Bitterroot Star - December 4, 2024 by Bitterroot Star

Art Show Series at Corwin

by Sarah Glass

Art purveyors and patrons visited Corwin Galleries’ Autumn Glow Art Show in downtown Hamilton on Saturday evening, November 23rd. Visitors met with artists to enjoy refreshments and the musical accomplishments of Missoula acoustic guitar player and singer, Zack Hummel. In attendance was gallery owner and renowned wildlife artist James Corwin, Idaho landscape artist Drew Smith, and Ravalli County’s own P.A. Jones. Artists offered guests context regarding their works, sharing their inspirations, journeys, and methods of artistic technique.

P.A. Jones spoke about her fascination with the ever-in-flux environmental minutia she observes from her property in the Bitterroot Valley. Jones formerly worked as a newspaper graphic designer before computers replaced older paste-up techniques. Once her child grew up and left home, she was determined to become an artist full-time, and that’s just what she did.

Her winterscape piece featured in the Autumn Glow Art Show depicts the Sapphire mountains draped in drifts of low fog that diffuses the light and gives it an ethereal quality. A snow-covered field is shown juxtaposed with a maroon stand of choke cherry trees. Here, fall is coming to a close. “I’ve painted these [trees] several times,” said Jones. “They just fascinate me.”

Smith relates to the landscapes depicted in his artwork by thinking about them in terms of wildlife habitats, he said. In his piece, “Winter Residents,” geese fly over a river on a crisp fall morning, but what lies behind the rocks and trees he has painted, he wonders. What unseen

wildlife thrives just out of eyesight in a seemingly quiet scene? “That’s how I relate to nature in my art,” he said.

Corwin plans to regularly cycle new nature and wildlife artwork through the gallery. Redoubling his efforts to revitalize the downtown gallery, he means to provide visitors and aspiring artists with different opportunities to interface with the works of Western artists as well as the art process itself. Corwin currently offers regular Paint Night classes at the gallery for $35 a ticket. Known for his ability to tell a story through the wildlife he depicts, he selects a piece from his extensive catalog and then provides step-by-step instruction to artists of all skill levels. A series of online art instruction classes hosted by Corwin is also in development.

Corwin Galleries will host a winter art show with a twist this December. Leading up to a special ticketed white elephant event will be a 12-day silent auction starting December 8th to benefit the Bitter Root Land Trust. Art collectors can bid on pieces donated by gallery artists in person at Corwin Galleries, located at 315 W Main Street in Hamilton. Auction winners will be announced at the end of the Winter Wonderland Art Show on Thursday, December 19th. The art show will culminate in a white elephant event where participants will have the opportunity to win original artwork or prints by artists P.A. Jones, Colter May, James Corwin, Drew Smith, and Jason L. Bishop. To make the gift exchange more interesting, a few gimmick items will be thrown into the mix, and white elephant

gift-stealing rules will apply. The art show is free and open to the public. Tickets for the white elephant are

limited and cost $45. To learn more, visit the Corwin Galleries website at corwingalleries.com.

Artists Drew Smith, James Corwin, and P.A. Jones pose together at Corwin Galleries. Photo by Sarah Glass.

Ravalli County artist, P.A. Jones, speaks about her inspiration for her featured painting.

Photo by Sarah Glass.

Visitors joined Corwin Galleries for its Autumn Glow Art Show on November 23rd in downtown Hamilton. Photo by Sarah Glass.

DRIVING: Task Force and Public Health speak on safety

Installing the car seat or buckling up your child the wrong way

Before you install a car seat, read the seat maker’s instructions. Also read the section on car seats in your car’s guidebook. Make sure the seat is tightly secured. To check, grab the bottom of the seat near the attachment points. If you can move the seat more than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from side to side or front to back, which means it’s not secured tightly enough. Also make sure that the seat faces the correct way.

Reclining your child at the wrong angle

If your child’s car seat faces the rear of the car, follow the seat maker’s instructions to recline the seat. Do this so your child’s head doesn’t fop forward. Babies must ride semi-reclined to keep their airways open. Many seats include parts that let you change how much the seat reclines. Many also include a device that helps you fnd the correct angle to recline the seat at. As your child grows, you might need to change the angle. Check the seat maker’s instructions for details.

Moving to a forward-facing car seat too soon

Parents often want to see their child’s face in the rearview mirror. That means they might want to turn the car seat forward facing before it’s recommended. But riding rear facing for as long as possible is the safest option. It’s suggested until a child reaches the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat maker. You can start with a convertible seat. It can be used rear facing and, later, forward facing. It typically has a higher rear-facing weight and height limit than does an infant-only seat. Or you can switch from an infant-only seat to a convertible car seat as your baby grows.

When your child reaches the weight or height limit of the convertible seat, you can face the seat forward. When you make the switch:

• Install the car seat in the back seat according to the seat maker’s instructions. Use either the seat belt or Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system.

• Use the tether strap to keep the seat extra stable. It’s a strap that hooks to the top of the seat and attaches to an anchor in the car.

• Adjust the harness straps so that they’re at or above your child’s shoulder level. Make sure they ft snugly.

Not removing your child’s heavy outer clothes

Bulky outer layers of clothes and blankets can prevent harness straps from snugly securing your

child. There’s a safer way to keep your baby warm. Buckle the harness. Then place a coat or blanket over the harness.

Moving to a booster seat too soon

Older children need booster seats to help an adult seat belt ft right. You can switch from a car seat to a booster seat when your child has topped the highest weight or height that the car seat maker allows. It’s important to learn your state’s booster seat laws, too. Diferent states have diferent laws about how old a child must be before they can stop using a booster seat. Don’t forget, though: Your child is safest when they stay in a car seat with a harness for as long as possible.

Using a booster seat the wrong way

You need to use booster seats with a lap and shoulder belt — never a lap-only belt. Make sure the lap belt lies low across your child’s thighs. Also make sure the shoulder belt crosses the middle of your child’s chest and shoulder.

Switching to a seat belt too soon

Most kids can safely use an adult seat belt sometime between ages 8 and 12. Here’s how you’ll know that your child is ready:

• Your child reaches a height of 4 feet 9 inches. That’s nearly 1.5 meters.

• Your child sits against the back of the seat with their knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat.

• The lap belt lies low across your child’s upper thighs — not the stomach. The shoulder belt rests on the middle of your child’s chest and shoulder — not on the neck or face.

• Keep in mind that the back seat is the safest place for children younger than age 13.

Public Health Director Tiffany Webber and RN Emily White. Photo by Kristin Kruse.

Country Christmas &

Friday, December 6 Parade is scheduled for 6:30 pm followed by -

- T’was the Night Before Christmas

- The Christmas Story - Fire Pits at Cenex & StoryBrook Medicine - Carriage Rides

Main Street Business Specials & Activities

Blacksmith Brewing - exciting new brews! On the patio - firepits, free s’mores & Christmas movies.

Ahava Coffe - will be at Big Sky Doghouse with free hot cocoa & candy canes.

Eickert Realty - lighting of their annual Christmas decorations at 6:00 pm.

Trapper Peak & Lydia Rae Mercantile - open until 8pm! Coffee, food & pastry specials. Free cider bar on the patio, & Santa Jr handing out cookies.

ReMain - teaming up with Shadow Moon Alchemy to offer “Mom Bombs” (bath bombs) to the first 25 women through the door at 102 Main.

Burning Stage Studio - open until 6:30 offering great holiday shopping, hot beverages & treats.

Darcy Hansen State Farm - hosting an open house with warm drinks & holiday goodies.

Historic St Mary’s Mission - Nativities around the world & Christmas decorations. Historic chapel open house & wreath autcion. Open Friday through Sunday.

Jake’s Studio - extended hours showcasing local artists & custom leather work

Exit Realty - cookies, hot chocolate & goodies for the kids from 4 to 7 pm.

A2Z Personnel - Parade of Trees will be in full force with in person tree voting, and online & in person auction.

Hat Edit - open until 9 pm Friday with a big Santa Mailbox for kids to drop off letters to Santa. Extended activities on Saturday with free Santa pictures, kids activities, food truck, drink trailer & fire pit.

Valley Drug - stories & picture with Mrs. Claus, long with treats for the kids.

Groovz Dance Studio - hosting their annual fundraiser with games & crafts upstairs for kids, along with a bake sale & hot chocolate outside.

Country Christmas

by John Dowd

In Stevensville, the community will be hosting their annual Country Christmas and Parade of Lights event. According to Sean Doyle, Stevensville Civic Club president, the event kicks of Friday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. Everything starts when the mayor and the winner of the Stevensville Elementary School “Flip the Switch Coloring Contest,” turn on the lights downtown. Immediately following the lights, the parade and festivities begin.

The parade will be led by the Stevensville Fire Department and Santa. Unlike the other Stevensville parades, there is no need to register; anyone can participate. That means anyone can join in, lining up behind the fre department. “It’s not as long as the Creamery Picnic parade, but it’s a lot of fun!” said Doyle.

There will be a living nativity hosted by the Light of The Valley church at the stage on Main Street, where Pastor Brad Rhodda will read the Biblical Christmas Story.

After that, Greg Overstreet, for the second year, will do a special reading of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” For Doyle, this was his personal favorite Christmas story as a child. “Something about the decorations, and the eagerness in the night beforehand. It always just felt special,” said Doyle.

There will be fre pits set at Cenex where one of the horse drawn carriages will pick people up and ferry them around town. A second carriage will pick up around 4th street and Main, where there will be another fre pit, and will run to St. Marys Mission, where there will be more festivities, nativities from around the world, a museum open house and more.

According to Doyle, there are no donations or fundraising for this event. All the funding comes from other events the Stevensville Civic Club hosts. This one is just a free event done for the community. “It gives us all another opportunity to get together.”

Doyle is excited for this year, hoping everyone will have a great

time, as they have in years past. However, “I don’t know if I can time the snow again like we did last year,” Doyle joked, referencing how the snow started just as the lights were fipped on last year.

Aucton begins at 9am Monday, December 9ththruThursday, December 12th at 7pm

- 15 beautiful Christmas trees, decorated by and on display at numerouse Stevensville Main St. businesses

- Amazing Gif Baskets

- Pit Boss Smoker

- Dashcam Video System

- Festive Holiday Wreaths

- Gif Cards to many local businesses

- RING Video System

- Dutch Oven Cookware

- AND MUCH MORE!!

No more ‘in-between’?

As a newcomer in Montana, I experienced the US election campaign live for the frst time, albeit from a spectator position. I enjoyed listening to people from both parties and learning about their perspectives, the arguments they put forward, and the underlying fears and concerns. It was very educational! But now, after the election, some friends want to know which side I’m on. Neither! I fnd myself between the fronts, but that’s not an easy position in this tense climate. Conversations become more laborious, faces more serious and voices more hesitant. Eyes are questioning, almost demanding, waiting for confrmation of their own position. People are becoming more cautious around me, but my skill in such conversations has increased. I bravely defend the position of the neutral middle, but the time of the middle seems to be over. In such conversations, I perceive that the distance is growing and that the conversations end faster than before. It is still my goal to be in contact with people from both sides, but I feel that some friends are slowly withdrawing from me. There has already been such a breakdown in communication in the times of COVID, and even then, there was this polarization between friend and foe. It was a time of contradictions that irreconcilably exclude each other. No more compromises and no more in-between spaces! It’s either/or! Okay, I have to show my color: Where do you stand, Helene? Some friends want to know whether I am a friend or an enemy. There is no escape. But what should I answer if my color is not blue or red, but purple? Purple is a beautiful color, now it has been removed from the range of possibilities. But is this really the case, or is it what polarization makes me think and fear?

This polarization between liberal and conservative can be observed worldwide, in politics, in religions, and it is causing serious concern. The nuances are lost and the subtleties fall silent. Polarization creates tension in friendships and families, between colleagues and neighbors; it brings distancing and isolation. Then everyone sits in their “bubble.” This may be comfortable for some, but at the same time it is the loss of what we have in common, of cohesion as a whole. Polarization is a cultural impoverishment, but it is possibly our future. Perhaps we will soon only talk to like-minded people who sit in the same ideological bubble. Or is there still an alternative, a bubble with friends in the middle who think purple is a great color and a real possibility? People who are willing to talk to each other despite their diferences of opinion? But wouldn’t that be a bubble too?

With my position in the middle, I certainly have my own point of view, but above all, I have many questions: Why is the divisive more important than the common for some people?

The human ego thrives on demarcation, okay, we know that, it’s not new. So, is the reason for this polarization the ego? But egos have been around for ages, whereas polarization is relatively new. Perhaps the ego needs simplistic either/or positions in order to deal with an increasingly complex world? Does it need a rock-solid point of view so that it can feel right? Or to put it another way: why do people actually think that what they “believe in”

Opinion

is true? And why are they so sure that they themselves – and only they alone – are in possession of the political or religious truth? Unfortunately, you cannot possess truth, at most you can strive for it and bring your own life into harmony with it. But perhaps the most important question concerns the background to this polarization: Who benefts from this division? Divide and rule, an ancient political strategy that has always worked. But who benefts from it this time? Which power – so far un-recognized in the background – is possibly using this strategy to separate people and then rule over them? Divide and rule, an ancient motto with very old questions that should urgently be asked again!

Erika Helene Etminan Hamilton

Financial reality: cold, hard, imminent

Today, the federal government debt is well over $36 trillion and will reach $37 trillion by the time Donald Trump takes ofce. It is on a trajectory of adding $1 trillion every three months, +/-, for as far as we can see, which, if extrapolated for the next four years through Trump’s term of ofce, means that by the time he exits the White House for the last time, the debt load will be an astounding $49 trillion.

This cannot be maintained indefnitely and will stop someday. The only question will be whether it is halted voluntarily by choice because we recognize it as best for us or involuntarily because we refuse to live within our means. Regardless, whichever way we go, it will be quite painful and many won’t be able to withstand it.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difcult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who fnd it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

This passage of Scripture, which many take to be relevant only to salvation or spiritual growth, can easily be connected to America’s fnancial situation today. While there are some (including myself) who would choose to go “cold turkey” on the debt load, most people will scream bloody murder if their pet project, program, pension, or payout is threatened in any way at all. Since politicians of all stripes are more concerned with re-election than with fscal rectitude and self-control, they will do whatever the voters demand, and it is certain that the voters will demand that the gravy train continues, with ever more generous dollops of largesse scattered about, even if it means that the money thrown around becomes continuously less and less valuable.

“What? Me think about the future? Are you kidding? I know what I want and I want it now! Let my grandchildren worry about how to pay for it.”

This is the prevailing attitude of today, and as America sinks ever deeper into the pit of insolvency, it seems to grow stronger and more demanding. Eventually, it will end with one of the two scenarios described above. This is certain and those who are wise will take steps beforehand to extricate themselves from the coming catastrophe, as much as is possible.

Hard times coming, folks. Face it. Face it as reality and take action to minimize the danger to yourself. This is about the best we can do. Individually, we cannot change the Big Picture,

but we certainly can afect things at our own level, within our own power. There is no time like the present. Roger Mitchell Stevensville

Thank you

I and my family wish to thank the Star and especially Scott Sacry for the wonderful article concerning the “Rodeo Family Award for the State of Montana.”

It was so well done and showed a lot of research. It could not have been any nicer. I would also like to extend thanks for covering events for our valley as you do so well. We are a special place with special people doing special things.

Again, thank you and keep up the good work!

Clif Trexler & Family Hamilton

Cabinet of cretins

Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal for AG allowed Republican Senators to dodge that bullet, but here comes another bomb: Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. He’s a Fox “news” personality with absolutely no relevant experience to run a crucial US government department, much less one that oversees almost 3 million people and an $800+ million budget.

Aside from being totally unqualifed, he’s yet another rapist. What is it with “Christian” “family values” proponents that makes them love rapers?

A recently released 2017 complaint against Hegseth recounts chilling details of a drunk Hegseth blocking a woman from leaving a hotel room and then sexually attacking her. The woman underwent a rape exam and the nurse reported it. Hegseth claims it was consensual yet paid out a nondisclosure settlement to buy her silence.

But that’s not all! Hegseth says that fellow Americans, like me because I’m a Democrat, are “Marxists” which is fne for the knuckle-dragging rightwing base to pound out from their bunkers or mom’s basements, but not the Secretary of Defense! He’s called for the “categorical defeat of the Left” claiming that without its “utter annihilation,” “America cannot and will not survive.” That’s a death threat.

Wait, there’s more! Hegseth has close ties to an Idaho Christian nationalist church that wants to turn the USA into a theocracy. Because that’s worked out so well for Muslim nations.

I’m not holding my breath for Republicans to oppose the criminally unqualifed cretins nominated to the Cabinet. I’m simply registering my disgust knowing that they probably will, because they did promote a traitorous felon and rapist to be the President of the USA and a lying, carpetbagging, rich kid to be a Montana Senator over a man they know damn well is more honorable than all currently elected Republicans combined.

Wanda LaCroix Missoula

A Course of Love study group

Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480

Florence American Legion

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

Knotty Knitters Guild

Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month except July, August, December, and January at 6 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. You can also bring your knitting project to visit and knit with friends or get help with questions on Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. Any questions call 406-381-5123 or just show up on Friday!

Yoga for Veterans

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

MS Support Group

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

Republican Central Committee

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

Bitterroot Celtic Society

The Bitterroot Celtic Society

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

North Valley Library

Thanksgiving Closures

The Library will close early at 5pm on Wednesday, Nov 27. We will be closed on Thursday, Nov 28 and Friday, Nov 29.

Holiday Bookorations Fundraiser — Friday, Dec 6 ‘Tis the season to deck the halls! Handcrafted “bookorations,” festive trees and ornaments made out of upcycled books, delight booklovers, making beautiful additions to your winter decor, and beneft the Library. Bookorations by the NVPL Foundation make thoughtful gifts (for yourself or others), so swing by during this year’s Country Christmas to purchase yours.

3rd Annual Winter Art Exhibit — Friday, Dec 6 from 5-8pm

Celebrate the skill and creativity of local adult artists at the 3rd Annual Winter Art Exhibit. As you enjoy the festivities of Stevensville’s Country Christmas, make an evening of it and come by to enjoy art in various mediums, refreshments, and to pick out the perfect “bookoration” gift at the Bookorations Fundraising Sale held at the same time as our pop-up gallery. Submissions for inclusion in the exhibit accepted until 6pm on Monday, Dec 2. Drop of artwork between Dec 2 -4. Submission forms available to download from this page, at the Library, or online at tinyurl.com/ NVPLart2024

Hamilton school board

Governance Committee Meeting Thursday – December 5, 2024

12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room. The Committee will

be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg

Regular Board Meeting Tuesday – December 10, 2024

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

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday December 6 at 12 noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevenville. Guest speaker will be Sherif Steve Holton. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Holiday Bookorations to Beneft Library

The annual Holiday Bookorations event to beneft the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will be held Dec. 6 as part of Stevensville’s Country Christmas. This yearly fundraiser will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Community Room of the library in conjunction with the curated Adult Art Exhibit. For sale will be items handcrafted from books, including small trees, wreaths, and garlands, plus the popular Holiday Re-Mix grab bags, gift books, and more. Refreshments will be available. The NVPL Foundation and Friends of the Library are presenting this popular event. The library Community Room is located at 208 Main St., Stevensville.

Grief coping sessions

Coping with Grief and Loss During the Holidays -- The death of a loved one is one of the most difcult experiences we face in life. You are invited to come share your grief journey, learn how to honor and remember your loved one,

and how to care for yourself during the holidays. Join in for a 2-hour faithbased pre-holidays grief care session ofered 4 times in November and December at St Francis of Assisi, 411 S. 5th St. Hamilton. This program uses the faithbased Griefshare.org program which includes a free helpful handbook, viewing of a short DVD followed by small group sharing. This session is FREE and sponsored by the St Francis of Assisi Caring Hearts Ministry, 411 S. 5th St., Hamilton. RSVP at stfrancishwm@gmail. com or https://www.griefshare.org/ fndagroup

Tow sessions left: Sunday, December 8, 1:003:00pm Tuesday, December 10, 3:005:00pm

Stevi school board

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a regular board meeting on Tuesday, December 10 at 7 p.m. in the MPR Choir Room.

Elks Hoop Shoot

The Bitterroot Valley Elks Hoop Shoot will take place Sunday, December 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. Sign up sheets are at all valley schools. Categories are girls & boys 8-9, girls & boys 10-11, and girls & boys 12-13. For more information gall gail at 406-369-0434.

Mature driver course

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

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

Grief coping series

The death of a loved one is one of the most difcult experiences we face in life. Please come share your grief journey with others.

Tuesdays, January 7th – April 1st at 3-5pm at St Francis Pastoral Life Center, 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton Each session includes a short video featuring interviews with grief recovery experts, real-life stories of people who have experienced the death of a loved one and the opportunity to hear from other participants regarding challenges, questions, and concerns you may encounter in your grief journey.

The series will explore dealing with change, guilt, anger, people who don’t understand your grief, tips for preparing for holidays and special occasions, caring for yourself, honoring your loved one and much more. These faith-based Griefshare. org Sessions are free ($20 donation appreciated for workbook) Register at https://www.griefshare.org/groups/251057 . For more info, contact Nancy at stfrancishwm@ gmail.com.

United Methodist Church

 Dec. 1st (Hope)‘Don’t Be Pulled Down’  Communion Sunday

 Dec. 8th (Peace)‘Making Our Way Home’  Hanging of the Greens  Choral Music Celebration & Fellowship Cookies

 Dec. 15th (Joy)‘Let Expectation Grow’

 Dec. 21st - 7PM - Blue Christmas Service of Hope & Healing - Winter Begins

 Dec. 22nd (Love)‘Elizabeth Cried Out ’

 Dec. 24th (Peace) - Christmas Eve  4PM‘The Child Has Come’ - A Family Friendly Advent Story

7PM‘Candles Shining Out in the Night ’Candlelight Service & The Story of Jesus  Dec. 29th ‘

Joy ‘Earline’ Esmay

Joy “Earline” (Byrd) Esmay passed away on 11/17/2024 In Missoula, Montana from Alzheimer’s disease, aspiration pneumonia. She was preceded in death by her brothers (Gerald, Larry), nephew (Dalin), brothers-in-law (Don, Bob), sisters-in-law (Sally, Zelda).

Earline was born in Littlefeld, Texas on December 8, 1939, to Roy A. and Mildred (Miller) Byrd. As a child, Earline lived on family farms in the West Texas Panhandle. Although most of her childhood memories have been lost over the years, her children remember her saying that they didn’t know what hard work was, because they never picked cotton like she had to as a child (however, she was afectionately known as the “Slave Driver” by her kids). In her teenage years, the family moved to Draper, South Dakota, where she married Jerry Esmay in 1957 and graduated high school in 1958. Earline subsequently graduated from beauty School in 1959. Earline and Jerry raised three children, daughter Jera’le (Oregon 1961), son Keith (Texas 1966), and son Justin (Alabama 1968). As Jerry served in the military (frst the Air Force and then the Army) the family moved often to various military bases. From 1975 to 1978, the family lived in Kitzingen Germany, where Earline got hooked on Birkenstocks, espresso, and fne dining. Around 1980, and for the next 20 or so years, Earline spent much of her time restoring historical houses. Family and friends who knew her said she could take junk and turn it into something beautiful. In 1983, the

Death Notices

family moved to Stevensville, MT and purchased what would be another one of her “projects.” Earline and Jerry decided to divorce in 1989. Around that time, she established ‘Earline’s – Simply the Best’ hand squeezed fresh lemonade business. In 1998, Earline was in a near fatal car accident on Highway 93 near Stevensville, receiving a skull fracture among other injuries. In recent years, Earline was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Since then, son Keith, daughter Jera’le, sister-inlaw Gayle, and friends/caregivers helped her with everyday tasks, so that she could remain in comfort at home. In August of 2024, all involved in Earline’s care decided she needed more support, so moved her into The Springs, Footsteps Memory Care facility in Missoula, MT. When Earline was not working with lemonade or home remodels/restorations, one could usually fnd her in her fowerbed or relaxing at her patio. Earline also enjoyed getting away from Montana in the winter, to spend time with her sisters in Arizona. Earline never re-married, but did enjoy many years of company with her good friend Scott.

Earline is survived by her two sisters (Doris, Cathie), three children (Jera’le, Keith, Justin), two sisters-in-law (Gayle, Dixie), two brothers-inlaw (Chuck, Bill), son-in-law (Bob), daughter-inlaw (Tami), four grandchildren (Angela, Jessie, Riley, Quintin), numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life social will be held in Stevensville on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Please see the June 4, 11, or 18 edition of the

newspaper for time and location of this event.

JoAnn Sprague Stevensville - JoAnn Sprague, 80, passed away at the Living Centre on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 after a long illness. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Jaccilynne Renee Spade

Alberton - Jaccilynne Renee Spade, 36, passed away at home on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Mana ● female ● 3 yrs Mana is incredibly affectionate and loves to show her cute, funny, and gentle side. She enjoys meeting new people and is a loyal companion to those she knows and loves. She’s also smart and independent, making her the perfect companion for anyone looking for an adventure buddy.

Bitterroot Star

Stevi gets new full-fedged ofcer

It is with great pleasure that Stevensville Police Chief John Boe and the Stevensville Police Department announce, Officer Christopher Pierce has graduated from Law Enforcement Officer Basic #185 from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy in Helena, Montana on November 8.

Officer Pierce will start his career as the school resource officer (SRO) at the Stevensville School and looks forward to engaging with the faculty, staff and students. Pierce will continue to develop his skill set under the watchful eye of the Stevensville School District and with additional training opportunities afforded by the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.

Pierce will work to grow into a

community oriented, engaging professional under the direction of the Stevensville Police Department chief and other members of the department. Pierce looks forward to being home from the academy and getting straight to work with his new responsibilities at the school.

According to Boe, Pierce was a good fit for the school resource officer position and has proven to be an asset to the community. Pierce started the field training program prior to attending the academy and performed above expectations. Pierce, a father of four, understands the roles and expectations of the school resource officer position and looks forward to meeting those responsibilities head on.

Pierce said, “It has been a lifelong dream to become a police officer and I intend on living up to the trust the Stevensville Police Department and community members have placed in me.”

Stevensville Police Chief John Boe welcomes Offcer Christopher Pierce into the fold. Photo courtesy John Boe.

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

All-State, All-Conference Western B

The Western B All-State and All-Conference teams have been announced for football. Florence fnished the season with a 10-2 record, they won the conference title, and they made it to the Class B state semifnal game where they lost to eventual champion Malta. Because of all of this success, the Falcons are well represented in the All-Conference and All-State teams.

The following Florence players made All-State: senior Mason Arlington, senior Drew Wagner, junior Brody Duchien and junior Bridger Alexander.

Arlington was frst team

All-Conference on ofense at QB and second team

All-Conference on defense at DB. Wagner was frst team

All-Conference on ofense at WR and second team

All-Conference at LB.

Duchien was frst team

All-Conference on ofense at WR and frst team All-Con-

ference on defense at DB.

Alexander was frst team All-Conference on offense at TE and frst team All-Conference on defense at DE.

Senior Rollie Fisher was frst team All-Conference on ofense at OL.

Senior Mose Smith was frst team All-Conference on ofense at OL and frst team All-Conference on defense at DL.

Senior Isaac Bates was frst team All-Conference on defense at DB. Sophomore Jake Schneiter was frst team All-Conference on defense at LB, second team All-Conference on ofense at RB and second team All-Conference on special teams as a returner.

Senior Cole Fowler was frst team All-Conference as a punter and second team All-Conference as a kicker.

Senior Jack Lippy was second team All-Conference on ofense at OL.

Western A All-State, All-Conference teams

Class C football All-Conference

The All-Conference and All-State teams for 8-Man West football have been announced. Darby junior McCoy Townsend was named frst team All-Conference on ofense at WR and second team All-Conference on defense at DB. Darby senior Shannon Stewart was named second team All-Conference on ofense at OL.

Class A volleyball AllState, All-Conference

The Southwest A All-State and All-Conference teams have been announced. Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville are in the Southwest A.

For Hamilton, junior Aurie Duncan was All-State and frst team All-Conference. Junior Lundyn Murray was second team All-Conference. Freshman

Ella Grifn was honorable mention All-Conference.

For Corvallis, junior Kaitlyn Keller was honorable mention All-Conference.

For Stevensville, senior Lilly Newson and junior Kyndahl Plantz were both honorable mention All-Conference.

The All-State and All-Conference teams were announced for football for Western A, which includes Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville.

Corvallis had a 5-4 record this year and made it to the Class A State playofs, losing in the frst round to Columbia Falls.

Two players from Corvallis made All-State: seniors Drew Lewis and Aydan Mayn. Lewis was also frst team All-Conference on ofense at OL and frst team All-Conference on defense at DE. Mayn was frst team All-Conference at QB.

Also for Corvallis, senior Hunter Loesch was frst team All-Conference on ofense for WR, senior Solomon Morgan was second team All-Conference on ofense for WR.

Ayden Spencer was honorable mention All-Conference on defense for a DB. And senior AJ Darger was honorable mention All-Conference on ofense for OL. Hamilton fnished the season with a record of 2-6. Junior Jackson Lubke was named AllState and frst team All-Conference for ofense at WR. Lubke was also second team All-Conference on defense at safety. Senior Noah Guisinger was honorable mention All-Conference on ofense at OL. Stevensville was 0-9 on the season. Sophomore Shan Madula was honorable mention All-Conference on ofense at WR, and senior Joey Wheeler was honorable mention All-Conference on defense at LB.

Class B volleyball postseason honors

The Class B postseason volleyball honor teams were announced for the 6B girls and multiple players from Florence were honored.

The Florence girls won the 6B Districts, won the Western B Divisionals, and were the 2024 Class B State runner up.

Florence senior Ava Philbrick made the All-State team. Junior Maggie Schneiter and sophomore Emory Ralston were frst team All- Conference. Seniors Ella Goeltz and Elise Schneiter were both second team All-Conference.

At the Class B State Volleyball tournament in Bozeman, six Florence girls were chosen for the All-Tournament teams.

Ava Philbrick, Maggie Schneiter, and Ella Goeltz all made the All-Tour-

nament frst team. Elise Schneiter and Emory Ralston made the All-Tournment second team. Olivia Raczycowski made the All-Tournament honorable mention team.

Florence senior Drew Wagner was named to the Class B All-State team. He also got frst team All-Conference on offense at WR and second team All-Conference at LB. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Corvallis senior QB Aydan Mayn was selected All-State and frst team All-Conference for the Southwest A. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence senior Ava Philbrick was named to the Class B All-State team for volleyball.

Photo by Jason Larson.

Hamilton junior Aurie Duncan was named to the Class A All-State team for volleyball.

Photo by Scott Sacry.

Buy hand-crafted for the holidays

Something I love to do with my time, what little I have anymore, is to make my own knives. At this point, I have made hundreds of them and I have settled on a few favorite patterns. The reason I got into making them comes down to the fact that I think companies just charge way too much for a good knife. On top of that, most mass produced knives really are not that durable to begin with. When I tell a lot of people what my knives are capable of, a scof of disbelief is often the response I get.

steel, not stainless garbage. In those days, a knife could be thinner to achieve the same efect, while also able to bend, when made from carbon steel. Stainless will snap when put under force.

However, the truth of it is, these qualities used to be standard for a good knife. As a society, especially in the outdoors space, most of us have become too complacent in either paying way too much for “quality,” or buying things that are just okay because they can’t aford the prior. Really, I think we should have our knives and eat them too. Wait, that’s not right.

by John Dowd

Knives are some of the oldest tools known to man, and they are that way for a reason. There are hundreds of uses for a knife, and any occasion may call for one. Particularly, as the holiday season comes to a climax, I know there will be many out there looking for a good present to get for the outdoorsman or woman in their life. If they are considering a knife for themselves or a loved one, I believe there are some things to consider frst.

When looking at a good knife, many people ask, “is it sharp?” That is obviously the purpose of a knife, to be sharp, but that is only the very basic quality a good knife should possess. When I look at a knife, I’m asking the material it is made of, the shape of the blade and the qualities these two things will often imply. If anyone has ever picked up a really old knife of quality, they may notice several things. First, they may see the knife is thinner than many similar knives today, or thicker in some cases. These knives were made for a purpose, and when a knife was a tool that life relied upon, people did not fall for gimmicks.

In fact, I consider pretty much all stainless knives no good. This is because, though very fne knives can be made of stainless, the very fact that they are stainless means they have several elements added to the alloy. These added elements, which give stainless its rust-resistant qualities, also happen to make the knife “softer.” In other words, stainless steel tends to be very hard to sharpen and to keep sharp, because the added materials which resist tarnish, such as the chromium, do not hold a form well. Meanwhile, carbon steel is always going to be easier to sharpen and will retain an edge better, simply based on the physical make-up of the blade material, alone. With a well-done heat treat and temper, what a good knife can do will seem like magic to most people today.

However, the problem today is, mass-produced knives are often very expensive if they are made out of carbon steel. This is crazy to me, because it is composed of two of the most plentiful materials on earth, iron and carbon. On top of that, the techniques for making knives are not at all lost to time, or otherwise complex. I am the kind of person that likes to do things myself. This is probably because I have found that I can control the quality of things, and know what they are capable of. For many people who do not have the time or energy to learn to make a quality knife, they should consider buying from a local maker who has taken that time.

When it comes to cost, I think people should pay craftspeople for their time, efort and skill. It is not easy to come by that knowledge and experience. However, when buying a knife mass produced in the thousands by machines and people

too high, and the quality is often questionable due to quality control done by disinterested employees. Employees that look at thousands of knives a day, that all begin to blur together.

In the knife world, durability matters. One of the main ways I test the durability of my knives is to throw them. However, I am not throwing them without a purpose, or in an abusive way. A good knife should have a level of balance, either front heavy for chopping, centered for general tasks or butt heavy for intricate carving work. When I throw my knives, I am sticking the blade into a log or tree. This throwing process tells me balance, and most of my knives, aside from buttheavy fllet-styles, can be thrown well. I am not worried about damage, because I make them tough enough that if a little throw threatens my knife, I really should have a diferent knife.

However, throwing also tells a person more important things than balance and resistance to immediate force applied. The force of a knife striking hard into a log, both by edge and tip, puts forces through a knife that simulate extreme and extended use. Pressure is put on the tang, the spinning and striking will simulate continuous swinging and often the guard is where a snap will occur. This is the same thing that happens with a

baton, carve, chop, skin, clean and see a lifetime of use, it should survive many throws. When I am creating a prototype, I will often throw these until they break. If they do not break, then I consider them good enough to make more the same way.

A modern store-bought knife would probably not survive this treatment, even many brand-name self-professed “survival knives.” A good crafter’s will. That is why I recommend people buy from individual makers as knives are like extensions of the soul. Knives seem to take from their makers a piece of their being, and like hardened steel that has gone through a heat treating process, so too did that crafter’s ability. Time tested; the quality will show in the end. A knife of quality mirrors the constitution of the one who made it. Much like the ancient and medieval tales of swords lodged in stone, or crafted with magical abilities, these tools were accompanied by tales of famous and renowned blacksmiths. Their craftsmanship became as legendary as the weapons they made that flled the hands of timeless heroes. A good knife should be looked at the same. When approaching the holidays, and looking for gifts, a good knife should come from the person who made it, and not the store with a number of them,

Several knives I have made, either from cut steel billot or from forging. Kephart style at the top, a Nessmuk in the middle and at the bottom is a survival Bowie style. I rarely sell knives anymore. Photo by John Dowd.

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Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Aleacia Abigail Ruby Standing Rock, Aleacia Abigail Ruby Standing Rock, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-24-402

Dept. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Aleacia Abigail Ruby Standing Rock to Michael SunBear Standing Rock.

The hearing will be on December 18, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 7th day of November, 2024.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Catherine di Gleria

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 11-13, 11-20, 11-27, 12-4-24.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Kirsten Joy Roy, Kirsten Joy Roy, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-41-20240000390-NC

Dept. 2

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Kirsten Joy Roy to Kirsten Joy O’Leary.

The hearing will be on January 9, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 15th day of November, 2024.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Barbara Beavers

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 11-20, 11-27, 12-4, 12-11-24.

MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE

Whittecar Rife Range will hold its annual membership meeting on January 9, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Range, 578 Blodgett View Road, Hamilton.

BS 11-27, 12-26-24

MNAXLP

NOTICE

The frst half of the 2024 Real Estate Taxes are due payable before 5 PM, December 6, 2024. We have a Night Drop located at North end of Administration Building in drive through. Mail payments must be postmarked by December 6, 2024 or the payment will be returned for penalty and interest. Please make checks payable

River Storage located at 17 Red Ranch Rd. Stevensville MT 59870 intends to hold an Auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale shall occur as an online auction via www. lockerfox.com on 12/5/2024 at 10:30AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Unit #85. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. BS 11-27-24.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Kathryn Joyce Snyder, Kathryn Joyce Snyder, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-41-20240000412-NC

Dept. 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Kathryn Joyce Snyder to Kathryn Joyce Armstrong. The hearing will be on January 8, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County. DATED this 13th day of November, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Michelle Goldman Deputy Clerk of Court BS 12-4, 12-11, 12-18, 12-25-24. MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HAROLD ARTHUR FESSLER, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-2024129 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Tim Fessler has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Tim Fessler, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. BS 12-4, 12-11, 12-1824. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) will hold a public hearing December 18, 2024 beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the RCEDA Conference Room, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, MT. The RCEDA Board of Commissioners will consider adopting a resolution authorizing participation in the Board of Investments of the State of Montana Short Term Investment Pool (STIP) and authorizing the execution and delivery of documents related thereto. At this time public comment will be taken and considered. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. Written comments on establishing the Resolution may be submitted to Julie Foster, RCEDA Executive Director, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Suite A, Hamilton, MT 59840 or julie@rceda.org. For further information, call the RCEDA at 406-375-9416. BS 12-4, 12-11-24. MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Melissa Ann Dye, Melissa Ann Dye, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-41-20240000413-NC

Dept. 1 Howard F. Recht

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

January 8, 2024 at 1:30 p.m.

The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County. DATED this 13th day of November, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court By: Michelle Goldman

Deputy Clerk of Court BS 12-4, 12-11, 12-18, 12-25-24.

MNAXLP

CALL FOR BIDS

The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS are seeking bids for Display Advertising for our Ravalli County Ofces in a local newspaper within the County of Ravalli for the calendar year of 2025.

Please bid the Display Advertising by the Column Inch.

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope and clearly marked, “DISPLAY ADVERTISING BID”. The bid must be received by the Clerk & Recorders Ofce at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840 NO LATER THAN MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024 AT 4:00 PM.

Bids will then be publically opened and potentially awarded on TUESDAY, December 17, 2024 at 11:30 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room at 215 S. 4th Street, (3rd foor). For further information, contact the Commissioners’ Ofce at 406-375-6500.

Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 12-4, 12-11-24.

MNAXLP

CALL FOR BIDS

The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS are calling for bids for the printing of legal notices for the Ravalli County Ofces in a local newspaper within the County of Ravalli for the calendar year of 2025. Bids should include the following: Per folio rate (1-100 words) for the frst and each additional insertion.

Information that specifcally addresses compliance with Section 18-7-411 and 18-7-201 MCA.

Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope and clearly marked, “LEGAL NOTICE PRINTING BID”.

The bid must be received by the Clerk & Recorders Ofce at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840 NO LATER THAN MONDAY, December 16, 2024 AT 4:00 PM.

Bids will then be publically opened and potentially awarded on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:45 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room at 215 S. 4th Street, (3rd foor).

For further information, contact the Commissioners’ Ofce at 406-375-6500

Chris Taggart

Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 12-4, 12-11-24.

MNAXLP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RAVALLI COUNTY

ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING AND COURTHOUSE

SNOW REMOVAL AND LAWN CARE (MOWING)

The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners is soliciting request for proposals for snow removal and lawn care for the Ravalli County locations known 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana and 205 Bedford, Hamilton, Montana.

Proposals must be received by the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT no later than Monday, December 16, 2024 at 4:00 PM.

Proposals will be opened and possibly awarded on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM, in the Commissioners Conference Room at 215 S. 4th Street (third foor), Hamilton, MT.

MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY

Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840

E-mail: countyattorney@ rc.mt.gov

Phone: (406) 375-6750

Fax: (406) 375-6731

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF:

A.H., A YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE.

Cause No. DN 23-06

Dept. 2

SUMMONS / CITATION FOR PUBLICATION TO: “VERN” YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody (“the Petition”) regarding, A.H., the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been fled in Cause No. DN 23-06 in Montana Twenty-First Judicial District Court, in Ravalli County by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 108 Pinkney St, Hamilton, MT 59840.

The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following: Terminating the parental rights of the abovenamed youth’s biological parents and granting CFS permanent legal custody of the youth with the right to consent to the youth’s adoption, guardianship, or other permanent placement. A copy of the Petition is fled with the Clerk of District Court for Ravalli County, (406) 375-6710 and is hereby served upon you at this time. The child who is the subject of the proceedings, A.H., was born on November 26, 2010. The child’s mother is Callie Howard. The child’s putative father is Unknown.

NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the Status Hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 19th day of December, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., at the Ravalli County Courthouse located at 205 Bedford St., Hamilton, Montana YOU ARE FURTHER ORDERED to appear for a hearing on CFS’ petition that is set on the 9th day of January, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at the

Ravalli county Courthouse located at 205 Bedford St., Hamilton, Montana, then and there to show, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the requested in the Petition.

NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitute a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to aford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you.

WITNESS my hand and the Seal of this Court this 26th day of November, 2024. (SEAL) Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Catherine di Gleria Deputy Clerk BS 12-4, 12-11, 12-1824. MNAXLP

OG-24-11-469

Legal Notice

The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a foodplain permit application for work proposed within the foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The purpose of the project is to stabilize approximately 65 feet of eroding bank located on the Rivers Edge Home Owners Association Common Area #1 Property, adjacent to 124 Rivers Edge Drive. The project will incorporate bioengineering techniques with a rock toe to provide scour protection. The bioengineering techniques include integrating willow plantings and native shrubbery and grasses into the project. The project design has been certifed by a Dan Leatzow Professional Engineer (License Number #18382) and the project will be built according to the Ravalli County Floodplain Regulations. The project is located about 6 miles north of Stevensville in Section 25, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, Ravalli County (Tax ID: 443113). The applicant is Charles Harris. Information regarding this application is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@ rc.mt.gov) and must be received by December, 18th 2024 by 5:00pm. (Reference Application #FA-22-33). BS 12-4-24. MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given to the persons hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $625, Venture West Storage, LLC, located at 1008 Hwy 93 N. Victor, MT, 59875, will sell the contents of storage unit C37, occupied by Charley Porter, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Venture West Storage, unit C37 on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. BS 12-4-24. MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given to the persons hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $40 and $740, Advanced Storage Solutions, located at 108 Westside Road, Hamilton MT 59840, will sell the contents of storage units #38, and #49, occupied by Tamara Valenzano, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Advanced Storage Solutions, Unit #38 and Unit #49

NOTICE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Melissa Ann Dye to Melissa Ann Wilde. The hearing will be on

For a copy of the full request for proposals and specifcation, or if you have any questions regarding the RFP process, please contact the Commissioner’s Administrative Assistant at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite A, Hamilton, Montana or by phone 406 375 6500 during regular business hours. BS 12-4, 12-11-24.

Montana Farm Bureau applauds judge’s dismissal of trapping case

A lawsuit fled in Montana challenging the state’s wolf and coyote trapping practices has been dismissed by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy, a decision which has been applauded by the Montana Farm Bureau.

The lawsuit, brought by Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Citizen Task Force and Wild Earth Guardians, argued that the state’s current trapping regulations could harm grizzly bears. The defendants, the state of Montana, rejected the argument on the basis that trapping has not previously affected grizzly bears in a tangible way.

The Montana Farm Bureau, along with other livestock organizations, were defendant-intervenors in the case.

“Farm Bureau’s claims included that the scope of the area limiting trapping is overly broad and includes areas of Montana outside of grizzly bear habitat, and that the plaintifs have no credible expert witness establishing the possibility of a ‘take’ caused by coyote trapping and snaring,” noted MFBF President Cyndi Johnson.

Judge Malloy dismissed the case because both parties agreed the rule is unnecessary due to the new Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks trapping regulations.

While the new regulations include some of what the plaintifs were looking for, they don’t go into efect until or if a grizzly bear is snared. The regulations do require a free trap-

ping permit. Those who are trapping for livestock protection inside of the geographic scope identifed by federal court order must complete and sign a declaration identifying the producer’s name, that the producer has provided permission for trapping activities to occur on their private or leased property, and the county where such activities will occur.

An amendment by the Fish and Wildlife Commission to the regulations had added a change from afdavit requirement to a declaration that trappers will carry on their person. The declarations will certify that trappers are trapping predators on behalf of a named livestock producer. FWP will not house the declarations

containing producer information. This amendment was made to address privacy concerns brought by several agricultural groups including MFBF. Farm Bureau points out that the rule will have an annual review allowing for the adaptation and removal of language as more information is collected.

“We are gratifed that Judge Molloy dismissed the case,” said Johnson. “Montana Farm Bureau has worked closely with the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission to ensure that ranchers’ and landowners’ privacy will remain protected, and livestock producers can continue to control predators that may harm their cattle, sheep and other livestock.”

MARKSMANSHIP: club is shooting for the moon

Continued from page 1

in March and they hope to qualify two teams to participate in the CMP’s Western Regionals in Salt Lake City in April.

The Bitterroot Marksmanship Club was formed in late winter of 2021 with the support of the Darby Rodeo Association and the Town of Darby. Their range is located on the Darby Rodeo

Grounds in the quonset building. The club is a 501c3 nonproft, eligible for tax benefcial donations.

From club formation until October 2023, the club leadership focused on funding and completing signifcant infrastructure improvements to make the quonset usable as well as the purchase of all necessary rifes and range

Health Care

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715 S Main St, Suite A • 406-702-8078 Providence.org/MTStevensville

equipment. In October 2023, the club held its ceremonial First Shot Ceremony and youth practice began shortly after. Now, in its second season, the club is currently near its maximum capacity of 20 youth with youth residences as far north as Victor and as far south as the West Fork. Currently, youth ages range from 10-15, which

bodes well for the future. The club is looking for sponsorship and donations. There are adult positions in the committee available as well to those interested. Youth who are interested are also encouraged to contact Club Public Relations Ofcer Laura Lindenlaub at lauralogger@ icloud.com.

At left, the Walla Walla team competes. At right, the Adult Turkey Shoot competitors take aim. Photos courtesy Bitterroot Marksmanship Club.

SLOUGH: fences, foating islands removed

Continued from page 1

floating the river were forced to pull their boats up and down the banks to portage around the fences. The District sent Siebel a request for specifics surrounding the fences’ potential installation, but had not received any response.

There was no discussion at the November 26 meeting prior to accepting the withdrawal of the application or afterwards. But the District did receive letters of objection from local conservation organizations including the Bitterroot River Protection Association, Bitterroot Trout Unlimit -

ed, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, and Public Lands and Water Access.

At the end of the meeting Chairman Jeff Mark asked if there was any public comment and the Director of BRPA, Michael Howell, asked if the District had received the organization’s letter containing photographs of a “floating Island” and a couple of fences that had apparently already been installed on the ranch. District administrator Julie Ralston said that floating islands had been installed but were since removed. Asked about

the fencing she said she had no information about any fencing. Although ranch manager Roy Fenster announced his presence on the telephone at the beginning, he made no comments during the meeting and did not respond to the question. The Chairman said that he was not going to be asking an applicant who had already withdrawn his application any questions and said this was not a question-and-answer session but only a time to accept public comment.

According to BRPA President Andy Roubik, having received photographs from a member of the public showing a floating island and a couple of fences in the river channel and getting no response to their questions, the organization had no alternative but to make their own inspection. He confirmed that the floating island and the fences pictured had indeed been removed.

“We saw fencing coiled and hung around one fencepost along the bank and brand-new hardware on another wooden fence post,” said Roubik. “But we were glad to see the fencing across the river had been removed.”

Now is the perfect time to schedule an annual wellness exam for you and your family. Wellness visits identify potential health issues early, keep immunizations up to date, and offer you the chance to ask any health questions you may have.

Yearly wellness exams help you take advantage of tools to take charge of your health. Sapphire Community Health provides wellness exams for all The Bitterroot Valley, with easy scheduling and a variety of payment options, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and a sliding fee scale.

Becoming a patient is easy, with little to no wait for scheduling a new patient appointment. Call Sapphire Community Health today at 406-541-0032 to schedule your wellness exam.

DETECT: Look for services you didn’t receive, double charges, or items your doctor didn’t order. Request a Health Care Tracker from SMP to compare appointment information with what is printed on your MSN.

REPORT: Call SMP if you suspect health care fraud, errors, or abuse, or if you would like to request a Health Care Tracker.

Featuring Ella ’s folk art

Bitterroot Wood Goods, Bitterroot 406 Designs, paper crafts sewn crafts, and MORE

The Bitterroot Conservation District recently denied one permit to install up to a dozen “foating islands.” At least one island already installed has now been removed. Photo by Michael Howell.

Big game hunting season wraps up

Montana’s 2024 general big game hunting season closed Sunday, Dec. 1 much the way it began fve weeks ago, with harvest totals up slightly from last year for both deer and elk in west-central Montana.

During each of the six weekends of the season, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks operated wildlife check stations near Anaconda, Bonner and Darby in west-central Montana, where biologists collectively recorded 9,905 hunter stops and a harvest of 288 elk, 119 mule deer and 525 white-tailed deer. This compares to 10,149 hunter stops, 225 elk, 102 mule deer and 492 white-tailed deer at the 2023 season’s end.

Elk and white-tailed deer harvest totals were up at each station compared to 2023. Mule deer harvest was up at the Darby and Anaconda station

Cowboy Christmas in Stevensville

by John Dowd

This Saturday, December 7, local Stevensville businesses will be holding their second annual Cowboy Christmas. Starting at 10 a.m. and running until 4 p.m., the celebration is meant to kick of the holiday season with a western twist. The Saturday event was organized to occur after the Country Christmas to help continue festivities in Stevensville for another day.

According to Allison Milner, owner of The Hat Edit, the event will take place in the community room of the old feed mill business complex. The space will be decorated with a Western-themed Christmas, and the main feature of the event will be free photos with Santa.

Milner said, “Several business women came together to make this happen!” She was excited to highlight the partners involved. Ashley Inglis, with Engel and Volkers, will sponsor the photos. Chic Image Studio will be taking the photos, and the partnership also included the owners of Rowdy Rags Boutique and KS Designs and Rentals. The Hat Edit, and the lat-

ter two Stevensville businesses, partnered to rent out the community space next door to The Hat Edit, which will be decorated and utilized for the photos.

Santa will be donning his cowboy attire for the event, and there will be complimentary hot cocoa. There will also be kids crafting opportunities available for free, free gift wrapping and barrels scattered around for warmth.

Real Flavors food truck will be parked in the parking lot, along with beer available for purchase from Blacksmith Brewing. Live music will be performed by Neal Elder, a Bitterroot Valley Country music artist.

“We know that not everyone can aford that extra thing every year, so this is a way we can give back,” said Milner. According to her, last year they had vendors as well, but this year they wanted to focus more on the free Santa photos for the community.

“We get so much from the community and we’ve just been too blessed with how busy we’ve