside counsel, or the Clerk of the Board. No one from the Montana DEQ Opencut Mining division was available for comment on the process on Monday, nor were any of the Bitterroot Star’s phone calls to various DEQ staff returned.
Bitter Root Land Trust ‘Art & Conservation’ Open House
Manufacturing company seeks expansion grant
By Michael Howell
Lubrizol, a contract manufacturer of medical devices with two locations in Ravalli County, received support from the Ravalli County Commissioners last week in applying for a grant from the Big Sky Trust Fund to expand its operations in the valley. The $150,000 grant would be matched dollar for dollar to fund the $300,000 purchase of machinery and equipment needed for the expansion of the operation.
Founded in 1997, Specialty Surgical Products was a medical device contract manufacturer. Vesta acquired Specialty Surgical Products in 2011 and Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company, acquired Vesta in 2014. The company has two locations in Ravalli County, Hamilton and Victor, plus three areas that are mainly for storage, overall using about 30,000 sq. ft. They currently have approximately 80
See EXPANSION, page 2
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
the art inspired by the beauty of our local waters, wildlife, and working lands, which the Bitter Root Land Trust is working to conserve. Over the last 12 to 13 years the Bitter Root Land Trust, through the use of funds from the county’s Open Lands Bond program, Federal Farm Bill funds, and landowner contributions, has enabled the placement of conservation easements on the properties of 27 families in the valley with two more due to close in a matter of weeks. If you haven’t yet met the dedicated staff at Bitter Root Land Trust, this would be a great time to introduce yourself. The Open House is being held at the Bitter Root Land Trust office located at 170 S. 2nd Street in Hamilton. The schedule is Friday, December 13 – 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 14 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contributing artists include Karen Savory, Jennifer Ogden, Pam Watts, KJ Kahnle, Leisa Lewis, Bobbi Dye, Diane Olhoeft, Dulcie Belanger, Jessica Fitzpatrick, and Sharon Schroeder.
The ethics complaint lodged by Stevensville resident (now council person) Dempsey Vick on October 24, 2019 against Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey was dismissed by Montana Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP) Jeffrey Mangan on December 2nd. The complaint alleged that mayor Dewey improperly utilized public time and facilities to solicit support or opposition for candidates running in the Town of Stevensville’s municipal elections. Specifically, Vick alleged that Dewey violated Mont. Code Ann. §13-35-226(4), which states that: A public employee may not solicit support for or opposition to any political committee, the nomination or election of any person to public office, or the passage of a ballot issue while on the job or at the place of employment. When interviewed by the COPP, Vick stated that he recalled having around two or three meetings with Mayor Dewey pertaining to open seats on the Stevensville Town Council. Vick made it clear that Mayor Dewey spent these meetings actively encouraging him to seek a Town Council seat, by either running for election to an open seat or seeking appointment to a vacated
seat. Vick stated that each meeting between himself and Mayor Dewey occurred in either late May or early June. In Dewey’s November 6 response to the complaint, he confirmed the complaint’s assertion that he had met with Vick prior to Stevensville’s November 5, 2019 municipal General election, and that he additionally attended a separate meeting with two other individuals, whom he identified as Mason Buchanan and Trenis Hindle. “Contrary to the allegations submitted by Mr. Vick,” Mayor Dewey wrote, “meetings with candidates or others were always sought out by those individuals, and at no time did I use a meeting in my office to support or dissuade someone from seeking appointment or running” for municipal office in the Town of Stevensville. Both Buchanan and Hindle confirmed Mayor Dewey’s version of events. When interviewed by the COPP, Hindle said he did attend a meeting in City Hall with Mayor Dewey regarding open Town Council positions along with Mason Buchanan but that he, not Mayor Dewey, had requested the meeting. He went on to state that the meeting’s primary purpose was to discuss the recently vacated Town Council seats and the
process for filling them. Hindle stated that Dewey did not encourage or discourage either himself or Buchanan from seeking appointment to a vacant Town Council seat. While Hindle stated some discussion was had about the Town Council seat or seats up for election in Stevensville’s municipal general election for 2019, the elections were not a primary talking point and Dewey did not encourage or discourage anyone from running as a candidate for election to the Town Council. Buchanan, in his interview with the COPP, said that he, not Mayor Dewey, had requested and initiated his meeting. He said that he had been encouraged by outside individuals, not including Mayor Dewey, to seek appointment to one of the vacated Stevensville Town Council positions, so he asked Mayor Dewey to meet with him to discuss why the positions had been vacated, what the process was for filling them, and what exactly a job on the Town Council would entail. He stated that Mayor Dewey did not encourage or discourage him from seeking appointment to a vacated Town Council seat, nor were the Stevensville municipal elections or the idea of him running as a candidate for an elected Town See COMPLAINT, page 3
Chronic wasting disease sampling results continue to come in Samples from 25 deer harvested around the state tested positive for chronic wasting disease last week. The majority of the new positive samples were from animals harvested within CWD Management Zones, where the disease is known to exist. Two of the positive samples were from areas where the disease had not been previously detected. These include a mule deer doe harvested in hunting district 650 south of the Fort Peck Reservation, and a white-tailed buck harvested in HD 702 in Rosebud County. These two areas are adjacent to CWD Management Zones. This brings the number of positive samples collected this year to 91, including one elk and one moose. This year Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is conducting
CWD surveillance in high-priority areas in parts of northern, western and southern Montana, primarily from hunter-harvested animals. In addition, hunters in all parts of the state were able to submit their own samples for testing. Samples were sent for testing to Colorado State University and those results are reported on a weekly basis to FWP. Another round of results is expected next week. Hunters who submitted animals for testing, can check online for their results at fwp.mt.gov/CWD. With the general hunting season now closed, FWP will review management strategies, testing results and other collected information to make plans for the next necessary steps in managing the disease. CWD is a fatal disease that
can affect the nervous system of deer, elk and moose. Transmission can most commonly occur through direct contact between animals, including urine, feces, saliva, blood and antler velvet. Carcasses of infected animals may serve as a source of environmental contamination as well and can infect other animals that come into contact with that carcass. The disease was first discovered in the wild in Montana south of Billings in 2017.There is no known transmission of CWD to humans; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that hunters harvesting an animal in an area where CWD is known to be present have their animal tested. If the animal tests positive, CDC advises against eating the meat.
Stevensville School’s choir students, under the director of Kyla Morton, entertained the crowd with Christmas carols at the annual Parade of Lights in Stevensville last Friday. The event is sponsored by the Stevensville Civic Club.
Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star
Expansion continued
employees, but if the $150,000 grant for equipment is awarded they hope to add up to 30 new employees over the next two years. Jon Hufman, General Manager of the Ravalli County operations, said that he was really excited about the expansion project and said the company was still working with the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority to get the operation into a single building under one roof. Lubrizol specializes in silicone processing technology. They offer design and process development assistance and conduct prototyping to full scale production. The company ships products globally (15 countries OUS), they have 500 different SKU’s, and produce over 3,000,000 medical devices/components per year. According to RCEDA director Julie Foster, the Lubrizol
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Blood drives scheduled to address critical need her life slipping away. Schienebeck was given blood transfusions on the way to the hospital, during emergency surgery and after surgery. “I would not be alive today if it was not for the American Red Cross and the gracious donors who gave their blood,” said Schienebeck. “Blood is more than just blood. It’s the key to saving lives.” During the holiday season, set aside an hour to give blood and be the lifeline patients need. Make an appointment now by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. In thanks for helping meet the urgent need, those who come to give blood now through Dec. 18 will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 1 million units of blood could be transfused in the United States. Individuals are urged to give a lifesaving gift this holiday season by making an appointment to donate blood and help the American Red Cross ensure a sufficient supply is available for patients throughout the holiday season. Those with type O blood are especially needed. How blood donation impacts lives On Sept. 28, 2018, MaKenzie Schienebeck experienced a complication during her pregnancy and found herself losing blood extremely fast. She was in and out of consciousness and felt
project will encourage viable economic development and will promote investment of private capital, expansion of local tax bases, and creation of permanent year-round jobs.
More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/ Thanks.) Upcoming blood donation opportunities Dec. 2-31: Hamilton 12/13/2019: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bitterroot College, 103 S. 9th Street 12/16/2019: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State Street 12/19/2019: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bitterroot Valley Elks Lodge, 203 State St. Stevensville 12/20/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 216 College Street 12/23/2019: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Stevensville LDS Church, 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road How to donate blood Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or enable the Blood Donor
Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood. org/RapidPass or use the Blood
Donor App. Volunteers needed Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public.
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Complaint continued
Council position in Stevensville’s municipal general election really even brought up. Vick’s complaint also contends Mayor Dewey was working in a capacity of both Mayor of the Town of Stevensville as well as being additionally compensated to perform a number of other administrative tasks on behalf of the town. “Before attempting to make any determinations as to whether Mayor Dewey’s alleged activity constituted ‘support for or opposition to… the nomination or election of any person to public office’ in the Town of Stevensville, it must first be decided if Mayor Dewey qualifies as a public employee as mentioned in this statute,” Commissioner Mangan wrote in his decision. Mangan finds that Mayor Dewey cannot be found guilty of violating the specific statute invoked because it specifically refers to the actions of “public employees.” Mangan notes that the Mayor is a “public official,”
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not a “public employee.” “Being an ‘elected officer of a local government, Mayor Dewey would exclusively be defined as a public officer when performing any duties or responsibilities included within his official Mayoral capacity,” he wrote. He notes that in this case, the Stevensville Town Council voted 2 to 1 to pass a motion approving additional compensation to Mayor Dewey so that he would temporarily absorb the Finance Officer and Town Clerk duties in his role as Mayor. “Under both Mont. Code Ann. §7-5-4102(1)(h), and the Stevensville Municipal Code, Mayor Dewey would have continued to operate only in his capacity as Mayor when fulfilling the Town Clerk or Finance Officer duties because those positions were formally prescribed to him by the Town Council as an addition to his Mayoral duties. Mayor Dewey existed only as a public officer, not a public employee,” wrote Mangan. In a related matter recently presented to his office by Councilor-elect Bob Michalson, Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright independently concluded that Mayor Dewey’s acceptance of additional compensation in the amount of $25.00 per hour to handle the functions of the Finance Officer and Town Clerk did not constitute multiple public employment. While Mayor Dewey received “a temporary increase in the Mayor’s compensation,” wrote Fulbright, “it did not create a situation in which he [Mayor Dewey] was receiving salaries from two separate public employment positions.” “In other words, in the determination of the Ravalli County Attorney, Mayor Dewey held only one formal role in the Town of Stevensville’s municipal government, the office of Mayor, despite also handling the Finance Officer and Town Clerk duties. Based on a review of all the evidence provided and an analysis of relevant statutes and definitions, it becomes clear that Mayor Dewey would be classified only as a public officer, not as a public employee. The
tenants of Mont. Code Ann. §1335-226(4) do not apply to public officers; as the statute clearly states, it exists as a limitation for public employees only. As Mayor Dewey cannot be classified as a public employee, his alleged actions were not bound by the statute referenced by the complainant in this matter,” wrote Mangan. Mangan then dismissed the second allegation concerning violation of MCA 2-2-121(3) which does apply to “public officers” because it is not in the jurisdiction of the COPP to enforce that law. “Jurisdiction over alleged violations of this statute by local government officials such as Mayor Dewey is clearly delineated to the County Attorney of the county where the local government is located, §2-2-144, MCA. Because Mayor Dewey currently serves as a public officer of a local government located in Ravalli County, Ravalli County Attorney would have jurisdiction over complaints of this nature made against Mayor Dewey,” he wrote. “Montana’s Code of Ethics clearly and obviously provides that responsibility to the County Attorney.” The complaint made to the COPP by Michalson about the Mayor holding two paid jobs was also dismissed, leading Michalson to take his complaint to the County Attorney. In that case, after dismissing the complaint based on the facts and the law, the County Attorney noted that even though he was declining to file the complaint, other legal remedies could be pursued. According to statute, he writes, “the person alleging a violation of this part may file a civil action in district court seeking a civil fine of not less than $50 or more than $1,000. In an action filed under this subsection, the court may assess the costs and attorney fees against the person bringing the charges if the court determines that a violation did not occur. The court may impose sanctions if the court determines that the action was frivolous or intended for harassment.” Vick could not be reached for comment on Monday in time for publication.
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Bitterroot Star -- Page 3
Alla Yarmolich is the owner of The Pampered Hair Salon in Stevensville. Jean Schurman photo.
New salon opens in Stevensville The Pampered Hair Salon is a new salon located at 115 W. 3rd, Suite 209 in Stevensville. Alla Yarmolich is the proprietor of the salon and brings six years of experience to the business. She says she loves the small town atmosphere and people here in Stevensville. Yarmolich, along with 10 brothers and sisters and her parents, moved here from Belarus in 1992 when she was seven years old. They moved to Missoula and began acclimating to a new lifestyle. She attended elementary school in Missoula and then Hellgate High School and spent some time at the University of Montana. She said many of her siblings still live in the area. After spending time in California, Idaho and Hawaii, where she was a stay at home
mom, Yarmolich moved back to Montana with her son, Seth. She attended the Bitterroot School of Cosmetology. “I have five sisters and we were always doing each other’s hair,” she said. Among the many services offered by Pampered Hair Salon are cuts, coloring, perms, up-dos, and waxing. Yarmolich said she loves to find the best look for someone’s hair. Yarmolich’s hobbies include snowboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family. She recently became engaged to Ken Bransby and loves spending time here in Stevensville with him. The Pampered Hair Salon is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. She will make appointments on Saturday if coming in
during the week doesn’t work for you. She can be reached at 406381-2049.
Help for families dealing with addiction With the opiate crisis running rampant, families are looking for ways to help those they love who need treatment. Getting them into treatment becomes even harder if their loved one is not willing. This is when Intervention can become key. To learn more about successful interventions, visit https://www.narcononnewliferetreat.org/blog/intervention-101.html
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Thank you everyone! American Legion 754 Middle Burnt Fork Stevensville, MT
Opinion
Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Bitterroot Star Editorial Board Michael Howell Victoria Howell
Guest Comment
Save historic St. Francis of Assisi Church
Historic sites are important to many Montanans and are visited by locals and travelers from throughout the world. While unique sites and buildings preserved for historical purposes in the State of Montana include the locations of many historic mines and the Daly Mansion, for Catholics the importance of our historic churches transcends the longevity of their existence. Our churches are not only historic but also sacred spaces. Our historic and sacred churches are tangible links to our ancestors who practiced the faith before us and who in thanksgiving to God for the blessings he bestowed upon them erected them to serve as permanent places of prayer and devotion. Catholics in Montana are blessed to have the presence of numerous historic sacred Catholic churches in our midst, including the St. Mary and St. Ignatius Missions, the Cathedral of St. Helena which serves as the seat of our diocese and in our own community of Hamilton, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. We are blessed to have such a historic sacred space in our community, a direct connection to those pioneers who in constructing the church planted the seeds of the faith we practice today. St. Francis of Assisi Church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places in Hamilton; this designation is not handed out lightly. The importance of St. Francis of Assisi Church to the people of Hamilton is evident when one examines the way they have cared for it throughout its history. Significant repairs and renovations were carried out on the church between 1991 and 2008, all of which were made possible through the generous donations of parishioners. Given the age of St. Francis of Assisi Church, we are blessed that the community of those who care about it reaches beyond Hamilton to many far flung corners of the world; indeed everyone who has ever visited this church can be said to be part of the community of those it has impacted. St Francis of Assisi Church has been a beacon of the Catholic faith in Hamilton for 122 years. Many people, parishioners and community members alike, are deeply disturbed at the prospect of the church’s demolition. Aside from the obvious fact that once a historical site is demolished, it is gone forever, it is important to remember that as Catholics, we are taught that our churches should only be demolished as a last resort. Indeed the Vatican itself said this in a set of guidelines it issued in 2013. St. Francis of Assisi Church has an important place with all the other historic buildings in the city of Hamilton. It can never be replaced once it is gone. Those families whose history is tied closely to that of St. Francis of Assisi Church do not wish to see it destroyed. They are committed to finding a way to ensure that the church which has nourished the faith of so many throughout its more than one hundred years of existence may continue to kindle the fire of Catholicism in those generations yet to be born. We who love so dearly St. Francis of Assisi Church are prepared to do what is necessary to ensure that it can be maintained as a Roman Catholic sacred space long into the future. Numerous examples exist of Catholic congregations throughout the United States and the world developing plans which allow them to gain the facilities they need to carry out their mission of serving the faithful while ensuring that our historic churches are retained. We pray that similar creativity will avert the loss of our historic St. Francis of Assisi Church here in Hamilton. If you support Saving Historic St. Francis of Assisi Church please join our group on Facebook. The demolition of the church could be decided at the Zoning Board of Adjustments meeting Monday, December 16 at 5:30 pm at the Bedford Building, 223 S. 2nd Street. Please mark your calendar and attend this very important meeting. Sincerely, Evan and Emma Schneider Ed and Gina Schallenberger Mary Monahan Tim and Anita Meuchel Vivian Foley Marty and Peggy Lorentz Vilma Smith Joel and Susan Shelden Tony and Monica Simatovic Joe Elhard and Donna Severson Tomas Simatovic Ted and Kristie Heiland Luka Simatovic Jim Dullenty Mia Simatovic Dolores Meuchel Donny and Heidi Sanderson Mike Meuchel Corinne Sanderson Neil Maki Joshua Gingerich Ryal and Felicia Schallenberger Katie Privett Pat Gaul Jamison Weber Zeffie Heaton Jessica Robinson Blade and Alli Schallenberger Mike Rodriguez Matt and Karolyn Schultz Danielle Gingerich Travis and Bree Schallenberger Mary Weber Joe and Lisa Dow Jonathan Post Brian and Kayla Schwarzkoph Janice Gingerich Dick and Margaret Green Stephanie Rogers Kristy Misener Dolores Sullivan Andy Maki Lily Heiland Ty R. Capelle Craig and Mary Buckellew Jeremy Driscoll Dusty and Ellen McKern Jan and Benilda Wisniewski Joanne Tweedy Matthew and Jessica Dow Janice Heiland Megan Dow Alan Maki Dan Misener Carl and Kathy Lieberth
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Office: 115 W. 3rd Street, #108 • Stevensville Mailing: P.O. Box 8 • Stevensville MT 59870 Phone: (406) 777-3928 • Fax: (406) 777-4265 Website: www.bitterrootstar.com E-mail: editor@bitterrootstar.com
‘The high cost of despair’
Dear Editor, One needn’t have read the writings of Albert Camus or Jean-Paul Sartre to understand the subject of despair. The Carpenters popularized a hit, “Rainy Days & Mondays� with these lines, “Hangin’ round with nothin’ to do but frown, Rainy days and Mondays always get me down, What I’ve got they used to call the blues, Nothin’ is really wrong,
feelin’ like I don’t belongâ€Śâ€œ At times, it’s inexplicable, just a feeling. Most of us survive those times. It’s momentary. Not a way of life. Fleeting. However, when it persists, it can turn ugly, or worse. CDC ranks suicide in the top ten on cause of death. Listed as a major reason for suicide among teens is loss of hope-total despair. Comedian Robin Williams’ end of life was anything but comedic. Reportedly bi-polar with a history of self-medication, and deep depression, he ended his life-at least this
Bransby Law Firm P.C.
Publishers - Michael & Victoria Howell Editors - Michael & Victoria Howell Sports Editor - Jean Schurman Advertising Sales Consultants Jean Schurman (239-4354) & Liz Cook (880-2007) Graphic Designer - Deven Monta The Bitterroot Star is published weekly at 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 108, Stevensville, Montana. Subscriptions are $40 per year in Ravalli County, $50 per year out of county, and $60 out of state. The Postal Service will no longer forward the Bitterroot Star. Address changes to our mailing list are made once a month and can be made by contacting the Star office at 777-3928.
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earthly one. Some describe these conditions as “dark moments of the soul.� Myriad are the reasons for such moments. The faux “magic� of Tinsel Town has exacted a relentless toll of Hollywood stars and celebrities over time, who’ve sadly chosen suicide. Initially reported as a “gun accident� most concluded that novelist, Ernest Hemingway, inclined to depression and alcoholism, snuffed out his life in idyllic Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1961. His physician father had taken his life similarly years before. Actress and model, Margaux Hemingway, his granddaughter, took her life in 1996, at age 42, after a massive overdose. In 2017, Wyoming lost philanthropist Mick McMurray to suicide. Wealth and unlimited resources failed to insulate him from the ravages of despair. Too many are vulnerable after years of unrelenting pain, alcoholism, drug abuse, ruptured relationships, divorce, the death of a mate of many years indelibly leave their mark. Why do some give up? Others persist and prevail. The story of distance swimmer, Florence Chadwick, on a foggy morning in 1952, may help illustrate the vital role of perspective. She waded into the chilly waters off Catalina Island, where she planned to swim the channel to the coast of California. Reportedly, the numbing cold of the water hit her immediately. The boat that escorted her was barely visible in the thick fog. Several times during her trek, a rifle had to be discharged to keep sharks at bay. She labored in the water for fifteen hours before asking to be extricated. Her trainer encouraged her to keep going, telling her she was close to land. No stranger to distance swimming, Florence was the first women to swim the English Channel-both directions. But this day was different. She gave up just a half-mile from shore. Why? She reported, “I’m not excusing myself, but if only I had been able to see the land, I might have been able to make it.� The fog got her. She lost her perspective. Two months later she swam that channel and set a new speed record. One may ask “Is there an antidote for despair?� The kind that we can cling to unequivocally. King David touts that kind in Psalm 34:17, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.� This isn‘t “God-talk� or religious platitudes. It’s trust and reliance on the One from Eternity, promising to be with us always. It’s wholly infrangible. Despair’s no respecter of persons, economic standing, or geographic boundaries. Some contend it’s magnified at holidays or the anniversary of the loss of one dear to them. The past four decades of youth have swallowed a bitter root-offered a slippery rope of humanism-a hollow legacy to cling to in this world. The Scriptures confront reality head-on, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despairing; persecuted, but not abandoned, stuck down, but not destroyed.� We must find reserve to resist when dark places woo our soul. We dare not go there. Vicissitudes on this revolving orb are certain. Once again we’re reminded that a multimillion dollar nest egg, constant accolades and praise of multitudes, are no hedge against life’s sharpest barbs. Neither opulence nor a life of leisure’s any assurance of personal peace or comfort. A pauper can discover greater joy than a prince in this world. We’re not created for a reclusive life when trouble besets us. Seek wise counsel. Wisdom cautions one to refrain from prolonged days at the psychiatrist’s couch, or dulling one’s senses with prescription drugs or alcohol. There’s always a siren call to wage another war on depression and suicide-delivering questionable historical outcomes. Consider the side effects of prescription anti-depressants. Which is worse? The loss of hope’s daunting. Anticipate rising casualties when Generation XY and Z, coddled students, confront this not-so-antiseptic culture of competition, counter opinions, no “safe spaces,� and “no trophies for participation� after years of rescue by helicopter parents. Embracing behaviors and principles that
permit us to face uncertainties make sense. Reject kismet. There’s a better place of respite for the weary soul. Blaise Pascal, 17th Century French mathematician, physicist, inventor and philosopher, said it best, “Knowledge of God without knowledge of man’s wretchedness leads to pride. Knowledge of man’s wretchedness without knowledge of God leads to despair. Knowledge of Jesus Christ is the middle course, because by it we discover God and our wretched state.� On our own, we’re courting darkness, or worse. C.S. Lewis possessed a knack for perspective, “If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth, only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.� Only the fool denies despair. Only the wise know where to go to end its indefatigable sway. Consolation may, for a season, assuage its uncompromising grip, yet fail to break the chains of bondage. It’s a choice. Often we’re snared in a web of quick, vacuous choices, that lead us astray, down a path of no return. Miserable and overwhelmed with life? Is it the blues? Or worse? What do you think? Mike Pyatt Hamilton
Final communication from Main Street Assn.
Dear Editor, Even though Stevensville Main Street Association has closed its doors, it does not mean the benefits to Stevensville will be gone. For instance, if you were gifted one of those bright red ‘Shop Stevensville’ gift certificates, you still can spend it like cash until stores close on December 31, 2019. Merchants with redeemed certificates can contact Debbie Severson at 880-5983 to receive repayment. Stevensville TV and digital ads will continue to run on TV and Facebook through December. Promotion for Stevensville and its wonderful events will live on digitally on many online platforms through next year. The kiosk will continue to be stocked with brochures for visitors and residents alike. Most importantly for many of you, with help from volunteers and other community organizations, the events you love will live on. Please note that reference to volunteers and read on. If you have loved and participated in the fun of Creamery Picnic, Western Heritage Days, Pignic, Scarecrow Festival, and Country Christmas, that’s fantastic. Just remember, some organization is investing time and money into that event and always needs volunteers. Step up when the need for volunteers arises. With the departure of Main Street, these organizations are now completely volunteer. It takes many hands for the big parties thrown in Stevensville. Help is not only welcome, it is vital. Remember the nearcancellation of Creamery Picnic a couple of years ago? Lack of volunteerism was the reason. Sudden volunteerism was what turned it all around. Volunteer! All those who have worked at and for the benefit of Stevensville Main Street Association through the years have done it more for love than for money. All of us celebrate the legacy of this organization and what it has accomplished. Another group, another organization, will arise to promote Stevensville as a town, as a destination, as a business hub. Be ready for it and support it as it continues the mission of showing the world that Stevensville is a beautiful, vibrant community with much to offer the world. When it comes into being, step forward, support it and help it thrive. Debbie Severson, Treasurer (for) Main Street Board
Get local!
For information about advertising in your local paper, call the Bitterroot Star at 777-3928!
Calendar
Hamilton Senior Center activities
Monday: Lunch 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m., Toenail Care by appt. 1st & last week; Bingo 1st & 3rd week, 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday: Toastmasters 6:30-8 a.m.; Western Line Dancing 10-11 a.m.; Clogging 1-4 p.m. Wednesday: Lunch 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Bridge for Fun, 10 a.m.; Bridge 1-5 p.m. Thursday: Stretch Exercise 9-10 a.m. Friday: Line dancing 10-11:30 a.m.; Lunch 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m.; Pinochle 1st, 3rd & 5th weeks, 1 p.m. Saturday: Flea market, 2nd week, Sept-May 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Special Bingo 1st week, Oct-May, 12 noon; Sunday: Bridge 1-5 p.m. For info: 363-5181.
Stevi Senior Center activities
Monday-Friday: Free coffee, 8-11 a.m., Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Monday: Bridge, 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday: Exercise class, 10-11 a.m. Tuesday: Quilters, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday: Paint with Sue, 1-3 p.m. (1:30 on 3rd Wednesday) Every Other Wednesday: Fiddlers at Lunch 3rd Wednesday: Special Birthday Lunch, 12 noon, with music. Blood pressures taken. 2nd and 4th Thursday: Cribbage at 12:15 pm Friday: Pinochle, 12:15; Monday & Saturday, 7 p.m. For more information call the Center at 777-5681.
Victor Senior Center activities
Monday-Friday - Men’s Coffee, 8 a.m. Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes main course, salad bar, dessert, beverage. Donation 60 and over $3.50, under 60 $6 (RSVP 642-3320) Tuesdays: Bingo, 6 p.m. Wednesdays: Pinochle with snacks, 7 p.m. Fridays - Ladies’ Coffee, 10 a.m. Everyone welcome. Victor Senior Center is located at 246 5th Avenue.
Florence senior lunches
Lunch is available through the Council on Aging for senior citizens and others in the Florence area on Mondays at the Florence Fire Hall. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m. Prices are: 60 and over $3.50, under 60 - $6.00. For more information, call the Council on Aging at 363-5690.
Lolo senior lunches
Lolo senior lunch group
(60+) meets Thursday at 11 a.m. at local restaurants for food, friendship and fun. There is a $4 voluntary contribution but no one is turned away. Congregate lunches through MAS and CBS. Call 9262135 to schedule your lunch.
Golden Agers
The Golden Age Club is located at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. The club’s business meeting is held on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. All members are asked to attend to review activities and plan new ones. Cake and ice cream is served. Card games (pinochle, multibid racehorse) are played on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday and 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. There is a $2 charge per person. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is checked every third Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. Guests are welcome. The hall is also available for members to use for personal activities. A monetary donation to cover hall expenses is expected. For more information call 363-0142.
AA meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the following times and places: Monday: 7 p.m., Spirit of Christ Catholic Church, 5475 Farm Land Road, Lolo Tuesday: 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Parish basement, 333 Charlo Street, Stevensville Wednesday: Big Book Study Meeting, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence Thursday: 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Parish basement, 333 Charlo Street, Stevensville Friday: Discussion Meeting, 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence 3rd Saturday: Women’s Group, 9:30 a.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 224 Linder Street, Florence Sunday: Big Book Study Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Victor Senior Center, 243 5th Ave. Check for local meetings by calling the hotline 1-888-607-2000 or by visiting www.aa-montana. org.
Al-Anon
Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the small dining room at the Living Centre, 57 Main Street. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 239-0878.
Narcotics Anon
Narcotics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton (north entrance).
Free Indeed
Free Indeed, a faith-based addiction support group, meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at
Bitterroot Star -- Page 5
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Florence American Legion
Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Station. Call Terry Wahl, Commander, at 274-4589 for more information.
Calvary Baptist Church, 230 3rd Avenue in Victor. Contact Donald Layman at 203-8579 or Pastor Jim Landis at 642-9849.
Gamblers Anon
Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.
Overeaters Anon
Overeaters Anonymous meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church (west door), 1220 W. Main, Hamilton. For more information call 3632512.
Morning TOPS
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a weight loss support group, meets in Stevensville every Thursday at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street. Weigh-in starts at 8 a.m. and meetings start at 9:30 a.m. Meetings are fun while learning to eat healthier and lose some pounds. Guests are always welcome. Call Becky at 642-6368 or Margie at 375-5439 for more information. Check out the website at www. tops.org.
Evening TOPS
The evening TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter meets every Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Kootenai Creek Village Clubhouse. For information call Judy Burke at 777-2743.
Exercise classes
The following sessions, all by donation, are held at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th: Mondays: Zumba Gold & Chair Zumba, 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays: Chair Yoga, 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays: Zumba Gold, 1st, 3rd, 4th Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Thursdays: Tai Chi, 4 p.m. Fridays: Tai Chi, 1 p.m. Indoor Walking: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.12 noon. Please log in, 16 laps is a mile!
WIC clinics
Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. Income guidelines are 1-$23,107; 2- $31,284; 3-$39,461; 4-$47,638; 5-$55,815. For each additional family member add $8,177. Call 406-802-7180 for more information or see on Facebook; www. facebook.com/Ravalli-CountyWIC.
Hamilton American Legion
Hamilton American Legion Post 47 invites all veterans and family members of veterans to the monthly meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post at 322 S. 2nd Street.
Stevensville American Legion
The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. A veterans’ breakfast is held every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at C.J.’s Den in Stevensville. For more information, contact Chuck at 253-380-7016.
American Legion Auxiliary
Fort Owen Unit 94, Stevensville, American Legion Auxiliary meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call Cheryl at 531-4132 for more information.
Addresses requested
American Legion Unit 94 is requesting addresses for those serving overseas from family and friends so that they may send Troop Boxes throughout the year. Contact Carol at 406-529-9908.
Stevi VFW
The Stevensville VFW 1507 meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Frontier Café.
Marine Corps League
The Marine Corps League welcomes all Marines from all eras, along with Corpsmen and Chaplains who have served with the FMF. The League is a national veterans’ organization that include members of all ranks, all MOS, active duty, reserves, honorably discharged veterans and retirees. It carries on the traditions of the Corps, support Marines still serving, and assist those who have left the service when needed. Meetings are on the 4th Thursday of every month, January to October at 7:30 p.m. for general meetings at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd Street, Hamilton. Activities include Toys for Tots, Honor Guards for veteran funerals and Color Guards for parade events, rifle and pistol matches, and support of Marines and the community, and a Marine Birthday celebration in November. An SOS Breakfast and informal get-together for members, spouses, family and friends is held every first Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from January to December at the Hangar Cafe, Ravalli County Airport, Hamilton. It’s an opportunity to get acquainted, exchange ideas, and share sea stories from the past. For more information contact Meade Phillips at 520-9916386 or at USMCmeadeMCL@ aol.com or visit www.mclnational. org or www.montanamcl.org .
VA medical rides
The DAV Transportation System has a hub in the Bitterroot with rides available Monday through Friday. To book a ride to
Patricia Don Diego Painted Furniture - Totems - Paintings Ladders - Rag Rugs Pillows and Quilts by Jojo’s Closet
Gallery at 3859 Hwy 93 N Open Saturdays 10am - 2pm
Anytime by Appointment 406 550-0659
your VA Medical appointments, call Dena at 363-8396. Give at least 72 hours notice. The hub is always looking for volunteer drivers. For information call Dena at 363-8396.
Soroptomist
Soroptomist International of Hamilton invites you to join them at their meetings the first and second Thursday of every month, at noon, at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Soroptomist is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. For more information, contact Dixie Dies at 961-4812.
Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club meets Mondays, 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, Hamilton. For information about Rotary, call 363-2960.
Lions Club
The Hamilton Lions Club welcomes you to attend its meetings the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. The club strength – besides being low key and getting a lot done – is helping provide assistance for glasses and hearing aids in Ravalli County. Contact Dixie Dies, 406-3810922, for more information.
Stevi Masons
The Stevensville Masonic Lodge #28 meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 300 Church Street, Stevensville. Stated meetings are on the first Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and special dinners are on the third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. For information or membership email: stevilodge28@ gmail.com.
Victor Masons
Victor Masonic Lodge #43 meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. The Lodge is located on Main above Farmers State Bank. For information on membership, email plycoupe1936@msn.com.
Eastern Star
Naomi Chapter #19, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Victor Lodge building located on Main Street above Farmers State Bank, Victor. Leona Chapter #31, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Masonic Lodge building, 115 S. 3rd Street (next to the Fire Station), Hamilton. For inquiries contact, email: teslrudd@gmail.com.
Sapphire Quilters The Sapphire Quilt Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Join this fun group of people to learn about quilting. Beginner to expert quilters welcome. For more information call Anna Arntz at 707-481-3233.
Fiber Arts Guild
Big Sky Fiber Arts Guild meets the last Saturday of every month. If you are a wool spinner or work with fibers, contact Marty at 777-2421 for location or information or visit http://bigskyfiberartsguild.org.
Knitters Guild
The Knotty Knitters Guild of the Bitterroot meets every 4th Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Yarn Center, 110 Pinckney Street, Hamilton. This knitters guild is friendly, fun, and includes knitters of all levels, from beginners to master knitters. All are welcome.
Doll Club
The Bitterroot Blizzard Doll Club meets monthly, usually the second Thursday of the month, to share a passion for dolls, bears, toys, miniatures and paper dolls. Members rotate hosting the meeting so call or email for the time and location of the next meeting. Contact Kay Schrader, 406-3607214, schrader1501@blackfoot. net.
ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Main MainSt. • Stevensville 203 Stevensville• •777-0028 360-2661
Sunday Worship AM Worship at 12:0011p.m. In this Church there shall In this Church there shall be no no outcasts. be outcasts.
Model train club
The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders (BVMRR) run their trains in the basement of the Kohl Building, downtown Stevensville, on the First Friday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m., or by special request. The BVMRR Club will be running trains every Saturday over the holidays from Nov. 30-Dec. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. If interested in joining the club, contact Tony Oberting at 273-0006.
Radio Club
The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club meets on the third Monday of every month at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton starting at 7 p.m. Come early and enjoy a meal and fellowship.
Draft Horse and Mule Club
The Bitterroot Draft Horse and Mule Club meets every second Monday of every other month at 7 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Members drive everything from mini, to mule, to draft horse. Haven’t driven but would like to learn? This is the club for you! Don’t have a horse but would like to get involved? There is always welcome help and there is always a spot on a wagon somewhere. Members do rides as well and have events scheduled throughout the year. For more information call Claudia at 406642-3477.
Three Mile bingo
Bingo is held every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Community/Senior Center, 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Proceeds go to build a new center. For information call 7773710.
Toastmasters
Effectively formulate and express your ideas! Bitterroot Toastmasters Club (BTC) meets Tuesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th Street, to support personal development and empower communication and leadership skills. The words we speak convey a great deal! Do you mean what you say when you communicate during a job interview or with your boss, coworkers, and family? Wouldn’t you like to feel more confident, credible, and concise in your speaking presentation? Bitterroot Toastmasters can help! BCT members are given opportunities to wear different hats and fulfill many roles. Visit the website at bitterroot.toastmastersclubs.org or call Mike Turner at 406-360-7262 or Jeanine New at 303-929-2430 for more information.
County recycling
The Ravalli County Recycling drop-off site, 759 US Hwy 93 (across from Don’s Home Center) is open on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and Mondays, 2 to 5 p.m. Final drop day will be Monday, December 30, after which all services will stop. Thank you, recyclers, for 10 years of recycling at RCR. Call Janice Lee at 360-9895 to volunteer or for more information.
Clothes Closet
The Stevensville Clothes Closet is a non-profit, free store that serves the people of the Bitterroot Valley by accepting donations of children and adult clothing, shoes, linens, small appliances and kitchenware. They then sort, wash and offer the goods free to the community. The Clothes Closet is located at Middle Burnt Fork and ALC way. It is open for shopping and for continued on next page
Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star donations Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. The Clothes Closet is especially in need of blankets, sheets and comforters. For questions about donations or directions call Gail Fisher at 369-0394 or Molly Hackett at 961-4614.
Family Shelter
The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot meets on the third Friday of each month at 2 p.m. at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Road. Everyone is welcome.
Men’s Bereavement Breakfast
Marcus Daly Hospice sponsors a Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Dining Room. This breakfast creates a special opportunity for men coping with the death of a spouse or loved one to gather and share
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 their journey of healing. Informal discussions are led by a trained Bereavement Facilitator and address such issues as dealing with grief, loneliness, forming new relationships, single parenting. A donation of $3.00 is appreciated for the meal. For more information call Marcus Daly Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503.
Breast cancer support group
The Bitterroot Valley breast cancer support group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Daly Leach Memorial Community Room, 1010 W. Main, Hamilton. All are welcome. For information contact Judy Rothie, (406) 564-8613.
Pregnant/new mom groups
Postpartum Support Circle and Baby Bistro (breastfeeding support) meet on the second
Thursday of each month and a Prenatal Support Circle meets on the fourth Thursday of the month. All meetings are held at 109 N. 4th St. Suite 104 in Hamilton from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. For more information, call Sheehan at 6426527 or email bitterrootbreastfeeding@gmail.com.
MomLife
Bitterroot MomLife is a gathering of moms with kids of all ages, meeting twice a month September-May on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville. Come join in for “grown-up” conversation, brunch, activities, crafts, speakers, Go Deeper discussions and free childcare. For more info call the church office, 777-2592.
Dementia Caregiver Group Are you a caregiver of
Stevensville United Methodist Church You’re Invited to Celebrate the Season at SUMC
• Dec 1st - Advent Begins Communion Sunday, Sunrise String Band • Dec 8th - Hanging of the Greens Choral Music Celebration • Dec 12th - 5:15pm Blue Christmas Light Supper & Contemplative Service • Dec 15th - Children’s Christmas Pageant Program • Dec 22nd - 1st day of Winter, Final Sunday Advent • Dec 24th - 7pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service • Dec 29th - Last Sunday Worship Service for 2019
216 College St • 777-5443 steviumc.org Sundays: 10:15 Praise Singing 10:30 Worship • 11:45 Fellowship
someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other type of dementia? You’re invited to join in an informal group on the second Friday each month at 1 p.m. at The Living Center Chapel (second floor), 63 Main, Stevensville to share your concerns and experiences with others in a same or similar situation. If you would like to attend, your loved one is welcome to visit with facility residents with staff supervision during the meeting time. For more information contact Kati Aiken at Ravalli County Council on Aging, 363-5690.
Parkinson’s support group
A Parkinson’s support group meets the third Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes. All are welcome. Contact Susan, 369-0535, for more information.
Suicide support group
A support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 12 noon at Riverfront Mental Health Center, 209 N. 10th, Suite A (blue building), Hamilton. The group is hosted by Ravalli County Suicide Prevention Alliance. For information email: rwetzel@wmmhc.org or phone 375-4095.
NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) support group for families and friends with a loved one who experience mental challenges, meets the second Monday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Cornerstone Church, 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. For more information contact Donna at (406) 381-9884 or Arlene at (406) 239-1708.
Family History Libraries
The Family History Center has two locations here in the Bitterroot Valley: Hamilton and Stevensville. Come research your family history with specialists who are happy and ready to assist you in finding your ancestral records. They can also help you organize photos and stories about people in your family tree. The Family History Center has free access to genealogical sites. You are invited to come and have fun discovering your family history at either of the two Family History Center locations. Hamilton Montana Family History Center Located inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 401 N 8th Street Hamilton, MT 59840 Ring the bell at the WEST entrance for admittance (up high) Tuesday 11am-3pm Wednesday 11am-3pm and 6pm-8pm Thursday 11am-3pm You may call and schedule private or group appointments by calling 406-363-5146. Stevensville Montana Family History Center Located inside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road Stevensville, MT 59870 Ring the bell at the EAST entrance for admittance Monday 12pm-4pm Tuesday 9am-4pm Wednesday 6:30pm-9:00pm Thursday 12pm-4pm Friday 12pm-4pm You may call and schedule private or group appointments by calling 406-777-5018.
Volunteer opp
The Stevensville Clothes Closet free store is in need of a few volunteers to help sort, wash and hang donated items. The shifts are from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Volunteers can commit to one day per week or all three days. If interested, call manager Gail Fisher at 777-5694. The Clothes Closet is a non-profit free store that accepts donations of clothing, linens and some household items and then offers them to the community free of charge. The Clothes Closet is located at 3862 ALC Way, off of Middle Burnt Fork Road in Stevensville.
Acoustic Jam
An acoustic music jam sponsored by the Bitterroot School of Music is held the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rooted Music located at 100 Skeels Street, Suite A in Hamilton. All acoustic instruments are welcome as is anyone who would like to sing or just come and enjoy the music. For info contact Rooted Music at 406-363-5491.
Three Mile Coffee Club Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For information call Colleen at 777-3710.
Quantum Group
The Quantum Group of the Bitterroot is a group of ordinary people determined to learn about quantum theory. They study relevant material (no equations), discuss it and teach one another this most important field of science. The group meets every other Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Community Center in Hamilton. New members invited and welcomed. Visit the website at www//Quantumgb or e-mail blaise.favara@gmail or call 3630683 for more information.
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
This is a program started in 1992 by Morrill Worcester in the state of Maine to honor the veterans buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.
The original intent was to acknowledge the service of the deceased veterans during the Christmas season. The program has evolved over the years to encourage the placement of holiday wreaths on the veterans graves in all cemeteries. The program now has the following objectives:
1. REMEMBER - our fallen U.S. veterans 2. HONOR - those who serve 3. TEACH - our children the value of freedom The American Legion Fort Owen Post 94 with the generous assistance of a local wreath making family, the Wortmans, was able to place wreaths on veteran graves in the Stevensville area for several years in the past. Unfortunately, this program is no longer feasible to accomplish as originally implemented.
This year the Post members have decided to accomplished a scaled-down version of this previous program at four of the local cemeteries, Victor, Riverside, Maplewood & Sunnyside, by placing a single large wreath at each cemetery. The placement will be accompanied with a short military ceremony in honor of the veterans buried there. These ceremonies will be accomplished on Saturday, December 14th using the following schedule:
1. Victor Cemetery - 10:00am - Veteran Fire Fighter Earl Grey 2. Riverside Cemetery - 11:30am - Police Chief James Marble 3. Maplewood Cemetery - 12:30pm - Asst. Fire Chief Bob Thola 4. Sunnyside Cemetery - 1:45pm - Chyrle Wohlman & Clara Colburn Community members are strongly encouraged to attend these ceremonies, especially if they have a veteran family member buried in the cemetery. We want to express our appreciation to Elaine’s Engraving in Hamilton and the Bitterroot Evergreen Wreath Company in Victor for helping us with the project.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Center for Spiritual Life
Center for Spiritual Life holds Sunday Services at 328 Fairgrounds Road, across from Hamilton High School. Come hear inspiring ideas and uplifting music. Meditation begins at 9 a.m., service begins at 9:30 a.m., stay for fellowship in the Social Hall at 10:45 a.m. For further information call Dave Schultz at 381-2355, visit CSLBitterroot.org, or on Facebook: CSLBitterroot.
Drum Circle
Join in on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your drum, rattles, and other instruments and be part of the fun. No drums? No worries! There are instruments to share. Meets at The Center for Spiritual Life, 328 Fairground Road, Hamilton. By donation. For information, contact Jerry at 381-7220 (jelb229@aol. com), Facebook at CSLBitterroot or visit the website: CSLBitterroot.org.
Saturday bingo
Special Saturday Bingo is held every third Saturday of the month at Victor Senior Center. Doors open at 12 noon, play at 1 p.m. $1 per card. $1 admission. Must be 18 to play. Snacks and coffee available. Everyone welcome. Call Glenda at 360-3074 for more information.
Socrates Cafe
Library. Join in the philosophical discussions. Bring questions to be selected and discussed at the meeting. You are invited to examine, learn and think with others. Learn how others view the world. Together generate community, understanding and change together. Tea, coffee and cookies are provided.
Laundry Love
Laundry Love Hamilton, a monthly laundry event for homeless and low-income individuals/ families, takes place the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fast & Fluffy, 115 Pine Street, Hamilton. 3 loads per individual/family. Check in with a Laundry Love Hamilton volunteer to sign in and receive your washer card. All laundry detergent, fabric softener and quarters will be supplied by Laundry Love Hamilton. Laundry guests must remain on site. Laundry Love Hamilton is made possible by donations, business sponsorships, fundraisers and volunteers. For more information or to inquire on how your business/organization can help, contact Laundry Love Hamilton by email: laundrylovehamiltonmt@gmail. com.
Indoor Pickleball
Indoor pickleball play takes place at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds on December 16, 18, 23 (Mondays and Wednesdays), 12-3 and 6-9 p.m. except December 9 and 11 from 10-4 due to evening soccer.
Socrates Café takes place every other Tuesday evening (May 14) from 7 to 9 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bitterroot Public
Audubon Calendar sale
The Bitterroot Audubon 2020 Calendar is here! Bitterroot Audubon has the perfect calendar for your family and a perfect gift for you to send to loved ones. It is lightweight, packs easily and shows off the beauty of the Bitterroot so well with some photos of our stunning avian friends that live here. The photos were taken by talented Bitterroot photographers with drawings of birds by Lone Rock 4th graders. The proceeds from calendar sales stay here in the valley for Bitterroot Audubon’s work on conservation, education and scholarship projects. You can’t find another calendar that does that! Help a local non-profit help the valley’s habitat and wildlife! Make sure to get your calendars at the Stevensville Farmers Market and the Hamilton Farmers Market and at these stores: Florence Ace, Eastside Ace, Valley Drug and Variety; Corvallis Merc, Hamilton Gifts, Chapter One, Bitterroot Drug, and Robbins on Main.
Sharing Tree donations needed
Sharing Tree is in need of new snow pants and snow boots in all sizes (child 6 through Adult XL) for local needy children ages 0 to 18. If you can donate a pair, contact Linda Page at 406-214-1839. All donations are tax-deductible. Sharing Tree is also looking for a few volunteers that are able to pick up gifts from local banks and delivery them to Light of the Valley Church. If you can volunteer, contact Linda Page
Bitterroot Star -- Page 7
as well. For monetary donations, make checks payable to Sharing Tree and send to P.O. Box 747, Stevensville MT 59870.
Wed, December 11
Our Savior Lutheran Christmas Schedule
The Elks will be serving dinner Wednesday, December 11 at 6 p.m. The menu is pork chops with cornbread stuffing, mixed vegetables, applesauce and either salad or dessert. Coffee is always available. The lounge opens at 3 p.m. Dinner cost is $11 for members and $12 for non-members. Bring a friend! The Lodge is located at 203 State Street in Hamilton. For further information call 363-3031.
The congregation of Our Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool of Stevensville welcomes the community to join in this season of Advent as we prepare to welcome the birth of our Savior. Wednesday Vesper services at 7 p.m. follow a light supper at 6 p.m., from December 4-18. Bring your family to enjoy food, fellowship and worship to make the holidays more meaningful. The Christmas preschool program will be Tuesday, December 17 at 7 p.m. What could be more wonderfully joyful than to hear the message of Jesus’ birth from the mouths of small children? Christmas Eve early service with Divine Sacrament will be December 24 at 4:30 p.m. The Christmas Eve carol service with Sacrament is celebrated at 7:30 p.m. On Christmas Day, the service of readings with Sacrament is celebrated at 10 a.m. All are welcome to celebrate the joyous season at Our Savior, a member of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. Follow the Eastside Highway south, about one mile past Burnt Fork Market. Turn left on Pine Hollow. Cross the track, then the canal and turn left to the church with three crosses in the yard. Call 777-5625 weekdays before noon for more information.
she and her daughter journeyed beyond “el fin del mundo,” the end of the world. For more information call the museum at 363-3338.
Elks dinner
Fri, December 13 Science Friday
Science Friday will be held Friday, December 13 at 4 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main, Stevensville. Ages 5 & up can enjoy Christmas themed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) challenges that involve electricity and construction! Registration is required by calling 777-5061.
Thurs, December 12
Wings benefit gift-wrapping
Museum presentation
Love to shop, hate to wrap? The Wings Programs Inc, an equine rescue, rehabilitation center, and sanctuary, will station gift-wrappers at Hamilton businesses throughout the month. Wrapping is by donation and all proceeds will support the Wings Programs. Wrappers will be available at Artisans on Second on Friday, December 13th from 5 to 8 p.m. during the Culture Crawl and Saturday, December 14th from
“My 7th Continent - Journey to Antarctica” will be presented on Thursday, December 12 at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. After visiting her sixth continent, Joann Hosko realized her seventh, and final continent, was within reach. When the opportunity to travel to Antarctica arose, she seized it and never looked back. Join Joann Hosko as she recounts this amazing experience of a lifetime, when
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Art Supplies . . . and more 228 Main Street Hamilton 363-5480
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What better way to say thank you this Holiday Season . . . Give Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce
Santa shops here for his pets . . . So should you! Toys Treats Gear Grooming Supplies Food Pet Health Care 612 N. 1st, Suite #1 • Hamilton • 363-6111
Gift Certificates
Good at over 50 stores valley wide! Available in various increments for your convenience CALL 363-2400 Keeping your Dollars Local - Keeping Our Valley Businesses Strong 105 East Main - Hamilton MT - www.bitterrootvalleychamber.com
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Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Page 8 -- Bitterroot Star
Calendar continued
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop presents off as you complete your gift list downtown! Or, kick back after the last-minute Christmas push and drop in to Higherground Brewing on Friday, Dec. 20th from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 21st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. or Sunday, December 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.
Sat, December 14 Pancakes with Santa
Corvallis Grange #17 proudly presents Pancakes with Santa on Saturday, December 14 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Corvallis Grange Hall, 130 Dutch Hill Road, Hamilton, MT. Bring your children for a special Holiday Breakfast with Santa Claus. Admission is on a free-will donation basis. The Corvallis FFA will have a display of holiday wreaths for sale. All breakfast proceeds will go towards continuing building renovations and community service projects.
Breakfast with Santa
Breakfast with Santa will take place Saturday, December 14 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Fire Station. Free pancake breakfast with fresh pancakes,
eggs, sausage and bacon served by the Florence Volunteer Firefighters. Santa Claus will be making a special appearance! Florence Fire station 1 is located at 234 Holloway Lane, Florence.
Kids’ Christmas shopping
Christmas shopping for kids at the Clothes Closet will be held Saturday, December 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Volunteers are needed for wrapping gifts and assisting the kids who are shopping Gifts are always appreciated! For more information contact Gail Fisher, Manager, at 777-5694 or 369-0394.
Adventure series
“Waffle Cone Trees” is the topic of the free Adventure Series for kids on Saturday December 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Come enjoy the festivities at the museum as you make an edible Christmas tree from a waffle cone. Drape its pretend boughs with frosting garlands and add candy ornaments to make it a delight to display and delicious to eat! The cost will be $3.00. For more information contact the museum at (406)363-3338.
‘A Classic Christmas’ concert Come one, come all to Bitterroot Baroque’s first ever Christmas concert! It features
three well-known Seattle musicians, fluent in the Baroque style, plus three great Missoula soloists and the new Bitterroot Baroque Community Orchestra. And it’s free, on Saturday afternoon, December 14 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 600 S. 3rd Street, Hamilton (donations are appreciated). This is not your typical Christmas concert, but the music is by famous composers of religious music – Handel, Vivaldi and Bach, among them – and the sound will be joyous, profound and inspiring, commensurate with this merry season! For more information, email bitterrootbaroque@ gmail.com.
Tuesday: Breakfast - Breakfast Burrito, fruit, milk; Lunch - Chef’s Salad with turkey, ham, eggs, cheese, apple slices, dinner rolls, bread & butter, milk Wednesday: Breakfast Strawberry Cream Cheese Bagel Bites, fruit, milk; Lunch - Taco with Tortilla, beef, cheese, lettuce & salsa, sliced peaches, bread & butter, milk Thursday: Breakfast - Cinnamon Waffles, fruit, milk; Lunch - Cheeseburger, taters, orange slices, bread & butter, milk Friday: Breakfast - Pop Tarts, fruit, milk; Lunch - Corn Dog, mixed veggies, mixed fruit, bread & butter, milk.
Square dance club Fish & Wildlife Boots & Calico Square Assn. Dance Club will be dancing on Saturday, December 14th at the Golden Age Center on 5th & Baker streets in Hamilton. Don Scheline will provide the round dance music from 7 to 7:30, then Ray Dunbar will be calling Mainstream from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Spectators are always welcome. For more info, call Ray at 3704414.
Mon, December 16 Stevi school menu
The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association next general meeting will be Monday, December 16 at 7 p.m. at the Daly Leach Community Room, 1010 W. Main St. Hamilton. Along with general business, 2020 elections will be held and Region 2 biologist Rebecca Mowry will give a presentation on the recently completed big game season. Meetings are open and the public is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Tony at 381-0587.
supplies are limited. Call Tues, December 17 required, the library at 777-5061 to register. Bitter Root IrriTues, December 31 gation District The Bitter Root Irrigation District board will meet Tuesday, December 17 at 10 a.m.
Fri, December 20 Christmas Ceramic Painting
Christmas Ceramic Painting will take place at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main, on Friday, December 20. Come paint holiday ceramics! Enjoy some hot chocolate and make new friends. This activity is appropriate for ages 3 and up. Registration is
Square dance club Boots and Calico Square Dance Club be having a New Year’s Dance on Tuesday, December 31st! The Club dances at the Golden Age Center, 5th & Baker Streets in Hamilton. The evening will start with round dancing from 7 to 7:30 p.m. with music provided by Don Scheline. Ray Dunbar will call Mainstream from 7:30 to 9:30. There will be plenty of munchies on the snack table and spectators are always welcome! For more info, call Ray at 370-4414.
Monday: Breakfast - Blueberry Muffins, fruit, milk; Lunch - Sweet & Sour Chicken with Rice, steamed broccoli, Mandarin oranges, bread & butter, milk
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Bitterroot Star -- Page 9
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Local public priorities and preferences for public land management Bitterroot National Forest officials are using data from a household survey conducted by the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research on public priorities and preferences in land management to help in balancing the needs and preferences of both the local and national publics as they explore options for forest management in the Bitterroot Front Project. The report provides a snapshot of preferences for local public land management and the demographics of communities within 50 miles of U.S. national forests and grasslands in the Northern Region of the U.S. Forest Service. Responses from the public living specifically within 50 miles of the Bitterroot National Forest were obtained by surveying 160 local residents. A total of 1,152 people in the Northern Region responded to survey. Some of the survey’s results are: Clean Air, Water, Wildlife and Scenic Beauty The vast majority of respondents cited protecting water quality (89%), air quality (82%), and wildlife habitat (81%) as very or extremely important purposes
of their local, Federal public lands. Providing scenic beauty was also very or extremely important to 75 percent of respondents. Individuals who felt there is not enough designated wilderness assigned a higher level of importance to all four of these public land priorities. People residing in lower income households assigned a higher level of importance to protecting water quality, air quality, and wildlife habitat. Those who have lived in the community longer assigned a lower level of importance to scenic beauty. Results in the Bitterroot saw even higher percentages:
Recreational Opportu-
nities 72% of respondents in the Northern Region indicated that recreation opportunities were a very or extremely important purpose of local, Federal public lands. Both individuals who listed supporting the timber industry as a top priority and those who felt there is not enough designated wilderness assigned a higher level of importance to recreation opportunities. The most popular recreational activities, defined as activities that over 50 percent of local publics participate in on
annual basis, were: hiking/walking (88%), relaxing (87%), wildlife viewing (81%), driving for pleasure (80%), camping (74%), fishing (68%), and picnicking (62%). On the Bitterroot National Forest the results, were a bit higher with 76% indicating that recreation opportunities were a very or extremely important purpose of local, Federal public lands. ties
Economic Opportuni-
Perspectives on how important it was for public lands to contribute income to various industries were fairly variable, both overall and by industry. Overall, roughly 44 percent of respondents believed that contributing income to the timber industry is a very or extremely important purpose of local, Federal public lands. Others believed that this was only slightly or not at all important (26%). Thirty-three percent believed that contributing income to the tourist industry is a very or extremely important purpose of local, Federal public lands, while 27 percent believed that this was only slightly or not at
all important. Thirty-four percent of respondents believed that contributing income to the minerals industries was a very or extremely important purpose of local, Federal public lands, whereas 39 percent believed that this was only slightly or not at all important. Grazing opportunities were also noted as very important to a small minority of respondents. Individuals who had lived in the community longer assigned a higher level of importance to public lands contributing income to the timber industry. Conversely, college educated respondents and those who felt that there is not enough wilderness tended to
See SURVEY, page 10
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assign a lower level of importance to public lands contributing income to the timber industry. People who indicated supporting the timber industry was a top priority assigned a higher level of importance to public lands contributing income to the tourism and minerals industries. Those who felt there is not enough wilderness assigned a lower level of importance to public lands contributing income to the minerals industries and a higher level of importance to public lands contributing income to the tourism industry. In the Bitterroot:
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Page 10 -- Bitterroot Star
Survey
sites.
continued
Enough Wilderness? Although most respondents valued preserved wildlands, they held disparate views on whether there currently is enough designated wilderness: 40 percent felt the cur- rent level is sufficient, 30 percent felt there is not enough, and 16 percent felt there is too much. Individuals who indicated that supporting the timber industry was a top priority and older people were less likely to feel that there is not enough designated wilderness. In the Bitterroot:
Access Although most respondents had no concerns over motorized and mechanized access, onequarter (25%) felt that the current amount of ATV trails was insufficient, and 24 percent felt there are not enough wheelchair accessible sites. A smaller portion felt that more areas should be open to snow machines (13%) or that the current amount of mountain bike trails are insufficient (7%) Those who felt supporting the timber industry was a top priority were more likely to believe that there are not enough ATV trails while college educated individuals were less likely to believe that there are not enough. Lower income households and individuals who felt there is not enough wilderness were more likely to believe that there are not enough wheelchair accessible
Those who indicated that supporting the timber industry was a top priority were more likely to believe that there are not enough areas open to snow machines, while college educated publics and those who felt there is not enough wilderness were less likely to believe there are not enough areas open to snow machines. Finally, respondents living in more populated areas are more likely to believe that there are not enough mountain bike trails while college educated individuals were less likely to believe that there are not enough.
Trust in Decision Makers Respondents were equally split in their trust of local land managers: close to one- third indicated they trusted managers (28%), one-third indicated they did not (34%), and one-third didn’t have strong feelings either way (31%) (fig. 21). Those residing in lower income households tended to agree that they trusted managers. Quality of Decisions Respondents also were fairly evenly split in their perspectives on the quality of land management decisions (fig. 22). Approximately one in three thought that decisions adequately balanced concerns of most people in their community and also balanced the concerns of both local communities and national publics (29% and 27%,
respectively). A similar proportion of publics thought the opposite (31% and 34% respectively). Individuals from more populated areas and those residing in lower income households tended to agree that land management decisions balanced the concerns of both local communities and national publics. Communication and Public Involvement Respondents also varied on their perspectives on communication and public involvement (fig. 23). Individuals were slightly more likely to disagree (37%) than agree (26%) that land managers do a good job communicating with the public. They were slightly more likely to agree (35%) than disagree (25%), however, that people in the local community had been involved in decisions about land management. Those residing in lower income households tended to agree that land managers do a good job communicating with the public. Those residing in lower income households, those in more populated areas, and those with a college degree tended to agree that people in their local communities had been involved in land management decisions. Visitor Relationships Results indicate that forest visitors use a plethora of modes of transportation to access their favorite recreation area, cultural site, or hunting ground, including bikes, cars, ATVs, snowmobiles and skis. A majority (74%) indicated that during their typical experience visiting local Federal public lands they typically have pleas- ant interactions with other visitors (fig. 24). It is worth noting, however, that close to one in five respondents indicated they experience conflicts with other visitors who were using different modes of transportation (16%). Respondents who felt that there is not enough designated wilderness tended to
agree that they had experienced conflicts with other visitors using different modes of transportation, while those in more populated areas tended to disagree. Individuals who had lived in the area longer and those who listed supporting the timber industry was a top priority tended to disagree that they had pleasant interactions with other visitors. Local Public Relationships: Management Implications Healthy relationships between diverse publics and the agency are key to fostering vibrant communities. Overall, local publics have pleasant interactions with other visitors, although conflicts between users do occur, suggesting a need to consider strategies to mitigate potential conflicts between user groups. Of concern is that trust and confidence in local land management decision makers was low across local publics. Social science research has found that increased trust and confidence in land managers is associated with increased social acceptance and approval of forest management activities, including prescribed fire and forest thinning. Given that, efforts to improve communication and public involvement may help increase levels of trust and confidence in decision makers.
Hunting season ends with average harvest in West-Central Montana Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) reported checking 10,225 hunters with 837 harvested game animals at its three longstanding check stations in western Montana from opening day on October 26 until the general big game hunting season ended on Sunday afternoon. The season started off with unusually early winter conditions, contributing to stronger than normal deer and elk harvests in the first few weeks, but wrapped up with average to below-average totals in some spots. At the hunter check station near Darby, which primarily sees harvests from the southern Bitterroot and Big Hole, FWP biologist Rebecca Mowry and students from the University of Montana checked 4,012 hunters, 165 elk, 37 mule deer and 82 white-tailed deer for the season, numbers that were all on par or slightly up from last year and in line with the five-year average. Blackfoot harvest statistics, however, lagged. Just outside of Bonner, FWP biologist Scott Eggeman and students checked 5,232 hunters, largely from Blackfoot hunting districts, with 49 elk, 38 mule deer and 365 white-tailed deer, numbers that were all below
last season and the five-year average. Elk harvest totals at Bonner finished 34 percent below the 2018 season and 25 percent below the five-year average. FWP attributes part of the decline to reduced hunter opportunity and elk numbers in some spots in the Blackfoot, combined with seasonal variability in weather and tracking conditions. In the Upper Clark Fork, biologist Julie Golla and students checked 981 hunters at the hunter check station near Anaconda with 31 elk, 24 mule deer and 36 whitetailed deer, which were all in line with typical numbers. Check stations only sample a small portion of hunter participation and harvests across the region, but they are an important part of monitoring trends and recording information on wildlife age, health and other observations from the field. Hunter harvest telephone surveys, conducted over the upcoming winter months, will provide more harvest data and trends. “The statewide hunter harvest survey gives more comprehensive results, and we’ll look to that in addition to our check station harvest numbers to see if we need to make adjustments to hunting regulations down the road,” said Mike Thompson, FWP Region 2 Wildlife Manager. “The lower elk and whitetail harvest numbers at the Bonner station are telling us that’s one spot where we’ll want to take an extra close look.” All told, the region’s three hunter check stations saw 245 elk, 99 mule deer, 483 white-tailed deer, four black bears, one moose, three bighorn sheep and two wolves.
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Thursday, December 19th 5:30pm at MDMH
Thursday, January 16th 5:30pm at MDMH
Is back pain getting in the way of you enjoying life? Learn about back pain, how to decrease pain, increase function, and when to seek help for the pain. We want you to enjoy a better life. 5:00 pm: Doors open, Posture Check 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Speaker: Jeff Simmerman, PT, OCS, Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Services
Suffering from neck pain? Learn about the many treatment options available to you, ranging from holistic approaches, injections, and minimally invasive treatment options only available in the northwest at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. 5:00 pm: Doors open, Spine screening with Neuro Clinicians, Mobi-C demonstration 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM: Speaker Richard Day, MD, Rocky Mountain Neurosurgery Center
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Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Obituaries Wayne Arthur Hedman Wayne Arthur Hedman, 80, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday, December 2nd, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. Diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in August, 2018, he enjoyed a year of apparent remission until the disease returned unexpectedly, and with a quick vengeance. Wayne was born January 25th, 1939 in Whitefish, MT. Born the sixth of seven children, he enjoyed a happy if austere childhood. He enjoyed the outdoors and horses, music and sports. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 1957. After cutting his teeth working in the timber industry and on the railroad, he decided to pursue higher education at the University of Montana (then, MSU), where he graduated with a degree in Pharmacy in 1965. As he worked on his degree, he also worked part-time as a lumber grader for L.A. Hamilton Lumber Company. In August, 1961, Wayne married fellow-University-student, Helen Louise Lewis, of Libby. Her parents, LeRoy and Mabel Lewis, figured prominently in helping Wayne pursue his studies with their financial aid. He was always deeply grateful for their generosity. Upon graduation, Wayne was offered a position in Sandpoint, Idaho at Ross Rexall Drug. He and Helen, and young son, Nathan Lane, enjoyed several years there. But despite the idyllic setting, when the opportunity for buying a drugstore in Hamilton arose, they were spurred to action. His boss, Ross Payne, was partner in purchasing Bob Hall’s Bitter Root Drug, Montana’s oldest continually operated drugstore. There,
Donna Lea Jensen
Wayne truly found his strength and passion. The Hedmans arrived in Hamilton in the summer of 1969, infant child, Whitney Claire in tow. By 1976, the Hedmans were sole owners of the drugstore. He turned a slow-paced and neglected store into a flourishing anchor business on Main Street. Early accomplishments like becoming the first drugstore in the state to install computers, as well as an enormous remodeling project brought the store into the 20th century. But it was Wayne’s gregarious and somewhat impetuous enthusiasm which truly put his mark on the business. He had a wonderful group of employees which became surrogate family as he spent many, many hours at work. At times, he really was married to his store; often, holidays, evenings, and weekends would be interrupted by phone calls for advice, and after-hours visits to the store for prescription refills. He was also the Marcus Daly Hospital pharmacist, and many stories were born of his early experiences at the Old Hospital basement pharmacy, with his typewriter on an old
whiskey barrel, and the occasional assistance with cadaver loading/ unloading. Many people still recall Wayne spotting them as they walked in the drugstore’s front door, and greeting them in his inimitable booming voice. His ability to remember names and faces was amazing. Most importantly, he loved people and they loved him. A key component to Wayne’s community involvement was his inexhaustible enthusiasm for volunteerism. Throughout the years, he was active in the Lions Club, Elks Club, Chamber of Commerce, Job Corps, Resource Advisory Council, Montana Forest Restoration Committee, Bitter Root Land Trust, Bitterroot Historical Society and Museum, and countless others. Often, he was delegated to the role of community outreach and fundraising. His handshakes and hugs were generously distributed. As much as Wayne adored people and being in the public eye, he found his peace in the woods, on the river, atop mountains, and on his horses. He always said he’d always prefer a walk in the woods to a visit to a church. That was where he found God. He was a lover of all animals, both wild and domestic, and encouraged a household of furry and feathered friends. He and Helen even rehabbed a Great Horned Owl, building an enormous cage on the back porch for the duration of the experience. Many a cat enjoyed sitting on his lap, and many loved dogs were there to greet him at the Rainbow Bridge. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and
Linda Roberta Comstock
Norma L. Wirgau
Linda Roberta Comstock, 69, passed away on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019 at the Living Centre in Stevensville of natural causes. She was born May 5th, 1950 in Missoula to Robert and Elizabeth Comstock. She spent most of her life in Missoula where she attended Hellgate High School and was one of the first classes to attend the school as a complete four-year school. She worked several jobs, but got the most pleasure out of working with and helping children. She enjoyed riding her bicycle when she was younger and going to the movies. She was known by those at the Living Centre as the Butterfly Lady because she surrounded herself with the images of the delicate beautiful creatures. She regularly volunteered to help and support those around her. She is survived by her son
Norma L. (Smith) Wirgau passed into the arms of her Lord Jesus Christ at the Valley View Estates in Hamilton, Montana on Thursday, December 5, 2019. She was born October 22, 1923 to Frederick A. and Ethel (McCallum) Smith in Mt. Morris, Michigan. She married Arthur R. Wirgau in Detroit, Michigan on August 5, 1944. Together they raised four children. Norma was a homemaker who loved to sew, quilt, garden, read and when they retired to Arizona she learned to paint, leaving several lovely oils to children and grandchildren. She moved to Hamilton in 2008 after Arthur’s passing to be near her daughter. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and loved the quilting group until her eyesight deteriorated five years ago. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, five siblings and two grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Arthur F. Wirgau (Sandra) – Clinton Twp., MI, Kathleen S. Rebich (Eugene) – Hamilton,
Donald and her daughter-in-law Melissa and will be missed by all of her nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to mention. No services at this time. Her ashes will be scattered as she requested at a later date.
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Edena Hedman, a sister, Barbara, and older brother, Cleave. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen Louise, son, Nathan (of Spokane, WA), and daughter, Whitney, of Hamilton and New York City. He is also survived by siblings, D. Eugene, of Whitefish, Allan, of Coeur d’Alene, ID, sisters Carol and Joyce, of Whitefish. He has a large and loving network of extended family, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The family would like to thank the numerous friends who have supported him during his illness, the wonderful care-givers at St. Patrick’s Hospital ICU and 5th floor. We will be forever grateful for your generosity of time and spirit. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date, likely in the spring or early summer. In lieu of flowers to the family, please consider donations in his honor to The Bitter Root Historical Society, Fox Hollow Animal Project, or the philanthropy of your choice. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
MT., Ralph E. Wirgau (Kristine) – Richmond, MI, and Glenn A. Wirgau (Julie) – Port Washington, WI. 11 Grandchildren, 11 GreatGrandchildren and 4 Great-GreatGrandchildren. Cremation has taken place with a memorial service to be held later. Memorials may be sent to Grace Lutheran Church or Marcus Daly Hospice program. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
3301 Little Powder River Road, Gillette, Wyo.; Screened/stoker coal 1-½” x ½,” non-treated or oil treated. Lump coal will be available at a later date; Price to be based on tonnage, test burning and acceptance by customer. Disclaimer: All buyers corporate or individuals and their belongings will enter and exit during operational hours, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m., holding the owners, lease holders, principals etc., harmless of liability and will not enter this property outside of publicized hours or pre-determined hours to the benet of customers due to extenuating circumstances.
To verify availability and assist coordination of sales, please call ahead of time to: GMHR, LLC at 605-695-0880. We look forward to fullling your energy needs.
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Lea displayed a love that was both visible on the surface and deep within the soul. First meeting at a USO dance in 1956, the two were married in 1957. The couple had their first daughter, Susan, in 1960 and their second, Diana, in 1962. The four spent the next several years in South Dakota. The Jensen family eventually moved to Stevensville in 1975 where they settled down to finish raising their family as well as bringing in another member, Todd Twedt, during his last years of school. Once their kids were out of the house, the couple spent years traveling down south to Arizona, Mexico, and many other destinations along the way. The two shared a love for travel and meeting new people along the way. Donna Lea is survived by her dedicated and loving husband Bob; their three children, Susan Jensen, Diana Lewis and husband Miles, and Todd Twedt and his wife Nichole; and their grandchildren Chris Lewis and wife Chelsey and son Henry Lewis, Lanaia Lewis, Megan Lewis, and Cole Twedt and his partner Kelsie. Her presence of warmth and love will be ever missed. A private family service will be held. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome. com.
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Stevensville - On Friday, December 6, 2019, Donna Lea Jensen, loving wife and mother of three children, passed away at the age of 85 due to natural causes. Donna Lea was born June, 19, 1934 to Herman and Florence Wolf in Deadwood, South Dakota. She spent her formative years in Rapid City, South Dakota and worked for the school district following graduation. On June 2, 1957, she married the love of her life, Robert Lee Jensen, and the two lived in a blissful marriage for 62 years, during which time they raised two daughters and a son. Anyone around Donna Lea knew her love for people. A truly great woman, she had a gift for making a first-time meeting into a warm, comforting encounter that not only made anyone feel welcome, but resonated long after parting from her. The relationships she and her husband built over their decades together are still a foundation for many, with her care and love being a cornerstone to those life-long ties. Her connection with people was a gift, and her dedication to her family was masterful. She was an ever-present and loving mother and grandmother. Whether in the sewing room making clothes and passing that passion down to her daughters, or in the kitchen of the motorhome, making her famous fried brook trout, Donna Lea brought joy to what she was doing and memories to everyday tasks. As her family grew in size and age, her passion grew to the past, where she discovered and developed the trees of several different family lines. Her work and discoveries just added to the endless stories she was able to share with those around her. While she was able to find purpose and happiness in all she was doing, her greatest passion was her husband, Bob. In a marriage that spanned across decades and the country, Bob and Donna
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Sports
Page 12 -- Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Darby’s new boys’ basketball coach Krystal Smith will have veteran coach Wendell Griffin as a mentor. Jean Schurman photo.
Darby begins season with new coach and win
The Darby Tigers have a new, ‘old’, look. Last year’s coach, Richard Griffin, has moved on and in his place is Krystal Smith. Smith has coached some of these players in junior high and even in grade school. She has been on the sidelines for girls and in the volleyball program. Sitting right beside her is veteran coach Wendell Griffin. Griffen coached in Darby for many years and then continued to coach in Dillon. “I have a lot to learn,” said Smith. “Wendell is very patient and knows basketball.” Smith said that Richard Griffin (who is Wendell’s son) left the program in good shape and she plans to build upon that program. “The boy’s know it and we don’t have to change it. They came in with the fundamentals, experience and discipline. That will make my transition easy.” Darby opened their season at the Tip Off Tournament in Ronan which featured Class C teams from Western Montana and
a couple of Class A junior varsity teams. The Tigers played Noxon on Friday. They came out playing an up-tempo game and quickly built a lead. Although they did have a tough time containing Noxon’s Rylan Weltz who finished with 31 points, the Tigers went on to win, 54-41. Nelson Smith, Gabe Smith and Preston Smith had 14, 12, and 13 points respectively. Darby 54, Noxon 41 Darby - Nelson Smith 14, Gabe Smith 12, Tyler Davis 3, Tanner Davis 5, Preston Smith 13, Jordan Anderson 6, Sam Stewart 1. Noxon - Hill 6, Cano 1, Weltz 31, Antonich 1, Hay 2. The Victor Pirates played two games at the Tip Off Tournament. On Friday, they played Plains and lost, 60-13. Saturday, they matched up against Noxon and lost, 49-24. Carson Varner had 16 points. Plains 60, Victor 13 Plains - Brouillette 15, Sub-
atch 2, Allen 1, Wyers 16, Pardee 2, Feliksa 10, Reyes 2, Foster 8, Flock 4. Victor: Christian Larsen 1, Robert Crosbie 2, Brandon Brown 3, Canyon Parks 2, Caleb Rosen 1, Carson Varner 4. Noxon 49 Victor 24 Noxon - Hill 5, Christianson 2, Weltz 16, Antonich 18, Vogel 4, Hay 1. Victor - Caleb Rockwood 4, Brandon Bowen 2, Canyon Parks 2, Carson Varner 16. The Darby Lady Tigers also notched a win, topping Noxon, 44-39, at the Tip Off Tournament. The Lady Tigers relied upon a 17-point second quarter to build up the lead and then held off a surging Noxon team in the third quarter. Darby 44, Noxon 39 Noxon: Chelsea Vohs 5, Avery Burgess 28, Vanessa Horner 6. Darby: A. Rennaker 10, Kimber Schlapman 8, L. Bukler 13, A. Anderson 12.
Lady Broncs win one, edged out in second game The Lady Broncs have a new look this year under first year coach Richard Griffin. He brings an up-tempo game to the team and that was evident against the Browning Indians on Saturday. The Indians finished in the top eight in the state last year and are a running type team. But Hamilton’s speed kept up with Browning. Hamilton’s Abby Johnson spiked the first run of the game after neither team scored in the first two minutes of the game. Johnson stole the ball and scored and that led to 12 unanswered points by Hamilton. In the second half, Browning settled down and tightened up their defense. Maggie Ringer and Katelyn Dickemore were tough underneath and hard to move out of the pocket. Freshmen Taryn Searle and Layne Kearns kept up the pressure from the outside. Speedy Brynnli Poulsen can run all day for the Lady Broncs and together they connected for a 44-35 win over Browning. Hamilton 44, Browning 35 Hamilton - Taryn Searle 9, Abby Johnson 6, Olivia Walker 3, Layne Kearns 4, Maggie Ringer8,
Layne Kearns battles for position against the Browning Indians. Jean Schurman photo. Brynnli Poulsen 4, Emily Wildey 2, Katelyn Dickemore 8.
Browning - Kipp 4, Bordeau 4, Running Crane 3, Skunkcap 6,
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Hamilton boys split at Tip Off The Hamilton Broncs split their games over the weekend with a win over Browning but losing to possibly the best team in Class A, the Hardin Bulldogs on Friday. On Saturday, Browning jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and left Hamilton playing catch up. They trailed by 11 points at the end of the first frame. A change in the Bronc lineup made a difference and Hamilton closed the gap to only four points at the half. At the beginning of the second half, Hamilton again spotted Browning nine points before a block by Tyler Burrows changed the momentum. Hamilton briefly took the lead with a spinning layup by Trey Searle but Browning’s Blayne Deroche committed a foul and a technical which sent Searle to the free throw line where he sank all four shots. The two teams traded trey’s in the fourth quarter and the lead switched back and forth. Hamilton held the ball as time was running out and the game was tied at 63 all. With 2.1 seconds remaining, Carson Rostad took a high pass and dropped it in for the 65-63 win. Hamilton 65, Browning 63 Hamilton - Tristan Lewis 1, Carson Rostad 11, Jaiden Klemundt 7, Tristan Hanson 1, Eli Taylor 2, Trey Searle 22, Tyler Burrows 12. Browning - Deroche 5, Spoonhunter 34, Reevis 2, Juneau 9, Mad Plume 10, BullChild. On Friday, Hamilton faced Hardin, who finished second in the state last year. The Bulldogs are a running team with lots of height and shooting ability. They took an early lead into the half. However Hamilton came back to narrow the gap and only lost by seven points, 74–67. Searle finished with 28 points in the game. Corvallis won both their games at the tournament. Friday, they stopped Libby, 51-44. The Blue Devils came on in the fourth quarter to pull away and take the lead. Caleb Warnken had 16 points to lead the Blue Devils in the win.
T. Running Crane 8, Guardipee 10 On Friday, Hamilton matched up against Hardin, last year’s runner up in Class A in the state. Hardin came out strongly and put up 15 points to Hamilton’s two points in the first quarter. But then Hamilton started to click and outscored the Lady Bulldogs in the final three quarters. But it was not enough and the Lady Broncs lost, 42-41. Kearns and Searle each had seven points, while Johnson and Rylee Brackman had six points. Stevensville also split their games over the weekend. They lost a close game to Ronan, 47-46 but then came back to top Libby, 42-30. Ronan 47, Stevensville 46 Ronan - Wirz 4, Deroche 8, Gatch 4, Clairmont 6, Burke 11, Lunceford 13. Stevensville - Maddie Sims 11, Kennedy Praast 9, Syd Paul 7, Maliyah LeCoure 8, Claire Hutchison 2, Evynne Alexander 9. Stevensville 42, Libby 30 Libby - Gier 8, GilliamSmith 4, Martineau 5, Bohemeier 1, Proffitt 12. Stevensville - Hailey Thomas 2, Kennedy Praast 10, Syd Paul 3, Maliyah Lecoure 7, Claire Hutchison 2, Evynne Alexander 18. Corvallis fell to Columbia Falls, 58-34. Madeline Gilder had 11 points to pace the Blue Devils. Isabell Evans added eight more.
Hamilton’s Tyler Burrows scrambles for a rebound as Browning players surround him. Jean Schurman photo. Corvallis 51, Libby 44 Corvallis - Jaymark Liedle 4, Tanner Jessop 12, Luke Wolsky 3, Caleb Warnken 16, Jacob Loran 2, Bryce Mayn 3, Cole Trexler 9, Mitchell Spinetta 2. Libby - Davis 4, Bower 6, Goodman 12, Beagle 13, Rausch 2, Williams 2, Johnson 5. In his second start at varsity, junior Blue Devil Cole Trexler powered Corvallis to a 66-43 win over Columbia Falls. Trexler had a game high 23 points. Tanner Jessop added 14 and Caleb Warnken had 15 in the win. Corvallis 66, Columbia Falls 43 C Falls - Morgan 8, Price 7, Tamburelli 9, Dyon 2, Shipp 7, Trueblood 2, Knapton 3. Corvallis - Jaymark Liedle 5, Tanner Jessop 14, Caleb Warnken 15, Jacob loran 5, Mitchell Spinetta 3, Bryce Mayn 4, Cole Trexler 23. Stevensville lost both their games in the tournament. On Friday, they fell to Ronan, 63-54. The Yellowjackets had the lead at the half but fell behind. Ronan
came from behind in the fourth quarter to score 24 points for the win. Kellan Beller had 21 points to pace Stevensville. Ronan 63, Stevensville 54 Ronan: Leonard Burke 22, Girma Detwiler 20, Trey Don’t Mix 6, Zarec Couture 4, Elijah Tonasket 3, Sage Coffman 3, Payton Cates 2, Saul Blackweasel 2. Stevi: Kellan Beller 21, Ethan Shobe 13, Tanner Pendergast 8, Sean Craft 6, Gavin Rahl 6. Stevensville took a one point lead into the fourth quarter against Libby but then their shooting went cold and the Yellowjackets only scored three points in the final frame. They lost to Libby, 35-29. Libby 35, Stevensville 29 Libby - Davis 1, Bower 3, Goodman 6, Beagle 7, Williams 8, Andersen 8, Johnson 2. Stevensville - Ethan Shobe 1, Kellan Beller 5, Tanner Pendergast 14, Sean Craft 2, Gavin Rahl 7.
Richard Griffin is the new coach of the Lady Broncs. Jean Schurman photo.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Bitterroot Star -- Page 13
The gift of fly tying When I was about ten years old, my Godfather showed me a box of trout flies he had tied. I was immediately fascinated. I could hardly resist the urge to touch them, pick them up and turn them in my fingers. “Go ahead,” Paul urged. I did – first one fly and then another, being careful to put each one back in the compartment from
Flyfishing with Chuck Stranahan which it came. The flies looked intricate and beautiful. How did Paul make them? I wondered. I didn’t wait to find out. Soon after I spent most of my allowance on one trout fly, and then made the hard decision to take my small pair or manicure scissors to the fly. I unraveled it, thread wrap by thread wrap, piece by piece. I discovered that all the “legs” sticking out from around the fly’s wings were just the barbules of a feather that had been wrapped around the hook. I learned that the bee-striped body of the fly was formed of black and yellow chenille, wrapped in alternating bands. I felt as if the mysteries of this small part of the universe were now opened to me. Earlier, at around age eight, I had taken a fish hook from my older brother’s bait box and wrapped it with black and yellow sewing thread over carefully sanded piece of cork, and then attached two wings made of feathers I had obtained by cutting into the edge of my pillow. That fly was my first bee imitation. The store-bought McGinty that I dissected was my second. Soon after Paul gave me a fly tying vise that I still have today. The vise was designed to hold small hooks. I used that vise later to tie the small trout flies that earned me somewhat of a reputation for tying small stuff and landed me a position tying flies for Orvis – before they went to all-imports as most of the trade eventually did.
The gift of that fly tying vise had life-changing impact; far greater, I would imagine, than Paul would have ever suspected when he gave it to me. I used that vise to fly-tie my way through college, and eventually bought a Thompson A model vise, the pinnacle of fly tying vises in the day, for about the cost of six dozen flies I would sell at wholesale. The Thompson became my workhorse vise for years, but I still used that first vise from my Godfather, with its finer jaws, when I had orders for small stuff. Today that vise is displayed in my shop, along with several other angling antiquities. You might say that my sentimental attachment to it is strong. And you might also say that my fascination with flies, how they are tied, and the ever-expanding range of materials used to tie them hasn’t diminished at all. Fly tying and technology Today’s young aspiring fly tyer is assaulted on all sides by technology. Phones, computers in school, and techno-solutions for everything comprise much of the world they live in. And yet, nearly every kid who comes into my shop, often as the passive tag-along of a parent on a mission, is fascinated with the flies. Their attention goes immediately to the flies in the bins. They can’t keep their fingers off of them. I tell the parents it’s OK and usually they are the ones to tell the kids to put the flies back in the correct bins. I remember my own first fascination with the flies I saw in my Godfather Paul’s fly box, and don’t want to kill that first spark of interest in a youngster growing up in a technological world. Their enthusiasm for flies and fly tying, as it turns out, is as fascinating for them as it was for me, several childhoods ago. Fast forward Today, as the sport has expended, there are all sorts of fly tying vises available on the market. An assortment of decent fly tying tools doesn’t need to break the budget of a first-time fly tyer or gift-giver who might know a youngster who might be fascinated with flies, as I was. A set of good tools can be purchased for about the same price as a cheap fly tying kit, often assembled around tools that will eventually need to be upgraded. The beginning fly tyer is money ahead to purchase the materials needed for the flies they will actually tie rather than try to figure out how to use the pre-
Crossword Puzzle
selected materials in a manufacturer’s pre-packaged kit. And as I can attest – the gift of fly tying tools is a gift that can last a lifetime. Gifts that last a lifetime My wife Jan’s joy and enthusiasm on the stream are contagious. For me, that’s a gift in itself. And, she’s a good
enough angler that I don’t feel the need to babysit her. Ask the people we fish with – they’ll tell you that’s an understatement. She knows that the bonds I share with a few friends were forged with fly rods in our hands. That very small and exclusive band of brothers, my closest and dearest friends, are my fishing buddies. Early in our marriage I gave her an aluminum fly box, one with individual compartments and individual lids. The box is a quality knockoff of an expensive box, one that I couldn’t afford at the time. I could probably afford one now, but there are reasons why I don’t expect to upgrade any time soon. I had enough left, that Christmas, to have the box engraved with her name and the inscription, “For my best fishing buddy.” Those words brought tears when she first read them. That fly box is still her favorite. A gift of a fly box full of flies, chosen for the area where the recipient lives, can be a gift that lasts a lifetime. So can a new fly rod or reel, or if one is uncertain of exactly what to choose, try giving a gift certificate that can be used for a specific piece of tackle, fly tying tools or materials. Whether the recipient is a seasoned angler or a youngster who shows a fascination with flies, the gift of fly fishing can last a lifetime. Author and flytyer Chuck Stranahan can be reached at chuck@chuck-stranahan.com or visit his fly shop at 109 E. Main in Hamilton.
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Stevensville
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Bill & Helen Kropp Serving the Bitterroot Since 1902
Page 14 -- Bitterroot Star
Call
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12 noon for Wednesday
SALES/ AUCTIONS
Classified
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
123 S. 5TH Corner of 5th & State in Hamilton
363-1600
FARM & GARDEN
CHRISTMAS WREATHS! Winter squash, cabbage, potatoes, beets and carrots. Pro-Mix potting soil. Grain-fed beef and pork and eggs. Moeller’s Nursery, 946 Eastside Hwy, Corvalis. Open daily. 961-3389. BAGGED WHOLE-GRAIN livestock feed: wheat, oats, barley. Cracked 3-Way (barley, oats, wheat), new crop hay. GRAIN-FED LOCKER BEEF. Call Russ, 3601125 or 961-3528. FRESH FARM EGGS from pastured free range chickens, delivered daily to the Bitterroot Star, Stevensville. Severson’s natural grass fed ground beef (1-lb packages, $5/lb), also steaks!. Call 777-3928 for availability or just stop by Bitterroot Star at 115 W. 3rd (blue door).
BUILDINGS AUTHENTIC TIMBER FRAMED BARNS. Residential and Commercial Timber Packages. Full Service Design - Build Since 1990, (406) 581 3014 brett@bitterrootgroup.com, www.bitterroottimberframes.com
call Larry at 239-6356 or Linda at 550-2663. COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER HAMILTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #3 Develop and execute a District-wide communications program to promote the Hamilton School District. This position will be responsible for brand stewardship plus developing and managing all messaging and communications to the traditional media channels, and on social media/ online communications channels. Coordinate special District events under the guidance of the District Superintendent and the school board. Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree and three years of related experience in public relations or an equivalent combination of education and experience, works well with others from diverse backgrounds, ability to communicate fluently verbally and in written English, able to politely fiend questions from students, faculty, staff and the public, multitask and think of your feet and proficient in the usage of the Internet and various District software applications. Full-time salaried position. Salary range $50,000 depending on qualifications. Detailed job description and application at https://www.hsd3.org NURSERY ATTENDANT NEEDED-DUTIES are to provide age-appropriate care for children age 5- and under, weekly from 10 am to noon ON SUNDAY MORNINGS and occasional evenings. *Applicants must be at least 18 years of age *Applicants must be able to pass background check *Safe Sanctuary training will be provided *Current CPR and First Aid are desired. Please send resume to steviumc@gmail.com, citing “Nursery Worker” in the subject line. HOME CARE SERVICES is hiring caregivers and CNAs. Flexible schedule, competitive pay. Apply at 925 N. First Street in Hamilton. Call 375-8637.
FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE
SMALL SELF-CONTAINED TRAILER, sleeps two, weight 900 pounds, $900. One horse trailer, $900. Johnson Farm Hand on truck, $800. Mid-1950 Nash Ambassador for restoring, $200. 961-3423.
REAL ESTATE– NORTHWEST MONTANA – Company owned. Small and large acre parcels. Private. Trees and meadows. National Forest boundaries. Tungstenholdings.com (406) 293-3714.
HELP WANTED
COOK NEEDED FOR DINNER SERVICE two Wednesday nights a month. Starting wage $10/hour. Position is with the Elks Lodge in Hamilton. To apply please
Elaine’s Engraving 363-5193
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DAY ONE 4:00-6:00 PM. LINE NUMBERS GIVEN AFTER 2:00 PM. 2 per person. FOLLOWING DAYS 9-12
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20-Word Personal $8.50 20-Word Commercial $10.50 Each Add’l Word - 20¢ Includes Posting to Web Page
WANTED
ATTENTION EASTERN Montana Hunters/Furharvesters. Petska Fur running Bi-Monthly routes. Actively seeking Coyotes, Heavy Cats, Fox, Deer/Elkhides and Antler. Coyote market exceptional. (308) 750-0700. www. petskafur.net.
NOTICES FOUND - NICE STROLLER, left in front of house on Church Street, Stevi, on Dec. 6th. Call Jeff, 369-0795. CLIFF’S CORRAL has moved to the back room in the mall, 130 Main, Hamilton. Remaining inventory, pictures, belts, wallets, etc. New printerfax machine $80, microwave, small refrigerator, much more. Free stuff too, includng a Christmas tree.
LEGAL NOTICES
David T. Markette Dustin M. Chouinard Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of EDWARD NEIL AMES a/k/a EDWARD N. AMES, Deceased. Probate No. DP-19-119 Dept. No. 2 Jennifer B. Lint NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Joni Ames, the Personal Representative , in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 21st day of November, 2019 . /s/ Joni Ames, Personal Representative /s/ David T. Markette, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 12-4, 12-11, 12-18-19. MNAXLP
WE BUY GUNS. Cash paid. New, used, antique or military. Call Rich, (406) 531-6702. tive
Kenneth Bransby Bransby Law Firm, P.C. 515 Main Street Stevensville , Montana 59870 Phone: (406) 777-1000 bransbylaw@gmail.com Attorney for Personal Representa-
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: MERRILL JAMES HILL, Decedent Cause No.: DP-19-115 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four ( 4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative , Matthew Hill, c/o Bransby Law Firm, P.C., 515 Main Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870, return receipt requested , or filed with the Clerk of the above Court . DATED this 6th day of December, 2019 /s/Matthew Hill, Personal Representative STATE OF MONTANA ) :ss County of Ravalli )
The attached record, Notice to Creditors, consisting of one (1) page, was signed before me on December 6, 2019 by MATTHEW HILL. LISA RADCLIFFE WALLACE NOTARY PUBLIC for the State of Montana Residing at Florence, MT My Commission Expires April 09, 2022. BS 12-11, 12-18, 12-25-19. MNAXLP RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Attorney for Plaintiff MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY Dennis Robert Huhn Aka Robert D. Huhn Plaintiff, vs. Estate of Robert L. Huhn, Deceased, Estate of Suzanne Huhn, Deceased Dr. Roberta Huhn, Alana Mary Wicks, unknown heirs and devisees of the estates, and all other persons, unknown, claiming or who may claim any right, title estate, or interest in or lien or encumbrance upon the real property described in the complaint adverse to Plaintiff’s ownership or any cloud upon Plaintiff’s title thereto, whether such claim or possible claim be present or contingent, Defendants. Case No.: DV-19-431 Dept. 1 SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MONTANA TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS GREETINGS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Verified Complaint in this action, which is filed in the office of the clerk of this court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your written answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty-one days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default, for the relief demanded in the Verified Complaint. This is a proceeding to quiet title to the real property described below. The real property affected by this suit is situated in the State of Montana, County of Ravalli, and is described as follows: Lot 14A, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 249, being a portion of Lots 14 and 15, Block 9, Original Townsite of Stevensville, Ravalli County, Montana,
according to the official recorded plat thereof. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said court this 5th day of December, 2019. Paige Trautwein Clerk of the District Court (Seal) By: Mary Fliss Deputy Clerk I certify that I forwarded copies of this instrument to counsel of record by email December 5, 2019. Mary Fliss, Deputy. BS 12-11, 12-18, 12-25-19. MNAXLP MONTANA 21ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Name Change of Abigail McNamara, Abigail McNamara, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-437/3 Dept. No. 1 Howard F. Recht NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Abigail McNamara to Mary Ruth McNamara. The hearing will be on January 15, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Ravalli County Courthouse in Hamilton, Montana. Dated this 16th day of November, 2019. /s/Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court By: Mary Fliss, Deputy Clerk of Court. BS 12-11, 12-18, 12-25-19, 1-120. MNAXLP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BUDGET AMENDMENTS FY 2019 RAVALLI COUNTY The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Wednesday December 18, 2019 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana (3rd floor of the Administrative Center). The purpose of this public hearing is to take public comment, review and approve Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2019 by Resolution. If you would like further information on these amendments, contact the Commissioner’s Office at above address or by phone 406-375-6500, emailcommissioners@re.mt.gov. Chris Taggart BCC AAA BS 12-4, 12-11-19. MNAXLP NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Melvin J. Cook, 210 Park Ave., Stevensville, MT 59870, the Beneficiary, and MARTINS. KING, the Successor Trustee, under the “DEED OF TRUST-Trust Indenture Under the Small Tract Financing Act of Montana”, dated October 2, 2014 (referred to in this notice as the “Trust Indenture”), has elected to sell, and will sell the property described in this notice, on February 4, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ravalli County Courthouse, located at 205 Bedford St, Hamilton, MT 59840, and on the terms described in this notice, in order to satisfy the obligations described in this notice, pursuant to the terms of the Trust Indenture and the provisions of the Small Tract Financing Act, Mont. Code Ann.§ 71-1301, et. seq. DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST INDENTURE: Grantor/Trustor: Eagle’s Landing Construction, Inc., a Montana corporation Original Trustee: Stewart Title of Ravalli County, LLC Successor Trustee: Martin S. King, Esq. Beneficiary/Lender: Melvin J. Cook and Kathleen Cook Date: October 2, 2014 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY COVERED BY THE TRUST INDENTURE AND WHICH WILL BE SOLD AT THE TRUSTEE’S SALE: All of Grantor’s right, title,
$
and interest in and to the following described real property, together with all the improvements now or hereafter erected on the property, and all easements, appurtenances, and fixtures now or hereafter a part of the property, including all replacements and additions, pursuant to the Substitution of Collateral dated June 19, 2017, and recorded June 21, 2017, as Document No. 710905: A tract of land located in and being a portion of the NE 1/4 of Section 34, Township 9 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., situated in Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as Parcels C and D, Certificate of Survey No. 604410-F Hereafter “property”. The real property address is commonly known as 143 MIDDLE BURNT FORK RD, STEVENSVILLE, MT 59870 RECORDING REFERENCE: DEED OF TRUST-Trust Indenture Under the Small Tract Financing Act of Montana recorded on October 2, 2014, as Document No. 681525, records of Ravalli County, Montana. OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TRUST INDENTURE: Substitution of Collateral dated June 19, 2017, and recorded in the records of the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Ravalli County, Montana June 21, 2017, as Document No. 710905. Appointment of Successor Trustee, appointing Martin S. King as trustee in the place of Stewart Title of Ravalli County, LLC recorded September 16, 2019, in the records of the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Ravalli County, Montana, as Document No. 735317. DEFAULT FOR WHICH THE FORECLOSURE IS MADE: The Grantor has defaulted on the terms of said Trust Indenture and the corresponding Promissory Note in that it has failed to pay the payments required thereunder when due and has failed to pay real property taxes against the real property when due. AMOUNTS OWED ON THE OBLIGATIONS SECURED BY THE TRUST INDENTURE as of September 15, 2019: Principal: $140,000.00 Interest: $18,181.82 Trustee’s Sale Guarantee: $917.00 Recording Fees: $14.75 Attorney Fees: $670.00 Late Charges: $857.85 Total: $160,641.42 Interest continues to accrue. In addition, the Grantor is obligated to pay the expenses of this sale, the Beneficiary’s costs and expenses advanced to preserve and protect the property, real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, Beneficiary’s costs and attorney fees, and the Successor Trustee’s costs and fees. If such amounts are paid and/or incurred by the Beneficiary, they will be added to the obligation secured by the Trust Indenture. THE TRUSTEE’S OR BENEFICIARY’S ELECTION TO SELL THE PROPERTY TO SATISFY THE OBLIGATION: The Beneficiary has elected to sell, and has directed the Successor Trustee to sell, the above-described property to satisfy the obligation. DATE, PLACE, and TIME OF SALE: Date and time of sale: February 4, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. Place: Foyer of Ravalli County Courthouse, located at 205 Bedford St, Hamilton, MT 59840. Dated this 18th day of September, 2019. /s/ Martin S. King, Successor Trustee Worden Thane P.C. P.O. Box 4747 Missoula, MT 59806-4747 (406) 721-3400 STATE OF MONTANA ) : ss. County of Missoula )
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On the 18th day of September, 2019, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public for the State of Montana, personally appeared Martin S. King, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within Notice of Trustee’s Sale as Successor Trustee, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same as such Successor Trustee. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and notarial seal the day and year first above written. (SEAL) /s/CHRISTINA JOHNSON . NOTARY PUBLIC for the State of Montana Residing at Victor, MT My Commission Expires November 15, 2020. BS 11-27, 12-4, 12-11-19. MNAXLP CALL FOR BIDS The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS is seeking bids for Display Advertising for our Ravalli County Offices in a local newspaper within the County of Ravalli for the calendar year of 2020. Please bid the Display Advertising by the Column Inch. Bids must be in a sealed envelope and clearly marked, “DISPLAY ADVERTISING BID”. The bid must be received by the Clerk & Recorders Office at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 by Tuesday, December 17, 2019 AT 2:00 PM. Bids will then be publicly opened on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 9:30 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room at 215 S. 4th Street, (3rd floor). For further information, contact the Commissioners’ Office at 406-3756500. Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 12-4, 12-11-19. MNAXLP CALL FOR BIDS The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS is calling for bids on the printing of legal notices for the Ravalli County Offices in a local newspaper within the County of Ravalli for the calendar year of 2020. Bids should include the following: · • Per folio rate (1-100 words) for the first and each additional insertion. • Information that specifically
Still framing after all these years
the
PUBLIC NOTICE This is to notify all interested parties that BitterRoot Bus is applying for $132,767.00 under the Section 5311 Program for the Federal Transit Administration entitled “Financial Assistance for Other than Urbanized Areas,” administered by the Montana Department of Transportation. Funding will be used for operating expenses associated with providing transportation services to the general public within Ravalli County, Montana. BitterRoot Bus will also be receiving $31,752.00 in matching TransAde funding. Anyone wishing to comment on this proposal should send comments within 30 days to: BitterRoot Bus, 310 Old Corvallis Rd., Hamilton, MT 59840. BS 12-11, 12-18-19. MNAXLP PUBLIC NOTICE BitterRoot Bus and MR TMA of Missoula is applying for our annual 5311 grant from the Montana Department of Transportation. Due to recently
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
enacted federal legislation, BitterRoot Bus is required to develop a community Transportation Coordination Plan. BitterRoot Bus and MR TMA is required to hold public hearings in order to give all citizens the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed plan. Public hearings are set up for December 10, 2019 at 310 Old Corvallis Rd. Conference Room from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Proposed plans are available for review at: BitterRoot Bus 310 Old Corvallis Rd. Hamilton, MT 363-7484 Ask For: Sharna MRTMA 2820 South Higgins Missoula, MT 327-8707 Ask For: Lyn Any questions call either of the above phone numbers.
Bitterroot Star -- Page 15
Crossword Solution
© Feature Exchange
NOTICE OF OPEN OF FILING Notice is hereby given that oath of candidacy filing will open Thursday, December 12, 2019, for Special Purpose District Elections to be held for the following commissioners/trustees/directors who are elected by voters in said districts: Drainage Districts:
Humble, Willow Creek
Irrigation Districts:
Bitterroot, Blodgett Creek, Canyon Creek, Charlos, Daly Ditches, Lomo, Mill Creek, Sunset, Ward
Park Districts:
Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.
Rural Fire Districts: Water and/or Sewer Districts:
Florence, Ravalli Co. Park District No. 2, Stevensville West Corvallis, Darby, Florence, Hamilton, Painted Rocks, Stevensville, Sula, Three Mile, Victor, West Fork Corvallis, Tin Cup, Victor th
Oath of candidacy forms can be obtained from the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, 215 South 4 Street, Suite C; Hamilton, Montana. No filing fee is required. The deadline for submitting the oath of candidacy is 5:00 PM on February 10, 2020. The Special Purpose District Elections will be held on May 5, 2020 for all districts whose commissioners/trustees/directors are not elected by acclamation. Dated this 4th day of December, 2019 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator th 215 South 4 Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550 Display Ad Size: 3 columns wide x 3” long (format to fit) Publish: December 11, 2019 Bill: Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder th 215 South 4 Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 Please verify publication with an affidavit – Thank you!
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FRAME SHOP 363.6684
addresses compliance with Section 18-7-411 and 18-7-201 MCA. Bids must be in a sealed envelope and clearly marked, “LEGAL NOTICE PRINTING BID”. The bid must be received by the Clerk & Recorders Office at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 by Tuesday, December 17, 2019 AT 2:00 PM. Bids will then be publicly opened on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 9:45 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room at 215 S. 4th Street, (3rd floor). For further information, contact the Commissioners’ Office at 406-3756500. Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 12-4, 12-11-19. MNAXLP
Bitter Root Humane Association would like to thank:
320 4th Ave PO Box 333 Victor, MT 59875
Hannah Whitney
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to buy the property before they listed it for sale. “They16 saw special Star Page --our Bitterroot interest in the property and they are willing to give us this extraordinary opportunity,” said School District Superintendent Tim Johnson. According to Johnson, district representatives have attended over 15 meetings at various com-
price of $1,725,000 for the 21.23 acres and the REC buildings was determined by an appraisal jointly commissioned earlier this year by the REC and the Corvallis School District. The voters are being asked to approve a 5-year Building Reserve Levy in the amount of $345,000 per year. At the end of five years a loan to purchase
Candidate clarification We inadvertently published the wrong information for Stevensville mayoral candidate Mark Adams in last week’s Star. The correct information is on page 3.
e
pounds found in the preservatives used in the telephone poles that were stored on the site. Johnson Wednesday, December @realflavorful11, 2019 said that no indications of PCB Order without credit card @ www.Flavorful.us contamination was found in the soil or the water, but PCP contamiVolume Number 13 nation was detected in top soilXXXIII, at the area where poles were stock-
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Voters in the Corvallis School District will have the chance this November 7 to For information about the Aid for Mammography fund, visit approve purchase Montana of 21.23 Be Covering the Bitterroot Valley the – “Where mdmh.org/AMF or call 406-375-4824. acres of property that adjoins the school, or not. The property is currently owned by Ravalli Electric Cooperative and the school district has leased 5.69 acres of the land for over 30 years for use as ball fields and a portion of the Middle School playground. But REC @realflavorful is moving out and relocating its Order without credit card @ www.Flavorful.us mittee “narrowed the architect The Stevensville School forward with solutions to address operation to Highway 93 and Bell suggestions to focus the current Board voted unanimously to aging schools across Montana,” Crossing. The Cooperative hopes Volume XXXIII, Number 13 Established 1985 - Locally owned & independen bond on immediate needs.” She proceed with bond elections said Trangmoe. “Instead, the curto complete its relocation to new said that “while there are many for both the Stevensville High rent trend is to shift the burden facilities by June 2019. It offered things that would be nice to add, School and Elementary School to local districts, where school the school district the opportunity this recommendation is near term Districts in May 2018, for leaders and taxpayers can decide to buy the property before they while other worthwhile projects deferred maintenance, safety how to invest in their individual listed it for sale. will have to wait until later in the projects, and renovations. The districts.” “They saw our special long-term planning process.” bond proposal for the StevensAccording to School Disinterest in the property and they Board Chairman Greg ville Elementary School District trict Superintendent Bob Moore, are willing to give us this extraor• • 777-2822 • summarized • Trangmoe the board is approximately $9,300,000, and the elementary bond proposal dinary opportunity,” said School BySuperintendent Michael Howell decision when he stated that the the proposal for the Stevensville addresses significant needs for District Tim John4039 HWY 93is only N asking the public district High School District is approxithe K-3 building. The current son. According to Johnson, disVoters in have the Corvalto cover basic facility needs. mately $13,300,000. STEVENSVILLE If passed, building has exceeded classroom trict representatives attended lis meetings School District will comhave www.ammoandmorestore.com “Costs will continue to rise for the bonds will address deferred capacity, and a busy computer over 15 at various the chance this November 7 to these projects and the state has maintenance, renovations to approve the purchase of 21.23 “Where Montana Begins!” not shown a willingness to move buildings and grounds, student See STEVI, page 4 e acres of property that adjoins th safety, sanitation, building access, school, or not. The property is c and parking. rently owned by Ravalli Electri e2 According to a press Cooperative and the school dist release issued by the District, in We inadvertently has leased 5.69 acrespubof the lan the spring of 2017, a 15-20 year lished the wrong information forball for over 30 years for use as facilities plan was commissioned Stevensville mayoral candidate fields and a portion of the Midd with MMW Architects from MisMark Adams in last week’s Star. School playground. But REC soula. Relying heavily on input 642-3805 Theiscorrect information is on its moving out and relocating At the light in Victor from parents, students, and stakepage 3. operation to Highway 93 and B holders in the community, MMW Crossing. The Cooperative hop and a team of contractors and wned Wednesday, October 18, 2017 mu- & independent to complete its relocation to ne construction engineers studied the r facilities by June 2019. It offere entire Stevensville Public Schools he the school district the opportun facilities and grounds to develop h to buy the property before they recommendations in the form of listed it for sale. a long range facilities plan. From “They saw our special this plan, the Board of Trustees siinterest in the property and they has identified critical renovae, are willing to give us this extra The Stevensville School tion, deferred maintenance, and If the bonds are passed by voters in the Stevensville School dinary opportunity,” said Board voted unanimously to Schoo grounds projects that best meet Gay Findley, Secretary/Treasurer of the South Valley Civic Club, was on hand to welcome the property would be fully paid munity organizations and held District next May,a this patch of gravel where School SuperinMichael Howell s District Superintendent Tim Joh proceed with bond elections the immediate educational, stuthe sculpture off and the obligationhouse would handful of district board tendent Bobmeetings Moore is standing willtax eventually four new of Sacajawea and her baby Jean Baptiste Charbonneau to Darby where it will id son. the According to Johnson, dis for both Stevensville High dent safety, and the activity needs grace the entranceway to the town’s new pocket park called “Sacajawea’s Rest.” Michael The school district is the cur-elementary to discuss the issue. Theyand haveserve asend. classrooms a corridor connecting utVoters in the Corvaltrict representatives have attend School and Elementary School of the Stevensville students. Howell of photo. debt free. ItIfispassed, also broughtschool it up atclassrooms various sports to therently gymnasium. one ofaa myriad chool in, District will have over in 15May meetings various com Districts 2018,atfor Board member Cathi Cook owning homeDetails with a are availevents and other school functions. projects proposed in thetaxpayer upcoming bonda levy. hance this November 7 to deferred maintenance, safety stated that the Facilities Com- “A majority value of $100,000 would of review the response able for at Supt. taxable Moore’s office. ove e 7 the purchase of 21.23 projects, and renovations. The was that it made sense to purchase be expected to pay $35.46 per of property that adjoins the bond proposal for the Stevensyear for the levy. A homeowner ol, or not. The property is cur- the property,” said Johnson. He ville Elementary School District with home with a taxable value of said that the school district was y owned by Ravalli Electric is approximately $9,300,000, and $200,000 would pay an additional perative and the school district inevitably going to grow and at the proposal for the Stevensville $70.92 per year in taxes. some point down the line space We inadvertently pubeased 5.69 acres of the land High School District is approxiPaid for by Brandon Dewey for Mayor . POAccording Box 223 . Stevensville MT 59870 last Wednesday in the back of Ted called Sacajawea Rest was busBy Michael Howell to Johnson, both to grow was going to become a lished the wrong information ver 30 years for use as ball Renee Endicott, Treasurer mately $13,300,000. If passed, Hall’s pick-up truck. tling with activity. REC and the District are comproblem. Stevensville mayoral candidat s and a portion of the Middle the bonds will address deferred A crew of specialized helpShawn Jackson’s saw mitted to insuring that all parts of Sacajawea passed through “This purchase will guaranMark Adams in last week’s St ol playground. But REC maintenance, renovations to ers, including carpenters, stone sent sparks flying as he cut the the property are safe for schoolwhat is now the town of Darby tee that, when the time comes to The correct information is on oving out and relocating its buildings and grounds, student masons, metal cutters, engineers, threaded bars that would secure expand, building can take place on use. They commissioned sometwice on her journey with the page 3. ation to Highway 93 and Bell safety, sanitation, building access, and plain old hole diggers, graduthe sculpture into a bed of conLewis and Clark Corps of land that adjoins existing facilities, testing of the grounds for PCBs sing. The Cooperative hopes and parking. ally assembled and before you Discovery. A sculpture destined and PCPs. PCBs are found in the maintaining efficiency of operamplete its relocation to new See SCULPTURE, page 2 According to a press know it the little pocket park to honor those visits arrived old transformers that were stored tions,” said Johnson. ties by June 2019. It offered release issued by the District, in on the property. PCPs are comWhat will it cost? The sale chool district the opportunity the spring of 2017, a 15-20 year pounds found in the preservatives price of $1,725,000 for the 21.23 y the property before they facilities plan was commissioned used in the telephone poles that acres and the REC buildings was d it for sale. with MMW Architects from Misdetermined by an appraisal jointly were stored on the site. Johnson “They saw our special soula. Relying heavily on input said that no indications of PCB commissioned earlier this year by est in the property and they from parents, students, and stakecontamination was found in the the REC and the Corvallis School willing to give us this extraorThecommunity, Stevensville School holders in the MMW soil or the water, but PCP contamiDistrict. The voters are being y opportunity,” said School Board voted unanimously Gay Findley, Secretary/Treasurer of the South Valley Civic Club, was on hand to welcome and a team of contractors and to nation was detected in top soil vides a closely connected commuasked to approve a 5-year BuildByatMichael Howell modelBaptiste althoughCharbonneau ict Superintendent Tim Johnproceedengineers with bondstudied elections the sculpture of Sacajawea the andcooperative her baby Jean to Darby where it will construction the the area where poles were stocknity with large front porches for ing Reserve Levy in the amount most people are not that familiar According to Johnson, disfor both the Stevensville High grace the entranceway to the town’s new pocket park called “Sacajawea’s Rest.” Michael entire Stevensville Public Schools greeting neighbors, but offers the of $345,000 per year. At the end It’s been a long time coming with it. It provides the benefits representatives have attended School Elementary Schoo facilities andand grounds to develop See CORVALLIS, page 2 Howell photo. privacy of a detached home with of five years a loan to purchase but work is set to begin this fall of home ownership without the 15 meetings at various comDistricts in May 2018, for recommendations in the form of private space and gardens. on the Ravalli County Council on demands of upkeep and maintemaintenance, safety a longdeferred range facilities plan. From Travitz said because its Aging’s new “pocket neighbornance of the units. He said the projects, and renovations. this plan, the Board of Trustees The unfamiliar, some people are hesihood” development called Rivercooperative model, although new bond proposal the Stevenshas identified criticalfor renovaside Crossing. The development is in Montana, provides an additional tant about the tight use of space, ville Elementary School Distri tion, deferred maintenance, and of feeling crowded and wonderimplementing the new and innova- choice beyond rental or condois approximately $9,300,000, a grounds projects that best meet ing about privacy. “But that was tive small cottage designs of Ross miniums for active adults who are the proposal for the Stevensvil the immediate educational, stuWe inadvertently pubin the old days,” he said. He said Chapin as well as an innovative looking downsize from largerof Ted High School approx lasttoWednesday in thea back called Sacajawea Rest was bus- dent safety, By Michael Howell and theDistrict activityisneeds ed the wrong information for with the new designs coming out co-operative ownership plan. homeHall’s and property to something mately $13,300,000. If passed pick-up truck. tling with activity. of the Stevensville students. vensville mayoral candidate like Ross Chapin, Paul Travitz, director of maintenance-free, providing time help-from architects the bonds will address deferre A crew of specialized Shawn Jackson’s saw Sacajawea passed through Board member Cathi Cook rk Adams in last week’s Star. the local Council on Aging, said for more enjoyable activities. The maintenance, renovations ers, including carpenters, stone sent sparks flying as he cut the stated that the Facilities Com- to what is now the town of Darby For information about the Aid for Mammography fund, visit e correct information is on See HOUSING, page 7 people do seem to be interested in pocket neighborhood model probuildings and grounds, studen mdmh.org/AMF or call 406-375-4824. masons, metal cutters, engineers, threaded bars that would secure twice on her journey with the e 3. safety, sanitation, building acc and plain old hole diggers, graduthe sculpture into a bed of conLewis and Clark Corps of and parking. ally assembled and before you Discovery. A sculpture destined See SCULPTURE, page 2 According to a press know it the little pocket park to honor those visits arrived release issued by the District, the spring of 2017, a 15-20 ye facilities plan was commission with MMW Architects from M soula. Relying heavily on inpu from parents, students, and sta mittee “narrowed the architect The Stevensville School forward with solutions to address holders in the community, MM suggestions to focus the current rd voted unanimously to aging schools across Montana,” and a team of contractors and vides a closely connected commuthe cooperative model although bond on immediate needs.” She ceed with bond elections said Trangmoe. “Instead, the cur-By Michael Howell construction engineers studied nity with large front porches for most people are not that familiar said that “while there are many both the Stevensville High rent trend is to shift the burden entire Stevensville Public Sch greeting neighbors, but offers the It’s been a long time coming with it. It provides the benefits things that would be nice to add, ool and Elementary School to local districts, where school facilities and grounds to devel privacy of a detached home with of home ownership without the this recommendation is near term ricts in May 2018, for leaders and taxpayers can decide but work is set to begin this fall recommendations in the form private space and gardens. demands of upkeep and maintewhile other worthwhile projects erred maintenance, safety how to invest in their individual on the Ravalli County Council on a long range facilities plan. Fr Travitz said because its Aging’s new “pocket neighbornance of the units. He said the will have to wait until later in the ects, and renovations. The districts.” this plan, the Board of Trustee unfamiliar, some people are hesicooperative model, although new long-term planning process.” d proposal for the StevensAccording to School Dis- hood” development called Riverhas identified critical renovain Montana, provides an additional tant about the tight use of space, Board Chairman Greg e Elementary School District trict Superintendent Bob Moore, side Crossing. The development is tion, deferred maintenance, an of feeling crowded and wonderpproximately $9,300,000, and Trangmoe summarized the board the elementary bond proposal implementing the new and innova- choice beyond rental or condogrounds projects that best mee ing about privacy. “But that was miniums for active adults who are decision when he stated that the proposal for the Stevensville addresses significant needs for tive small cottage designs of Ross the immediate educational, stu in the old days,” he said. He said Chapin as well as an innovative looking to downsize from a larger district is only asking the public h School District is approxithe K-3 building. The current dent safety, and the activity ne with the new designs coming out home and property to something to cover basic facility needs. ely $13,300,000. If passed, building has exceeded classroom co-operative ownership plan. of the Stevensville students. from architects like Ross Chapin, Paul Travitz, director of maintenance-free, providing time “Costs will continue to rise for bonds will address deferred capacity, and a busy computer Board member Cathi Co the local Council on Aging, said for more enjoyable activities. The these projects and the state has ntenance, renovations to stated that the Facilities ComSee HOUSING, page 7 people do seem to be interested in pocket neighborhood model pronot shown a willingness to move dings and grounds, student
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Victor Liquor Warm up with some Brandy!
Corvallis School District hopes to buy WeREC don’tproperty just talk the talk, we walk the walk Sculpture of Sacajawea placed in Darby pocket park
EWEY for MAYOR
vensville Forward
andidate arification
headway at Riverside Helping our Making local businesses grow Crossing housing project stronger for more than 35 years
Thank you
a t s e B e ‘Th
Corvalli hopes to
Candidate clarification
Stevensv to place tw Candidate clarification
Stevens to place
Sculpture of Sacajawea for supporting local! placed in Darby pocket park
BRANDON DEWEY for MAYOR VOTE Stevensville School District Community Newspaper Moving Stevensville Forward Experience Leadership Integrity Making headway at Riverside o place two bonds on ballot 115 W. 3rd . Stevensville Crossing housing project
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