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

’ ! l a c o L t e Best a

Merry Christmas from all of us at the� Volume XXXVII, Number 23

‘Th

www.bitterrootstar.com

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Lost Trail ski area open Overwhelming generosity

Lost Trail begins the season with a powder day by Nathan Boddy

“Couldn’t ask for a better opening day!” This phrase was spoken by more than one happy skier at Lost Trail Powder Mountain as the 2021/2022 ski season Getting ready for the lift to start on opening day at Lost Trail Powder Mountain. got underway. The ﬁrst Photo by Dave Gardner. day of lift service was on one of the deeper ﬁrst-days Director at Lost Trail, summed Thursday, December 16th, we’ve had in quite a few years.” it up this way, “Today has been and true to form it was most incredible. Everybody is super His statements were certainly a ‘Powder Thursday.’ happy and there is a good R.J. Higgins, Marketing See LOST TRAIL, page 2 amount of snow out there. It’s

Stevi superintendent leaving at end of June Dr. Bob Moore, Stevensville School District Superintendent, will be leaving the district at the end of June 2022. He asked the board of trustees to let him out of his contract one year early and they agreed. In a letter to the board, Moore outlined his reasons for wanting to leave early, mainly to be closer to his wife and family. Moore said he and his wife will have been living apart for the past seven years and “it’s time for me to be closer to home.” “We have accomplished major goals with expansion of programs, improvement of Dr. Bob Moore, Stevensville School Superintendent. assessment scores, passage Photo by Victoria Howell. of technology levies, passage of building bonds, remodels of schools and a variety of positive landmarks,” Moore wrote in his letter. “In 2019, I made a promise to the Board of Trustees I would stay with the school through the construction project as a result of the passage of both a high school and elementary school construction bonds. These projects are scheduled to conclude in the spring of 2022. The duties of the superintendency, bond passage, and construction were exciting and enjoyable. In contrast, the COVID-19 issues have added a layer of complexity to the job that has been diﬃcult for everyone in the District, including myself.”

Gary Locke, executive director of the Bitterroot Family Shelter, an organization that oﬀers support services to people experiencing homelessness in the Bitterroot, says that the generous donations of warm clothing and supplies have exceeded what the shelter can handle at this time. The only things that they need right now are sleeping mats and cots. Those will be used at the planned warming shelter that is preparing to open at the Rocky Mountain Grange Hall, on Hwy 93 south of Hamilton. Locke has been working with the Grange organization on this project and the last remaining stumbling block was liability insurance, which Locke has now secured. According to Locke, the new warming shelter will be opening as soon as it can be ﬁtted with the necessary items. In the meantime, Bitterroot Family Shelter will hold open houses at the Grange on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, starting at 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to come check out the new space, get warm, and enjoy refreshments and fellowship. Anyone wanting to volunteer to help with the open houses should contact Joe Senger at 503-4441204.

Wreaths Across America

Retired Montana Highway Patrol Officer Wade Palmer, who was critically injured when he was shot in the line of duty in 2019, and Chuck Burgmeier, Commander of Stevensville American Legion Post 94, place the single wreath at Veterans Park on Wreaths Across America Day, Saturday, December 18. Wreaths were also placed at Riverside, Maplewood and St. Mary’s cemeteries. The Wreaths Across America mission is to remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom. Photo by Cheryl Burgmeier.

Big sky and open spaces by Michael Howell

The Bitter Root Land Trust has made a lot of headway since it opened its doors in 1996 and set out on a mission to conserve open lands and working farms in the Bitterroot valley. By engaging with private landowners and facilitating the voluntary placement of conservation easements on private property throughout the county, they have succeeded in protecting almost 10,000 acres of land in the valley from future development. This includes about 7,500 acres of local family farm and ranch lands that will remain as working farms in perpetuity. It includes 20 miles of river and stream frontage and 4,500

acres of forest standing on and rangeland benchland kept intact overlooking and free from the Burnt development. Fork It also drainage. includes three “The valley’s riverfront going to be community better for it.” access The properties and collection of nature trails. conservation Gavin Ricklefs, Executive Director of the Bitter Root “We’ve sure easements Land Trust, points to the large area covered by been fortunate up the Burnt existing and pending conservation easements in that so many Fork of the the Burnt Fork made possible by the county’s Open landowners Bitterroot Lands Bond Program and substantial community have made could well support. Photo by Michael Howell. be called the this decision,” said Bitter Root Land Trust Executive crown jewels of the county’s Open Lands Bond Program. Director Gavin Ricklefs while

Ricklefs was on the job when one of the first conservation easements to be placed by the land trust was negotiated with local veterinarian Stan Swartz on his ranch up Lost Horse. Interest in the conservation tool increased, but it was when the general public weighed in, passing the Open Lands Bond in 2006, that things really began to take off. Dan and Debbie Severson were the first property owners in the Burnt Fork area to place an easement on a good portion of the Flying E Ranch. “The Open Lands Bond was the catalyst,” said Dan Severson. “Basically, it was the people of Ravalli County when they voted See OPEN SPACE, page 23

Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Lost Trail: ‘people are stoked on the vibe’

continued from page one proven true by the graceful tracks written upon the runs accessible from chairs 1 and 2. Powder hounds seemed to be getting a taste of February in mid-December. Lost Trail, which celebrated its 80th year of operation in 2018, did not just wait for the snow to make this year’s opening special. Says Higgins, “We did a lot of work this summer on some of our major runs like Southern Comfort, and Far Out.” He explains that trimming the runs had them well prepared in case of a low snow opening, but that, “we ended up getting a greater snow amount.” Also included in the preparations for this year’s ski season, Lost Trail has remodeled and heated the bathrooms in the lodge, and finished the new dining area known as the “Powder Room,” immediately adjacent to the front porch. Located on the Montana-Idaho border on Highway 93, the ski area has been a draw to people up and down the Bitterroot as well as the Salmon River valley for years. While its size and location may make it hard for Lost Trail to compete with large resorts like Big Sky and Ski Whitefish, the family-run establishment enjoys a comfortable family-friendly environment that is hard to match. To that end, Lost Trail recently got some wide ranging publicity by Teton Gravity Research, who produced the short film, “In Pursuit of Soul.” According to the TGR website, the film, “explores the fiercely authentic culture of independent resort towns across the country, while meeting the people that call those mountains home - the true soul of skiing and snowboarding.” Among the well balanced shots of stunning mountain landscapes, the film aims to point out the intrinsic value of small, community-based ski areas like Lost Trail. The TGR film, which is available to view free on the TGR website, highlights 12 independently owned and operated ski areas in the United States, one of which is Lost Trail Powder Mountain. Many of the

in Montana during this year as La Niña conditions exist, would indicate an above average snowfall. Higgins, (and most powder hounds) hope so. “We’re supposed to have a really good snow year. We got 33 inches in the last seven days, another three last night and are supposed to get 1 to 2 today and 3 to 7 tonight, so hopefully storms just keep coming at us.” Ticket sales at Lost Trail are also up this year, a fact which Higgins attributes to the ‘word’ about Lost Trail getting out. “People are just stoked on the vibe we have created, and the powder and the snow we have.” But, an increase in visitation will not mean that Lost Trail isn’t looking out for its family-friendly environment. Lost Trail has partnered with Lisa McKinney, of Blue Dogs Media, and Amy Coseo at Studio Verde Creative, both of Missoula, for “all things marketing.” One of the programs they’ve undertaken will be unfolding this week as they encourage skiers to be on the hunt for the ‘Elf on the Mountain.’ Beginning on Wednesday the 22nd and through Friday the 24th, skiers should be on the lookout for the Lost Trail Elf. Anyone posting a photo with themselves and the elf on social media will be entered for a chance to win a 10-day transferable pass, valued at over $400. To make the program work for all, McKinney says that two of the three elves will be located higher Conditions were near perfect as skiers rode the chair lift on the first open day at Lost on the mountain, while one will be Trail Powder Mountain ski area. Good skiing conditions are expected to continue. Photo lower and more accessible for beginner by Dave Gardner. skiers. As a clue to where the elves sentiments expressed within the nobody stops to ask themselves if you might be, says McKinney, “Look for the double candy canes!” ﬁlm will be very familiar to those should.” who have considered Lost Trail their mountain over the years. For example, Matt Cote of Magic Mountain Ski Area in Vermont, says, “There is that want to be faster and bigger and better. But faster isn’t always necessarily better. When you’re having a conversation on the lift with your family member, do you really want to cut it short? Everybody is always so wrapped up in whether or not you can go faster that

NOAA forecasts for precipitation

A Very Merry Christmas

YARD DECORATING CONTEST Grab your hot cocoa and take a drive through the Stevensville neighborhoods to enjoy the holiday lights displays. Vote for your favorite by Dec. 29th!

A: 117 College St., Ariel & Myles Almaguer “Frozen Wonderland”

q q q

B: 402 5th St., Susan Whittecar - “Magic of Christmas”

q q q q

E: 305 5th St., Sue Devlin - “Happiness”

q q

I: 121 Turner St., Brandon & Tasha Dewey - “Dewey Family”

Lost Trail Elf Glitter Hot Tub. Photo by Lisa McKinney. On December 24th, skiers at Lost Trail can take a selfie with an elf they find for a chance to win a 10-day pass.

C: 302 6th St., Kelly Cole - “Christmas with the Coles” D: 311 6th St., Don & Karen Wandler “Spirit of Christmas on 6th” F: 501 Main St., Debra Kroger - “Happy Holidays” G: 413 Buck St., Jaime Devlin - “Home of the Misfits” H: 506 Buck St, Gerry & Charity Rondo “Traditional Christmas” J: 4041 North Bench Rd., Joan & Gary Lehuta “Old Folks of North Bench, Holiday Tree” (not on Map Eastside Hwy., North. Turn Rt. on Airport Rd. to N. Bench A

2nd St.

I Turner St.

Park St.

College St.

Pine St. B

5th St.

South Ave.

Barbara St.

Church St.

Main St. F

Main St.

E 5th St.

C 6th St.

Chilcott

Smith Ave.

Central Ave.

Buck St.

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 411 S. 5th St., Hamilton

3rd St.

4th St.

Please join us for our Christmas Celebration!

Voting ends Dec. 29. Winner will be announced Dec. 31. Please return ballots to A2Z Personnel. (Leave in the mailbox out front after hours) Event sponsored by:

St. Philip Benizi Catholic Mission 312 Miles Ave., Darby

December 24, Christmas Eve 6 pm & 10 pm at St. Francis 6 pm at St. Philip December 25, Christmas Day 10 am at St. Francis January 1, New Year’s Day 5:30 pm at St. Francis

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Darby/Sula District Ranger announced

The Bitterroot National Forest hiking, and photography. Supervisor’s Office is pleased to “My husband and I are very announce that Abbie Jossie is excited to relocate to Montana the new District Ranger for the and to the Bitterroot Valley in Darby/Sula Ranger District. Jossie particular,” said Jossie. “We comes to the Forest Service from have been visiting and recreating the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) where she was the Deputy State Director for Utah. “We are extremely fortunate to bring Abbie and her wealth of leadership skills to the Bitterroot National Forest,” Abbie Jossie, new Distrct Ranger for the Darby/Sula Ranger District, said Matt with her husband Don. Anderson Bitterroot in Montana for years and are National Forest Supervisor. thrilled to be closer to family here “She has a great track record in the valley. I am honored to be and a history of working with selected as the District Ranger for communities and partners to the Darby/Sula Ranger District. handle very complex resource I look forward to continuing the issues.” good work of the district and forest Jossie started her career with and engaging with the community the BLM in range management and partners as we manage our and worked in several field jobs incredible natural resources and before becoming a line officer and landscapes.” serving in senior management Abbie and Don have two adult positions. She has lived and children, including their son and worked all over the west as a fiancé in Florence and a daughter BLM District Manager in Oregon, finishing her master’s at Idaho acting Deputy Superintendent of State University in Pocatello. Yellowstone National Park, and Jossie started on November acting Assistant Director for BLM 22nd and replaces Eric Winthers, National Conservation Lands and who retired last month after a 34Community Partnerships. She year career with the Forest Service. and her husband Don, a retired For more information about the soil scientist, have a home in the Darby/Sula Ranger District please Bitterroot Valley. They enjoy call 406-821-3913 or visit www. exploring the outdoors, fishing, fs.usda.gov/bitterroot.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 3

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Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

DPHHS confirms first MT covid case caused by Omicron variant Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) oﬃcials have detected the Omicron variant through testing of positive COVID-19 samples from two Montana residents in their 30s with travel history to South Africa. The variant was conﬁrmed today through genomic sequencing performed at the Montana State Public Health Laboratory and at Montana State University. The individuals, who had mild symptoms that are improving, are self-isolating and have been since returning to Montana. They are residents of Gallatin County and were fully vaccinated. “This is not a surprise as nearly every other state has reported Omicron cases in recent weeks,” DPHHS Director Adam Meier said. “We continue to urge all Montanans to use all available tools to stay

healthy this winter, including getting your COVID-19 vaccine and booster and taking other measures to prevent the spread of the virus.” Montana is the 46th state with a confirmed COVID-19 case caused by the Omicron variant. DPHHS continues to conduct sequencing of COVID-19 samples for variant strains. In addition to the DPHHS Public Health Laboratory, three additional partner laboratories (UM, MSU and FYR Diagnostics) in Montana are conducting sequencing testing of positive COVID-19 specimens to support surveillance efforts of COVID-19 variants. While Omicron is classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a Variant of Concern, scientists are still working to determine how it may compare with the predominant Delta variant in terms of transmissibility and

disease severity. Scientists also are studying the degree to which existing vaccines and therapies protect against Omicron. The COVID-19 vaccines used in the U.S. are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. Despite the detection of Omicron, Delta remains the predominant strain in the United States and in Montana. “The concern right now for public health oﬃcials is that other states in the U.S. are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, which are primarily the Delta variant,” said Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek, acting State Medical Oﬃcer at DPHHS. “Given this activity around the country, it’s important that we exercise caution and take proven steps to prevent disease and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 here in Montana.” To that end, DPHHS encourages

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all Montanans to take the following steps to protect themselves from becoming infected with COVID-19, including variants like Omicron: • Get vaccinated and if eligible get a booster. To ﬁnd a vaccine near you, visit covidvaccine.mt.gov. • Eligible Montanans who haven’t gotten vaccinated and still have questions, should consult with their healthcare provider. • Take steps to help prevent the spread of the virus such as using face masks, physical distancing, practicing hand hygiene, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. • Get tested for COVID-19 when you feel sick or have been in close contact with someone who tests positive for the virus. • Stay home when you are sick. For more information on the Omicron variant visit https://www. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

Preparing kids for future opportunities by Victoria Howell

the infrastructure and helps get the information out. It’s an attractive addition to the school.” Loey Knapp, executive director of Coding Knapp gave a couple of examples of students for Kids, was eager to share the program’s who have benefitted from the classes. She said successes with the Stevensville school board. one 8th grader took a class, starting out feeling She made a presentation to the board at its very insecure. “Now she’s taken five classes and December meeting. is helping design some new classes. She’s found First, she pointed out that the valley is her niche.” changing. High-tech businesses are beginning She said another young man who graduated to locate here and they need workers who took four of the Coding for Kids classes. Now are knowledgeable and skilled in computer he’s ready for an internship at Skyfish, a local technology. drone manufacturer. She said there is a firm in the area that She said that this is impacting kids in a very specializes in night vision technology, there’s good way. She said Skyfish, ATG, L&G Security a biotech lab going in near the Daly Mansion, and Cimarron Studios are local tech partners the Pharoahplex Theater has been repurposed that offer internships. as a film studio, and many others. More are She said she is also in contact with a coming. foundation that is considering providing Coding for Kids started four years ago. The computers to the school. non-profit offers classes for kids in grades “This is a great partnership,” said Knapp. 1-12 from throughout the Bitterroot, providing “The sky is the limit. The Washington experiential, hands-on, and fun classes that Foundation has made it clear that they’re incorporate computer technology, with a focus wanting us to create a model to be used in other on problem-solving, such as building drones communities.” and robots, making films, GIS mapping, etc. Knapp said that Coding for Kids “has The class fee is $125, but Knapp says every found an amazing collection of teachers child who wants to participate can. About 35% and other professionals to work with us.” of the students receive scholarships to attend. Some collaborators include Scott Seibert, a Knapp said they are able to do that because Stevensville high school teacher and Coding of the many grants and private donations for Kids board member, Kay Ownbey, a local the program receives. They have received scriptwriter who has written a series being grants from the Rapp Family Foundation, the considered by Netflix; Jamie Robertson, a Heman Foundation, and the Greater Ravalli cartographer; Christian Ackerman with Fast Loey Knapp, founder and executive director of Coding for Kids, a Foundation, among others. In addition to Coast Productions; Jaylene Naylor, a drone Knapp, other Coding for Kids board members non profit organization that offers classes to help kids be successful pilot with the UM drone program, and artists in a technological world. Photo by Victoria Howell. are Greg Trangmoe, Scott Seibert and Jonathan Burns and Lisa Decker. Stephanie Esch. Stephanie Esch, a school board member That has helped jump start the addition of classes Another goal is to get more females who is also on the Coding for Kids board, said, for high school ages. interested in the STEM fields (science, technology, “Loey and Greg have really built this. We are seeing Knapp said it also became apparent that third engineering and math) and STEAM (STEM with the kids using essentially a language they haven’t grade is too late to start these kinds of classes; kids used before. This program is now gaining enough the addition of art). Knapp said when she was need to get involved at age 6 and 7. So classes for working at IBM, the national average for women notice that people are gravitating towards it with the younger age group were added. Last summer in technology fields was 25% but that it has since grants.” they held 14 week-long classes. Six classes were dropped to 17%. “This is extending learning opportunities and Four years ago, the program started with classes held this fall, and nine classes will be held in the exposure to STEM and STEAM,” said Dr. Bob spring. To date they have filled over 400 seats. in robotics and beginning programming for grades Moore, Stevensville superintendent. “We’re happy Coding for Kids holds classes at the Stevensville 3-5. Soon they added classes for grades 6-8. Then to be a partner and provide resources that aren’t School, where they are able to use the resources at Covid hit, temporarily putting an end to in-person being used.” classes. However, that “down time” allowed Coding times when they aren’t being used by the general “Our approach is to help kids understand the school population. for Kids to focus on grant writing. With grants fundamentals of computer technology,” said Knapp praised the Stevensville School District from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, Knapp, “so they can begin creating… that mindset for allowing the use of the facility for the Coding the Rapp Family Foundation and the Heman is going to be critical.” for Kids program. “This is all possible because of a Foundation, they’ve received enough financial More information can be found at partnership with the school. The school provides support to operate the program for three years. codingstevensville. net

LONE ROCK ADULT EDUCATION - WINTER/SPRING 2022

◆ADULT SEWING – ALL LEVELS Instructor: Faye McCrumb Class Fee: $10.00 12 Hours/6 Classes Tuesdays 6 – 8pm Jan. 18, 25 • Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22 This class is designed for students of all ages and levels. We will be focusing on the proper construction of a lined garment from the beginning to the end product if that is what you choose to do, as there will be other options that can be discussed. This would be a great gift idea for men or women! If you love to sew, this is the class for you! You will need to bring your own SEWING MACHINE to class. ◆GARMENT ALTERATIONS Instructor: Faye McCrumb Class Fee: $10.00 12 Hours/6 Classes Thursdays 6 – 8pm Jan. 20, 27 • Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24 In this class you will learn the best and proper ways to repair or alter for size corrections. You will need to bring your own SEWING MACHINE to class. ◆EXPLORING DRAWING & SKETCHING ZOOM CLASS Instructor: Diana Haker Class Fee: $10.00 12 Hours/ 8 Classes Tuesdays 5 – 6:30 pm Feb. 15, 22 • Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Apr. 5 This is a beginning or refresher course in drawing and sketching that will explore different techniques and mediums that are used by artists. Drawing and sketching is the first basic skill that one needs to learn and develop before exploring other art mediums. This course will give you the necessary skills to develop your drawing skills quickly. You will need to purchase this list of supplies: 1. Drawing pencil set with HB through B6 pencils 2. Vinyl or kneaded eraser 3. Drawing pad of good quality drawing paper, size 11” x 14”

4. Ballpoint pen, black -medium or fine point 5. Pencil sharpener Facilities Needed for Virtual Art Class Since this is a ZOOM class, participants will need a computer or other device that has a video/microphone or camera/microphone that can access the internet and use a video conferencing app. A table or a desk with a chair and good lighting are recommended. Your instructor will provide instructions for joining the class with ZOOM. Join us for an evening that will enhance your creativity!

◆EXPLORING COLOR PENCILS - METHODS & MATERIALS - ZOOM CLASS Instructor: Diana Haker Class Fee: $10.00 12 Hours/ 8 Classes Thursdays 5 – 6:30 pm Feb. 17, 24 • Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Apr. 7 This is a beginning course exploring the different techniques and methods of producing art with colored pencils. Professional quality-colored pencils were first manufactured as early as 1908 by the German company Faber-Castell. They give the artist the ability to draw with the pleasure of painting. Artists like the use of colored pencils because of the control they offer in their art pieces. This course will give you the necessary skills to use colored pencils in your art creations. You will need to purchase this list of supplies: 1. Set of 24 student-grade colored pencils 2. Vinyl or kneaded eraser 3. Drawing pad size 11x14 of good quality drawing paper with good tooth 80# or greater 4. Cotton tipped swabs 5. Pencil sharpener Facilities Needed for Virtual Art Class Since this is a ZOOM class, participants will need a computer or other device that has a video/microphone or camera/microphone that can access the internet and use a video conferencing app. A table or a desk with a chair and good lighting are recommended.

Please REGISTER EARLY so that your class will get the number of participants needed to ensure that it will not be canceled. ALL PAYMENTS need to be sent in to Lone Rock Adult Education after you register if you are doing a ZOOM CLASS. If the class is at the school, payments will be collected the FIRST NIGHT of class. SENIORS (60+) years of age get a 50% DISCOUNT on all class fees. The cost of the class is a one-time fee. FOR MORE INFORMATION about the courses being offered please call JULIE BACHMAN at 210.5129. • PHONE in your registration by calling Julie Bachman at (406) 210.5129. • EMAIL your registration to: adulteducation@lonerockschool.org. • MAIL your registration to: Lone Rock Adult Education Attn: Julie Bachman, 1112 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville, MT 59870

Your instructor will provide instructions for joining the class with ZOOM. Join us for an evening of creative fun! ◆CARD MAKING MADE EASY Instructor: Amy Grassey Class Fee: $10.00 6 Hours/ 3 Classes Tuesdays 6 – 8 pm Feb. 8, 15, 22 We are back for our 4th year! Each class will highlight a different card making technique and theme. Participants will have the opportunity to make several cards, meet new friends, and learn about stamping, the use of watercolors, and embossing. Join us for an evening of creative fun! ◆SOCIAL SCRAPBOOKING Instructor: Amy Grassey Class Fee: $10.00 6 Hours/ 3 Classes Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm Mar. 8, 15, 22 We are back to scrapbook together in person! Yay! Each night we will construct a 2-page layout featuring a different technique to enhance the pages. Join our group and learn some fun easy ways to create beautiful pages while making new friends!

◆MUSCLE -TONING Instructor: Doris Swanson Class Fee: $10.00 5 Hours/5 Classes Mondays 6:30 – 7:30 pm Jan. 24, 31 • Feb. 7, 14, 21 This class is designed to condition your body with resistance training workouts. We will focus on every muscle group with the intent of improving your strength, endurance, and muscle tone. If you want to condition your body for more strength, this class is for you! Recommended for all fitness levels. DUMBBELLS AND A MAT ARE PREFERRED.

◆THE EDGE/CIRCUIT Instructor: Doris Swanson Class Fee: $10.00 6 Hours/6 Classes Mondays 6:30 – 7:30- pm Feb. 28 • Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28 • Apr. 4 Designed to push you to the edge of your limit, but have fun in the process, this class will fire up your metabolism and target your cardio, strength, and muscle endurance without going over the edge. Join us for an hour of exercise that will enhance your health benefits in many ways! Recommended for all fitness levels. ◆OULA DANCE FITNESS Instructor: Karinna Blodgett Class Fee: $10.00 8 Hours/8 Classes Thursdays 6 - 7pm Jan. 27 • Feb. 3, 10, 17 • Mar. 3, 10, 17, 24 Oula merges high-intensity cardio with easyto-follow choreography, mindfulness practices, and a culture of inclusivity - all to an energetic pop soundtrack. Every Oula class empowers participants to challenge their bodies and process their emotions through music, movement, and most importantly, a community connection! Join us for an evening of awe-inspiring exercise and a lot of fun! ◆LET’S TALK RAISING AND MARKETING SHEEP IN WESTERN MONTANA - OOOPS (Ovine Operations, Opportunities, Practices and Systems) Instructor: Gary Leese Class Fee: $10.00 16.5 Hours/3 Classes Saturdays 10am- 3:30pm Jan. 22 • Feb. 19 • Mar. 19 This class will cover sheep raising fundamentals such as breeds, management, facilities, and possible markets. It will also include information about some basic feed options and ration building. In addition, there will be discussion on wool breeds as well as hair breeds, lambing concerns, and predator problems. Join us for in-depth understanding of raising and marketing sheep in western Montana!

NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: EMAIL: NAME OF CLASS(ES):

Mail this registration form to: Lone Rock Adult Education; attn. Julie Bachman, 1112 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville, MT 59870

Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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Opinion Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Christmas wish

This year my Christmas wish is: 1. More kindness and tolerance by those who submit and reply in the opinion section of the Bitterroot Star. 2. Less sarcasm and anger. 3. Less personal attacks because of a persons belief’s regardless of their political and religious views. Have a Merry Christmas! Lance Broshar Stevensville

Help our healthcare workers

Alpha, beta, gamma, delta. Omicron now, helter skelter. Doctors need our help - and how! Get the jab and do it now! Marshall Bloom Hamilton

Manzella. Of course she has the First Amendment right to free speech, but if she were a responsible representative of the state of Montana, what she says would be based on facts, not opinion, and they are not the same thing or of equal value. And if “the ballot box” makes her views correct, then why is her party pretty much united in trying to deny the completely, demonstrably valid election of President Joe Biden? I think it is because Republicans are so eager to stay in power that, knowing that informed voters will not support their backward-looking views, they depend on unsupported opinions and even outright lies. Even Chris Wallace, whom someone called “the best of the worst,” has left the Tucker Carlson Entertainment Network because he couldn’t take it anymore. Wake up, y’all! It’s time to urge even Rosendale and Daines to vote to Build Back Better and for voting right for ALL of us Americans. Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Hamilton

What is government for? A shout out to Abraham Lincoln said this: “The legitimate object of government, is experts and to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well expertise do, for themselves---in their separate, and individual capacities… In all that the people can individually do as well for themselves, government ought not to interfere” (Fragment on Government, 1 July 1854). So … roads and bridges? air and water quality? traffic safety on the ground, in the water, and in the air? drug prices? affordable healthcare? child care and family leave to support working parents? libraries? schools? collecting taxes from everyone to help fund these things for everyone? creating jobs to support and bring about all of the above and that pay enough to live on? – not to mention Social Security, farm and other subsidies, disaster relief after windstorms, floods, and wildfires, Medicare, Medicaid, Disability, and Workman’s Comp? The list goes on! I disagree profoundly with Richard Hulse’s belief that government exists only to protect individual rights (letter in the Ravalli Republic on 12/12/21). Ultimately individuals cannot exist without community in this world, and so what helps a community helps an individual. The Declaration of Independence says “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”; the Constitution says “... to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”; even the Pledge of Allegiance says “... with Liberty and Justice for all.” Liberty cannot stand alone. Separated from Justice and the general Welfare, it becomes authoritarian or even totalitarian, where no one is free but the people in charge. Which brings us to Teresa

While on my way to run errands the other day, I started thinking about how so many aspects of our lives depend on the expertise of others. I was driving on a road that required heavy equipment operators, engineers, and numerous construction workers to build. The car I was driving works on the principles of engineering, physics (engines use gears which are kind of like 360 degree levers), and chemistry (explosive energy converted into kinetic energy) allows me to go to the store to pick up vegetables, which are grown and harvested by farmers, and processed to ensure that it meets my dietary requirements and are safe. My last stop was to see my doctor, also an expert, who suggested I get the Covid vaccine, which is the product of extensive research conducted by yet more experts like virologists, immunologists, epidemiologists, microbiologists and a whole slew of others that I’m sure I’ve missed. As we navigate through these challenging times, it is troubling that experts have been demonized and ignored. This especially seems to be the case with science as of late. The scientific method, which uses observation, research, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis, and rigorous peer review, offers a magnetic north to guide humanity through the dark forests of fear and ignorance. God bless the experts! John Kochis Hamilton

A health threat

Theresa Manzella is a threat to the health of Ravalli County. Manzella needs to stop misleading her constituents and undermining Ravalli county healthcare institutions. Her

public stance on Covid is literally resulting in more Ravalli county Covid deaths and infections. Two years into the pandemic her misinformation has contributed to Covid community spread, resulting in among other effects the inability of local nursing homes to protect their residents. To the extent she continues to support and spread anti vaccination misinformation she is contributing to current nonvaccinated county residents’ deaths and illness. Local residents live and work hard to make ends meet as best they can. They need local representatives to be a positive force addressing concrete local issues with equally solid local solutions. Being a mouth piece for a national party’s conservative rhetoric is just that, “rhetoric”. The Omicron Covid variant doesn’t care your political position but only that you are not vaccinated. It is no longer acceptable to simply rail against what you oppose without defining what you support. The time of using lies without acknowledging the Covid reality or the 128 Ravalli County Covid deaths must stop. It is time to just say “whoa to lies” on both the national and local level starting with Theresa Manzella. Archie Thomas Merry Schrumpf Corvallis

Take the pledge!

The valley is on the cusp of what is being described as a ‘viral blizzard’. After thousands of the unvaccinated gather locally for Xmas next week, Covid-19 cases will explode shortly thereafter. Unchecked, these cases will overwhelm our local healthcare system. But there is a solution. Every anti-vax, anti-mask unvaccinated person in the county needs to pledge they will not seek medical care when they contract Covid-19. Since they believe that Covid-19 is no big deal, and they have wonder drugs like Ivermectin to fall back on, they have no need to burden our already fragile healthcare system, do they? So all of you unvaccinated… take the pledge! Do it now, do it publicly. Write an LTE to the Star with your pledge to not seek medical care when you contract Covid-19. Or leave a comment in the online edition of the Star with your pledge so we all know you have the courage of your convictions. Show us that you are not all just the selfish and cowardly blowhards you appear to be but rather are the fine, upstanding citizens you believe yourselves to be. Take the pledge! David Welch Corvallis

Vaccine mandates - a partisan divide People recruited to run for the legislature are told it is for three

Bitterroot Star -- Page 7

months, every other year. Truth is that it is for 90 days spread over four months; and constituent interaction never stops. Lately vaccine mandates/ exceptions, real and imagined, fill my inbox. Here is where we are with state law. HB 702, sponsored by Rep. Jeniffer Carlson (R) Manhattan Mt. passed the House 63-33 with one Republican, Geraldine Custer, voting “no”; no Democrats voted yes. HB 702 clarifies that persons providing employment or services may not discriminate based on vaccination status. HB 702 allowed employers and government granting religious and medical exemptions to opt out of the “no discrimination” mandate. No one can force you to take, say, penicillin if you are allergic to it or do something against your religious beliefs. Religious tenants as a defense, even if the defendant is not a member of an organized religion, is affirmed in court cases both state and federal. In the Senate Human Services Committee Sen. McGillvray (R) and I collaborated to amend out the religious and health exemptions so all people could say “no” to vaccinations without justification or penalty. On the Senate floor I amended HB 702 so it did not apply to school or day care vaccination programs as these are already codified with mandates. Courts will not allow conflict in the law and often strike the new/ conflicting statute as unconstitutional due to vagueness. My amendment got booed from the gallery but saved the bill. HB 702 passed the Senate 32-18 with all Republicans and Democrat Tom Jacobson of Cascade voting yes. Governor Gianforte further amended HB 702. He added that if a hospital employee was not vaccinated the hospital must make accommodations and let the employee work in non-sensitive areas of the hospital, wear masks, or social distance. He further amended in that if the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services or the Centers for Disease Control passed regulations or guidance on vaccination mandates, nursing homes, long term care facilities, and assisted living facilities would be exempt from needing to comply with HB 702. The governor’s amendments, and the bill as amended, passed straight party line. CURRENT STATUS HB 702 has survived all court challenges. Federal courts struck down the mandates of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services mandates. That is being appealed. Vaccine mandates across the country are being challenged, upheld, and struck down. It is the wild west in the “right to say no vs obligation to vaccinate” battle. People complain to me that railroads, engineering firms and hospitals in Montana claim President Biden’s executive orders override state law. Per me most persons currently have the right to not accept vaccination but schools, hospitals, and day care facilities have special status. Long term care facilities See MORE LETTERS, page 15

Bitterroot Star staff Jesse Mullen Owner

Alyssa DePompa Publisher

Victoria Howell Editor & Advertising Sales editor@bitterrootstar.com

Nathan Boddy Reporter nathanboddy09@gmail.com

Kevin Schumacher Advertising Sales kevin@bitterrootstar.com

Scott Sacry Advertising Sales scott@bitterrootstar.com

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

Member 2021

Page 8 -- Bitterroot Star

Gamblers Anon

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

WIC clinics

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

Family Shelter

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

Stevensville Al-Anon

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

Brown Baggers Al-Anon

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

Three Mile Coﬀee

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

BitterRodders Cars

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

Victor Senior Center

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

Hamilton Senior Center

Open for lunch Monday,

Calendar Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Wednesday, Friday, serving from 11:45-12:30 p.m. Bridge, Sundays & Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Canasta (Hand and Foot), Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Cards/shuﬄers provided. $1. Pinochle, Fridays, 1 p.m. All supplies provided. $2. Flea Market, every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Center is located at 820 N. 4th Street.

Golden Age Club

Pinochle, every Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. Coﬀee provided; wrapped candy OK, no food please. $2. Light exercise Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-10:00 a.m. 50 cents. Quarterly Membership Meetings: 1 p.m. at the Golden Agers facility Thursdays: January 6, April 7, July 7, October 6, 2022. All dues-paid members welcome. Bring questions/ideas. The Club is located at 527 South 5th Street.

Stevensville Senior Center

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

Victor Masons

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

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

American Legion Post 94

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

American Legion Post 94 Auxiliary

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

Sapphire Quilt Club

Lions Club

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

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

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

Food drive

The Sears Store in Hamilton, 1704 N. 1st, Unit A, is collecting food for Haven House Food Bank through December.

Our Savior Lutheran St. Mary’s Parish Mass events

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

Soul Suppers

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

Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group

The Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group, formerly called the South

203 Main St. Stevensville • 777-0028

Quantum Group

Victor Masonic Lodge 43 meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on Main Street above Farmers State Bank. For any questions or membership information call 406-381-1250. 2nd Tuesday of each month, Senior Citizens Center, Stevensville. Doors open 6 p.m. Start 6:30 p.m.

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Our Savior Lutheran Church’s congregation welcomes the community to join us in celebration of Christmas. Listed below are services and activities planned for worship and fellowship through Christmas Week and into the New Year. We would enjoy sharing your company at Our Savior this holy season. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS SERVICES: Wednesday, December 22: Advent Vespers, 7:00 pm Friday, December 24: Christmas Early Eve Carols Mass with the Sacrament, 4:00 pm Christmas Eve Service of Carols and Readings with Holy Communion, 9:00 pm Saturday, December 25: Christmas Day Divine Service with Holy Communion, 10:00 am Sunday, December 26: St. Stephen’s Service with Communion 9 am Wednesday, December 29: Christmas Service with Communion, 7:00 pm Friday, December 31: A brief New Year’s Vespers Service 6:00 pm, followed by a pot-luck and Family Fun Night—family games, treats, lots of laughter and the kids are home in good time for bed. Our Savior, aﬃliated with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, south of Stevensville oﬀ the Eastside Highway. Proceeding past Burnt Fork Market and beyond Burnt Fork Veterinary Clinic, at the curve, turn east onto Pine Hollow Road. Cross the tracks and the canal, and Our Savior will be on your left, marked by three crosses.

North Valley Public Library activities

CHILDREN’S EVENTS Mother Goose on the Loose Ages 0-3 Monday, Dec 27, 10:30 am Mother Goose on the Loose is an award-wining early literacy program ﬁlled with rhymes and music for infants, babies, and toddlers. Storytime & More Ages 3-5 Wednesday, Dec 29, 10:30 am Each Wednesday during December, we have stories and activities about holidays. We read books, tell stories, sing songs, dance and march, and create with our imaginations. Come along on this amazing journey! TEEN EVENTS

Worship at 11:00 a.m. In this Church there shall be no outcasts. Role Playing Games, InPerson or Online Ages 12-18 Tuesday, Dec 28, 4 pm Enter the world of Dungeons & Dragons! Create your own character and join an online campaign. This event takes place both inperson and online. No experience required. This program is currently full. If you are interested in joining, please email emilys@northvalleylibrary.org. Register for events on the online calendar at northvalleylibrary. org. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street Stevensville.

Eagles New Years celebration

Friday, December 31 Dinner, Dancing, Champagne Toast. Live music and dancing with Northern Lights band. 50:50 Raﬄe. At the Bitterroot Eagles FOE (open to the public); 125 N Second Street, Hamilton. 7 pm – Midnight. $20 cover charge/person. Celebrate the start of 2022!

notice. Phone #: 360-7763, Email: laundrylovehamiltonmt@gmail.com or Facebook:@llhamiltonmt

String quartet concert

Bitterroot Baroque’s sister organization, Baroque Music Montana, based in Bozeman, is presenting a string quartet concert in Missoula on January 5, 2022. Sara Levy’s Salon: Quartets of Mendelssohn and Bach will be performed January 5 at 7:30 pm at the UM Recital Hall, Missoula. Tickets $30/$5 students. Join Baroque Music Montana’s international quartet cast in exploring the musical life of Sara Levy. Sara Levy was the favorite student of Johann Sebastian Bach’s son and Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn’s great aunt. A brilliant and history loving pianist, Sara Levy was at the center of Berlin’s musical life at the turn of the 19th century. This program includes selections from the Bach family including “Art of Fugue” paired with a fugue by young Bozeman composer Athena Carson, a French battle piece about the Napoleonic Wars written during the occupation of Berlin, and Felix Mendelssohn’s Op. 80 String Quartet composed in remembrance of his sister Fanny. Pieces are performed on period instruments and historical bows by musicians in historic performance style, notable for a rarely heard lens towards Mendelssohn’s early romantic work. Musicians are Davina Clarke & Carrie Krause, violin, Lindsey Strand Polyak, viola and Sarah Stone, cello. For tickets, go to baroquemusicmontana.org.

Grief Support Group Public Land SoluJoin us as you grieve and tions — Outdoor mourn the loss of your loved one/ friend. All welcome. Mondays, Recreation StakeJanuary 10th - February 14th, holder Outreach 3:00pm - 4:00pm at Ministry on Main: 126 Main St., Hamilton. Meeting Please contact Home Health and Hospice of Montana Chaplain, Jonathan Sardella, for more info: jonathansardella@hhandhofmt.com

Laundry Love free laundry appointments

Laundry Love Hamilton invites our homeless and Lowincome neighbors to bring their clothing into Fast & Fluffy, 115 Pine, Hamilton, to wash them for free. We supply laundry detergent, fabric softener, quarters, and hygiene bags. When you call, text message, or message through either Facebook or website we will need to know your first name, the day you would like to come in, the size of your family, and how many loads you have. When making an appointment we just need to know the day requested. There is not a specific time you need to come in that day with the exception of all laundry must be in the machines no later than 7:15 pm. All supplies are delivered by 8:30 am to allow flexibility for our guests to come in before/after work, while children are at school or when you have a ride. No proof of income is needed. We do request at least a 24-hour

p.m.

January 11, 2022 at 6:00

Public Land Solutions (PLS) is a non-profit recreation consultant, and we are working with the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority to complete a county-wide recreation review and report. The goal is to identify opportunities to improve and support recreation assets in the county such as roads and trails, boating and fishing access, climbing areas, etc. PLS would like to hear from you about the public lands you visit within the county to meet the needs of all stakeholders. PLS will be hosting two Virtual Zoom meetings with the same agenda -- Jan 11th and 12th at 6pm. The agenda for each meeting will be the same for both dates: introduce PLS staff, attending stakeholders and project goals; begin discussions on the various recreation assets in the region, both those that are functioning well and those that need restoration or improvements. We want to hear your experiences about the places you visit. To get access to the link for this meeting, please visit www.publiclandsolutions.org/ ravallicounty (use password: ravallicounty). Please share comments and add your name to receive future updates on the project.

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1. Alack’s partner 5. Small licorice treats 9. Sheer, triangular scarf 11. Malaria 12. Anesthetic 13. Slick 14. Little 15. Before AD 17. Roberto’s yes 18. Burrowing rodent 20. Stretched to see 22. Promissory note 23. Mr. __ (tv horse) 24. Sphere 27. Artist Chagall 29. Fill 31. Parent teacher groups 32. Labors 33. River dirt 34. See

DOWN 1. Some (2 wds.) 2. Diet 3. Hurt 4. That girl 5. Bother 6. Ice house 7. Constructed 8. Compass point 10. Educated 16. What a lender extends 18. Mommy 19. Baltimore locale 20. Raccoon-like animal 21. Agricultural 22. Pixies 24. Off-Broadway award 25. Govern 26. Greatest 28. Central Standard Time 30. Mommy

Obituaries Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Derk Turner

Bitterroot Star -- Page 9

Death Notices Benni K. Copelin Hamilton - Benni K. Copelin, 69, passed away early in the morning, Friday, December 10, 2021, at the Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of William Derk Turner, at his home in Stevensville on December 4, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Lanell (Wortman) Turner, his son, Todd Turner and niece, Wendie (Wortman) Bauer. Derk had many unique life experiences that included attending Oregon State University, being a U.S. Navy Veteran, and as a Mason at Stevenville’s Masonic Lodge. Derk was employed as a land surveyor, a supervisor for multiple road construction companies and experienced working in Alaska during the oil boom. His greatest enjoyment was taking care of his wife, Lanell, riding his beloved four-wheeler around the property and feeding cows for Dan and Lee Severson. Derk will be fondly remembered for his intelligence, work ethic, loyalty and most of all, his wicked sense of humor.

Nancy R. Turigliatto Hamilton - Nancy R. Turigliatto, 78, passed away in the afternoon, Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at home with family by her side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com Mary A. Rodrigues Hamilton - Mary A. Rodrigues, 99, passed away early in the morning, Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com Rosemary Hayden Missoula - Rosemary Hayden, 85, formerly of Hamilton, passed away in the night, Friday, December 17, 2021, at the Village Health & Rehabilitation in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Patricia L. Munholland Patricia L. Munholland, PhD, known as Patty Burton to most of us, was born to Walter and Rosalind (Russell) Munholland June 19, 1958 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She passed away Sunday, October 24, 2021. Patty dealt with serious health issues over the past 22 years with amazing strength and fortitude. She was smart, ambitious and creative. Patty Burton was very much a funny and quick-witted lady. She will be greatly missed. She grew up in Ontario, Canada attending the Essex District High School. She studied at the University of Guelph (BS) and then at the University of Waterloo (Masters and PhD). In 1988 she moved to Montana and began a teaching/ research position at Montana State University. During the summer of 1991 she started a home business, Fragrant Creations, where she made wonderful long-lasting potpourris she sold at craft fairs. She retired from MSU in 2000 as an Associate Professor (Statistics). After retiring from MSU she co-founded From Earth to Dog LLC, a business devoted to creating healthy, organic chemical-free products for dogs. She also worked at doTERRA Essential Oils USA. In 1989 she met Don Burton and they married August 25, 1990 in Bozeman, MT. They had no children. They moved to Stevensville, MT when Don retired in 2019 where she resided until her passing. She was preceded in death by her parents. Sur is survived by the love of her life, Don, a brother David and sister Janet. Also surviving are her beloved pets Yanuck, Oreo and Christopher Robin. Patty dearly loved all of her pets over the years. It was requested they be mentioned upon her passing: Cauchy, Freckles, Macbeth, Lil’ Bit, Bentley, Amca, Canica and Drifter. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of ﬂowers, donations may be made to the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, 1549 E. Cameron Bridge Road, Bozeman MT 59718.

Kim Lendman Broker

Experienced • Honest • Professional

Have a wonderful Christmas!

EXIT REALTY BITTERROOT VALLEY Independent Member Broker

Kim@EXITrealtyBV.com www.KimLendman.EXITMT.com

406-531-0783

Stevensville United Methodist Church

You’re Invited to Celebrate the Season with SUMC! All of our Sunday services at 10:30 am are virtual and can be streamed live on: YouTube - Stevensville United Methodist Church and on Facebook - @SteviUMC

• Dec. 22nd - 1st Day of Winter • Dec. 19th - Children’s Christmas Program • Dec. 24th, 4 pm & 7 pm - Candlelight Christmas Eve Services • Dec. 26th - Flannel & Fleece Service: Wear Cozy Clothes for Caroling & Christmas Cocoa 216 College St., Stevensville 406-777-5443 steviumc.org Livestream Sundays at 10:30 am

Business • Estate Planning Serving the Bitterroot Valley in the areas•of tax law, business Probate Trust Administration and estate planning, and real estate property law.

JOHN MASAR

Attorney 406-625-2682 JOHN MASAR Attorney 406-625-2682 115 W 3rd St., Suite 103 115 WStevensville 3rd Street Suite 103 Stevensville jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com www.lionwoodlaw.com www.lionwoodlaw.com

Ready to help.

Member

Ready to help.

Page 10 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Richmond Champion, pro rodeo cowboy from Stevensville who specializes in bareback bronc riding, competed in the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Although he didn’t win there, he finished the season at eighth in the world standings, with a total of $188,739 in winnings. According to Wikipedia, Champion was the first bareback rider ever to earn $1 million at a single rodeo. PRCA ProRodeo photo by Rod Connor.

R E S TAU R A N T

1 202

Open for

christmas eve & new years eve ca l l s fo ation

r res e r v

HAPP

ID HOL

205 Main St. Stevensville Mt. 59870 www.cateredtable.com 777-7090 Open at 4pm

Dungeness Crab in time for Christmas!

• Meyer’s Prime Beef Loin Roast • Local holiday centerpieces • Fresh Produce

Closing at 4 pm Christmas Eve Closed Christmas Day

910 1st St., Hamilton

406-363-1626

Champion ends NFR with big money When the 2021 ProRodeo season came to a close with the 10th round of the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Richmond Champion bowed his head a bit. He realized that placing in just three rounds wasn’t what he expected at this year’s NFR, the sport’s championship event that has a purse of more than $10 million. He’d hoped for better. He’d trained for better. He also knew that’s the reality of rodeo. His final ride – 83 points on Pickett Pro Rodeo’s Uncapped – was out of the money and turned into a reflection of his 10 days in the Nevada desert; he didn’t win much in the go-rounds, but he rode strong each night. “I came here to give it everything I had, and I really believe I did that,” said Champion, 29, of Stevensville. “No, I didn’t have the greatest finals, but I really have nothing to complain about either. I would have liked to have placed more, but that’s the way things go. We are getting on 10 of the greatest bucking horses in the world, and my friends are tough to beat. “There are 15 guys here that ride bucking horses very well, and it’s going to be a fight every night for 10 nights. I think my theme this week has been consistency.” Yes, it has. He scored 841 cumulative points

We are in the last month of the year. We just felt we should thank everyone who made us smile this year. You are one of them so here’s a big

Thank You from all of us at

209 W. Main, Hamilton | 363-1733

Open Tues.-Sat. 10-5, Closed Sun. & Mon.

on 10 rides and ﬁnished fourth in the all-important NFR average. That was worth nearly $33,000 and bolstered his Sin City earnings to $89,793. He ﬁnished the season with $188,739, good enough for eighth in the world standings. That’s actually a pretty strong way to end his seventh NFR. “This is just an awesome rodeo every year,” he said. “I get to come in here and compete for a world championship. Sure, I wanted to be in the mix to win the gold buckle, but it was still fun to be part of this event and to be in that locker room with those 14 other guys. You get to do what you love, and you get to hang out with some great friends.” Champion’s best go-round came early in the NFR, placing as the runner-up in the third goround and pocketing $21,000 with an 88.5-point ride on Stace Smith Pro Rodeo’s Mr. Harry. He followed with a check for nearly $10,000 by tying for third place with three other bareback riders. When he placed, he earned good money; that included his third-place ride in Wednesday’s seventh round on Hi Lo Pro Rodeo’s Wilson Sanchez, which was worth $16,000. “I really feel like I rode good all week,” Champion said. “I had a few good horses, but there were just some match-up issues with what I had. There were some nights that I felt like I rode better than the scores showed, but that’s also part of rodeo. You deal with it and move on. You can’t look back at it and worry about it, because that won’t change anything. “Overall, I’m happy with my week here. I won $90,000; that’s a pretty good week.” Yes, it is.

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Sports Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

Hamilton boys’, girls’ teams trounce Stevi by Scott Sacry The Hamilton boys basketball team traveled to Stevensville last Tuesday to battle their Bitterroot neighbors to the north. Hamilton proved to be too much for Stevensville as they rolled to a 48-18 victory. Stevensville started out strong with a couple quick baskets by TJ Brown and held a 9-7 lead after the first quarter. But stifling defense by the Broncs (who had 13 total steals) and cold shooting by the ‘Jackets, told the story for the rest of the game. The Broncs outscored the ‘Jackets 41-9 in the final three quarters, including a 11-0 run to start the third quarter. Brown led the ‘Jackets with 8 points. The Broncs were led by Asher Magness with 11 points and Colter Kirkland with 10. The Broncs finished out the week with a 56 to 52 win over Polson. Once again Asher Magness led with 17 points and Cole Dickemore added nine. Tyson Rostad grabbed 11 rebounds and added five assists. The Stevensville boys went to Frenchtown on Saturday where they lost, 57-21. Cole Olson and Lorenzo Grazzano led the scoring Hamilton’s Asher Magness (23) gets double-teamed by Stevensville’s TJ Brown (24) and Lorenzo with six each. Grazzano (12). Photo by Scott Sacry. The Stevensville girls basketball offense and soundly defeated their freethrows. And on defense, team hosted the Hamilton Lady Stevensville, 55-21. Led by point Hamilton’s full court press flustered Broncs last Tuesday in front of a guard Taryn Searle, the Lady Broncs’ the Lady ‘Jackets, causing turnovers packed Bitterroot Valley crowd. off ense attacked the basket, got and making them take quick shots. Hamilton controlled the game with to the free throw line, and made The Stevensville girls traveled to aggressive defense and efficient Frenchtown on Saturday and were narrowly beaten, 39-35. The Lady ‘Jackets went down by 10 points early in the game and couldn’t come back. Kelti Wandler led Stevensville with nine points and Lexy Perez added

Lady Bronc Layne Kearns (10) shoots over Stevensville’s Claire Hutchison (15) as Shilo Lampi (11) and Mya Winkler (23) position for a rebound. Photo by Scott Sacry.

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eight. The Hamilton girls hosted Polson on Thursday and won convincingly, 53-29. Mya Winkler led with 13 points and Taryn Searle added 11. In other basketball news, the Corvallis girls went to Dillon last Tuesday and lost, 51-25. Madeline Gilder led with 12 points and six rebounds. On Friday night, they hosted Whiteﬁsh and fell, 33-29, with Tylin Sorenson scoring 10 and Erika Jessop scoring nine. The Corvallis boys also went to Dillon on Tuesday and lost, 7362. Donovan Potter led Corvallis with 22 points, eight assists and six rebounds. On Friday, they traveled to Whiteﬁsh and lost, 52-78. Donovan Potter led with 15 points and Dillon Potter added 11 points.

Stevensville’s TJ Brown (24) tries to stop Hamilton’s Liam O’Connell (22). Photo by Scott Sacry.

Hamilton’s Taryn Searle (3) looks to stop Lady Jacket Hailey Thomas (1). Photo by Scott Sacry.

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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Chuck Stranahan’s

Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

Flyfishing Journal

Christmas is a season This will be my last Christmas season in the fly shop. It’s been a part of my life for so many years that I almost take it for granted. As my lease will end in a just couple of months, I’m very aware that this will be my last Christmas with the shop as part of my life. As a merchant I’m often forced into a certain mercantile mentality that chafes; never moreso than at Christmas. There is the commercial rush that begins for certain with so-called Black Friday sales the day after Thanksgiving. First we celebrate our blessings by giving thanks, supposedly to God in the spirit of that first Thanksgiving feast, and then we begin the rounds of Christmas shopping that can drive thoughtfulness and generosity into a frantic glut. But even at its worst, and plenty has been written about the ill effects of commercializing Christmas, there’s something: it is good to give, even if only when reminded of it once a year;

it is good to receive gifts, regardless the source or occasion. What we call the “Christmas Spirit” seems to permeate all that is laden over it. We are reminded every year that the spirit of love and giving can reside in us all, and is important to us. In my little shop I see virtually all of the gifts purchased with a genuine spirit of giving; in fact, over the many years I’ve been in business I don’t recall any gifts purchased purely out of obligation or necessity. Fortunately, for fly fishers and the people who love them, that mold is broken. The giving follows the fishing itself in that both are matters of the heart. We fish because we love it; we could race motorcycles or Ferraris for a greater adrenaline rush than comes from hooking a trout; our fishing helps us to disconnect from the world of schedules and things as it connects us to something greater than ourselves – and leaves us better for it. So, too, giving and receiving gifts

Chuck

Stranahan

that connect us, even second hand, to something greater than ourselves, also leaves us better for it. This is true of kids who will get fly tying kits from parents or grandparents and find release from homework in the fascination and daydreams that come with tying flies; the wife who will be surprised with a new reel just for her who can then retire the hand-me down she started with; the husband who will get more than he expected from a loving wife who zeroed in on something he wouldn’t buy for himself. Being a part of that giving has never failed to touch me. I remember an older woman who came in for years, who always bought a box of flies for her brother. After the first tentative “I hope he’ll like these,” that relatively inexpensive gift became his annual favorite. She grew increasingly frail over the years, even as the sparkle in her eye increased as she had me pick out a few more flies – and told me how much he loved receiving them. One year she didn’t come in. I was saddened not to see her, but I can only imagine what fond memories must be contained in her brother’s

remaining boxes of flies. For me, Christmas is a season that starts early and lasts a lot longer than it takes to put the decorations away and write thank-you notes. Maybe it’s partially because of the shop: Christmas starts early there, and even though it ends abruptly as a commercial enterprise, the inner flame lingers well into spring. And when spring emerges from the dormancy of late winter next year I won’t have the urgency of a fly shop to distract me from my Christmas reveries. Instead of frantically filling the shop’s bins with flies to sell, I can linger over those special patterns I‘ll tie for myself and a few close friends. I’ll deliver them when we fish, and then I might say, “Here you go; try this,” but the deeper level greeting might come from the same silent spirit behind words spoken so often this season: Merry Christmas. That’s my greeting for you. In my own way, and for a lot of reasons, I want this season to last - for all of us. I’m there with Dickens’ in “A Christmas Carol” and the words he gave to Tiny Tim: “God bless us, every one.”

Read more, worry less at North Valley Public Library Did you hear that notifications, you will get free? No. patron may libraries are going “fine email reminders to return Equipment be waiting to free”? Or that North your materials on time. If such as borrow them. Valley Public Library in you have email, but prefer hotspots, After Stevensville went “fine a text, you can make a iPads etc., 30 days free”? Well, yes, it did, but one-on-one technology and interoverdue, not exactly. Read more to appointment to get your library however, find out how it all works. important emails forwarded loan items you will be If you borrow at the to you as a text. borrowed charged for North Valley Public Library, the cost of The staff at NVPL is from you are no longer charged excited to share this news libraries the item and 10 cents a day for overdue with you and hopes you’ll outside the prevented books or audiovisual take advantage of it by Partners from materials if the items are sharing visiting the North Valley borrowing owned by the library or Public Library soon. The group still more a library in the Partners have overdue library is located at 208 materials removed from the catalog. sharing group. That means fines and fees attached to Main Street in downtown until you return the overdue They will not be accepted if you are a little late them. Stevensville. items or pay for them. So, as back once the library has bringing back a stack of If you near that point, you will repurchased the missing children’s picture books you are want to make a trip to the items, so you would owe the or a bunch of DVDs, then signed library to avoid any fines or full price of the item plus a you don’t have to worry up for penalties. processing fee. about those pesky little email What has not changed? Sharon Dedmon Is everything fine fines adding up. Hopefully, Items long overdue are having less pressure • 25 years experience encourages you to • way cool person Your Western Montana Real Estate Experts use the library more • award winning agent and check out more Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI Judy Porter (406) 214-5718 materials. 406-360-0258 Voted Bitterroot’s Best Realtor Twice! But that doesn’t OUCH OINT Owner, Broker, GRI, ABR mean you get to keep Judy@TouchPointProperties.com them as long as you PROPERTIES want. Items still have due dates. You should Sarah Armijo (406) 396-4901 Knowledge renew or return items Realtor Associate When hiring a real estate agent, no matter where the location, as close to the due date Professionalism Sarah@TouchPointProperties.com there are four important things to consider; experience, depth of as possible so others knowledge, understanding of the local market, and dedication to Expertise the client. After having been through the buying as well as the may use them. It is selling process five times with Sharon over the last seventeen especially important to Holly Berner (406) 239-4158 years, you can rest assured there isn’t another agent in the return new fiction and Bitterroot that is more qualified to handle your real estate needs. Realtor Associate TouchPointProperties.com – Michael & Debbie Reid new DVDs by the due Holly@TouchPointProperties.com A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC date as another library

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Page 14 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 15

More Letters continued from page seven cannot currently demand proof of vaccination. Railroads and employers with over 100 employees may or may not be covered by Biden’s order based on the signing date of certain federal contracts. Never mind “per me” or per your brother in law. If you want an update on your circumstance call the Montana Human Rights Commission at (406) 444-2844. Discrimination is what they defend against and they are in charge of HB 702 as codiﬁed (MCA 49-2-312). If you do or do not want to be

vaccinated please talk to your doctor and be sure of your pro or con decision. If you have various pre-existing conditions (including advanced age) know that the Covid vaccines are not “safe and effective” but they are as safe and effective as many long accepted vaccines; none are 100% safe or effective for all people. The legislature did its part to give you the right to choose. Choose wisely. Brad Molnar Laurel Brad Molnar is a state senator serving

Enjoy the gifts that surround you daily. Take time to recognize these gifts and cherish them.

Laurel and Lockwood.

This Covid-19 winter

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Page 16 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Live theatre is back at Stevensville High School by Melissa Elmore

written by J.M. I asked some of the Barrie, but actors the same question: this version Stevensville High School’s theatre “What are you most is written by troupe has just produced a play that excited for in the play?” Jeremy Bloom, blew the audience away. “Peter/ Griffin Sagen, playing adapted from Wendy,” directed by Alexzandera Peter Pan, said: “To make Barrie’s version Miller, was successfully performed the crowd seem a little bit (“Peter and December 13-15, for $5 a ticket at the happier.” Wendy”),and Stevensville Playhouse. Aidan Graham, playing including It is such a breath of fresh air Smee: “To show off our segments getting to see live theatre once again, abilities to work together taken from soaking up all the lights and sound as a team no matter what Barrie’s novel, and music. The high school’s troupe is thrown at us.” “The Little definitely missed live performances, Robbyn Horlacher, as well. Last year, in lieu of a play, the White Bird.” playing Wendy: “When I troupe performed “Bad Auditions: On It captures get kidnapped; it’s super Camera” by Ian and Carrie McWethy, the essence of fun! Plus, it’s my friends’ Neverland and something written for social first time seeing me in a the remarkable distancing. It was broadcast live on play, so that’s fun too!” story of Peter YouTube, and while the play went James Gunterman, Pan and his just as desired, it wasn’t the same. playing Captain Hook: “To After all, nothing beats the experience adventures. Set Aidan Graham as Smee, Robbyn Horlacher as Wendy Darling and James Gunget to be a fool on stage of being on a real stage and feeling in a story format terman as Captain Hook in “Wendy/Peter” produced by the Stevensville High professionally again.” those hot spotlights on your face. So and using much School drama department. Photo by Melissa Elmore. Riley Lanes, playing this year, the troupe decided to go of the original Mr. Darling, said: “For my I was able to assist in two out of language, this play was fi rst time performing on stage. I’ve the three performances as a backstage a bit darker than the never done that before.” hand. Watching the production from jolly Disney animated Each of these actors did an behind the curtain is exciting, and production. outstanding job in working through it’s fun to see the magic that happens This play was illnesses, stress, lost props, and more. in order for a play to be produced. produced despite many It goes to show that these tenacious With constant set changes, numerous difficulties. Not only did teens can take whatever is tossed props, and age changes in characters, each actor have to find at them and turn it into something the backstage area was a flurry of time for memorization entertaining and memorable. chaos. But it was all for good reason and rehearsal through Although small, the audiences adored - plays can be messy behind the busy school schedules, curtain, but what the audience sees is the productions and will hopefully but many of the cast be back for the next play that these a polished performance. is also involved in amazing kids will produce! We I was able to interview a few of the Stevensville High eagerly await news on the next show! the performers and stagehands School’s speech, debate, Cast list: before their first performance. Upon and drama team Peter Pan: Griffin Sagen asking director Alexzandera Miller (including director Wendy Darling: Robbyn Horlacher to comment on the play and the Miller, who is the head Narrator: Mikey Moon performers, she responded, “I’m very coach of the SDD team), proud of them. And we’re back on Lost Boy: Cali Shepherd which monopolized Mermaid: Theresa Malichinski stage for the first time in two years, much of the actors’ Tiger Lily: Nya Seibert so that’s exciting. Theatres are finally time. To add onto this, Tinkerbell: Malia Gunterman reopening!” the cast wasn’t able to Mrs. Darling: Grace French Malia Gunterman as Tinkerbell and Griffin Sagen as Similarly, I asked stage manager access the Playhouse Mr. Darling: Riley Lanes Peter Pan in the Stevensville High School performance of Dakota Armijo, senior at Stevensville stage until the morning Captain Hook: James Gunterman “Petery/Wendy.” Photo by Melissa Elmore. High School, how the play was going, before their first Smee: Aidan Graham to which she answered, “We’re trying back to that beloved experience of performance. Nothing could stop Director: Alexzandera Miller to make ourselves look good. We performing in front of an in-person these ambitious kids, though. They Stage Manager: Dakota Armijo are a very creative cast, so I think audience, with “Peter/Wendy.” ended up performing at 7 that night, Lights: Rachel Stiner it’s going to be really fun for the “Peter/Wendy” was originally and it was amazing. Sound: Nicki Cannon audience.”

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 17

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Legals Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF VERA SHARLENE BOUNDS, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-151 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Shannon L. Dreese, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 24th day of November 2021. /s/ Shannon L. Dreese, Personal Representative BS 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 ___________________

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Irmak Birey: Cause No.: DV-41-20210000475-NC Dept. No.: 2 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District court for a change of name from Irmak H Birey to Irmak Birey RedHawk. The hearing will be on 01/13/2022 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: December 1, 2021. Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Barbara Beavers BS 12/8, 12/15, 12/22 ___________________ David T. Markette Dustin M. Chouinard Megan S. Winder! MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of DAVID CLARENCE LINDQUIST Deceased.

Probate No. DP-21-162 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims 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 CAMELA A. LINDQUIST, 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 7 day of December, 2021. Camela A. Lindquist NOTICE AND INFORMATION TO CREDITORS Estate of DAVID CLARENCE LINDQUIST BS 12/15, 12/22, 12/29 ___________________ Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-

Bitterroot Star -- Page 19

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MYRNA JUNE VOTAW, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-163 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Clayton Edward Votaw, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 9th day of December 2021. /s/ Clayton Edward Votaw, Personal Representative BS 12/15, 12/22, 12/29/21

December 23, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. during their regular scheduled meeting at the North Valley Public Library Community Room, 208 Main Street, for the purpose of hearing public comment on the proposed Subdivision Regulations. Comments to be considered may be given orally at the hearing, submitted in writing via email to jenelle@townofstevensville.com<mailto:jenelle@ townofstevensville.com>, mail to Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 p.m. December 23, 2021. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk at 406-777-5271 or visiting our website on our community development page at: https://www.townofstevensville.com/comm-development Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 12/15/21 & 12/22/21

___________________

MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK BRANDS ENFORCEMENT DIVISION ESTRAY NOTICE OF SALE On the 3rd day of December 2021, the Montana Department of Livestock took possession of the estrayed animal described as follows: • One Hereford cow, no

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Thursday, December 23, 2021, 7:00 p.m. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday,

___________________

brand. The animal was located near the area of Popham Lane, Corvallis, Ravalli County. The animal will sell at Five Valleys Livestock Auction, Missoula, MT on the 6th day of January 2022. Contact: Dustin Datisman, District Investigator, (406) 240-0830 Reference Number: 202112171410510 For additional information and photos: http://liv. mt.gov/Brands-Enforcement/Livestock-FoundLists BS 12/22 ___________________ MONTANA 21ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Guardianship of HECS: Bridget Rae Sampson, Petitioner. Case No: DG-21-41 Dept. 2, Judge Lint Notice of Hearing on Guardianship of a Minor Child This is notice that Petitioner has asked to become the guardian of a minor child. The hearing will be on 01/27/2022 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli county. Date: December 10, 2021 Paige Troutwein Clerk of Court By: Deputy Clerk of Court BS 22, 29, 1/5

December 20, 2021 Posting Date

Page 20 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Stevi school paying retention premium to substitute teachers In an attempt to address a shortage of substitute teachers, the Stevensville School Board of Trustees has approved a $1000 retention premium for qualifying substitute teachers. The school district has experienced difficulties with filling substitute positions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When the school reopened to on-site instruction, many substitute teachers elected not to return to work over concerns with possible exposure at the school. School districts throughout the state and nation have been experiencing substitute teacher shortages since the onset of the Covid-19 epidemic. Superintendent Bob Moore stated, “Stevensville schools have not been exempt from the ongoing substitute shortage. Our substitutes fill a vital role in the district and the school employees recognize the dedication of our

substitute teachers.” In an eﬀort to retain and attract substitute teachers, the board authorized a $1000 retention premium from American Recovery Plan ESSER funds for all substitute teachers who serve 210 hours or more in the district during the 2021-22 academic year. The 210 hour threshold was selected as it is the minimum number of hours a substitute must serve for reporting to the Montana Teacher Retirement System. The district had 13 substitute teachers in the prior school year who worked 210 hours or more for the district. The board of trustees is hopeful that the premium incentivizes substitute employees to accept regular work in the Stevensville School District and will attract new substitute applicants to the school district as well.

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 21

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 23

Open spaces: significant success at saving some

continued from page one for the Open Lands Bond and said because so much emotion ‘Hey, we appreciate farm ground ties up in it,” she said. “But in and open lands and wildlife’ and the end, it’s very rewarding were willing to take a few bucks to feel like you’ve done out of their pockets to promote the right thing for future that.” generations.” “I think that was the Ricklefs said that at times turning point for a lot of us,” of rapid develop everyone said Severson, “for me for becomes concerned about sure, when I realized that my the amount of growth that is neighbors appreciated open occurring and the amount of space enough to support change that goes with it. it. Fifty years from now, a “Anyone who has lived in Like snow across the mountain slopes in winter, a blanket of conservation easements covering a large hundred years from now, the valley, for any amount of portion of the Burnt Fork stands out as something like the crown jewels of the county’s Open Lands Bond people are still going to really Program. The Bitter Root Land Trust is on the brink of surpassing the 10,000-acre mark in its efforts at time really, recognizes what appreciate this. I think it conserving open lands and working farms from Sula to Missoula. Standing on Sunset Bench overlooking it is that draws people here will keep our community a and makes it such a special the Burnt Fork is Bitter Root Land Trust Executive Director Gavin Ricklefs. Photo by Michael Howell. beautiful place to live.” place.” of federal funding, through the Farm 2012. Other funding that has “That growth is going to Bill, aimed at preserving family “I’m just so grateful for these helped fuel the establishment of so continue and with it will come a lot of farms, to make the open lands landowners who value the land and many conservation easements in the changes that are not all bad,” he said. bond fund money go even further. want to do the right thing for the Burnt Fork is a significant amount “Growing and dynamic communities Currently about one quarter of the land,” said Schroeder. “They are of funding over the years from the bring a lot of good things to the being such good valley. But if we don’t invest in what stewards of we have that is drawing everyone the land. They here and makes it so special, then we have so much all lose.” opportunity to “We are unique,” he said, “with all make so much the 10-acre Orchard Tracts created more money at the end of the last century. What by taking the I think a lot of people don’t realize is development how much of the open land you see route. Bless is actually already subdivided and them for could be sold in 10 acre blocks at any understanding time.” Those 10-acre blocks can then that once it’s be divided into two five-acre lots and gone, it’s gone each of those then divided into five forever. We are one-acre lots, all without ever going so unbelievably through major subdivision review. blessed in the Ricklefs said that more and more Bitterroot and people are looking at those tracts and especially in the trying to save them from division. Burnt Fork.” He said the land trust has no desire Schroeder to see 1000 acres of ag land go to and her husband houses. He said those projects are Jim sold the high priority right now for the land family ranch at trust because they are already set up the north end of to sell. the valley and “What’s encouraging to me in bought three times like this, especially in these properties on pulses of activity, is how everybody Sunset Bench, feels it and the sense that we need overlooking to act. People really care about this the Burnt Fork. place and it’s independent of politics, They placed tax bracket, or occupation. There is original $10 million Open Lands Friends of the Lee Metcalf Refuge. a conservation easement on the this thing that we all care about so Bond remains. That organization recognized the property using the Open Lands much. We take that awe and respect “We are fortunate that we are still value of the easements in protecting Bond Program and have been strong for what’s all around us and bring it in a position in our valley that we can advocates of the process. a flyway corridor connecting the down to the places we’ve got here that protect our agriculture and wildlife Sapphire Mountains to the Metcalf “It’s a long and difficult process connect us to it,” said Ricklefs. and open lands and the beauty of Refuge. this place,” said Ricklefs. He said the According to Ricklefs, if the conservation easement was showing next conservation easement on the itself to be a very good tool for Haywire Ranch on the Burnt Fork, identifying and protecting what the already approved by the Open Lands community finds of value. Board, gains the approval of the “It’s totally voluntary, incentiveCounty Commissioners, it would based, landowner and communityestablish a necklace of conservation driven,” he said. easements down the Burnt Fork Sharon Schroeder, who has served stretching unbroken from the on the Open Lands Board for nine National Forest all the way to Logan years, the last three as Chair, said Lane. that she has seen an incredible The Bitter Root Land Trust has metamorphosis in the program since also leveraged a significant amount

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Page 24 -- Bitterroot Star

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