Bitterroot Star - February 13, 2019

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Volume XXXIV, Number 30

‘School Shield’

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Suit filed over decision to allow demolition of historic church

By Michael Howell

Ten property owners in the neighborhood of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, located at 411 South 5th Street in Hamilton, have filed a lawsuit challenging the decision by the City of Hamil-

ton Board of Adjustments to grant several variances that would allow the demolition of the existing historic structure and its replacement with a new church building.

The existing church was originally constructed in 1897 and represents one of the oldest wood framed

Catholic structures in Montana, 122 years old.

The Board of Adjustments approved the conditional use permit and request for variances on a 4 to 2 vote at a meeting held See CHURCH, page 2

Corvallis High School. Christin Rzasa photo.

Making our schools safe

By Christin Rzasa

School officials in the Bitterroot Valley are making the safety of their facilities a priority, and this past October, they learned how to help the public sector do the same. School administrators and personnel from most of the valley’s school districts, along with members of the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department and Rocky Mountain Laboratories, took part in the National School Shield (NSS) program, a five-day, intensive training session to certify facility safety assessors. Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton coordinated the event, which consisted of both classroom instruction and field work, and – in partnership with Corvallis Schools – culminated in the formal evaluation of Corvallis High School.

“We believe strongly that our schools need to be safe places for our kids,” Sheriff Holton explained. “If we [the sheriff’s department] can’t be there all the time, we need to make sure that those school districts have the resources available to make that happen.”

Many schools in the Bitterroot have participated in the Safariland Armed Intruder Training (AIT), which teaches educators how to respond to a “planned negative action.” The NSS program, on the other hand, focuses on training people to

evaluate a facility for potential vulnerabilities to a wide range of threats, both natural and manmade. The resulting assessment identifies the physical attributes of the facility and its environment that could affect how personnel meet that challenge.

“The Safariland program is great training for when something

ity, but their fees can be prohibitive. Eric Larson, the Director of Student Services for Hamilton Public Schools, took part in the NSS training course and is an enthusiastic advocate of the program. As an administrator in the District for the past eleven years, Larson says safety has always been a priority for him.

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

Bonney receives national Wildfire Mitigation Award Eric Larson, Director of Student Services at Hamilton Public Schools, took part in NSS training. Christin Rzasa photo. is happening,” says Holton. “We were trying to find something that would be the next step… to mitigate or reduce the threat of something happening.”

There are private assessors for hire who can evaluate a facil-

He was, in fact, considering hiring an assessor to evaluate the District schools when Sheriff Holton approached him about the training program.

See SCHOOLS, page 3

Tim Johnson, Superintendent at Corvallis School District, participated in safety assessment training and agrees that having certified assessors on staff is a great advantage. C. Rzasa photo.

lll

H C

By Michael Howell

Byron Bonney, Community Forester with Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development, was recently named as a recipient of the 2019 Wildfire Mitigation Award (WMA). The award was established in 2014 by the National Association of State Foresters, National Fire Protection Association, USDA Forest Service and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, in response to the need to recognize the large number of great wildfire mitigation programs and projects that are making a difference on the ground in the United States today.

“The WMA is the highest national honor one can receive for outstanding work and significant program impact in wildfire preparedness and mitigation,” said Meghan Rhodes, a wildland fire programs specialist who serves on the award selection committee.

The awards are designed to recognize outstanding service at the federal, state, local and tribal levels of government and at the local community level.

Rhodes said in her letter of notification to Bonney, “By honoring you, the award sponsors also seek to increase public recog-

nition and awareness of the value of wildfire mitigation efforts and provide high quality examples that others can learn from to help in their own communities. Thank you for all you do to impact mitigation efforts on the ground helping to

make your community more fire adapted.”

Bonney is one of seven people in the nation to receive the prestigious award this year and they will all be recognized at the See AWARD, page 10

Byron Bonney, Community Forester with Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development, was recently named as a recipient of the 2019 Wildfire Mitigation Award.

Michael Howell photo.

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Church continued

on December 26, 2018. The application was submitted by the St. Francis Church Building Committee and the Diocese of Helena.

In the project narrative, it states that the new structure being proposed is designed to respect the historic character of the existing church, while providing worship space for over 400, an increase of approximately 150 seats. The new church will also provide additional building entrances, all on-grade, to enhance building accessibility. Site improvements include improved on-site parking, improving on-street parking, and installing curb and gutter on the surrounding city block owned by the church. The current design provides a new church structure of approximately 8400 square feet on the main level. The total seating capacity of the sanctuary is 442 occupants; this includes the choir space with 20 dedicated seats.

It states in the application

that aesthetically, the new church is intended to replicate the existing church, albeit in its new larger form. The upper elements of the existing bell tower on the southeast corner of the existing church will be salvaged, refurbished and reinstalled on the new structure.

The exterior wall treatment will be replicated with similar siding material. The exterior wall trim and detailing will be replicated.

The existing sanctuary windows will be reconfigured to allow for the addition of stained-glass windows to be installed in all primary window locations.

The new parking lot design provides for a total of 59 standard parking stalls and six handicapped-accessible parking stalls. In addition to the on-site parking, the applicants agreed to improve on-street parking surrounding the block owned by the church. These improvements will include new curb, pavement and sidewalks along Ravalli Street, South 6th Street and Madison Street. Improvements along South 5th Street will include striping to

and Madison Street; including curb, gutter, sidewalk, paving and storm drainage to meet current public works standards and ADA accessibility guidelines. These improvements are proposed to provide sixty-eight parking spaces bringing the total improved parking to one-hundred-thirty-three (133) spaces. Ravalli Street is to be improved in coordination with WGM’s Ravalli Street final design plans and approved by Public Works prior to construction. The diocese is also required to provide additional public access easement to accommodate the offset in alley traffic behind the proposed new building, also to be approved by Public Works Director Donny Ramer prior to recording.

The group of 10 homeowners in the neighborhood who filed the lawsuit claim that the Board of Adjustments approved the permit and variances with the absence of findings in the City staff report that the recommendation was not unanimous and that two of the staff members did oppose the project because it was “too big for the

better define the 60-degree angled parking as well as defining the two existing on-street handicapaccessible stalls.

The Hamilton Zoning Board of Adjustments approved the conditional use permit to build the new building in a Residential Services District “because there is already an existing use as a church, and that the applicant demonstrated a hardship to the property because of the constraint of the size and of the lot and growing constituency.”

The Board approved the variance requests to allow the adjacent on-street parking stalls as part of the required total.

It allowed adjustments to the front and rear yard setbacks and allowed an accessory garage to be constructed with a zero lot-line.

It also allowed the proposed new church construction to exceed the maximum height requirement in a Residential Services (RS) District.

But the approval also came with the conditions that off-site improvements be made to 5th Street, Ravalli Street, 6th Street,

CODING FOR KIDS

current space and out of character for the neighborhood by virtue of the increased size.” They claim the Board abused its discretion by not using the standard of overview outlined in municipal code.

The litigants contend that the board has been negligent and acted in contravention to the law by “not subjecting the church’s justification for doubled capacity to reasonable scrutiny, and arbitrarily and highhandedly ignoring the public interest in the face of manifest concern and resistance by the community. There is no data-supported need for a larger church.” They note that several reasons put forth by the church for needing more capacity involve mere speculation, such as the notion that Stevensville may sometime in the future lose its priest.

“In any case, even if the congregation were growing rapidly, there can be no justification for siting a megachurch that serves the wider valley in the middle of a residential neighborhood in the City of Hamilton,” it states

in the lawsuit. They suggest the church consider relocating into the county.

“Allowing the church to double its capacity by approving front and rear setbacks, increasing the height of the building and doubling the parking is detrimental to the health, safety, comfort and general welfare of persons residing in the neighborhood,” they claim.

Besides questioning the church’s hardship claim, the plaintiffs also contend that the permit and variances must also be in the public interest and the public’s interest was either not properly considered or was unjustly ignored in this case.

The case was filed in Ravalli County District Court and Judge Jeffrey Langton will preside.

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Schools continued

“I was contacting private companies to come in and do a vulnerability assessment for our schools, and it’s very expensive,” Larson said. The NSS program offered the chance for participants to become certified assessors and then be able to do their own evaluations. Tim Johnson, Superintendent of the Corvallis School District, also participated in the training course and agrees that having certified assessors on his staff is a great advantage for the District financially.

“Because we have trained assessors, we’re not dependent upon calling out to a contractor to have one of them come in and do this… each time we have a variation or new construction,” Johnson says. “And we now have a cadre of assessors in the valley [who] understand the Bitterroot. We have a different culture in the valley than in Missoula or Kalispell, so we know how things work here.”

With the variety of trained assessors in the valley, the likelihood of getting a team together to perform an evaluation is much better, Johnson points out. “The typical cost of something like this for a district our size would be in the thousands of dollars,” he says.

“If any organization, any institution [wants an assessment], we can organize a team and go do an assessment for them, free of charge.”

Larson is also excited about the prospect of offering facility evaluations to the public at no cost. “What’s awesome about it is I can go into any facility – a bank or any small business – with this kind of knowledge. I can go into my home and do an assessment.”

Ideally, an evaluation team would represent a variety of perspectives: law enforcement, school administrators, resource officers, and maintenance personnel. Both Johnson and Larson were impressed with the comprehensiveness of the assessment training.

“It’s a facility evaluation, a comprehensive look at safety, structural vulnerabilities, opportunities for threats…a broad view that starts from outside of a district’s facilities and works its way into the core where the students are,” Johnson said. “It’s important to have outside perspectives as well because you can get complacent [with your own facility].”

Larson echoed that sentiment, especially after his team recently completed their report on the Hamilton High School structure. “We found things that I wasn’t even aware of,” he adds, “and I’ve been looking at this for eleven years now. I like the ‘bigpicture’ of it. It’s not just about if you have an armed intruder.

You’re looking at everything

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 – transportation, traffic flow – acknowledging strengths and pointing out vulnerabilities.”

Although the NSS training program is offered free of cost through a grant from the National Rifle Association, arming teachers was never mentioned, and the possibility of a violent intruder was only one of the safety threats considered. Potential natural disasters, vehicle accidents, and structural catastrophes (like a gas pipeline eruption) have to be kept in mind, according to Larson.

“You didn’t even hear about the sponsor,” he insists. “If you weren’t paying attention, you wouldn’t even know it was the NRA. Regardless of what anybody thinks about different organizations, I was super-impressed with the two individuals [who ran the training] and why they’re doing it.

It was a true acknowledgement of the need for free training and the necessity to keep our kids safe.

That was the core belief behind their involvement.”

Sheriff Holton concurs.

“The NSS program brings this in at no charge to us. Our only costs were the time it took to put our staff through it. Politics aside, it’s a good program, and we’ll take advantage of a good program.”

Besides the financial advantages to school districts having their own trained assessors and being able to offer their services to the public, the training programs (both the NSS and the Safariland AIT) have brought a new level of communication among the valley’s school personnel and law enforcement. For Sheriff Holton, “That collaboration between the school districts and between the schools and law enforcement is a big thing. Just having personal relationships and working with somebody goes a long way toward opening lines of communication. From the law enforcement perspective, it’s great to work with those superintendents and have a basic understanding of their response plans, to mesh those goals together.”

Superintendent Johnson agrees that better communication is a valuable outcome of the event. “An important piece that this program provides is continuity

– making sure that we’re talking the same language, using the same process – so it’s not a patchwork of different ideas.”

In Larson’s opinion as well, the valley’s school district personnel and the sheriff’s department communicate more and better since they began working on safety issues. Each school district gets focused in on what’s going on in their community, Larson explains, “…but since we started doing the mutual trainings, I can’t believe the communication!” He adds, “It’s so much easier now to pick up the phone and call administrators in other school districts or Sheriff Holton to discuss issues that arise.” Before the combined training sessions, he admits, he probably wouldn’t have been as open to asking for their opinions.

“Collaboration is the best thing that we can do” to ensure a safe educational environment here in the Bitterroot. “It’s not only knowing whom to call but knowing that I can call – no matter what – and the response will be, ‘What can we do to support you?’”

Larson looks forward to doing more assessments. Some members of the Hamilton Schools team are working on their third vulnerability assessment, this one for the Darby School District.

“I can’t wait to get more experience ‘under our belt,’” says Larson. “You start seeing things faster. With anything, as you practice, you get better at it. You can give better input the more experience you have. You can’t stop everything, but if you have the planning and the preparation, you can have a quicker reaction, something that’s almost habit, not something you have to think about and ask, ‘what do I do now?’”

Both school administrators said that the training course was intense but well worth the effort and time, and both say it has changed the way they view their workplaces and what they have to offer their communities. Larson takes it one step further.

“You look at things a little differently [after going through the workshop],” he admits. “What it’s done for me as a professional as well as in my personal life, I’m impressed.”

The Bitterroot National Forest is inviting the public to review and make comments on a proposed vegetation management and fuels reduction project in the Sapphire Mountains northeast of Stevensville. The Threemile GNA proposed treatment area encompasses approximately 238 acres within and adjacent to the Threemile Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in the upper Wheelbarrow and Spring Creek watersheds on the Stevensville Ranger District.

Objectives of the project include: • Improve forest health and resilience to natural disturbances (fire, insects, and disease) and restore historic structure in dry pine stands.

• Manage timber to provide forest products, jobs and income to local communities.

• Reduce hazardous fuels and lower crown fire hazards within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is currently proposing approximately 1,500 acres of vegetative treatments to improve elk habitat in the WMA. Road upgrades proposed

by FWP in their project will provide improved access to adjacent FS lands increasing the feasibility of treatments. The project is a

three-agency partnership between the USFS, FWP, and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), using a Good Neighbor Authority Agreement.

Long-time fire exclusion and suppression and subsequent development of shade-tolerant species have resulted in high tree densities in the project area. The current conditions are more likely to support stand-replacing fires which would threaten the WUI and areas that have old growth tree characteristics. The project also includes pockets of dead and dying trees due to insects and disease including western spruce budworm, dwarf mistletoe, and bark beetles.

The Bitterroot Community Wildfire Protection Plan has identified this area as a ‘high priority’ for fuels reduction within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).

Over the past 10 years, the Bitterroot National Forest has completed numerous fuels reduction projects in a large portion of ‘high priority areas’ in the WUI. Since 2007, the forest has treated more than 30,000 acres of overstocked National Forest System lands that border private property or are near homes.

To learn more about the project and to view maps

Ravalli Electric Co-op has selected John Shupert of Hamilton as the winner of the Youth Tour to Washington D.C. Contest. John will represent Ravalli Electric Co-op in Washington D.C. this June along with 30 other Montana electric cooperative youth tour winners. He and his Montana

counterparts will spend a week in D.C. with thousands of students from across the nation. While there John will see the democratic process in action with tours of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and personally meet with the Montana’s Legislative Leaders. Students will also get

visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=55246.

Public comments specific to this project and/or to individual sites and resources are valuable in helping the Forest Service identify concerns, develop alternatives, and refine the analysis to focus on issues. Comments are due by March 11, 2019.

Submit comments to: Jo Christensen, Stevensville Ranger District, by one of the following methods; mail: 88 Main Street, Stevensville, MT 59870. Fax: (406) 777-7423, or email: melissajchristensen@usda.gov. Comments should include: 1) name, address, phone number, and organization represented, if any; 2) title of project on which the comments are being submitted; and 3) specific facts and supporting information for the responsible official to consider.

The Stevensville Ranger District is hosting an open house next week to share more information about the project and to further collect comments and ideas.

The open house will take place on Wednesday, February 13th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville.

RSVP to Jo Christensen at (406) 777-7425 or the email above if you are interested in attending.

REC selects Youth Tour winner a chance to visit many historical sites including Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, and the Smithsonian museums.

John is the son of Les and Holly Shupert of Hamilton and is completing his junior year in home school.

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Youth Tour winner John Shupert with mother Holly Shupert of Hamilton. Melissa Greenwood photo.

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Opinion

Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Bitterroot Star Editorial Board Michael Howell Victoria Howell

Guest Comment

Ban trapping of Northern Rockies fishers

By Michele Dieterich, Hamilton It is heartbreaking that Montana’s wildlife managers still allow animals in Montana and Idaho between 2002 and 2016. If that many Northern Rockies Fishers to be trapped. Their dwindling population are being killed unintentionally, why would any state allow intentional could be on the brink of extinction, but fisher were denied federal trapping of this species known to be at risk? Idaho does not allow the protections because authorities do not have an accurate count of these intentional trapping of fishers; but sadly, Montana does. We are fallcreatures. ing behind our neighbor in using proven methods to preserve declining If wildlife managers do not know how many fishers remain in our fisher populations. state, how can they continue to allow them to be killed via trapping? The The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the Montana small, isolated population straddling the Montana-Idaho border will not Fish and Wildlife Commission to ban fisher trapping in the state. I supsurvive if the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission does not ban this port this petition. Without a ban, these important little predators may cruel practice soon. disappear from Montana forever.

According to reports, 186 fishers were killed in traps set for other

Letters

A profound little paragraph

Dear Editor, “You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else, when half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.� -- Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 As an uneducated 10-toothed deplorable, even I can understand these few words and have a very clear choice for president in 2020. Until then check out the Convention of States.

Darryl Lee Florence

Let’s get the story straight

Dear Editor, There are those who think Obama was much better than Trump so let’s hear the truth.

Start with who’s really responsible for the upturn in economy. For six years Obama blamed Republicans for thwarting his spending agenda and hampering growth. The last two years of office, Obama said the 2% growth was the best he could hope for and the last year the economy stalled out and Obama claimed Trump’s

tax cuts and deregulation would only make things worse.

The economy started booming after Trump reversed almost all of Obama’s economic policies, so clearly Obama does not deserve this credit. The White House Economic Advisor even noted that economy was stalling out in Obama’s last year and small business was on the decline before the 2016 election and business investments were stagnant. Since Trump, applications for new businesses are well above Obama’s second term and blue-collar jobs are growing much faster.

The GDP declined in Obama’s last year from 2.3% to 1.8%, under Trump GDP growth was 4.2% last quarter. The stock market was stuck in neutral in 2016 and is now up by 45%.

Under Obama, unemployment was unchanged at 4.9% and after Trump took office it started to go down to 3.9%. Clearly Obama is not the reason for our now booming economy.

No one thinks Obama administration did any dirty dealings, here’s a few facts. His administration deemed certain industries destructive or exploitative then regulated in such a way that it lowered the value of these companies which in turn ended up being financial gain for his friends so they could acquire those assets for pennies on the dollar. This investment company was called Vistria, a private investment firm owned by Nesbitt and Kirkpatrick, Obama buddies. Vistria’s investment portfolio bulged, this paved a way for officials in administration offices to end up taking high level jobs with Vistria.

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Office: 115 W. 3rd Street, #108 • Stevensville Mailing: P.O. Box 8 • Stevensville MT 59870 Phone: (406) 777-3928 • Fax: (406) 777-4265 Website: www.bitterrootstar.com E-mail: editor@bitterrootstar.com

Publishers - Michael & Victoria Howell Editors - Michael & Victoria Howell Sports Editor - Jean Schurman Advertising Sales Consultants Jean Schurman (239-4354) & Liz Cook (880-2007) Graphic Designer - Deven Monta The Bitterroot Star is published weekly at 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 108, Stevensville, Montana. Subscriptions are $40 per year in Ravalli County, $50 per year out of county, and $60 out of state.

The Postal Service will no longer forward the Bitterroot Star.

Address changes to our mailing list are made once a month and can be made by contacting the Star office at 777-3928.

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and major stakes in several firms owned by their sons. After Biden’s trip, China’s central bank set up a $1 billion investment joint venture in their son’s firm.

So you see, Obama was not the pure unsoiled person Dems claim his administration to be.

Stop bad-mouthing Trump, claiming his victories, and saying how evil he is. Obama was no saint.

Let’s try to make America great again by pulling together, not apart.

John Gibney Hamilton

Thanks from Samaritan’s Purse

Dear Editor, I am writing to thank Stevensville residents for sharing the true meaning of Christmas with children in need this past holiday season.

Because of the generosity of donors in Stevensville and across the United States, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, collected more than 8.8 million shoeboxes in 2018. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2018, the ministry is now sending more than 10.6 million shoebox gifts to children suffering from poverty, natural disasters, war, disease and famine.

These simple gifts bring smiles to the faces of children around the world. Packed with fun toys, school supplies and hygiene items, these gifts bring joy and are a tangible expression of God’s love. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 157 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

It’s not too late for people to make a difference. Though dropoff locations serving Stevensville shoebox packers are closed until November 2019, anyone can still pack a personalized shoebox gift online at samaritanspurse.org/ buildonline. Information about year-round volunteer opportunities can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/volunteerwithOCC. Thank you again to every-

one who participated in this global project—many who do so year after year. These simple gifts send a message to children worldwide that they are loved and not forgotten.

Dana Williams Samaritan’s Purse

America divided

Dear Editor, It’s no longer just Republican vs Democrat or liberal vs conservative. It’s the 1 percent vs the percent, rural vs urban, white men against the world. Climate doubters clash with believers.

Bathrooms have become battlefields, borders are battle lines. Sex and race, faith and ethnicity, the melting pot seems to be boiling over. Our national direction is being determined by special-interest groups who demand “rights� while denying the legitimate rights of others. As a result, opportunity, productivity and even the promise of meaningful employment are being destroyed. Freedom and responsibility are being exchanged for dependence and entitlement.

Excessive government spending is bankrupting the country and robbing future generations of the opportunity to succeed through honest labor.

In the past, the U.S. economy was being slowly but surely destroyed and many Americans had no idea that it was happening.

That is at least partially due to the fact that most financial news is entirely focused on the short-term.

Long story short, the reality is that there were certain underlying foundational problems that were destroying the U.S. economy a little bit more every single day.

Long-Term Trend #1: The Deindustrialization of America Starting in the ’50s and ’60s the United States was being deindustrialized at a pace that is almost impossible to believe.

Long -Term Trend #2: The Exploding U.S. Trade Deficit Each month, tens of billions more dollars go out of the United States than come into it. In other words, every single month the United States gets poorer.

Long-Term Trend #3: The Shrinking Middle Class

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As jobs continue to flee the United States and as wages continue to be depressed, America’s middle class is shrinking at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, a growing number of Americans have found it impossible to make it from month to month without direct financial assistance from the federal government. This is quite evident from the last government shutdown.

Long-Term Trend #4: The Growing Size of the U.S. Government.

No matter whether it is a Republican or a Democrat in the White House, the size of the U.S. government has continued to grow by leaps and bounds in recent years. This is a tremendous drain on the U.S. economy. The government produces very little value for the economy and yet costs a colossal amount to maintain.

Long-Term Trend #5: The Constantly Growing U.S. National Debt The United States has accumulated the biggest mountain of debt in the history of the world and every single month it gets worse. We are literally destroying our economic future with all of this debt.

Long-Term Trend #6: The Ongoing Devaluation of the U.S. Dollar The Federal Reserve constantly destroys the value of the U.S. dollar. Since the Federal Reserve was created in 1913, the U.S. dollar has lost over 95 percent of its purchasing power.

Long-Term Trend #7: The Derivatives Bubble The one thing that the “Wall Street Reform Bill� should have done was something about the horrific abuses in the derivatives markets. Instead, this bill did next to nothing and instead imposed hundreds of other useless regulations on Wall Street.

Long-Term Trend #8: The Health Care Industry The United States health care system is completely and totally broken. It has become a gigantic money making machine for health insurance companies, pharmaceutical corporations, and greedy lawyers. Americans pay more for health care than anyone else in the world and yet they get shockingly little in return.

Long-Term Trend #9: Financial Power is Becoming Concentrated in Fewer and Fewer Hands Once upon a time the United States had a very diverse financial system. Today financial power is becoming concentrated in fewer and fewer hands with each passing year. Putting an increasing amount of financial power into the hands of just a few elite banks is a recipe for disaster any way you want to cut it.

Long-Term Trend #10: The growing Retirement Crisis That Threatens to Bankrupt America Social Security is a total mess, our government in the past had decided to steal the funds from Social Security and Medicare which will not be returned.

This amounted to over two trillion dollars. Government and corporate pension plans are underfunded by more than ten trillion dollars and at some point, both systems will become bankrupt.

An increasing number of Americans are starting to realize that something is wrong although they may not know the specifics, they do realize our system is broken. We are very much on the wrong track. We have squandered the great wealth that our parents and grandparents left us and we are wrecking the greatest economic machine that the world has ever seen.

This did not happen overnight and it will not be corrected within our lifetime, it’s far more complex a problem than one might think. One thing for sure if we fail to place the proper constituents within our State and Federal governments and hold them accountable for their actions this will never end and our Republic will have failed without a shot being fired. The problems we face are not caused as a result of either “Republican or Democrat� party lines but because both parties have failed to construct proper laws during their time in Washington DC to keep this Republic afloat.

They have been self-serving and have failed America and the American people.

For the sake of our country’s future, leaders must lay aside their pride and self-serving agendas in order to come together with wisdom and common sense at the table of reason in dialogue with respect and humility to hammer out effective solutions to the difficult realities we face.

John Bird Victor

Illegal immigrant crisis

Dear Editor, Does the illegal immigrant crisis only impact the Southern Border States?

Montana’s state legislature recently began its 2019 session.

The first bill presented by the Senate President proposed $8 million dollars to help build the wall at the Southern Border. Immediately, red flags went up throughout Montana criticizing the GOP leader for suggesting Montana spend taxpayers’ money on an issue that had nothing to do with Montana.

There is no question that Border States are directly affected by illegal immigration and consistently deal with its ramifications.

But Article IV, Section 4 of the US Constitution reads: “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion.�

Furthermore, the sovereignty of the United States is clarified by the Preamble to the US Constitution. It reads: “We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States.� Critics of the Montana proposal should read this Preamble. The crisis at the Southern Border has to do with Montana and every state in the Union.

From Delaware, the first state to ratify the Constitution, to New Hampshire, guaranteeing its passage, a total of 13 heterogeneous states joined together to create one cohesive nation (E Pluribus Unum - Out of Many, One.) The Civil War was fought to preserve the Union.

Americans have a long history of helping one another when disaster strikes. This should inspire every state to support the current difficulties facing the Border States. When South Eastern states devastated by hurricanes reached out for help, Montana sent volunteers to answer the call.

During California’s recent fires, Montana sent fire fighters and first responders eager to help. Throughout our rich history, there have been many examples of Montana stepping up to the plate in order to come to the aid of another state.

It’s what we do as Montanans, as Americans. So what’s the problem? Why the hesitation to support the Southern Border?

America annually welcomes over one million new citizens, ranking first in legal immigration.

But all of us had better realize that the thousands coming in caravans across Mexico are not going to settle only in the states along the border. Members of these caravans will be infiltrating all 50 states. Every state government will be forced to deal with the burdens they create. Demands on our schools, medical services, the job market, and housing will all be affected. Critics, who ignore the border crises or think it isn’t their problem, had better wake up.

All these issues cross state lines.

When thousands illegally cross the border, we have no way to assess their intent. We know some smuggle drugs, are human traffickers, gang members or potential terrorists. This should make the border crisis of imminent importance.

Although this crisis initially involves the Southern Border, it will eventually impact every one of our 50 states, and that includes Montana. So, let us be willing to stand up and be counted for all of America. We are one of the 50. What a privilege and what a responsibility!

Gary and Joan Carlson Corvallis

Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center activities

Monday: Lunch 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Saturday: Bingo 1st week 12-5 p.m.; Flea market 10 a.m.2:30 p.m.; Bingo 1st & 3rd weeks 5:30-9 p.m.

Tuesday: Line dancing 10-11:30 a.m.; lunch 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Toastmasters 6:45 a.m.; Clogging 2-4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Lunch 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Bridge 1-5 p.m.

Thursday - Exercise 9-10 a.m.; Steppin Out dance class 7-9 p.m.; Pinochle 2nd & 3rd weeks 1-5 pm.

Friday – Line dancing 10-11:30 a.m.; Lunch 11:45 market 2nd week 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday - Bridge 1-5 p.m.; 2nd week Church of Christ Potluck 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Stevi Senior Center activities

Monday-Friday: Free coffee, 8-11 a.m., Lunch, 11:30 a.m.

Monday: Bridge, 12:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday: Exercise class, 10-11 a.m.

Tuesday: Quilters, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Paint with Sue, 1-3 p.m. (1:30 on 3rd Wednesday) Every Other Wednesday: Fiddlers at Lunch 3rd Wednesday: Special Birthday Lunch, 12 noon, with music. Blood pressures taken.

1st & 3rd Friday: Cribbage, 3-5 p.m.

Friday: Pinochle, 12:15; Monday & Saturday, 7 p.m.

For more information call the Center at 777-5681.

Victor Senior Center activities

Golden Agers

The Golden Age Club is located at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton.

The club’s business meeting is held on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. All members are asked to attend to review activities and plan new ones.

Cake and ice cream is served.

Card games (pinochle, multi-bid racehorse) are played on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday and 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m.

There is a $2 charge per person.

Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is checked every third Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. Guests are welcome. The hall is also available for members to use for personal activities. A monetary donation to cover hall expenses is expected.

For more information call 3630142.

AA meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the following times and places: Tuesday: 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Parish basement, 333 Charlo Street, Stevensville Wednesday: Big Book Study Meeting, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence Thursday: 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Parish basement, 333 Charlo Street, Stevensville Friday: Discussion Meeting, 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence

Al-Anon

Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the small dining room at the Living Centre, 57 Main Street.

Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 239-0878.

Monday-Friday - Men’s Coffee, 8 a.m.

Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes main course, salad bar, dessert, beverage. Donation 60 and over $3.50, under 60 $6 (RSVP 642-3320) Tuesdays: Bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesdays: Pinochle with snacks, 7 p.m.

Fridays - Ladies’ Coffee, 10 a.m.

Everyone welcome.

Victor Senior Center is located at 246 5th Avenue.

Narcotics Anon

Florence senior lunches

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church (west door), 1220 W. Main, Hamilton.

For more information call 3632512.

Lunch is available through the Council on Aging for senior citizens and others in the Florence area on Mondays at the Florence Fire Hall. Serving begins at 11:30 a.m. Prices are: 60 and over $3.50, under 60 - $6.00. For more information, call the Council on Aging at 363-5690.

Lolo senior lunches

Lolo senior lunch group (60+) meets Thursday at 11 a.m. at local restaurants for food, friendship and fun. There is a $4 voluntary contribution but no one is turned away. Congregate lunches through MAS and CBS. Call 9262135 to schedule your lunch.

Narcotics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton (north entrance).

Gamblers Anon

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

Overeaters Anon

Morning TOPS

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a weight loss support group, meets in Stevensville every Thursday at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street.

Weigh-in starts at 8 a.m. and meetings start at 9:30 a.m. Meetings are fun while learning to eat healthier and lose some pounds.

Guests are always welcome. Call Becky at 642-6368 or Margie at 375-5439 for more information.

Check out the website at www. tops.org.

Professional & Service Directorytt

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Evening TOPS

The evening TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter meets every Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Kootenai Creek Village Clubhouse. For information call Judy Burke at 777-2743.

WIC clinics

Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton.

The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library.

Income guidelines are 1-$22,459; 2- $30,451; 3-$38,443; 4-$46,435; 5-$54,427. For each additional family member add $7,992. Call 406-375-6685 for more information or see on Facebook; www. facebook.com/Ravalli-CountyWIC.

Florence American Legion

Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Tuesday of the month at the Florence Rural Fire Station. Call Terry Wahl, Commander, at 274-4589 for more information.

Hamilton American Legion

Hamilton American Legion Post 47 invites all veterans and family members of veterans to the monthly meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the American Legion Post at 322 S. 2nd Street.

Stevensville American Legion

The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. A veterans’ breakfast is held every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at C.J.’s Den in Stevensville. For more information contact Jerry Esmay, 777-5517.

American Legion Auxiliary

Fort Owen Unit 94, Stevensville, American Legion Auxiliary meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Call Cheryl at 531-4132 for more information.

Stevi VFW

The Stevensville VFW 1507 meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Frontier Café.

Marine Corps League

The Marine Corps League welcomes all Marines from all eras, along with Corpsmen and Chaplains who have served with the FMF. The League is a national veterans’ organization that include members of all ranks, all MOS, active duty, reserves, honorably discharged veterans and retirees.

It carries on the traditions of the Corps, support Marines still serving, and assist those who have left the service when needed.

Meetings are on the 4th Thursday of every month, January to October at 7:30 p.m. for general

meetings at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd Street, Hamilton. Activities include Toys for Tots, Honor Guards for veteran funerals and Color Guards for parade events, rifle and pistol matches, and support of Marines and the community, and a Marine Birthday celebration in November.

An SOS Breakfast and informal get-together for members, spouses, family and friends is held every first Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from January to December at the Hangar Cafe, Ravalli County Airport, Hamilton. It’s an opportunity to get acquainted, exchange ideas, and share sea stories from the past.

For more information contact Meade Phillips at 520-9916386 or at USMCmeadeMCL@ aol.com or visit www.mclnational. org or www.montanamcl.org .

Soroptomist

Soroptomist International of Hamilton invites you to join them at their meetings the first and second Thursday of every month, at noon, at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Soroptomist is an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. For more information, contact Dixie Dies at 961-4812.

Stevi Masons

The Stevensville Masonic Lodge #28 meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 300 Church Street, Stevensville.

Stated meetings are on the first Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and special dinners are on the third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. For information or membership email: stevilodge28@ gmail.com.

Victor Masons

Victor Masonic Lodge #43 meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. The Lodge is located on Main above Farmers State Bank.

For information on membership, email plycoupe1936@msn.com.

Eastern Star

Naomi Chapter #19, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Victor Lodge building located on Main Street above Farmers State Bank, Victor.

Leona Chapter #31, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Masonic Lodge building, 115 S. 3rd Street (next to the Fire Station), Hamilton.

For inquiries contact, email: teslrudd@gmail.com.

BPL storytime

It’s never too early to introduce your baby or toddler to the wonderful world of books and reading. Together you will discover the joy of songs, finger plays, simple books and bouncing rhymes. The toddler storytime for babies through age 2 meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Toddler storytime lasts approximately 45 minutes. For more information, call 363-1670.

DCPL storytime

Learning to read begins before children start school. Your public library promotes early literacy and social development with weekly programming for children.

The Darby Community Public Library offers a weekly Children’s Story Time every Tuesday at 11 a.m. for all children under five years old with a caregiver. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play at your library, 101-1/2 S. Marshall St. Call 821-4771 or email: staff@ darbylibrary.net for information.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

Saint Augustine Church In the Anglican Tradition

Services Sunday at 10am 206 E Ravalli Hamilton 642-3085

always welcome. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call 406-7775061 or visit northvalleylibrary. org. All library programs are free and open to the public.

Sapphire Quilters The Sapphire Quilt Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Join this fun group of people to learn about quilting.

Beginner to expert quilters welcome. For more information call Charlie Kirk at 361-1146.

Fiber Arts Guild

Big Sky Fiber Arts Guild meets the last Saturday of every month. If you are a wool spinner or work with fibers, contact Marty at 777-2421 for location or information.

Knitters Guild

The Knotty Knitters Guild of the Bitterroot meets every 4th Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Yarn Center, 110 Pinckney Street, Hamilton. This knitters guild is friendly, fun, and includes knitters of all levels, from beginners to master knitters. All are welcome.

Doll Club

The Bitterroot Blizzard Doll Club meets monthly, usually the second Thursday of the month, to share a passion for dolls, bears, toys, miniatures and paper dolls.

Members rotate hosting the meeting so call or email for the time and location of the next meeting.

Contact Kay Schrader, 406-3607214, schrader1501@blackfoot. net.

Model train club

The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders (BVMRR) run their trains in the basement of the Kohl Building, downtown Stevensville, during the following times: First Friday of each month, 5 to 7 p.m. and third Saturday of each month, 1 to 4 p.m. If interested in joining the club, contact Tony Oberting at 273-0006.

Radio Club

The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club meets on the third Monday of every month at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton starting at 7 p.m. Come early and enjoy a meal and fellowship.

The Bitterroot Draft Horse and Mule Club meets every second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Members drive everything from mini, to mule, to draft horse.

Haven’t driven but would like to learn? This is the club for you!

Don’t have a horse but would like to get involved? There is always welcome help and there is always a spot on a wagon somewhere.

Members do rides as well and have events scheduled throughout the year. For more information call Jasmin at 406-493-4978.

Lions Club

The Hamilton Lions Club welcomes you to attend its weekly Tuesday noon meeting at BJs in Hamilton. The club strength – besides being low key and getting a lot done – is helping provide assistance for glasses and hearing aids in Ravalli County. Contact Dixie Dies, 961-4812, for more information.

Three Mile bingo

Bingo is held every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Community/Senior Center, 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Proceeds go to build a new center. For information call 7773710.

Toastmasters

Effectively formulate and express your ideas! Bitterroot Toastmasters Club (BTC) meets Tuesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th Street, to support personal development and empower communication and leadership skills.

The words we speak convey a great deal! Do you mean what you say when you communicate during a job interview or with your boss, coworkers, and family? Wouldn’t you like to feel more confident, credible, and concise in your speaking presentation? Bitterroot Toastmasters can help! BCT members are given opportunities to wear different hats and fulfill many roles. Visit the website at bitterroot.toastmastersclubs.org or call Douglas Taylor at 406-3813214 or Jeanine New at 303-9292430 for more information.

Men’s Bereavement Breakfast

Marcus Daly Hospice sponsors a Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Dining Room. This breakfast creates a special opportunity for men coping with the death of a spouse or loved one to gather and share their journey of healing. Informal discussions are led by a trained Bereavement Facilitator and address such issues as dealing with grief, loneliness, forming new relationships, single parenting. A donation of $3.00 is appreciated for the meal. For more information call Marcus Daly Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503. continued on next page

Looking for a new member of the family?

Call 363-5311 or visit our website at www.bitterroothumane.org

NVPL storytime

Story Time is an enriching early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers that takes place on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the North Valley Public Library’s Community Room. Each week has a different theme, and children can listen to entertaining stories, participate in fun songs and learning activities, and create a cool craft! Each Story Time includes a healthy snack and some time to play with new friends.

Older and younger siblings are

203 Stevensville••777-0028 360-2661 203Main MainSt. • Stevensville

Sunday Worship 12 p.m. noon Worship at 12:00 thisChurch Church there InInthis thereshall shall be no outcasts. be outcasts.

We use 1928 Book of Common Prayer

Draft Horse and Mule Club

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Come see all the wonderful animals waiting for someone special like you!

Bitter Root Humane Association would like to thank:

320 4th Ave PO Box 333 Victor, MT 59875

Hannah Whitney

(406) 642-6800

Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star

NAMI family support group

NAMI family support group Bitterroot NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is sponsoring a support group for family members that have a loved one with mental illness every Monday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Cornerstone, 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. If you have a loved experiencing challenging from Mental illness come join us and be a part of solving the problems that you are currently having.

Facilitated by trained leaders. For more information call Arlene at 239-1708.

County recycling

The Ravalli County Recycling drop-off site, 759 US Hwy 93 (across from Don’s Home Center) is open on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and Mondays, 2 to 5 p.m. (winter hours). Cash paid for aluminum on Saturdays only. Call volunteer coordinator Janice Lee at 360-9895 to learn about volunteer opportunities at either site. Curbside pickup also is available for county residents: call 375-5398 for details.

Breast cancer support group

The Bitterroot Valley breast cancer support group meets the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Daly Leach Memorial Community Room, 1010 W. Main, Hamilton. All are welcome. For information contact Judy Rothie, (406) 564-8613.

Pregnant/new mom groups

Postpartum Support Circle and Baby Bistro (breastfeeding support) meet on the second Thursday of each month and a Prenatal Support Circle meets on the fourth Thursday of the month.

All meetings are held at 109 N. 4th St. Suite 104 in Hamilton from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. For more information, call Sheehan at 6426527 or email bitterrootbreastfeeding@gmail.com.

Association for the Blind

The Bitterroot Sapphire Chapter of the Montana Association for the Blind meets on the third Friday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at The Coffee Cup in Hamilton. Contact Chris at 8800823 for more information.

Dementia caregiver group

Are you a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other type of dementia? You’re invited to join in an informal group on the second Friday each month at 1 p.m. at The Living Center Chapel (second floor), 63 Main, Stevensville to share your concerns and experiences with others in a same or similar situation. If you would like to attend, your loved one is welcome to visit with facility residents with staff supervision during the meeting time. For more information contact Kati Aiken at Ravalli County Council on Aging, 363-5690.

Family History Libraries

The Family History Libraries invite everyone (ages 12 and up) who is interested in researching their family history to stop in and take advantage of their free services. There are specialists available who are happy to assist you in finding records on your ancestors as well as in organizing photos and stories about them.

They also have free access to subscription genealogical sites.

401 N 8th Street, Hamilton Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesdays: 6 to 8 p.m.

Other times available by appointment. Call 363-5108.

100 Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville East Foyer Door - Ring Marked Bell Mondays, Thursdays, Fri-

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 days: 12 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Other times available by appointment. Call 777-2735.

Suicide support group

A support group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 12 noon at Riverfront Mental Health Center, 209 N. 10th, Suite A (blue building), Hamilton. The group is hosted by Ravalli County Suicide Prevention Alliance. For information email: rwetzel@wmmhc.org or phone 375-4095.

Drum Circle

African Drum Circle takes place on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Life, 328 Fairground Road, Hamilton.

Bring your drum, rattles, and other instruments and be part of the fun.

No drums? No worries! There are instruments to share. By donation.

For information, contact Jerry at 381-7220 (jelb229@aol.com) or on Facebook at CSLBitterroot or visit the website: CSLBitterroot. org.

Three Mile Coffee Club Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road.

Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For information call Colleen at 777-3710.

Quantum Group

The Quantum Group of the Bitterroot meets every other Wednesday (next session August 15) at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Community Center, 515 S. Fifth Street in Hamilton. This is a group of ordinary people who want to learn about quantum theory. They study relevant material (no equations), discuss it and teach one another this important field of science.

New members invited and welcomed. E-mail blaise.favara@ gmail for more information.

MomLife

Bitterroot MomLife is a gathering of moms with kids of all ages, meeting twice a month September-May on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville. Come join in for “grown-up” conversation, brunch, activities, crafts, speakers, Go Deeper discussions and free childcare. For more info call the church office, 777-2592.

Indoor pickleball

Pickleball is played at the Nazarene Church in Victor every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and Monday evening starting at 6 p.m. Stevensville Adult Ed Pickleball takes place every Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. (Register with Stevi School). Pickleball in Hamilton at the Bedford Building (upstairs) on Mondays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Extra paddles are available. Clinic format to start out. $3.00. Wear tennis shoes.

For more information call Rick at 239-8648.

Saturday bingo

Special Saturday Bingo is held every third Saturday of the month at Victor Senior Center.

Doors open at 12 noon, play at 1 p.m. $1 per card. $1 admission.

Must be 18 to play. Snacks and coffee available. Everyone welcome. Call Glenda at 360-3074 for more information.

AARP tax prep help

AARP provides free tax preparation to all ages, low to moderate income, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Stevensville Senior Center. Appointments, only, no walk-ins. Some Saturday appointments are available for working people. Same day elec-

tronic filing is available. Phone 777-5681 to make an appointment.

Share some love! Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th Street, Hamilton, has 160 residents and you’re invited to bring Valentines to Sapphire to fill the pouches on the residents’ doors.

The Valentines do not need to be addressed to anyone specific and the salutation can be whatever you like! Please bring as many valentines as you are able by Thursday, February 14. Call 363-2800 for more information.

Ham radio classes

Become a ham radio operator! Free study sessions will be held at the Darby Library meeting room on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon from March 16 through May 18. The class is free. No electronics background required. An ARRL License Manual is available from the instructor for $30.

For more information email Ted Dunlap at KF7ZEC@TedDunlap. net.

Farmer Bootcamp series

MSU Ravalli County Extension will host a workshop series in spring 2019 to help landowners understand the science of owning a plot of land, and develop a management plan to realize goals and desires of a plot of land. Topics of classes include soil health and fertility, plant communities, weed management, livestock integration, irrigation, and production opportunities. Classes include presentations from local producers, guest speakers, and field trips to area small farms. Classes will be held Wednesday nights from March 27 to May 29 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Extension Office, 215 S. 4th, Suite G, Hamilton, starting March 27 through May 29th. For information contact Patrick Mangan, 375-6611.

Wed, February 13 After School at Library

After School at the Library will be held every Wednesday in February from 3 to 4:30 p.m.in the Community Room at North Valley Public Library. Enjoy a quiet place to do homework, crafts, puzzles and games, studying, and Legos!

Sign up ahead of time with the Youth Services Specialist for reading tutoring, available for ages 6 & up. Snacks are available. Laptops are available for academic purposes. Bring your books, assignments and projects. The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call 406-7775061 or visit northvalleylibrary. org. All library programs are free and open to the public.

Backcountry Film Festival

Calling all “go big or go home” winter enthusiasts! Get ready to get goosebumps while you “ooh!” and “ahh!” at the impact and importance of our winter wildlands through this collection of short films. The fourteenth annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Backcountry Film Festival will show in Hamilton on Wednesday, February 13 at the Hamilton City Hall Community Center, 223 S. Second Street, Hamilton). Beer, wine, and other non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase throughout the films. Raffle tickets will also be available for sale with prizes from both our local and national sponsors. All proceeds will benefit Montana Wilderness Association.

Produced each year as a celebratory, backcountry community event by the Winter Wildlands Alliance, the 14th Annual Backcountry Film Festival film line-up is full of snowy, cinematic adventure sure to inspire both the local backcountry and general communities. Winter Wildlands Alliance is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving winter wildlands and a quality human-powered snow sports experience on public lands.

By partnering with groups like Montana Wilderness Associa-

tion at a local level, the Winter Wildlands Alliance raises funds for these groups and communities through the annual Backcountry Film Festival national tour. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the screening begins at 7 p.m.

Admission is $10 and can be purchased online at https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/bitterrootbackcountry-film-festival-tickets-55244680326 or at the door.

All funds raised directly benefit local projects and programs that perpetuate access and stewardship of public lands.

Adventure, environment and climate, youth outdoors, ski culture - you’ll find it all in this award-winning lineup. Films in this year’s program include: • Ode to Muir (Festival cut), Teton Gravity Research • Ski the Wild West, Thomas Woodson and Drew Petersen • The Abbey, DPS Cinematic • The Backcountry Snowsports Initiative: Human-Powered, Wool Hat Creative Productions • Abandoned (Festival cut), The Road West Traveled • Blue, Aly Nicklas • I Am Here, David Hanson and Michael Hanson • Surfer Dan, Camp4 Collective • Searching for Christmas Tree, Lie Feng • Westward: Brennan Lagasse, KGB Productions

Thurs, February 14 Back Country Horsemen

Do you love the rugged beauty of our Montana wilderness? Does preserving our wilderness trails and making new riding friends sound like fun? Would you like to learn how to pack and go on campouts? If so, you’re invited to attend the Thursday, February 14th SPWBCH general meeting at 6 p.m. Meeting will be held at the Bitterroot National Forest building located at 1801 N. 1st St in Hamilton. Entry is in the rear of the building. There will be the usual “trail talk” and discussions on summer projects. Valentine desserts and coffee will be served.

Guests are always welcome.

Owning a horse is not required!

For more information call Kathy at 363-8230, see Facebook or bchmt.org/wp/spwbch.

Stevensville Town Council

The Stevensville Town Council will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the town hall, 206 Buck. Agenda items include: discussion/decision to rescind Resolution 11 which would abolish the Park Board; discussion/ decision to approve Resolution No. 435a, amending wages and compensation of officers and employees; discussion/decision to update Ordinance #156 for Special Event Permits; discussion/decision to rescind Resolution 363, providing annual funding to the Stevensville Main Street program; discussion/decision to rescind Resolution 281a, protocol for use of legal counsel; discussion/decision on updating the Purchasing Policy; and discussion/decision on reconsideration of the approval of the Employee Reorganization Plan.

Fri, February 15 Mental Health First Aid program

Mental Health First Aid USA will be presented on Friday, February 15 from 8 to 5 p.m. at Bitterroot College (103 S. 9th Street, Room 119). Fee: $12, includes lunch. Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This 8-hour training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use program and help connect them to appropriate care.

To register for this event or for more information, contact Bitterroot College, 375-0100.

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, February 15 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be former legislator Rick Jore. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Leona Chapter Eastern Star

Barbara Rinke, of Ronan, Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of Montana will make her official visitation to Leona Chapter No. 31 in Hamilton on Friday, February 15, at 7 p.m. She will be accompanied by Worthy Grand Patron Jerry Williams of Shepherd. The meeting will take place at the Masonic Hall at 115 S. 3rd St. Members of the Order of Eastern Star are invited to attend.

For more information contact Fran Jackson, Chapter Secretary, 3630768. The Order of the Eastern Star was developed in the 1860s

by Dr. Rob Morris, who was honored as the Master Builder of the Order of the Eastern Star. Eastern Star is the largest organization in the world to which men and women may belong. The Order has over two million members with projects involving millions of dollars that benefit many people: Cancer Research, Heart Fund, Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Shriners Hospital, Masonic Home in Helena and many local charities. Some of Leona Chapter’s local charities are Random Acts of Kindness, Mildred Brownlee Scholarship for a student pursuing music, sponsors Hamilton Assembly #2 of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls from ages 11 to 21, help support Darby Bread box. The Order also sponsors the ESTARL (Eastern Star Training Awards for Religious Leadership) Fund to assist students seeking careers in ministry. Leona Chapter was charted September 18, 1903 and will be celebrating 116 years in September. The current Worthy Matron is Dee Hallock and Worthy Patron is Jim Trowbridge.

That’s Amore!

On Friday, February 15 at 7 p.m. bring your sweetheart, good friends and/or your family to Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th Street, Hamilton, and enjoy a fine Italian dinner and an evening of door prizes, raffles, fun and song! Start your dinner with a fresh traditional panzanella salad - choose from three sumptuous Tuscan entrée choices, complete with castagnaccio (a handmade Tuscan dessert), regional Chianti and all the trimmings! $40.00 a person. Tickets - 363-5778 or 363-2800.

Sat, February 16 First-time homebuyer class

The Bitter Root Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Bitter Root RC&D) will hold a pre-purchase class for first-time home-buyers on Saturday, February 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors building at the corner of 4th and Cherry streets in Hamilton. The Bitter Root RC&D provides the only HUDapproved first-time home-buyers’ pre-purchase classes in Ravalli County. Sara Ann Briggs, its Housing Counselor, is HUD certified and NCHEC (NeighborWorks Center for Housing Education and Counseling) in six focus areas. All presenters are local professionals in lending, real estate, home inspection, etc. The cost for the in-person class is $75 and includes the one-on-one financial counseling session required prior to taking the group class. Attendees must attend the entire session on Saturday (8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and participate in a one-on-one intake and financial counseling session to qualify for the certificate. This fulfills the education requirement of government insured or funded loans such as VA, FHA, MBOH, NeighborWorks, USDA Rural Direct and Guarantee, etc. for first-time home-buyers. Partici-

pants must be fully registered by Thursday, February 7, at 3 p.m.

This includes payment in full and return of all completed paperwork.

All counseling sessions must be completed by Monday, February 11, at 7 p.m. Call 406-363- 5450 to reserve your space. The one-onone cannot be scheduled until after payment and completed documents are received. If potential attendees are financially challenged, partial scholarships are available for those who qualify.

The Bitter Root RC&D office is located at 1709 North 1st Street in the building adjacent to Mildenberger Motors. This program is designed to help prospective homeowners navigate the homebuying process. Included will be discussions on mortgage readiness, credit, budgets, getting a mortgage, new loan products and/ or changes to current government insured or funded loan products, and getting the house you want.

Heart Math Solution Workshop

Science has proven that our hearts are intelligent and can be used as instruments of transformation using HeartMath techniques.

This day-long workshop led by David McArthur will give participants a real experience of the difference between the intelligence of the head and the intelligence of the heart. David will teach techniques to help stop stress, create emotional balance and strengthen our spiritual connection. The Saturday, February 16 workshop registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Registration at the door is $35 which includes lunch. You may also register on Eventbrite.

Six CEU credits for Counselors/ Social Workers is offered. Workshop is held at The Center for Spiritual Life, 328 Fairgrounds Road (across from high school), Hamilton. For more information, call Becki at (406) 360-2211.

Adventure Series

Recycled Paper Seed Starters is the project for the free Saturday Adventure Series for kids on Saturday, February 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Roll up your sleeves and squish wet paper pulp through your fingers! Press into cookie cutter shapes and add a few flower seeds for spring planting! For more information contact Lani at 363-3338.

Saturday bingo

Special Saturday Bingo is held every third Saturday of the month at Victor Senior Center with the next session on February 16th. Doors open at 12 noon, play at 1 p.m. $1 per card. $1 admission. Must be 18 to play. Snacks and coffee available. Everyone welcome. Call Glenda at 360-3074 for more information.

Trap-release workshop

There will be a free traprelease workshop on Saturday, February 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library in Hamilton. What will you do if your best friend steps in a trap?

Learn trapping regulations, how to avoid traps, first aid, hands-on practice opening traps, and what to carry with you to save your pet. For more information contact Constance at 406-5494647.

Steamships in the West program

Ed Wolff will talk about his new book, “Sweepers, Snags and Steam: The steamboat era on Montana’s Missouri River” on Saturday, February 16 at 2 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. Smoke-belching, whistle-blowing, water-churning, multistoried paddlewheel steamboats flourished on Montana’s Missouri River in the 1800’s.

By carrying thousands of tons of freight and thousands of passengers, these boats forever changed the character and cultures of Montana and the Northern Plains.

From 1850 to 1880, hundreds of steamers fought their way up the

9 Hours/ 6 Classes

treacherous “Bid Muddy” to Fort Benton, the world’s most inland port. Every trip was an adventure full of risks: hull-piercing snags and sweepers, grounding sandbars, powerful rapids, herds of swimming buffalo, Indian attacks, and exploding boilers. The dangers were great but the rewards were enormous – until the railroads came.

Local Author Ed Wolff captures the golden age of steamboats. Come and hear him speak about this interesting chapter in our history and the characters that helped to make it. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call 406-7775061 or visit northvalleylibrary. org. All library programs are free and open to the public.

Square dance club Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will celebrate Valentine’s Day on Saturday, February 16 with a black and white dress theme. Ray Dunbar will be calling the Mainstream dance, with the evening starting out with a half hour of Plus level dancing from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Mainstream dancing will follow from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Don Scheline will be providing

the Round Dance music. The club dances at the Golden Age Club at 5th & Baker Streets in Hamilton.

Spectators are always welcome!

For more info, call Ray at 3704414.

Western Line Dancing

A Western Line Dancing class offered through Lone Rock Adult Education will begin on Saturday, February 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and continue on Saturdays, February 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16 and 30 in the Lone Rock Elementary School multi-purpose room.

Are you ready for a rip-roarin’, foot stompin’, boot kickin’ good time? This class that will not only give you the knowledge of line dancing, but you will be meeting new people who love to dance as well! You will be a part of an energetic, fun-filled evening! Instructor, Bob Adkins, has 35 years of experience calling dance moves!

Line dancing is a choreographed dance with repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in one or more lines or rows, all facing each other or in the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time. Class fee is $10 with a 50% discount

FEBRUARY IS PET DENTAL MONTH

Lone Rock Elementary Multi-Purpose Room 9 Hours/ 6 Classes Lone Rock Elementary Multi-Purp Saturdays – 7 8:30 pm Saturdays – 7 ---8:30 pm7 Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Bitterroot Star Page Feb. 16, 23 Feb. 16, 23 for seniors. Pre-register by calling beer at Bitter Root Brewing on Bitterroot watershed. Bid at the Mar. 2, 9, 16, 30 Mar. 2, 9, 16, 30 Julie Bachman at 210-5129 or Sunday, February 17 from 1 to silent auction from 2 to 6 p.m., email adulteducation@lonerock7 p.m. where a portion of every enjoy door prizes, and enter a Are you ready for a rip-roar’n, brew foot sold stomp’n, boot good time?

Join Are us you for ready thisfor for school.org. benefits theirkick’n work to raffle to win a float trip two a rip-roar’n, foot stomp’n, boot kick’n good bring the community together to with Eddie Olwell of Fishs Eddy will not only give you the knowledge of lin awesome class that will not only give you the knowledge of line dancing,awesome but you class will that protect, enhance, and restore the O Outfitters. be getting out meeting new people who love to dance as well! You will bebe a part getting of an out meeting new people who love to dance as well! Y energetic, fun-filled evening! Instructor, Bob Adkins has 35 years ofenergetic, experience fun-filled evening! Instructor, Bob Adkins has 3 calling dance moves! calling dance moves!

Buy local!

777-3928

Sun, February 17

LONE ROCK ADULT EDUCATION IS PROUD TO PRESENT International Fly THIS SPECIALTY CLASS TOa isOUR COMMUNITY! Line dancingFilm is a choreographed dance with repeated sequence of steps Line in dancing which a choreographed dance with repeated sequen Fishing Fest

WESTERN LINE DANCING!

Join Bitter dance Root Water group ofthe people in or more lines or rows, all facing each other orgroup in theofsame people dance in or more lines or rows, all facing eac Forum for the 2019 International direction, and executing the steps at the same time. direction, and executing the steps at the same time.

Fly Fishing Film Festival on Sunday, February 17. The festival will showcase films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, highlighting the passion, lifestyle and culture Senior Discount of 50%! of fly fishing. Bring your fishiest 9 Hours/ 6 Classes friends to this must see experience at the Pharaohplex Cinema at 11 a.m., doors open at 10:30. Tickets PRE-REGISTER TODAY! will be available at the Bitter Root PRE-REGISTER TODAY! CALL Julie Bachman @ 210.5129 or EMAIL @ adulteducation@lonerockschool.org CALL Julie Bachman @ 210.5129 or EMAIL @ adulteducation Water Forum office and Freestone Fly Shop. They are $13 in advance Feb. 16, 23 & Mar. 2, 9, 16, 30 and $15 at the door. Enjoy door Are you ready for a rip-roar’n, foot stomp’n, boot kick’n good time? Join us for this awesome class that will prizes and enter a raffle to win not only give you the knowledge of line dancing, but you will be getting out meeting new people who love a float trip for two with Eddie to dance as well! You will be a part of an energetic, fun-filled evening! Instructor, Bob Adkins has 35 years of Olwell of Fishs Eddy O Outfitters.

Instructor: Bob Adkins Class Fee: $10.00

Lone Rock Elementary Multi-Purpose Room Saturdays 7 - 8:30pm

Reels and Brews

After the International Fly Fishing Film Festival join the Bitter Root Water Forum for a

experience calling dance moves!

Line dancing is a choreographed dance with repeated sequence of steps in which a group of people dance in or more lines or rows, all facing each other or in the same direction, and executing the steps at the same time.

PRE-REGISTER TODAY!

CALL Julie Bachman 210.5129 or email adulteducation@lonerockschool.org

Seniors, I’ve been expecting you.

We would love to help restore clean teeth and fresh breath for your pets!

DeeAnn Cranmore Agency (406) 375-9500

Our dental cleaning and polishing process, plus fluoride treatment is

15% OFF during February!

803 South 1st St. Hamilton, MT 59840

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Whether you’re moving closer to your family or closer to relaxation, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist will help you with your Real Estate plans.

Call the clinic 961-3077 to schedule an appointment for Fido or Fluffy CLINIC HOURS 8:00-5:30 MON-FRI

Donna M. Lewis, DVM 1039 Main Street • Corvallis

I’m your Seniors Real Estate Specialist® Call me today, I can help you build your future.

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HOME | RANCH | AUTO | BUSINESS | LIFE | ANNUITIES Property-casualty insurance products offered through Mountain West Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company/Laramie, WY. Life insurance and annuity products offered through Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company*/ West Des Moines, Iowa. *Company provider of Farm Bureau Financial Services

You are cordially invited to attend our . . .

AUCTION TO BENEFIT WILDLIFE Saturday, February 23rd 1ST INTERSTATE BUILDING Ravalli County Fairgrounds

Auction Preview 4:30pm • Dinner 6pm • Auction 7:30pm Tickets are $40 per person - $15 for children 12 & under

Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available at:

Bitterroot Trading Post, 1010 N. 1st St. Hamilton • Wilson's Custom Draperies, N. of Woodside, Hwy 93 Victor Liquor, 2400 93 N. Victor or call Linda at 381-9641 for credit cards or $600 sponsor tables Tickets for a Timberline, 28 Nosler (Coopers Newest Rifle) are $20 each or 3 for $50 and available the night of the auction or at, Wilson's Custom Draperies and Victor Liquor, or call Fred at 369-1150 $2,595 retail

AMONG THE LIVE AUCTION ITEMS ARE: • Zembe African Safari is proud to offer a 100% daily rate donation for 4 hunters for 7 days Hunting Safari, email linda5117@msn.com for more specific information • 2019 Ketchikan, Alaska fishing charter for 4, Includes 1 free day saltwater fishing ($1,600 value), contact CaptainMikeAdventures@gmail.com or 406-370-5924 for more specific information •Bitterroot River Float and Flyfishing trip for 2, 5 x 8 Lodge & Western Area Rugs, Stone Glacier Back Pack, Child's battery operated John Deere Mule & many other great items •Pistol and Gun raffles include; Kimber Micro 9 mm with laser sight, Kimber stainless 6-shot .357 Mag, Browning Hells Canyon Speed rifle in 6.5 Creed-more, Browing X-Bolt Composite Stalkger in 30-06 SILENT AUCTION • DART GAME AND BEAN TOSS GAME

Auctioneer: Kevin Hill • Emcee: Shane Clouse • Steak Dinner catered by Caffe Firenze • Quick Finish Artist: Steve Wilson

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Page 8 -- Bitterroot Star

More

Calendar

Mon, February 18 Stevi school menu

Monday: Presidents’ Day – no school Tuesday: Breakfast - Egg & Cheese Filled Breadsticks, fruit & milk; Lunch - Bean & Cheese Burrito, shredded lettuce, orange slices, bread & butter, milk Wednesday: Breakfast Ultimate Breakfast Cookie Round, fruit & milk; Lunch - Turkey a la King, homemade biscuits, sweet corn, sliced peaches, bread & butter, milk Thursday: Breakfast - Cinnamon Rolls, fruit & milk; Lunch - Tater Tot Casserole, green beans, Mandarin oranges, homemade dinner rolls, wheat bread & butter, milk Friday: Breakfast - Pancake on a Stick, fruit & milk; Lunch - Chicken Tenders, tossed salad with ranch dressing, grapes, bread & butter, regular or chocolate milk.

Rotary Club

Ravalli County Sheriff’s Chaplain, Mark Hawes, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, February 18 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public, and visitors are welcome. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.

Bitterroot Audubon

Come and join Bitterroot Audubon as world-renowned adventure guide Skip Horner takes members along on a virtual birding safari in East Africa. Skip has guided dozens of safaris in East Africa since 1981. He says “East Africa is the best place in the world to see the most and loveliest bird species the quickest and the

easiest. It is home to over 1300 species of birds, with some of the rarest birds anywhere, some still unidentified.” Skip will show you exotic species such as Babblers, Chatterers, Broadbills, Waxbills, Shoebills, Scimitarbills, Oxpeckers, Bee-eaters, Flufftails, Finfoots and Loveleafs, and maybe even some large African mammals. This photographic romp through the bush with Skip will be featured at the Bitterroot Audubon meeting on Monday, February 18 at 7 p.m. at the community room at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main Street, Stevensville. The meeting is free, and the public is invited.

Contact Kay at 360-8664 for further information.

Wed, February 20 RCEDA

Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday, February 20 from 2:15 to 2:55 p.m., and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, February 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the RCEDA office, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. The meetings are open to the public.

The plan was adopted by the Montana Fish and Game Commission and implemented in 2018.

BRRAC was composed of outfitters, shop owners, private anglers and sportsmen group members, including several members from BRTU. The Plan divided the UBWF into four segments and on certain days, no commercial floating was allowed one of the segments.

During the 2018 season, MFWP did surveys and collected data about commercial and private use.

One aspect of the plan was a no fee permit system for commercial users so that commercial floating could be tracked. Fifty-three outfitters presented documentation of commercial floating on the UBWF prior to December 31, 2016, and under the plan that number cannot increase. The data show a clear increase in the number of commercial user (guided client) days since 2014, suggesting that the cap on new outfitters was a prudent move.

If you are interested in meeting the River Ranger, hearing more about the data that was collected, learning about the plan’s implementation and plans for the future, you will want to attend the meeting.

Sat, February 23

Thurs, February 21 Square dance club Trout Unlimited

The Bitter Root Trout Unlimited program will feature Chrissy Oschell, River Recreation Coordinator for MFWP, at the next meeting, Thursday, February 21 at 7 p.m. at the Hamilton Elks Club, 203 State Street in Hamilton. Chrissy will report on the Upper Bitterroot/West Fork (UBWF) Recreation Plan which was implemented last season. In 2017, the Bitterroot Recreation Advisory Committee spent many hours developing an equitable plan to address issues of crowding and angler displacement on the West Fork and Upper Bitterroot River.

Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will have Ray Dunbar calling a Mainstream dance on Saturday, February 23rd at the Golden Age Club, 5th & Baker Streets in Hamilton. Don Scheline will be providing the Round Dance music. The evening starts with a half hour of Plus level dancing from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Mainstream will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. As always, spectators are always welcome! For more info, call Ray at 370-4414.

President’s Day Friday, Saturday & Monday

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Nomination Commission solicits judgeship applications Chief Justice Mike McGrath has notified the Judicial Nomination Commission that the Hon. Jeffry H. Langton, district judge for the Twenty-First Judicial District (Ravalli County) will be retiring effective April 30, 2019.

The Commission is now accepting applications from any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge. The application form is available electronically at http:// courts.mt.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically as well as in hard copy. The deadline for

submitting applications is 5 p.m., Monday, March 11, 2019. The Commission will announce the names of the applicants thereafter.

The public is encouraged to contact Commission members regarding the applicants during the public comment period, which will begin Wednesday, March 13, 2019 and close Monday, April 15, 2019.

The Commission will forward the names of three to five nominees to the Governor for appointment after reviewing the applications, receiving public comment, and interviewing the

applicants if necessary. The position is subject to election in 2020, and the successful candidate will serve for the remainder of Judge Langton’s term, which expires in January 2023. The annual salary for the position is $132,567.

Judicial Nomination Commission members are District Judge John Brown of Bozeman; Janice Bishop of Missoula; Karl Englund of Missoula; Elizabeth Halverson of Billings; Hal Harper of Helena; Lane Larson of Billings; and Nancy Zadick of Great Falls.

By Michael Howell

November to April every year.

They estimated the cost of replacing the valves at $1.3 million.

The irrigation company, which serves 1400 users, is looking for grants to help pay for the project and has asked the County to give them a $300,000 loan over thirty years with zero interest.

That money would be used to help leverage grant funds for the project. BRID would also place $20,000 in an escrow account as security on the loan. That money would be used in the event the irrigation company could not make an annual payment due to some unforeseen emergency, he said.

Commissioner Greg Chilcott noted that not only was the irrigation of all that land a big part of the county’s economy, it also benefits non-users all along the way by charging the groundwater and all these public benefits should be taken into account.

Commission Chair Jeff Burrows noted that leaking valves at the base of dam also present a safety issue to the community.

The two commissioners approved the loan with the conditions discussed. Commissioner Chris Hoffman recused himself from the process since he is a BRID user.

County to loan BR Irrigation District $300k for dam repairs Last week the Ravalli County Commissioners agreed to loan the Bitter Root Irrigation District (BRID) $300,000 to replace some ancient gate valves that serve to control the flow of water from Lake Como through the dam to the irrigators.

BRID Manager John Crowley told the commissioners that the two 66-inch valves located at the base of the dam are leaking. He said the engineering firm Morrison-Maierle had determined that an estimated 1400 acre feet of water was being lost through the non-irrigation season from

Local physical therapists complete national certification Hamilton Physical Therapy and associated clinics have, for past last three years, completed over 150 hours of educational and hands on training to complete the Manual Physical Therapist Certification through the North American Institute of Manual Therapy.

The crowning achievement was having 13 of their therapists pass a rigorous oral/practical examination in December.

Prior to the therapists becoming certified, only three other therapists were certified in the state of Montana. There were no certified therapists in the Bitterroot Valley prior to this group

completing the examination.

The certification is best described as: “a strong emphasis on biomechanics, mobilization/ manipulation and the interaction of the extremity with the spine (the quadrant system). It is an eclectic manual therapy system, encouraging diversity in approaches and avoids adherence to a single view or system.”

Patients who require an advanced level of treatment will be assured of specialized care to meet their needs. This certification has a large focus on the evaluation and treatment of spine pain and

The Department of Commerce has closed on a loan to one of Ravalli County’s largest employers, preserving 83 full-time jobs.

Loaned to Rocky Mountain Homes in Hamilton through the Economic Development Adminis-

tration Wood Products Revolving Loan Fund (WPRLF), the $1.6 million loan of federal funds will help the business to bridge a gap in working capital.

“Businesses working in the wood products sector have a major impact on the livelihood of their

Department of Commerce loan preserves 83 jobs in Bitterroot

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 9

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Page 10 -- Bitterroot Star

Award continued

Wildland-Urban Interface Conference in Reno Nevada, on March 27, 2019. More information on the awards can be found at: http:// stateforesters.org/mitigation.

Bonney spent 31 years doing fire management work for the U. S. Forest Service before “retiring” to the Bitterroot Valley. His first job was serving as a crew boss on a hotshot smokejumper crew based at Redmond Air Center in Redmond, Oregon. From there he moved on to serve as Assistant Fire Management Officer for Baker City, Oregon. After that he did a nine-year stint in Lincoln, Montana as District Fire Management Officer and Law Enforcement Officer. After that he moved on to work as a fuels management officer on the Clearwater National Forest in Orofino, Idaho. But within a year he took over as Fire Staff Officer for the Forest. A few years later fire management was combined on the Clearwater and Nez Perce National Forests and he served as Fire Staff Officer for both.

With 31 years total under his belt, he retired to the Bitterroot Valley in 2001. But before he could even settle down into his easy chair, he got a call from John Hughes asking him if he wanted a job as Community Forester for the Bitter Root RC&D. With grant funds made available following adoption of the National Fire Plan, Bitter Root RC&D was implementing a fire mitigation program for private land owners and needed someone with experience to serve as Program Manager and grant administrator.

“It sounded interesting,” said Bonney. Needless to say, he took the job and has been at it for the last 18 years. The grants, which come through the State Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, are administered by RC&D and awarded on a 50/50 cost share basis to private landowners to help create a “defensible space” around their homes and some fire mitigation work in some of the surrounding area. He said they also do “home assessments”

and offer advice, although they don’t offer any money for actual remodeling of homes.

“You can do all the tree thinning you want in the surrounding area and even clear a defensible space of 100 feet around the house, but if you have a shake roof, dry cedar siding, a deck, pine needles on the roof, in the gutters, and open eaves, you are toast, I’m sorry,” he said.

They do work in Ravalli County, Mineral County and Missoula County as far as Bonner.

(Grants for work in the Blackfoot drainage are administered by the Blackfoot Challenge.) Bonney said that since 2001, that is over the last 18 years, Bitter Root RC&D has treated around 9500 acres and helped about 1300 individual landowners. Bonney helped spread RC&D activity to other areas around the state, as well. He helped establish them in Bozeman, Joliette, Roundup and Shelby.

Our main objective,” said Bonney, “is to reduce fire risk.

A secondary aim would be to improve the forest health.” He said the work directly contributes to employment of contractors in the area and indirectly to the mills, helping the local economy as well.

Bonney said they receive about 40 to 50 applications a year for projects ranging from clearing a defensible 100-foot space

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

around homes to doing a few hundred acres of fire mitigation work that includes removal of some merchantable trees to create spacing that can reduce crown fires, thinning of unmerchantable timber, removal of ladder fuels, and treatment of slash. He said the average job covers about seven acres, the largest was 105. But several adjacent or nearby projects may be combined.

Bonney handles most of the projects in the Missoula area, although he will sometimes help both Lynee’ Maillet, who handles the Mineral County projects, and Chuck Standish, who handles most of the Ravalli County projects. He said right now they have about 60 ongoing projects at various stages in the works.

Bonney said that there is no obligation placed on applicants in the process. Their property will be assessed, and a project designed, but there is no obligation on the landowners to follow through once they have assessed it. In fact, according to Bonney, even after signing the contract to do the work a landowner can change his or her mind.

“They can pull out of the deal at any time,” said Bonney.

“It’s all up to them.”

“The bottom line is,” he said, “we will work with them to meld their desires for their land

in with our treatment specifications. That means [for example] a lot of landowners don’t want to look in their next-door neighbor’s window, so maybe we will keep a little stand of trees to shield the neighboring house from view.”

“If a homeowner says a fawn was born under a certain tree every year for the last few years,” said Bonney, “then I say, OK, well, let’s leave the tree. As long as it doesn’t compromise the whole project and the objective, we’ll work with them.”

Bonney said that he encourages landowners to use a contractor, especially if they are taking out merchantable timber. RC&D has a list of 25 contractors who are licensed, have provided proof of liability insurance, and pay workers’ comp. RC&D will put the project out to bid for a landowner and has a list for both merchantable timber contractors and hand-work contractors. But a landowner may opt to do the work themselves. In that case they keep track of their hours and are credited with the nationally established value for volunteers and it

goes towards the landowner’s 50% share in the cost. So does the value of any merchantable timber that is removed.

The objective of the work goes beyond the benefits to any individual landowner, according to Bonney. He said besides increasing the safety of the homeowners, the projects also provide increased safety for the firefighters who may eventually have to respond to a wildfire threatening the property.

“If there is only a single ingress/egress to the property, if there is a bridge in poor repair or one unable to hold a heavy load, if there is no turn around that will accommodate a large vehicle, then firefighters are not going to enter the property,” said Bonney.

If the area and the home have been adequately treated and prepared with good access and accessibility, it creates a safer, more effective place to take a stand against a fire. He said by making a property fire-wise, “it not only protects the landowners and their homes, it provides a safe area for firefighters to make a stand.”

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They work closely with the Bitterroot and Lolo National Forests. They keep detailed accounts and maps of all the work they do on private land and share it with the local national forests. Those agencies use the information to help coordinate activities on the forest with the work on private lands and form a wider buffer in the area of the wildland-urban interface.

“I think one of the biggest parts of the job for Chuck and Lynee’ and I is that we have all spent our careers in fire and we know fire and fire behavior,” said Bonney. “We know what fire can do. We’ve seen it first-hand throughout our careers. So, it’s up to us to let the landowners know what the consequences of their decisions may be. If you decide to do something, here’s what you might expect in a fire. If you don’t do something, here’s what you can expect.”

Bonney added one caveat, also based on decades of engaging fires. He said, you can do everything right, “but there are no guarantees.”

Sports

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

By Jean Schurman Sports Editor

Jones completes undefeated season Spencer Jones of Florence completed his senior year undefeated and claiming the state championship at 205 pounds.

Jones defeated Beau Peterson of Colstrip with an 8-2 decision.

Jones defeated Kolter Bouma of Fairfield in the first round with a pin at 4:19.Gage Schmitt of Shepherd fell to Jones in the quarterfinals when Jones pinned him at 2:38. In the semi finals, won a Brett Monroe of Valier with a 2-1 decision.

Avery Meinzen finished third with a pin of Kyle Evans of Cascade at one minute. Meinzen began his quest as the No. 1 seed at 160 and defeated Ty Kittleson of Glasgow with a pin at 27 seconds. Meinzen met up with Evans in the quarter finals and pinned him in 20 seconds. That set up a match against Ty Bradley of Colstrip in the quarter finals. Bradley won that with a pin at 1;19.

Meinzen then went to the consolation bracket where he defeated Paden Vannattan of Forsyth with a pin at 3:17 and that set up the rematch with Evans.

In Class A, Corvallis finished 11th with 71 points, Hamilton was 13 with 60.5 points and Stevensville had 14 points. Sidney won the team championship with 310.5 points.

Corvallis’ Dante Venema finished fourth at 126 after losing to Everett Jensen of Sidney/ Fairview, 7-5, in overtime. Carter Brown of Corvallis pinned Thomas Peters of Columbia Falls in1:59 to take fifth at 132. Triston Davis lost an 8-5 decision to Dakota Flanning of Whitefish to finish sixth at 138. Jimmy Schmitt finished sixth at 120 pounds after losing to Kedrick Baker of Polson.

Hamilton’s Michael Golden

Darby’s TeaAnna Rouse sights in the basket. Jennifer Burdette photo.

Corvallis seeded #1

Spencer Jones is the first Florence wrestler to win a state championship since the 1980’s. He was undefeated at 205 pounds this year with a 40-0 record. He’s shown here with the trophy he won at the Battle of the Root where he was named Outstanding Wrestler in the Bitterroot. Jean Schurman photo. finished thrift 132 pounds. He defeated Kilton Reid of Sidney in a 3-1 decision. Golden won his first match over Caden McCord of FELE with a pin in 35 seconds.

Golden lost to Damian Leidholt

of Miles City in the semi finals and had come back through the consolation bracket to finish third.

Hamilton’s Bridger Williams finished third with a 3-0 decision

over Sidney’s Dylan Lutznoah Hurst lost to Duane Otto II to finish fourth at 160.

Stevensville’s Kyler Pancake finished sixth at 160.

Darby perfect in conference play

The Darby Tigers secured the top seed in District 13C with a 53-49 win over Clark Fork on Thursday night. Although the Mountain Cats took the lead at the end of the first quarter, Darby took control in the second and edged ahead. The Alberton/Superior co-op struggled in the second quarter thanks to a tight Tiger defense. Darby continued to push and took the lead in the second half. Nelson Smith scored 18 points to lead all scorers.

Darby 53, Clark Fork 49 Clark Fork - Hewston Coon 9, Danner Haskins 3, Javen Hughes 2, Aaron Waddle 15, Korey Radford 3, Bryan Mask 17.

Darby - Dylan Parks 10, Nelson Smith 18, Christian Humphrey 8, Daniel Muir 3, Brandon Winters 7, Gabe Smith 7.

Friday’s game against Seeley-Swan was a barn-burner.

Seeley, who is the No. 2 seed in the conference was looking for an upset and came out on fire. But Darby was ready and after trailing by three at the end of the first quarter, the Tigers came back to take a four point lead at the half.

The score switched back and forth throughout the second half and the game was tied at 47-all at the end of regulation play. Darby had the lead in the first overtime but a last-second three point shot by Seeley tied the game back up. In the second overtime, both teams fought basket for basket. With .06 seconds remaining, Darby had to inbound the ball. Gabe Smith caught it and launched it. Swish!

Time ran out and Darby had won, 63-61.

Darby 63, Seeley-Swan 61 2OT Darby - Dylan Parks 19, Brandon Winters 6, Nelson Smith, 13, Gabe Smith 19, Tyler Davis 2, Cole Kayser 4.

Seeley-Swan - Owen Mercado 13, Cordell Turner 10, Walker McDonald 5, Dakota

Dylan Parks of Darby soars to make a lay up in the Clark Fork game. Jennifer Burdette photo.

Wood 4,Hunter Shelmerdine 7, Chance Johnson 22.

Hamilton lost a nail-biter to Dillon on Saturday, 50-49. The Broncs came out and doubled up the Beavers in the first quarter. But then Dillon went to work in the second quarter and held Hamilton to only seven points. Hamilton could not get the ball to drop through the hoop. Carson Rostad had 17 points to pace Hamilton.

Dillon 50, Hamilton 49 Dillon - Michael Haverfield 6, Justus Peterson 6, Alfred Peterson 2, Dylan Cervelli 8, Braden

Anderson 2, Cole Truman 11, Bradley Rakich 10, Jace Fitzgerald 5.

Hamilton - Cam Rothie 3, Carson Rostad 17, Tyler Barnes 2, Hunter Omlid 12, Tanner Goligoski 9, Trey Searle 6.

Corvallis fell to Ronan in overtime on Thursday. The game was close with both sides committing turnovers. Corvallis trailed by three at the half but then Garrett Brown dumped a short jumper in for the lead. Ronan kept the pressure on which Corvallis was able to handle and get the ball

across the half court zone. The game was tied at 39 all after three quarters. Corvallis pulled ahead when after Caeson Jessop hit a trey and then Tanner Jessop hit the back end of two free throws.

A mixup on the floor resulted in a Corvallis foul and then a technical.

Although Corvallis maintained the lead, Ronan began edging closer.

Anthony Camel of Ronan hit two free throws to pull Ronan within one point and the next play down the floor, it was Camel that hit the shot for the lead. Ronan tied the game with .05 seconds remaining. Ronan kept after the ball and chipped away while playing tough defense on the Blue Devils. Ronan went on to win, 69-60. Caleb Warnken had 15 points.

“We just couldn’t quite finish,” said Corvallis Coach Zane Warnken. “We took just too many long range shots and without Garrett (Brown) in there to rebound, it hurt.”

Butte Central topped Corvallis, 49-23, at Butte Central. Caleb Warnken had seven points to lead the Blue Devils.

Stevensville lost to Frenchtown, 47-36. Although Stevensville had a strong first quarter, the Broncs held the ‘Jackets to only three points in the second quarter.

Logan Roth and Colby Meeds each had 8 points to lead the Yellowjackets.

The Florence Falcons lost to Class A Frenchtown, 63-47.

Florence could not make up a 15 point difference in the first quarter.

Freshman Beau Neil had 13 points to lead the Falcons.

Victor lost to Philipsburg, 61-56. The second quarter proved to be the difference in the game as the Prospectors outscored the Pirates by seven in that frame.

Skyler Webberson had 19 points and Tristin Chavez added15 more for Victor. Victor also lost to Seeley Swan but no further details were given.

The Corvallis Blue Devils have the No. 1 seed going into the Southwest A District tournament this weekend in Butte. They defeated Ronan in non conference action and then ran over Butte Central, 56-43, on Saturday. Calla Haldorson had 15 points to lead her team. The Blue Devils led throughout the game.

Ronan, with their run and gun style play, stayed right with Corvallis in the first quarter but then the Blue Devils went to work and scored 19 points in the second quarter and went on to win, 55-43.

Lainie Albright had 13 points with Haldorson scoring 12 and Hannah Martin scoring 11.

Florence continued to win with a non conference win over Frenchtown, 57-30. Danielle Zahn had 20 points and Rilee Mangun added 13 in the win.

Florence 57, Frenchtown 30 Florence - Joey Janetski 6, Jaidyn Larson 3, Makenna Liles 9, Jami Janetski 4, Kasidy Yeoman 2, Rilee Mangun 13, Danielle Zahn 20.

Frenchtown - Cassidy Bagnell 5, Claire Bagnell 2, Lauren Demmons 2, Harper Armitage 6,

Cassidy Moen 1, Kiya Shelton 11, Hailey Arthur 3.

Darby lost to Clark Fork, 51-35. Although Darby stayed with the MountainCats in the first quarter, they were unable to stay with them and fell behind. The strong defense on Casey Ehmann kept her from getting to the basket much. TeaAnna Rouse and Ehmann each had seven points to lead Darby.

Stevensville topped Frenchtown, 46-44, in Southwest A action. The Lady ‘Jackets held on for the lead after Frenchtown came back in the fourth quarter outscore Stevi. Sophomore Kennedy Praast had 16 points to lead all scorers.

Stevensville 46, Frenchtown 44 Frenchtown - Faith Rebich 9, Claire Bagnell 7, Kiya Shelton 11, Hailey Arthur 6, Cassidy Moen 2, Lauren Demmons 9.

Stevensville - Angel Richards 11, Maliyah LeCoure 9, Kennedy Praast 16, Maddie Weber 5, Evynne Alexander 2, Isabelle Pape 0, Maddie Sims 3.

Hamilton defeated Stevensville, 33-32.

Victor lost to Seeley-Swan and Philipsburg.

Knights of Columbus Free Throw contest winners

Knights of Columbus Councils 6130 and 13093 of Hamilton and Stevensville held their annual Free Throw Championship on Wednesday, January 9, at the Hamilton Middle School Gym. The contest is open to all Ravalli County youth, ages 9-14. Winners will advance to the district competition which will be held in February. Winners will compete against the winners of the Missoula area’s competition.

Girls Boys 9 year old - Madigan Hurlbert 9 year old - Luke McCarthy 11 year old - Emilee Searle 10 year old - Brody Duchien 12 year old - Madi Nelson 11 year old - Sebastian Cardullo 13 year old - Haylee McKern 12 year old - Bradley Wolfe 14 year old - Trista Williams 13 year old - Conner Ekin

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Page 12 -- Bitterroot Star

Whitefish season A couple of weeks ago I joined some friends at a café in Darby for a late breakfast. The object was to fuel ourselves up with enough calories to withstand a chilly afternoon on the river, where we planned to catch a mess of whitefish.

After that, the plan was to cook a few for an early dinner according to one of Mike’s all-time-great whitefish recipes (he’s a great cook,) and if enough were left over, to smoke

Flyfishing with Chuck Stranahan them. Who would do the smoking was uncertain. Both Jim and Mike are great hands with the smoker.

My contribution to the day, as it were, was to supply the flies. My payback would come later in the form of some delicious whitefish fillets from Mike’s grill, or smoked whole whitefish to munch during the Super Bowl.

As things turned out that day I had to leave early. My end of the Great Whitefish Expedition had to be sacrificed to the tyranny of the urgent.

Mike and Jim spilled the flies out on the breakfast table and we talked about how each one might be rigged in a one or two-fly system, where to set the indicators, and so on. They expressed their regrets that I couldn’t join them; I finished my coffee and left.

Whitefish and history Smoked whitefish were a sought-after delicacy in the Marcus Daly era. The miners in Butte could make a meal of one along with a chunk of good hard-tack bread and a tall beer.

Those miners were reputed to pay up to one dollar apiece for a smoked Bitterroot whitefish. In other places, a dollar a day was starting wages for a working man.

The Butte miners made a lot of money that era, and the cost of living in Butte was correspondingly high. The company store got back a big piece of what the miners made, and the rest was spent on other things.

Some of it went for smoked whitefish.

Tales are told that when the road over Skalkaho Pass opened in the spring, smoked whitefish went out of the valley in wagonloads loads of 200.

The river’s whitefish were the resource that supported a cash nosiness for a few enterprising souls back in that day. There never seemed to be a shortage of whitefish, and today, with no wagonloads of them leaving the valley, there doesn’t seem to be an overload of them in the river.

Bitterroot whitefish Whitefish do well in the icy cold water of winter, and the bathtub-warm water of summer doesn’t seem to tax them.

They tend to gather in ageclass schools in water that is only marginal as trout habitat, the slowmoving lower thirds of pools and deep slow eddies. They’re easy to target if you’re fishing for them.

During winter, they don’t go off their feed as much as a trout would; they keep eat the small nymphs that concentrate in their preferred lies. They’ll take small red midge larvae patterns regularly. A popular old-time whitefish fly consisted of nothing more than bright red thread and a few wraps of ostrich herl on a small dry fly hook.

They’ll also take small red Copper Johns, and just about any small mayfly nymph with a bright bead up front. They like an extra bit of glitz on their flies. The flies I gave to Mike and Jim fit all those categories, with various amounts of weight built in so they wouldn’t have to add any on the stream.

When the water is cold, their flesh is firm. They tend to get softer when the water is warm, but the smaller fish taken in summer do well in the pan when fried briefly over high heat. Mustn’t overcook, just cook through until the inside meat is done. And don’t let them spoil in the heat of a summer day. Don’t waste them.

And please, please, don’t toss them on the bank if you happen to catch one accidentally.

They’re not a trash fish. And on some days for the fly fisherman in late summer, they’re the only game in town.

Fishing for them today As I write this, the temperature outdoors is around twelve degrees above zero. I think I’ll stay in, write, and tie flies. There is a storm front moving in and the barometer is undoubtedly falling.

Bad weather for catching whitefish.

When the barometer is high or on a steady rise, though, the whitefish will generally co-operate. At that, I try to catch the best of that barometric cycle, and fish

Crossword Puzzle

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

through the pleasant part of the day, maybe from late morning until the air starts to chill off a bit in the afternoon. When conditions are right, the whitefish will feed.

I’ll use my longest rod, a ten-footer with a delicate tip that I usually use at Georgetown Lake. It does well for whitefish, or summer nymphing on the river.

Whitefish don’t require special tackle, though. You can use whatever you have and do

well, although I feel the longer rod and its reach gives me a slight advantage.

The main thing is how you rig up: To detect the delicate take of a whitefish in slow water, don’t overdo it. Light tippet material from the indicator on down is a must – and the less drag you have from the leader on top of the water, the better.

Don’t add extra weight if you can get by without it and use only as much indicator as necessary. The valley’s old-time whitefish fishermen preferred quill floats. I don’t know if they’d work with conventional fly tackle or not but I’ve always wanted to try them.

In their place I’d use a small tuft of wool or poly knotted into the leader, or a New Zealand system where the wool is pulled into a small piece of plastic tubing with a special tool.

I use that system a lot when trout are taking small blue-winged olive nymphs just below the surface.

That’s how Mike and Jim were equipped on the day that I couldn’t get out with them, a day when a storm blew in, the barometer dropped like a sack of bricks and the fish went comatose.

They told me later how the conditions tanked, and they got skunked. I was relieved that they didn’t blame it on my flies.

Obituary Juanita ‘Nita’ M. Schaffer In the early morning hours of Friday, February 1st, Nita left this earth and went wherever loveable, spunky little mamas go.

She was born July 24, 1937 in Kokomo, Indiana, the only child of Marcus and Naomi (Durham) French. When Nita was 8, the family moved to Denver, Colorado. Nita would stay close to her parents; living nearby, taking family vacations, and eventually move together with her family to the Bitterroot Valley of Montana.

She attended Westminster High School in Westminster, CO where she met Paul Henry Schaffer. After getting engaged on her 18th birthday, they were married on Oct. 9, 1955. They remained happily married until her passing (forever). After getting married, Nita worked at the First National Bank of Denver. She worked there long enough to get her first Christmas bonus, used it to buy furniture for the house, then spent the rest of her life as a loving homemaker, wife, and mother to her two children. All of which she did impeccably.

Nita enjoyed collecting animal figurines and pocket knives

(yes, she had a switchblade). She maintained her girlish figure by keeping active camping, hiking, bowling, and A LOT of dancing.

She also loved taking trail rides on her ATV. She and Paul took many hikes in Glacier Park to Sperry and Granite Park chalets. One of their hiking buddies called her “shuffle feeta Nita.” She would shuffle her way down a trail, leaving the rest of the party in the dust.

She loved all kinds of dancing including tap, clogging, square dance, round dance, ballroom, rock & roll, Dutch hop and polka.

You name it, she could do it.

Going to the Five Valley Accordion events was something Nita and Paul would enjoy up until the last year of her life. She could still dance like a thirty-something. To see Nita and Paul doing the polka was a real treat! They were the stars of the dance floor.

Nita was predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Paul; son Wayne Schaffer and his wife Terri of Snohomish, WA; daughter Vicki Wicks and her husband Ernie of Hamilton, MT; grandson Scott Schaffer of Snohomish, WA; step-grandchildren Geoffrey Wicks and his wife Heather of Bozeman, MT, and Shannon Doherty and her husband Nick of Missoula, MT; four step-great grandchildren, Xirae and Kwinz Wicks of Bozeman, and George and Saylor Doherty of Missoula.

There will be a celebration of Nita’s life at a later date to be announced.

The family suggests memorials to the Bitterroot Humane Association, PO Box 57, Hamilton MT 59840.

Death Notices Patricia A. Sokolowski Stevensville - Patricia A. “Pat” Sokolowski, 75, of Stevensville passed away Sunday, February 10 at Community Medical Center. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 23 at 12 noon at the Stevensville American Legion Post #94. A

complete obituary will appear next Wednesday. Whitesitt Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

William C. Winn

Winn, 71, passed away early in the morning, Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at his residence. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Darby - William C. “Bill”

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1. I want my ___ 4. Refer 10. To be in debt 11. Linger 12. Rowing tool 13. Docket 14. Take away weapons 16. Viper 17. Fasten 18. Comes before a vowel 20. Brand of cola 22. Type of cheese 26. Loose gown worn at mass 29. Helps 31. Capital of South Dakota 33. Thirst quencher 34. Commanding 35. Poached food 36. Inter 37. Grain

1. Emotional states 2. Author Mark 3. Vice __ 4. Winged 5. Tenet 6. Compete 7. Gas burner 8. Cincinnati baseball team 9. Catch 15. April (abbr.)

19. BB association 21. Rebound 23. Metric capacity unit 24. Lament 25. Utilization 26. Church part 27. Legal claim to property 28. Angled 30. Action word 32. River (Spanish)

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Kioti SALES tractor, shop, ESTATE outbuildings! www.bluejayestatesales.com Feb 21-23. Florence. 209 Cormoret. House portion of the sale!

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FOLLOWING DAYS 9-12

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WINTER SQUASH! Potatoes, red cabbage, and pie pumpkins. Potting soil, peat moss. Eggs. Grain-fed beef and hogs. Alfalfa & affalfa/grass mix hay, $5/bale. Moeller’s Nursery, Eastside Hwy, Corvallis. 9613389, open daily.

BAGGED WHOLE-GRAIN livestock feed: wheat, oats, barley.

Cracked 3-Way (barley, oats, wheat), new crop hay. GRAIN-FED LOCKER BEEF. Call Russ, 3601125 or 961-3528.

PASTURE FOR LEASE. Approx 9 acres of fenced pasture land for lease. It’s irrigable using the Ditch water. You move the pipes. Lease negotiable. Send contact info to kssanchezmt@ gmail.com FRESH FARM EGGS from pastured free range chickens, delivered daily to the Bitterroot Star, Stevensville. Severson’s natural grass fed ground beef (1-lb packages, $5/lb), also steaks!. Call 777-3928 for availability or just stop by Bitterroot Star at 115 W. 3rd (blue door).

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209 Cormoret Kioti tractor, shop, outbuildings! Special Day One hours 4pm-7pm. Kioti and Husky mower by sealed bid at 6pm Day One. Feb. 21-23 • Florence 209 Cormoret House portion of the sale!

Feb. 28-Mar. 2 • Hamilton Roxy Theater liquidation!

20-Word Personal $8.50 20-Word Commercial $10.50 Each Add’l Word - 20¢ Includes Posting to Web Page

RENTALS COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE: Great parking, Highway 93 frontage, 3900 sq. ft. retail or professional offices, Hamilton.

406-381-7251.

5-ACRE lots for rent. Trailer house hookups. 406-544-1669.

HELP WANTED

HOME CARE SERVICES is hiring caregivers and CNAs. Flexible schedule, competitive pay. Apply at 925 N. First Street in Hamilton. Call 375-8637.

RAVALLI HEAD START IS SEEKING AN ASSISTANT TEACHER for the North Valley Head Start Center in Stevensville.

Position is 32 hours per week September – May. Hourly wage is $10.59 to $11.28 per hour depending on education level. Benefits include employer paid health insurance, vacation & personal leave and paid holidays. Application available at ravalliheadstart.org.

Submit completed application and resume to juliag@ravalliheadstart. org.

RAVALLI HEAD START IS SEEKING A BUS DRIVER for the North Valley Head Start Center in Stevensville. Position is 16 to 18 hours per week. Hourly wage is $11.34 per hour. Application available at ravalliheadstart.org. Submit completed application and resume to juliag@ravalliheadstart.org.

2 positions - Temporary/ seasonal work planting, cultivating, harvesting, storing crops on a corn, sunflower, wheat, peas and/ or durum crop farm, from 3/3/2019 to 12/15/2019 at K & D Farms , Wilton, ND and multiple worksites within Burleigh county. This job requires a minimum of six months of prior verifiable agricultural equipment operation experience working on a corn, sunflower, wheat, peas, soybeans and durum crop farm handling both manual and machine tasks associated with commodity production and harvest activities. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. No minimum education or High School diploma/equivalent is necessary for the position. Must possess or be able to obtain an insurable driver’s license within 30 days following hire. Workers will drive company vehicles, including semi-trucks within a 150-mile radius of the farm. $14.38/hr or current applicable AEWR. Raise/ bonus at employer discretion.

Workers are guaranteed 3/4 of work hours of total period. Work tools, supplies, equipment sup-

plied by employer without charge to worker. Housing with kitchen facilities provided at no cost to only those workers who are not reasonably able to return same day to their place of residence at time of recruitment. Transportation and subsistence expenses to work site will be paid to nonresident workers not later than upon completion of 50% of the job contract. Interviews required. Apply for this job at nearest State Workforce Agency in state in which this ad appears, or Job Service North Dakota, 1601 E. Century Ave., Bismarck, ND 58503. Ph: (701) 328-5000. Provide copy of this ad. ND Job Order #554030.

REPORTER/EDITOR FOR community weekly in prime rec area on Lake Sakakawea. Thriving region, valued newspaper. bhgnews.com, McLean County Independent. editors@bhgnews. com. (701) 460-7130.

REAL ESTATE BUILDING LOTS - Corvallis sewer, residential and/or commercial. Paved street, underground utilities, $38,000 each or $74,000 for both. Cliff Trexler Realty, 130 Main, Hamilton, MT – 406-3635275 or 369-2509..

REAL ESTATE– NORTHWEST MONTANA – Company owned. Small and large acre parcels. Private. Trees and meadows.

National Forest boundaries. Tungstenholdings.com (406) 293-3714

SERVICES SNOWPLOWING from Florence to Hamilton. Truck or 4 wheeler. Call for estimate 2071793.

LEGAL NOTICES

John D. Greef ATTORNEY AT LAW P.O. Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-9060 Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: GEORGE W. TUSSING, Deceased.

Case No. DP-19-11 Department No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to John D. Greef, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, P.O. Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 25th day of January, 2019. /s/ John D. Greef Personal Representative BS 1-30, 2-6-2-13-19. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NICHOLAS JOSEPH KORMANIK, SR., Deceased.

Cause No. DP-19-12 Dept. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased 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 Patricia Adeline Kormanik, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

Dated this 25th day of January, 2019. /s/ Patricia Adeline Kormanik Personal Representative 1920 Laurelwood Court Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 BS 1-30, 2-6, 2-13-19. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RALPH FREDERICK GRISWOLD, JR., Deceased.

Cause No. DP-19-13 Dept. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased 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 Mary Ethel Griswold and Deborah L. Griswold, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

Dated this 31st day of January, 2019 /s/ Mary Ethel Griswold, Co-PR 107 E. Tower Creek Road Carmen, ID 83462 /s/ Deborah L. Griswold, Co-PR 204 Christofferson Lane Corvallis, MT 59828 BS 2-6, 2-13, 2-20-19. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM L. TAGGART, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-19-16 Department No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Malinda A. Taggart, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o Royce A. McCarty, Jr., P.O. Box 210, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with

Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 8th day of February, 2019. /s/ Royce A. McCarty, Jr. BS 2-13, 2-20, 2-27-19. MNAXLP.

THE WOOD DITCH AND THEN INTO THE ETNA DITCH AND THE BIRCH CREEK DRAIN: Period of Use-From May 1-Oct1 to Jan 1-Dec31. OBJECTION DEADLINE: Any response or objection to the Motions to Amend must be filed with the Montana Water Court, P.O. Box 1389, Bozeman, MT 59718, 406-586-4364, within 45 days of the date of the last newspaper publication of this notice (2-13-2019). The deadline is March 30, 2019. Please indicate “Claims 76H 151578 00 and 76H 151579 00” on any response, objection, or other correspondence related to these Motions to Amend.

BS 1-30, 2-6, 2-13-19. MNAXLP

Notice to Mainstem Bitterroot River and East Side Water Users MOTION TO AMEND STATEMENT OF CLAIM (Pursuant to Section 85-2233(6),MCA) A Motion to Amend Claim 76H 4103-00 has been filed with the Montana Water Court by claimants Baltimore Living Trust, Douglas Shallenberger, and Lori Schallenberger.

By filing this Motion, the claimants are asserting that these amendments are necessary to accurately reflect the historical use of this water right. The Amendment seeks to make the following changes to claim 76H 4103-00: Type of Historical Right-From Decreed to Use Right: Flow Rate-From 1.0 CFS to 2.0 CFS: Source Name-From Skalkaho Creek to Waste and Seepage Tributary of Skalkaho Creek: Add remark- SOURCE OF WATER COMES FROM ALL ALONG THE WEST AND SOUTH SIDES OF THE PLACE OF USE: Points of Diversion-SWSE Section 1, T5N, R21W and NWNE Section 12, T5N, R21W: Means of Diversion – Drain Ditch. OBJECTION DEADLINE: Any response or objection to the Motion to Amend must be filed with the Montana Water Court, P.O. Box 1389, Bozeman, MT 59718, 1-406-586-4364, within 45 days of the date of the last newspaper publication of this notice(213-2019). The deadline is March 30, 2019. Please indicate “Claim 76H 4103-00” on any response, objection, or other correspondence related to this Motion to Amend.

BS 1-30, 2-6, 2-13-19. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF FILING FOR TRUSTEE CANDIDATES: Lone Rock School District# 13 is looking to fill two (2) Trustee positions for a 3-year term each and one (1) Trustee position for a 1-year term. If interested in being part of a board that has a focus on high quality education, please file by March 28th, 2019 with the Business Manager/Clerk at Lone Rock School – 777-3314, or with the Ravalli County Election Office. Forms can be found on the school website.

BS 2-6, 3-6-19. MNAXLP INVITATION TO BID EQUIPMENT RENTAL The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners is now accepting proposals for the delivery of 2019 EQUIPMENT RENTAL. Sealed proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, until Monday 4 P.M. MST on MARCH 11, 2019. The proposals received will be publicly opened and read aloud at 9:00 a.m. MST on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third floor), Hamilton, MT. Contract documents may be examined or obtained at the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department office at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840.

Questions relative to the standard and special provisions may be directed to the Ravalli County Road Department at (406) 363 - 2733. Questions relative to the bid process may be directed to the Ravalli County Commissioners Office at (406) 375-6500.

No proposal may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of proposals, which is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. MST on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

Ravalli County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities therein, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible proposal determined to be in the best interests of Ravalli County.

Glenda Wiles, Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 2-13, 2-20-19. MNAXLP

Notice to Mainstem Bitterroot River and East Side Water Users MOTIONS TO AMEND STATEMENTS OF CLAIM (Pursuant to Section 85-2-233(6), MCA) Motions to Amend Claims 76H 151578 00 and 76H 151579 00 have been filed with the Montana Water Court by Jack, James, and Linda Pfau and Sutherlin Land LLC. By filing these Motions, the claimants are asserting that these amendments are needed to reflect the historical use of the water rights. The Amendments seek to make the following changes to the claims that were not included on the basin objection list: Claim 76H 151578 00: Priority Date-from June 14, 1942 to June 1, 1942: Source-From Waste and Seepage, Unnamed Tributary of the Bitterroot River to Unnamed Tributary of the Bitterroot River: Point of Diversion-From SWNESW Section 4, T7N, R20W to NWNENW Section 9, T7N, R20W, Ravalli. Add following remark- ALSO KNOWN AS HUMBLE DRAIN. Change wording of existing remark to: WATER FROM HUMBLE DRAIN IS DIVERTED INTO THE WOOD DITCH AND THEN INTO THE ETNA DITCH AND THE BIRCH CREEK DRAIN: Claim 76H 151579 00: Priority Date-From June 14, 1942 to June 1, 1942: Source-From Waste and Seepage, Unnamed Tributary of the Bitterroot River to Unnamed Tributary of the Bitterroot River: Point of Diversion- Remove SWNWSE Section 27, T7N, R20W and change NESENE Section 4, T8N, R20W to NWNENW Section 9, T7N, R20W, Ravalli. Add following remarks-ALSO KNOWN AS HUMBLE DRAIN and WATER FROM HUMBLE DRAIN IS DIVERTED INTO

INVITATION TO BID HOT PLANT ASPHALT SUPPLY The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners is now accepting proposals for the delivery of 2019 HOT PLANT ASPHALT SUPPLY. Sealed proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215

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Page 14 -- Bitterroot Star

South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, until Monday 4 P.M. MST on MARCH 11, 2019. The proposals received will be publicly opened and read aloud at 9:00 a.m.

MST on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third floor), Hamilton, MT. Contract documents may be examined or obtained at the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department office at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840.

Questions relative to the standard and special provisions may be directed to the Ravalli County Road Department at (406) 363 - 2733. Questions relative to the bid process may be directed to the Ravalli County Commissioners Office at (406) 375-6500.

No proposal may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of proposals, which is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. MST on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

Ravalli County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities therein, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible proposal determined to be in the best interests of Ravalli County.

Glenda Wiles, Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 2-13, 2-10-19. MNAXLP INVITATION TO BID MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners is now accepting proposals for the delivery of 2019 Magnesium Chloride Supply. Sealed proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, until Monday 4 P.M. MST on MARCH 11, 2019. The proposals received will be publicly opened and read aloud at 9:00 a.m.

MST on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third floor), Hamilton, MT.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Contract documents may be examined or obtained at the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department office at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840.

Questions relative to the standard and special provisions may be directed to the Ravalli County Road Department at (406) 363 - 2733. Questions relative to the bid process may be directed to the Ravalli County Commissioners Office at (406) 375-6500.

No proposal may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of proposals, which is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. MST on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.

Ravalli County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities therein, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible proposal determined to be in the best interests of Ravalli County.

Glenda Wiles, Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 2-13, 2-20-19. MNAXLP For information on placing legal notices, contact Victoria at the Bitterroot Star office, 777-3928.

Looking for the Bitterroot Star?

It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner.

Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.

DEQ targets Bitterroot for nonpoint pollution prevention funds

By Michael Howell

Shaun McGrath, the Director of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, recently announced at the Montana Watershed Coordination Council’s annual conference in Helena that the Bitterroot River watershed had been targeted to receive the bulk of DEQ 319 project grant funding for the next two to three years.

This funding, which the state receives under the Clean Water Act, is made available for projects designed to mitigate the effects of non-point source pollution.

Nonpoint source water pollution stems from diffuse sources and is often associated with specific land uses such as agriculture and forestry, urban and suburban development and runoff from

abandoned mine sites. Common pollutants include sediment, nutrients, pathogens and toxic metals.

The recommended range for contracts is $10,000 to $300,000 per project, with a 40 percent cost share required.

This year DEQ is distributing $500,000 in funding for such projects and the application process is now open. $300,000 of that is targeted for distribution in the Bitterroot Watershed with the remaining $200,000 being available for other watersheds throughout the state.

According to McGrath, the agency’s new targeted funding method was developed in the face of dwindling funds. With such a small amount of funding being distributed somewhat equally

around the state, no watershed was getting enough grant money to accomplish anything significant.

The new funding method concentrates the bulk of the funding into a single watershed for two to three years and then the focus will shift to another watershed. He said the Bitterroot watershed was picked out because it had a completed a Watershed Restoration Plan that was in the process of being implemented and had a strong local interest with a good volunteer work force.

“DEQ works closely with land owners, local watershed groups, conservation districts and other groups on these projects to clean and protect Montana’s waters,” said DEQ Water Quality Division Administrator Tim Davis.

Bill addresses public road closure issues A bill introduced in the Montana Legislature last week would give county attorneys a strong tool to prevent public road closures by increasing the outdated fine for illegally gating established county roads.

Senate Bill 224, sponsored

by Sen. Tom Jacobson, D-Great Falls, would increase the fine for an encroachment on a county road from the current $10 per day to up to $500 per day, with no minimum fine. Jacobson is bringing the bill to crack down on people who illegally block the ability of the public to get to national forests and other public lands by putting up encroachments on county roads that lead to those lands.

“For decades, this fine has been so low that it’s simply no deterrent for people to gate off

county roads and block off public lands,” Jacobson said. “And when access to our public lands is blocked off, it turns that land into private playgrounds for the lawbreakers who are doing it and the public loses.”

The bill is strongly supported by hunters, anglers, and other public land users who are tired of seeing illegal gates on public roads that lead to public lands. It has support from county attorneys and officials who are caught up in litigation when a road is gated off and becomes the focus of lawsuits.

According to Nick Gevock with the Montana Wildlife Federation, numerous county roads have been illegally gated throughout the state. A prime example is the Hughes Creek Road in Ravalli

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County. This road has been illegally closed to the public for more than three decades – even though courts have affirmed that it is a legal public road. The road leads to the Bitterroot National Forest and re-opening it would restore thousands of acres for public hunting, hiking and wildlife watching.

“Having a real, meaningful fine in state law for gating these public roads will give county attorneys a strong tool to get these roadblocks taken down quickly,” said Erin Arnold, Senior Civil Deputy County Attorney for Gallatin County. “A lot of these cases could be prevented in the first place, or resolved quickly if the penalty is a real deterrent.”

“The first step toward keeping public roads open to public

998 N. First Hamilton Mt 363-4050

Add internet from $49.99

Now $2Fa1ctor,9y &9Tra5de-in

After

Rebates

Ford EcoSport

46 YEARS

Beautiful Home on Oversized Lot 104 S. Violet Street - Darby, MT

IN BITTERROOT REAL ESTATE TIMES HAVE CHANGED

Well built and maintained 3+Bd/ 2Ba, 2112+/-sf home with updated kitchen, bath, and floors. Wood stove in Family rm and free standing propane stove in living rm. Oversize double garage, large garden area, fruit trees, storage shed, woodshed and deck to enjoy these Montana evenings. Qualifies for VA, FHA, and RD financing and is move-in ready. MLS#63071/ 21812925 $210,000

I WANT TO TAKE 5 GOOD LISTINGS AND MAKE SURE THEY SELL. IF YOU NEED AN AGENT THAT WILL WORK JUST FOR YOU AND THE EXPERIENCE TO GET IT DONE,

2.0L 4 Cyl, Auto, AWD, Pwr Wind/Locks/Drivers Seat/ Moon Roof, Cruise, Heated Front Seats, Back-up Camera, Reverse Sensing & Much More

Reg $25,495

Ford Escape

Bell McCall

300 W. Main • Hamilton • 363-2011 Competitive Prices - Hometown Services

This week’s answers

Crossword Solution

Call 363-6684 for an appointment

130 Main St. Hamilton MT (406)363-5275 • Cell (406-369-2509 Stop in Anytime - we’ll visit.

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

© Feature Exchange

Completely Remodeled Home Tons of Custom Features

hamiltonframeshop@gmail.com

Outstanding in his field Merle Unruh

ced

du e Re

Pric

The Frame Shop has moved!

CLIFF TREXLER REALTY

406-360-8348

After Factory & Trad e-in Rebates

1.5L 4 Cyl EcoBoost, Auto, 4x4, Pwr Wind/Locks/ Driver Seat/Mirrors, Cruise, Heated Front Seats, Cliamte Control, Back-up Camera & More

Reg $24,935

I Still Provide That Kind of Service

Realtor, GRI, SFR Certified

Now $19,995

SE 4x4

CALL ME AND WE’LL TALK.

Bruce Gould

NEW 2018

SE AWD

NEW 2018

Restrictions apply.

use is having some real teeth in the fine,” said Dave Chadwick, executive director of the Montana Wildlife Federation. “Senator Jacobson’s bill will make people think twice before they put up barriers to the public’s legal access to public lands for hunting, fishing, and other uses.”

For more information, contact: Nick Gevock, Conservation Director, Montana Wildlife Federation, 533-9432 Erin Arnold, Senior Civil Deputy Gallatin County Attorney, 582-3745 Jed Fitch, Beaverhead County Attorney, 683-3730 Ben Krakowka, AnacondaDeer Lodge County Attorney, 563-4019

SUV SAVINGS

www.eaglesattv.com

• Prompt • Courteous • Professional

“Projects can address grazing management, stream flow, riparian revegetation and other measures to identify and address nonpoint source issues. We encourage anyone who is interested to reach out to us about project ideas.”

The application form and instructions are available at: deq.mt.gov/Water/ Resources/319funds. All projects must address nonpoint source pollution and implement DEQaccepted Watershed Restoration Plans. DEQ staff will be available, upon request, to provide feedback on project applications. For more information on the funding, contact Dean Yashan at 406-4445317 or by email at dyashan@ mt.gov or visit: deq.mt.gov/Water/ Resources/319funds

$399,000

Custom cabinets with Granite countertops and all new appliances, two fireplaces, living room and a family room and a wine cellar are some of the features in this 5 bedroom, 3 bath home that is ready for a new family. There is also an 180 sq ft bonus room off the back of the garage.

Call Mark Haldorson!

381-4112

Call today

Talk to Merle for all your Real Estate Needs!

Hamilton 363-4700