Bitterroot Star - February 22, 2023

By Michael Howell

While people can get sick and die within days or weeks from exposure to certain highly contagious and highly lethal viruses, the work being done to combat such outbreaks moves at a glacial pace, it seems. But that is not without good reasons, the main one being an ancient imperative enshrined in medical and therapeutic traditions and first put in writing by the Greek physician/philosopher Hippocrates: “First of all, do no harm.” If you are going to produce a vaccine to fight off a disease, this means, be sure it works before you go out jabbing people in the arm. It is this ethical imperative, more than anything else it seems, that tends to keep vaccine production and use moving in slow motion. But you can add to that the extremely high financial costs and the often nightmarish political and technical issues that can slow or stall distribution as well. It all takes time.

The pace can be especially frustrating for those looking for some relief on the battleground of hemorrhagic viral outbreaks around the world. A vaccine (ERVEBO) was developed to provide immunity to the Ebola Virus, one of the most severe hemorrhagic viruses, in 2005, but it was not until November 2019 that the vaccine was licensed for use in the human population. A vaccine has also been developed to treat other filoviruses such as the Sudan Virus (also an Ebolavirus) and the Marburg Virus.

Marburg belongs to the same family of viruses as Ebola, so the diseases can look similar. Both are characterized by viral hemorrhagic fever, a condition that can cause internal bleeding and damage multiple organ systems. Mar

outbreak in Angola. People can spread Marburg Virus through blood, other bodily fluids or contaminated objects or surfaces.

None of the Sudan Virus vaccine candidates nor the Marburg Virus vaccine candidates to date has been licensed yet for use in humans.

Scientists at Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton working on a vaccine (VSV-MARV) against the Marburg Virus are hoping that their latest efforts may lead to on the ground aid for the latest Marburg outbreak recently reported in Equatorial Guinea, Africa.

African fruit bats are the natural host of Marburg Virus. This is the first outbreak of Marburg Virus disease in Equatorial Guinea.

As of last week, nine deaths have been confirmed, while 16 suspected patients are in quarantine. Health officials are also mon

people. The disease also was found in other new parts of Africa in the past two years – Guinea in 2021 and Ghana in 2022 (see map for entire history).

According to Dr. Andrea Marzi, chief of the Immunobiology and Molecular Virology Unit in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Laboratory of Virology at RML in Hamilton, the World Health Organization hopes to test an experimental Marburg vaccine in Equatorial Guinea and convened an urgent meeting last

week to evaluate several possible vaccine candidates that could be administered during the outbreak. The meeting brought together a consortium of vaccine developers, researchers and government officials.

Dr. Marzi said that vaccine developers at the meeting wanted to know how many doses of the vaccine were ready for clinical trials and how many could be sent to Equatorial Guinea.

“The answer is we have 300 doses available, if push comes to shove,” said Dr. Marzi. “That’s not a lot.”

But what if they could turn 300 doses into 3,000 by showing that the vaccine dose proven to be effective at preventing the disease in animal trials could be lowered and shown to be just as effective?

“If we could show that a reduced dose, say one reduced by ten times, was just as effective as the proven dose, then we have turned 300 doses into 3,000,” she said.

That could make a big difference. Or just imagine if the vaccine was still effective when the dose is reduced by up to 10,000 times!

Dr. Marzi and her team of scientists at RML designed a study to test the effectiveness of lower doses and how quickly the immune response would take effect at the low doses.

The new study, published in eBioMedicine (Volume 89, 104463, March 202, Kyle O’Donnell, et al )1 [https://doi. org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104463 ] shows that the vaccine (VSV-MARV) provides full protection in cynomolgus macaques at doses up to 10,000 times less potent than originally tested.

The fast-acting potential of VSV-MARV has previously been demonstrated in nonhuman primates. A dose of 1 × 107 PFU resulted in 100% protective efficacy when administered 28, 14, and 7 days prior to lethal MARV challenge. When VSV-MARV is administered three days prior to challenge 75% of the animals survived lethal challenge.

This most recent study demonstrated that lowering the vaccination dose to 1 × 105 or 1 × 103 PFU 14 days prior to challenge retains uniform protective efficacy. When reducing the time between 1 × 103 PFU vaccination and challenge to 7 days, 100% protective efficacy was retained. The data shows that a strong multifunctional humoral response is elicited after vaccination, with fast-acting contributions from innate cellular response and a supportive role of the T cell response.

“We have demonstrated that the VSV-MARV remains fast-acting even at a lower dose highlighting the potential to extend the number of doses from one vial of the limited GMP-manufactured supply,” it states in the study. “Our data supports the administration of a single low-dose to achieve more doses per vial of vaccine in an emergency outbreak situation and decrease the chances of vaccine-induced adverse events.

This data also adds to the existing body of evidence that VSV-MARV is a fast-acting vaccine suitable to be administered during outbreaks and supports its further clinical development.”

People and Carnivores buy trash-cans to reduce bear conflicts

People and Carnivores, a Montana nonprofit working to prevent human-carnivore conflicts, today announced a resource fund to help communities in Western Montana, the Greater Yellowstone region, and Northern Idaho live safely alongside grizzly and black bears. The Bear Smart Community Resource Fund will support projects designed to reduce bear attractants like garbage and human foods and to help community members create plans to keep people and property safe and bears out of trouble. Community representatives and local officials can apply for resources on behalf of their municipality, neighborhood network, or other locale in which people live near bears.

The Bear Smart Community Resource Fund includes consulting and support services from People and Carnivores field staff, educational materials, and funding. The resource fund will support projects like purchasing bear-resistant equipment, hosting events to share bear safety information, or developing a community plan to carry out solutions that protect people and wildlife.

People and Carnivores has successfully used tools like electric fencing, bear-resistant garbage solutions, and scare devices to help landowners living near carnivores integrate

protective practices for more than 15 years.

Lisa Upson, Executive Director of People and Carnivores, notes “Both grizzlies and black bears are moving around a lot, and we’ve seen an influx of people and increasing development in the region. Local residents and businesses working together can make prevention tools effective on a community scale, which helps everyone as well as bears.”

Officials and residents in Virginia City, MT worked with People and Carnivores to become a Bear Smart Community. “We took steps over time that have added up to make a huge impact for our community, like getting bear-resistant garbage cans in town and at campgrounds, a fruit gleaning program, and educating people about bears being nearby” said Virginia City Mayor Justin Gatewood. “We used to have frequent black bear issues, but we’ve had none since doing all this. Now we’re working to maintain that trend, and I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

The Bear Smart Community Resource Fund is made possible with support from The Volgenau Foundation. Applications will be accepted through 2023,

though early inquiries are encouraged. For more information on the program and how to apply, visit: peopleandcarnivores.org/bearresources.

About People and Carnivores

People and Carnivores works with landowners, tribes, community groups, agencies and local governments across the Northern Rockies to develop and implement on-theground solutions that keep people and property safe while allowing wolves, bears, and mountain lions to move, expanding their ranges and connecting with other populations.

People and Carnivores is providing resources for community-level human-bear conflict prevention programs. We are offering consulting and support services, educational materials, and funds to local “Bear Smart” efforts. There is a total of $50,000 available in 2023, with additional resources likely for 2024 and 2025. There are no pre-determined resource levels for projects: funding, support, and materials provided will

be prioritized based on the extent to which residents and officials plan to integrate bear conflict prevention across a community.

Purpose

A “Bear Smart” initiative is a community-led and community-wide human-bear conflict prevention program. The resource fund will help community organizations/groups and leaders as well as local governments begin or support new human-bear conflict programs or Bear Smart initiatives in their local areas. Our vision is sustainable, inclusive, community-level programs to reduce conflict risks and conflicts.

Background

People and Carnivores works with landowners, tribes, community groups, agencies and local governments in the Northern Rockies to assess needs and develop and implement tools and programs to prevent conflicts between people and wolves,

See TRASH on page 10

A grizzly bear is deterred by a bear-resistant trash can in MT.

Credit: People and Carnivores

IGBC-certified bear-resistant canisters are used here at a private campground and RV park. They can be used for trash, animal feed, and other attractants.

Credit: People and Carnivores

A2Z donates to Stevensville School. Pictured, l to r: Liz Cook (A2Z public relations and marketing), Katy Cardoza (HS Counselor - 9th/10th), Erika Asay (K-2nd School Counselor), Jerry Metesh (6th-8th School Counselor), Lee Starck (3rd-5th School Counselor), Jaime Devlin (A2Z owner).

A2Z Personnel helps hungry kids with donation

A2Z Personnel has donated $5000 to Stevensville Schools to help fund the Kids Backpack Program and the Pantry Program. Through the Kids Backpack Program, backpacks full of food are sent home with elementary children to make sure they have enough to eat on the weekends. Through the Pantry Program, middle schoolers can choose food items to augment their daily food intake.

A2Z Personnel raised the money through an on-line auction of decorated Christmas trees and other holiday gifts donated by local businesses. Participating businesses decorated trees that were voted on by the public and then auctioned off.

Every year, A2Z Personnel identifies community needs and then raises money to address those needs. The business works in partnership with Project 59870, a Stevensville non-profit group that helps coordinate and facilitate worthy projects. Jaime Devlin, owner of A2Z, also sits on the board of Project 59870.

A2Z also gave $2000 to the Stevi Food Program, a start-up group headed by Fran Schmitz that collects and distributes food to children all summer long and also works in coordination with the school to hand out food during the school year.

LEVY: Corvallis School District tax plan

continued from page 1

by cutbacks. According to Joseph, “This school district, in a year, has already made over $900,000 in cuts to our expenditures.” With the state only providing up to 3%, and some assistance based on enrollment, the recourse is again to turn to the the people of Corvallis. “This school is the heartbeat of this community,” said Joseph. He hopes when the time comes to vote in May, the community will stand to help the school.

Ballots on the levy should be going out to community members April 14th. Joseph recommends they get their votes back into the mail by the 27th. In the next couple of weeks the school will be sending out a pamphlet with more information about the proposed levy. Interested community members can also visit the Corvallis School District website for more information, including cost estimates and charts on where funding is being affected and exactly how the levy can help. The community is also always welcome to call the school at (406) 961-4211.

ROXY: Hamilton couple is trying to reenvigorate local theatre

continued from page 1

and Powell have done extensive research into the price of all these elements, and have already been working with Beck Builders and the City of Hamilton to assure their fundraising target is correct. They also say they’ve already secured a connection for purchase of the films they plan to show.

All said and done, their target is $145,000 in order to “get the building where it needs to be,” according to Powell.

Jackson and Powell put a lot of work into the building prior to opening their Sticks and Stones axe throwing business. When they purchased the

Stevensville Knights of Columbus Council # 13093

February 24

March 3, 10, 24, and 31

Serving from 5-7 pm Dine In, Drive Up or Take Out

Ages 12 and up - $15.00/per plate

Ages under 12 - $7.00/ per plate

Thank you for your support.

SW Montana Veterans

building in early 2022, it had been slated for use as a flea market and was filled with random items which had to be disposed of. They set to it, however, and were able to open the business in June of last summer. Their enthusiasm and entrepreneurship will be on display once more if they achieve their fundraising goal for the theater, which they would like to see open in July of this year.

“I grew up going to the Pharaohplex pretty much every week,” says Jackson, recalling the fond memories. She adds that she considers the return of a downtown theater to be a very positive thing for the town, and the valley. “I think people will really love it because they can see their hand in it.”

Visit the ‘Bring Back

the Roxy Theater’ Kickstarter page at: https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/1406389045/bring-back-theroxy-theatre, or the Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/HamiltonsRoxyTheater/.

New projects, new lessons

by John Dowd

I have recently been working on a project that has been way out of the scope of my ability. I wanted to build my own traditional black powder muzzleloading rifle. As I started, I figured I had worked on enough guns that it would be a relatively simple endeavor. I thought it would save me money in the end. Here I am, over a year later and close to finishing it, and I have put nearly as much money into it as I would have paid for it if I had bought it ouright. Additionally, the disparity in price is negligible when one considers my sub-par workmanship. I would not have bought something like this for as much as it has cost me. It really makes me realize the value of something done by someone who knows a lot more about what they are doing. Those years turn into knowledge, which becomes ability that transforms into craftsmanship. None of those things I have yet. But along with that, I have realized something else that brings it all full circle, along with numerous other lessons along the way.

From an old rough shapped peice of beautiful bird’s-eye maple, to a nearly finished and functioning rifle, this new craft project has pushed the limits of what I know how to do. However, as shown above, it hasnt turned out too bad. It is modeled after a mid-19th century Hawken brother’s percussion black powder rifle, in .54 caliber. The barrerl will be over 42 inches long. These hefty open-plains style rifles were used to hunt bison by both pioneers and natives.

The main realization came to me like this: the people that build these things well had to start somewhere. They probably started in a place similar to mine, nearly stabbing through my hand with an inlaying chisel, having never inlayed a thing before in my life. After almost needing stitches and reminding myself how obviously stupid what I was doing was, I

looked back with tired hands and mind at the thing that I had created myself. I had done that. Every piece of metal was settled into the wood as if it had come out of nature that way. Using a little imagination I could see past the numerous dings, dents and detriments to the fit and finish I had created. I had given myself a sense of pride. I had learned something completely new, and I had done something wholly myself, aside from professional advice and YouTube videos on how to do various tasks.

Now, in much more time granted than it would take a professional, I could do the same to any other rifle, tool or project. The same is true, not only for inlaying, but for all the metalwork, engraving, fitting, drilling, taping, cutting, polishing and mechan-

ical understanding that I gained from the project. In stepping out of my comfort zone and investing some money that could have been spent on a rifle someone else professionally built, I ended up with a rough done but functioning piece. I also ended up exponentially increasing my knowledge of numerous crafts. I could now translate that knowledge into fixing any other similar rifle.I have the ability to use that skill to repair and work on numerous other things, aside from rifles, that require the same techniques and skills. I realized that had I simply bought that rifle, I would have learned nothing and would have only invested that money into a thing. Instead, I chose to invest into myself. The next realization I had was that I am already several steps into my path towards those years that turn into knowledge, which become ability that transform into craftsmanship.

Ravalli County Museum exhibit celebrates 130 years

The Bitter Root Valley has always been a bustling place where Native Tribes, trappers, miners, ranchers, pioneers, farmers, business men and women and many others mixed and mingled and sought to establish themselves. 2023 marks 130 years since the Montana State Legislature created Ravalli County, and the Ravalli County Museum is going to celebrate this milestone all year long! Join us as we explore the origins of the Valley, the beginnings of Ravalli County and some highlights from the past 130 years.

Museum staff and volunteers have worked to gather maps, photographs, oral histories and objects from the Museum collection to share the story of how Ravalli County came to be and how the past 130 years have shaped the present and the future. We recognize that there are infinite stories to tell about the individuals and groups who settled the Valley and made the County what it is today. We wish we could tell each and every story! With limited space, this exhibit touches on the cre- ation of the County, and is organized by topics such as education, agricul- ture and industry to give a broad sense of who Bitterrooters are and always have been.

New interactive elements have been added to this exhibit, perfect for visitors of all ages to touch and enjoy as they try out a vintage typewriter, learn 130 fun facts, take part in a Timeline Challenge and more. There will be opportu- nities for visitors to share their own experiences about life in the Bitter Root Valley, and we look forward to adding your stories for all to enjoy!

Something new for the Museum is the installation of a satellite exhibit created by the Victor Heritage Museum in the gallery. This introduction to the rich history of Victor included photos and objects from the Victor Heritage Museum’s collection and is a welcome addition to this year of celebration. We have enjoyed working with board members and volunteers from the Victor Heritage Museum to host this exhibit, and look forward to working with other Museums in the Valley in the future.

The Museum’s celebration of the past 130 years will continue throughout 2023 with different elements being added to the exhibit, a Ravalli County Passport Challenge during the summer (more information to come) and special speakers. We look forward to a busy year of sharing our love of the Bitter Root Valley with all of you!

The exhibit Celebrating 130 Years of Ravalli County will open on Friday March 3, 2023 at 6:30pm in the Courtroom Gallery of the Ravalli County Museum. Renowned local historian L. Allen Strate will share a few of his favorite stories about the Bitter Root Valley learned through his years of researching and writing about the Valley, and as it’s a birthday…there will be cake!

Report from the Senate

Providing financial relief

Republicans’ number one goal this legislative session has been to provide financial relief to Montanans struggling with Joe Biden’s inflation and the high cost of living. An early, priority package of eight pieces of legislation is aimed at delivering on that mission. Together, these bills combine to immediately put money in Montanans’ pockets, provide long-term tax relief, and reduce taxpayer obligations into the future.

House Bills 192 and 222 return over $700 million of Montana’s historic budget surplus directly to taxpayers in the form of income tax rebates and property tax rebates, respectively. Taxpayers paid more to the state than the government needs or budgeted for, so it only makes sense to give Montanans their money back. HB 192 provides one-time income tax rebates of up to $1,250 per individual or $2,500 for couples who filed taxes jointly, depending on how much income tax they paid in the first place. HB 222 provides property tax rebates of $500 in each of the next two years, for a total of $1,000 per household in property tax relief. It’s important to note that HB 222 only applies to primary residences, so we’re giving tax relief where its needed, not to out-of-staters with summer homes or short-term rental or commercial properties.

by Jason Ellsworth

Bill 221 simplifies capital gains taxes and Senate Bill 124 simplifies corporate taxes. SB 124 is an interesting bill because it actually increases tax revenue a little bit while simultaneously reducing taxes on Montana-based businesses. It accomplishes that unique feat by putting Montana companies on an even playing field with major, out-of-state corporations like Amazon. Shockingly, every single Senate Democrat voted in favor of the big multinational corporations and against Montana businesses when they all voted against SB 124.

Finally, we have the bills that reduce taxpayer obligations well into the future. House Bill 251, which we’ve taken to calling the “Debt Free in 2023” bill, pays off $150 million of the state’s debt, saving taxpayers millions in interest payments and freeing up other state revenue for decades to come. House Bill 267, the SAFER highways and bridges bill, invests $100 million towards infrastructure. In addition to the state’s investment, HB 267 allows Montana to access hundreds of millions more in federal funding for highways and bridges. The bill will cover our infrastructure needs without having to raise gas taxes for years to come.

Senate Bill 121 saves Montanans money by lowering the state’s income tax rate that most Montanans pay from 6.5% to 5.9%. House Bill 212 raises the exemption on the state’s business equipment tax from $300,000 to $1 million, providing significant relief to small businesses and agricultural producers throughout the state. House

This package of eight bills is nearing completion and will amount a massive early success of the 2023 legislative session. Republicans are providing significant financial relief to Montanans immediately and well into the future with this legislation.

Jason Ellsworth represents Senate District 43 in the Bitterroot Valley and is the President of the Montana Senate.

Fly Fishing Film Fest Friday

The 2023 International Fly Fishing Film Festival is coming to Victor on Friday, February 24, featuring 10 short and feature-length films.

The Victor event will be at the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center at the Victor School, 425 4th Ave, Victor, on February 24. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and films begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $15 in advance or $20 on the day of the event. Total running time of the films is two hours. To purchase tickets, visit brwaterforum.org/if4 or in person at 178 S 2nd St. in Hamilton. This screening is hosted by the Bitter Root Water Forum. The Water Forum will host a pint night at The Hops in Victor immediately before the films begin, from 5 to 7 p.m., where festival attendees and friends can enjoy food and drinks. Festival guests can also enter a raffle drawing to win a Bitterroot River float trip with Fishs Eddy O Outfitters, new fishing gear, and more. Proceeds from the Pint Night, as well as from festival ticket and raffle ticket sales, will benefit the Water Forum and their mission to lead community-driven restoration and learning initiatives to benefit the farms, fish, and families of the Bitterroot.

Crossword Puzzle

Among the films in the festival are “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Damsel,” with oversized tiger trout, a prolific damsel fly hatch, and an obscure mountain lake; “Of the Sea,” brothers explore the elusive Banco Chinchorro off the coast of Xcalak; “Jacks,” giant trevally attacking from deep ocean water; “Father Nature,” a guided trip on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park; “A Slam that Saves,” four species of bass found only in the Appalachians; and “Dollar Dog,” Atlantic salmon in Cape Breton’s Margaree River.

Others include “The Focus,” a story of three anglers who revisit a remote mountain stream; “Chesapeake – A Love Letter to a Watershed,” the landscapes and environments of a special place; and “Gold Fever,” undiscovered water in the middle of the Amazon jungle.

Event attendees can win fly fishing-related prizes and awards from Film Festival sponsors. One person will be selected winner of the 2023 Grand Prize valued at thousands of dollars of merchandise. For information about the screening, contact alex@brwaterforum. org. For information about IF4 contact info@ flyfilmfest.com.

VIRUS: Local facility improves vaccine

Continued from page 2

RML is working with vaccine producer Public Health Vaccines to help move the vaccine through the licensing process. They are one of three companies, including Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Sabin Vaccine Institute, producing five different vaccine candidates for possible use for testing in the current outbreak. The vaccines from Janssen and Sabin have already gone through phase 1 clinical trials. Public Health Vaccines’ shot was recently shown to protect against the virus in animal trials, and the Food and Drug Administration has cleared it for human testing.

“Overall, this data highlights VSVMARV as a viable and fast-acting MARV vaccine candidate suitable for deployment in emergency outbreak situations and supports its clinical development,” said Dr. Marzi.

Will any vaccine reach Equatorial Guinea in time to be used in the most recent outbreak?

“That is the hope, but we will have to see. Things are not moving fast, at least not as fast as we would want them to,” said Dr. Marzi.

Montana Meth Project launches Paint the State

Calendar continued

to drive. There will be a Fat Quarter Drawing, 50/50 Pot, bargain sales at the Ugli Bin as well as member show and tell. The program will be a Brown Bag Exchange; attendees should bring a ‘recycled’ gift from their sewing studio in a plain brown bag: orphan blocks, charm pack, pattern, unfinished object, etc. to exchange. Membership in the Guild is open to quilters from beginner through advanced. Annual dues are $20. To keep abreast of activities, visit the Bitterroot Quilters Guild on Facebook.

Lenten Fish Fries

The Knights of Columbus Council #13093 will be holding their annual Lenten fish fry dinners starting February 24th at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. They will be serving from 5 to 7 p.m with the option to dine in, drive thru or take out. Menu includes fish filets, French fries, mac and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, dessert and drinks. Cost of meal will be $15 per plate for ages 12 and up and $7 per plate for under 12.

March dates are the 3rd, 10th, 24th and 31st. The Knights of Columbus appreciate your support.

Driver safety course

Your Bitterroot Health (formerly Marcus Daly Hospital), located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, will host an ALL NEW 2023

AARP Driver Safety Course on Friday, February 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. While this new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The new program features laws and up-dates specific to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, new Vehicle Technologies to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no driving tests or written exams and Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualified drivers. Certificates are good for 3 years! Class fee: $20.00, AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. For class sign up, call Jones Korman Insurance a 406363-6583. For further information, call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 369-0149.

Walk Through the Art

Historic St. Mary’s Mission, as part of the 2023 Saturday Series events, presents “A Walk Through The Art” with Lyn Graves, and Colleen Meyer as special guest on Saturday, February 25 at 11 a.m. at Historic St. Mary’s Mission. Learn about the art pieces located at the St. Mary’s Mission Visitor Center in Stevensville, and the history behind them.

Republican Women

Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, February 28 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be Robin Sertell talking about some of the bills on abortion and her new pro-life group here in the valley. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Stevensville

School Board

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a

Your Western Montana Real Estate Experts

The Montana Meth Project launches Paint the State 2023, a statewide public art contest that engages Montana teens and adults in on-the-ground drug prevention. The contest invites Montana residents 13 years of age and older to create monument-sized original public works of art that inspire Montanans to live vibrant drug-free lives incorporating the Meth Project’s “Not Even Once” message.

“The Montana Meth Project is excited to announce Paint the State 2023 to bring light to the Meth problem in our state and engage Montanans in much-needed in-person drug prevention outreach,” said Amy Rue, executive director of the Montana Meth Project. “We invite teens and adults to tap their creativity and community spirit and register now for Paint the State.”

Registration is currently open at PaintTheState.org. Individuals and groups may register to create their large-scale public art installations in teen and adult divisions. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top regional submissions and to statewide winners.

“Combating the Meth crisis has become more urgent as methamphetamine-related overdoses, hospitalizations, and deaths increase,” said Montana Governor Greg Gianforte. “I encourage Montanans to join the Paint the State initiative by creating public works of art that stir and inspire all Montanans to live drug-free.”

“We’ve been talking a lot recently about the dangers of illicit fentanyl in Montana, and rightly so, as it is a new and emerging threat. However, Methamphetamine is still king and it’s the reason behind the drastic increase of crime in our state over the past decade,” said Attorney General Austin Knudsen. “With the increased purity of lab-made methamphetamine — and the presence of fentanyl in it — smuggled across the border and into our state, it’s more critical now than ever to prevent young Montanans from trying it even one time.”

Individual artists are invited to share their talents by participating in Paint the State, as well as youth groups, service organizations, and treatment and recovery groups as an impactful community outreach project.

“The learning and authentic peer-to-peer dialogue that happens while creating a community art project is invaluable. Participants really become drug pre

special board work session Tuesday, February 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.

Corvallis

Sewer District

Corvallis County Sewer District monthly meeting will be Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. at 234 Brothers Way.

Stevensville Garden Club

On Wednesday, March 1, at 1 pm the Stevensville Garden Club will meet at the Kootenai Creek Clubhouse, 43 Clubhouse Way. Local author and Master Gardener Molly Hackett’s program is titled “It’s Time To Start This Year’s Garden!” She will discuss starting vegetables and flowers from seed, when to plant different kinds of seeds, how to solve the problems of planting indoors. Bring your gardening questions. Also join us for “Design of the Month” for those who would like to learn simple flower arranging tips.

Emergency Preparedness classes

Judy Porter

(406) 214-5718

Owner, Broker, GRI, ABR

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly Emergency Preparedness classes. They are held at 7pm at the Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: March 9: “Cooking that Wheat—Recipes and samples of great tasting food that maybe you hadn’t considered; April 13: “Alternative Cooking Methods (Apple Box & Wonder Cookers) and Fire starters (assembling them). You can attend any or all classes. Classes typically run 60-90 minutes. Call 513-312-5494 with questions.

Introduction to Defensive Handguns for Women

March 18 & April 8 2023

This 2 day course is for women with little or no experience with handguns, who may be frightened of handguns or who are considering acquiring a handgun. The first day course is designed to assist you in choosing the right handgun – for you. It will also introduce you to the facilities of the Whittecar Range.There will be discussions on handgun safety, basic operation of revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, and the cartridges used in each type of handgun.The legal aspects of the use of force will be presented and discussed. Handguns will be provided so that you may handle the different types and models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fire session on the range. A self defense book, specifically for women, will also be provided. The second day course will teach basic defensive shooting using the students own equipment. Safe gun handling will be taught and stressed. Various types of ammunition and the performance of each type will be discussed.The class will be held at the Whittecar Range on Blodgett View Road and is limited to 10 participants. For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or Jim at 360-8392.Successful completion of this two day course meets the education requirements for application to the state for a concealed carry permit.

Square dance classes

Intro to Modern Square Dance, hosted by the Solo Stars, will take place on

See PAINT on page 10

March 10, 24, and 31 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lolo Community Center, 12345 Hwy 93. Come join the Solo Stars for evenings of fun and laughter while learning this great aerobic activity set to music. Perfect time to connect and socialize. Attendance limited to first 36 participants. Ages 12 and up - all are welcome. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost $7.00 per person. For more information, or to register, call or text (208) 503-0551 or (208) 553-2727.

Tax-Aide program

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will be offering free tax return services to all ages in Stevensville this year. To schedule an appointment call the Senior Center (406)777-5681 between 10 a.m. and noon on Monday, Wednesday or Friday only.

Reserve the NVPL Community Room Organizations are welcome to reserve the NVPL Community Room for events that are civic, educational, cultural, intellectual, entertaining, or beneficial to the community. Events held must be free of charge and open to all. To apply, go to northvalleypubliclibrary.org under My Library Services.

Star Calendar Policy

The Bitterroot Star will run Calendar items for non-profit organizations free of charge. Deadline for each Wednesday’s paper is each Monday at 12 noon. Submit your item by email to: editor@bitterrootstar.com. For more information contact Victoria at 406-777-3928.

Dr. Andrea Marzi, Chief of chief of the Immunobiology and Molecular Virology Unit in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Laboratory of Virology at RML in Hamilton, MT.

Governor Greg Gianforte, Attorney General Austin Knudsen and student participants. The statewide art contest brings back much-needed in-person drug prevention outreach as drug overdoses and violent crime increase.

PAINT: Art contest promoting drug prevention

Continued from page 9

vention ambassadors,” Rue added “We encourage anyone who is part of a school or youth group, including junior high and high school classes, 4-H, FFA, Scouts, faith groups and other teen-serving organizations, to participate. Additionally, we hope that Montana adults in treatment and recovery will join this initiative.”

Business and landowners in communities where projects are happening are asked to donate art supplies and materials and offer public places for the art installations.

All artwork must be installed by June 30, 2023. Judging will take place over the summer, and the public will have the opportunity to vote online for the People’s Choice Award. The Meth Project will announce the winners in late summer. Register and learn more at PaintTheState.org.

Paint the State is supported completely by private funding. Donors to date include the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation, Stockman Bank, Town Pump, the Gilhousen Family Foundation and Pennmont Foundation.

About Paint the State. Paint the State is a program of the Montana Meth Project. Initially launched in 2006, this statewide public art contest leverages the creativity and passion of Montanans to communicate the risks of Methamphetamine use and inspire vibrant drug-free lives. Through the contest, hundreds of monument-sized public works of art with the “Not Even Once” message have been created across Montana. Registration is now open for the 2023 contest at PaintTheState.org.

About the Montana Meth Project

TRASH: Organization seeking project proposals

Continued from page 3

bears, and mountain lions, reducing human risks and keeping carnivores wild.

In 2022, the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) endorsed a Bear Smart Community program to support and provide a framework for communities to create local bear conflict prevention programs. The IGBC program provides a framework for communities to achieve Bear Smart status (see the IGBC website – additional information being posted soon). The State of Montana is participating in the IGBC program and MT Fish, Wildlife, & Parks is otherwise also working to help prevent conflicts and provide education to residents and visitors. The US Fish & Wildlife Service is also a partner in this effort and is providing staff capacity to administer its Bear Smart Program. People and Carnivores is seeking local community leaders, groups, or officials interested in the IGBC process or simply in developing a human-bear conflict prevention initiative in their area or town. The resource fund is meant to support beginning efforts or to help sustain new efforts –whether or not the community is planning on using the IGBC process.

To Apply or Inquire: Check requirements below to see if your community/project is a good fit, Email bearresources@peopleandcarnivores. org and we’ll set up a meeting to talk about your community’s needs and how we might be able to help. With your email, please attach an informal document addressing the following – maximum one page:

(a) Briefly describe your role/membership in the community and the location/area

(b) What are the current or anticipated problems or needs in your area?

(c) Vision and goals for the project

(d) How would you approach making this a community-wide effort?

(e) What resources do you think you need and, if funding, what might it be applied to?

No phone calls, please. We will set up a meeting to discuss the project in more detail.

If you don’t think you meet the criteria for this program, it’s possible we can assist you with our regular program work, so reach out to us if you are located in western Montana and interested in bear conflict prevention generally. We will accept inqui-

ries on a rolling basis through 2023 but encourage interested community representatives to reach out sooner rather than later, as resources are limited.

Requirements

The resources program is meant to support initiatives that are or will gain the support of various stakeholders, become community-wide, and that will be sustained over time, and physically-concentrated. We welcome inquiries/requests from organizers/leaders of communities, municipalities, or neighborhood networks who have started or are interested in starting a collaborative initiative to prevent human-bear conflicts in their local area.

The geographic area is approximate and will depend on projects, but is focused in western Montana, Greater Yellowstone (MT, ID, WY), and central/northern Idaho.

Some example activities that may be supported by funding or P&C support services include:

• Organizing or forming a group/committee to begin a program

• Developing and distributing bear educational resources (print, digital/media)

• Events (bear fairs, town halls, gleaning, etc.)

• Conducting an assessment of conflicts or potential problems

• Making a prevention plan

• Acquiring and using equipment: bear-resistant garbage security, prevention and educational toolkits, fencing, scare devices, etc., as long as part of a larger effort

• Learning about funding resources

• Initially focusing prevention for one group (e.g., businesses or residents), or focusing on one type of attractant or conflict (e.g., garbage or bear education)

What will not be supported: the purchase of garbage cans or other equipment unless part of a larger plan; projects that have a scattered impact; hazing, research, or monitoring work/equipment; loss compensation. We’ve done our best to identify (non)qualification criteria, but unique circumstances may come up.

This program is made possible with funding from The Volgenau Foundation.

Help sustain this Bear Smart Resource Fund by making a contribution here or by emailing bearresources@peopleandcarnivores.org.

The Montana Meth Project is a large-scale prevention program aimed at reducing first-time teen Meth use through public service messaging and community outreach. The nonprofit was founded in 2005 by businessman and philanthropist Tom Siebel as a private-sector response to Montana’s critical public health issue. Named the 3rd most effective philanthropy in the world by Barron’s in its global ranking, the organization has been credited with significant declines in teen Meth use. MontanaMeth.org

Ask an Attorney

by Greg Overstreet

What Is Montana’s ‘Open Range’ Law?

You are enjoying a quiet breakfast and look out the window to find someone else’s cattle munching on your prized flowers. You can sue the owner of the cattle, right?

It depends.

Montana has “open range” laws that provide that in most parts of the state a property owner must put up a fence to keep livestock out; the owner of the livestock does not have an obligation to put up a fence to keep livestock in. Think of open-range laws as requiring “fencing out.”

Not every part of Montana is open range subject to this law. Property within city or town limits is “closed range” where a person must fence livestock in. Some property outside of city or town limits might effectively be closed range due to covenants or homeowners association rules requiring fencing in.

A person building a new home would be well advised to determine if their property is “open range” or “closed range.” If they are in the open range and do not construct a temporary or permanent fence, wandering livestock might decide to leave cow paddies in that new dream kitchen – and the homeowner is on the hook for the repairs.

Federal land is closed range so property owners on federal boundaries must fence in their property to prevent livestock from trespassing onto federal lands.

Railroads must fence off their tracks within the open range. If a train hits livestock on the tracks, the railroad must pay the owner fair market value for the dead or injured livestock.

Where state highways pass through open range, the state has the option to build fences. The statutes on open range laws are in MCA Title 81, Chapter 4.

Finally, you might think Montana’s open range laws are unique to our state. After all, most of these Ask an Attorney articles tout Montana’s unique laws. Open range laws, however, are in 13 western states.

For a copy of this Ask An Attorney column, including hyperlinks to the referenced resources, go to www.OverstreetLawGroup.com/blog

This information is of a general nature; exceptions to these general statements might exist. This information is for general educational purposes only; no attorney-client relationship with Overstreet Law Group, LLC is formed unless a person enters into a written representation agreement with the firm.

A black bear attempts to get into a garbage dump container. People and Carnivores works with county officials to make transfer stations and dump sites bear-resistant. Credit: People and Carnivores

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Darby boys second in District 13C

The boys and girls basketball teams for Darby and Victor competed in the 13C District Tournament in Hamilton on Feb. 16th-18th. The Darby Boys took 2nd place and advanced to the Western C Divisionals in Butte on Feb. 23rd-25th. They will play Manhattan Chrsitian on Feb. 23rd at 5 p.m. The Darby girls took 4th and won’t be moving on. The Victor boys and girls both lost two games and completed their season.

The Darby boys were the #1 seed in the tournament and got a first round bye. On Friday, they faced Philipsburg and started quickly, leading 18-4 after one quarter and 38-15 at half. With a mix of solid offense and stingy defense, it was more of the same in the second half and Darby won, 69-45. Stevan Gabric couldn’t be stopped and scored a teamhigh 21 points, Cullen Duggan had 20, Hooper Reed had 13, Devyn Hundley had 9, and Will Martin added 6.

The Tigers met Drummond in the Championship game - the two teams split their regular season contests. The game was close throughout, as both teams played a high level of defense and both teams struggled to hit shots. At halftime, Darby held a slim 16-14 lead. The 3rd quarter went back and forth with

34-31, Darby’s Stevan Gabric rattled in a monster 3-pointer to tie the game. Drummond missed a shot on their final possession and the game went to overtime. In overtime, it was back and forth until the end. With eight seconds left, Darby was down 42-40 and Gabric ended up with the ball and drove to the basket, got fouled and made a basket right as the buzzer went off. In the confusion that ensued, it was ruled that Gabric was fouled before the shot went up and before the clock ran out. So he had a one and one chance at the free throw line, with no time left, and Darby down, 40-42. Gabric, who had a tremendous game, was short on the first attempt, giving Drummond the victory. Hooper Reed, who was consistently double- and triple-teamed, led Darby with 16 points, Stevan Gabric was solid with 14, and Cullen Duggan added 5. The loss was tough, but their season is still alive as they advance to the Western C Divisionals in Butte Feb. 23rd-25th.

at halftime. Darby let Valley back in the game in the fourth quarter, but held on for the 46-37 win. Darby senior Makena Hawkinson led the way with 17 points, while Madison Nelson and Sierra Reed each added 8 points.

The Darby girls then played the #1 seed, Drummond, on Friday. Drummond is ranked in the Class C top ten and they handled Darby easily, winning 56-17. Darby played hard, but just couldn’t figure out Drummond’s full court press, which forced multiple Darby turnovers and led to easy points for Drummond. Darby’s Kylie Schlapman led with 6 points and Sierra Reed added 5. This sent them to the loser out bracket on Saturday morning where they faced Lincoln. Darby held a 7-2 lead after a low scoring first quarter, then found their stride and rolled to a 36-22 victory. Kyleigh Flux led with 7 points, Samantha Shull and Sierra Reed each had 6, and Natalie Anderson added 5. This sent them to the consolation game later in the day on Saturday, where they played Philipsburg and lost, 35–52. The Darby girls started slow, trailing 2-10 after one quarter and 13-28 at halftime. They stayed close in the 2nd half, but were never able to get back into the game. Natalie Anderson led Darby in scoring with 10 points, followed by Kyleigh Flux with 7 and Makena Hawkinson with 6. This ends a solid season for the Darby girls who hope to come back stronger next season.

halftime deficit. They bounced back in the 2nd half, but were too far behind and lost, 14-49. Nola Smorowski led with 5 points, Kyla Tacker had 4, and Abby Kay added 3.

This sent them to the loser out bracket where they faced Lincoln on Friday, where they lost, 28-60. It just wasn’t Victor’s day as they had trouble stopping Lincoln on defense and scoring on offense. Kyla Tacker led with 7 points, Nola Smorowski had 4, and Chloe Pollan and Virginia Brown each had 4. This ended the season for the Victor girls, who have a lot of young talent and hope to come back stronger next season.

The Victor boys were the #6 seed and played #3 Seeley in the 1st round on Thursday. It was a close first half with Victor trailing by just one point, 19-20. But the Pirates went cold in the second half, getting outscored 3-16 in the 3rd quarter. They couldn’t make up the deficit in the 4th and lost, 31-55. Jordan McLane had a solid game with 14 points, and Landon Nuttall and Russell Drewien each had 6 points.

lead changes and ties. With 5 minutes left in the game, Darby led, 31-30. Darby wouldn’t score another basket for the next four and a half minutes. Then, with 22 seconds left, and Drummond leading,

The Darby girls were the #4 seed and faced off against #5 Valley Christian on Thursday, Feb. 16 in the first round. Darby got out to a fast start and was up 14-6 after the 1st quarter and led 26-12

The Victor girls were the #6 seed and played #3 Philipsburg on Thursday, Feb 16th. The Lady Pirates had a tough time breaking the Lady Prospectors’ full court press and fell down to an insurmountable 2-34

This sent them to the loser out bracket where they faced Lincoln on Friday and they lost, 44-57. The Pirates were within striking distance in the 4th quarter, but went on a cold streak to close out the game, only scoring 3 points in the final quarter. Jordan McLane had a great game with 19 points, Roan Jackson added 9, Brandon Bowen had 6 and Russell Drewien added 5. It was a tough way to end the season for Victor, but they hope the underclassmen come back even stronger next season.

The Darby boys with their District 13C Runner Up trophy. Darby lost to Drummond 40-42 in an overtime thriller in the Championship Game on Feb. 18th in Hamilton. Photo courtesy of the Darby Booster Club.

Darby’s Hooper Reed calling for the ball. Reed anchors a strong Darby team who will play in the Western C Divisionals in Butte on Feb. 23rd- 25th. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Victor’s Roan Jackson (#35) and Landon Nuttall (#20) looking to get a rebound in their game against Lincoln on Feb. 17th at the District 13C Tournament in Hamilton. Victor lost 44-57. Photo by Scott Sacry.

The top three boys and girls basketball teams from the Southwestern A conference received byes into the Western A Divisionals, which take place in Ronan on Feb. 23rd-25th. The #4 through #7 ranked teams played in a four team tournament to earn the #4 seed and a trip to Divisionals. The Stevensville girls won both of their games and will be the #4 seed in Divisionals and face #1 seeded Browning at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23rd.

The Stevensville girls were the #4 seed in the Southwestern A conference and hosted #7 Corvallis on Thursday, Feb. 16th. Stevensville trailed 17-22 after one quarter, but the Lady ‘Jackets evened it up and led 34-33 at halftime. It was a four-point game early in the 4th quarter, but Stevensville was too strong down the stretch and won, 7359. The Stevensville girls then hosted East Helena on Saturday, Feb 18th, with the winner advancing to Divisionals. Stevensville was in control of the game throughout, leading 13-7 after one quarter and 31-19 at half. It was more of the same in the second half as they rolled to a 56-40 victory and earned a spot in Divisionals. Cambree Praast led the Lady ‘Jackets with 16 points, Claire Hutchison had 9, Dawsyn Brewer had 8, and Alexa Perez added 6.

The Stevensville boys were the #7 seed and traveled to #4 seeded Frenchtown on Thursday, Feb. 16th. This shows the strength of the conference when Frenchtown, a team with

The Florence boys and girls basketball teams competed in the District 6B tournament on Feb. 16th-18th. Both Florence teams finished in 3rd place and advanced to the Western B Divisionals, which takes place in Anaconda on Feb. 23rd-25th. In the first round of Divisionals, the Florence girls will play Thompson Falls at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday. The two teams met on December 10, where Thompson Falls won, 55-39. The Florence boys will face Eureka in the first round of Divisional at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday.

The Florence girls were the #3 seed and traveled to #2 Missoula Loyola on Thursday, Feb. 16th and lost, 36-47. The girls fell behind early and couldn’t stage a comeback. Maggie Schneiter led the way with 10 points, Josie Lewis had 8, and Olivia Coulter added 6. This sent them to the consolation game in Anaconda on Saturday, where they decimated Deer Lodge, 73-26. The Lady Falcons used a potent combination of solid defense and stellar offense to get the victory and earn 3rd place in District 6B. Again, Maggie Schneiter led the scoring with 19 points, followed by Josie Lewis with 13, Olivia Coulter with 10, and Kenzy Pickering and Trista

Williams each added 7 points.

The Florence boys were the #2 seed and hosted Anaconda on Friday, February 17th. The Falcons started slow and trailed 21-29 at halftime. The 3rd quarter was more of the same and with 6:15 left in the 4th quarter, Florence was behind, 30-48. The game looked to be over. But Florence slowly started gaining ground, and Anaconda started missing free throws and turning over the ball. With 2 minutes to go, Florence was down 43-51. Then Florence hit three straight 3-pointers and trailed 52-53 with 42 seconds to play. After another Anaconda turnover, Patrick Duchien hit a layup and it was 54-53. Another Anaconda turnover and a Caleb Brossman layup and Florence led 56-53 with 13 seconds left. Then Anaconda, who looked to be dead in the water, hit a three to tie the game at 56-56, and send it to overtime. Florence had finished the game on a miraculous 25-8 run.

With 1:13 left in overtime it was 61-61. But that was all the juice Florence had - they fell behind and couldn’t make it back and lost, 62-66. Patrick Duchien led with 18 points, Caleb Brossman had 10, and Brodie Hinsdale, Tyler Abbott, and Ethan Alexander all added 9.

This loss sent them to the consolation game in Anaconda on Saturday where they faced Arlee and won, 66-59, earning 3rd place in District 6B. Florence led throughout this game, but every time they got up, Arlee made a push. Florence held firm throughout and fought hard to get the victory. Ethan Alexander had a big game with 19 points, Patrick Duchien had 11, Brodie Hinsdale had 8, and Trapper Oster and Caleb Brossman each added 7.

Florence teams headed to Divisionals Stevensville girls headed to Divisionals

State Championship aspirations, was the #4 seed. The Stevensville boys fought hard, but Frenchtown had too many weapons and won, 65-23. Gracen Trevino led the ‘Jackets with 10 points and Kellan Beller added 7. This ends the season for Stevensville, who look to rebuild and come back stronger next season.

The Corvallis boys were the #6 seed and traveled to face #5 East Helena on Thursday, Feb. 16th. Corvallis is a team full of potential and they fulfilled it on this night as they easily handled a solid East Helena team, winning, 64-46. Corvallis led most of the game and everytime East Helena made a run, Corvallis had an answer. Ryan Hutchison had a big game with 15 points, Aaron Powell had 13, and Derek Criddle added 12.

This win sent them to Frenchtown on Saturday. Corvallis stumbled out of the gate, falling behind 1-22 after the first quarter. They outscored Frenchtown in the 2nd quarter but were never able to make up the deficit and fell, 32-68. Cameron Whiteley led Corvallis with 7 points, Tyler Weis had 6, and Ryan Hutchison and Aaron Powell each added 5. The Blue Devils failed to make Divisionals, but the team has a lot of young talent and look to have a bright future in years to come.

The Corvallis girls were the #7 seed and played at #4 Stevensville on Thursday, Feb 16th. Corvallis came out on fire and had one of their best offensive quarters of the year and led Stevensville, 22-17. The Lady ‘Jackets

evened it up in the 2nd quarter and led 34-33 at halftime. Corvallis trailed 49-53 with 6 minutes left in the game, but Stevensville was too strong down the stretch and Corvallis lost, 59-73. Corvallis steadily improved over the season. By comparison, the first time they played Stevensville they only scored 29 total points, and in this game they had that total in the second quarter. So, although this is the end of their season, the future looks bright

for this young team. The Hamilton girls are the #3 seed in Divisionals and face Polson at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23rd. The two teams met in early December and Hamilton won, 51-39. The Hamilton boys are the #2 seed in Divisionals and face Polson on Thursday, Feb. 23rd at 12 p.m. The two teams met early in the season on December 13 and Hamilton won 65-58 in a close game.

Florence’s Maggie Schneiter goes up for a shot. Schneiter led the Lady Falcons with 19 points as they decimated Deer Lodge 73-26 to earn 3rd place in District 6B. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Stevensville’s Cambree Praast looking to get a shot off over a group of Corvallis’s girls. Stevensville defeated Corvallis 73-59 on Feb. 16th and East Helena on Feb. 18th to qualify for Divisionals. Photo by Scott Sacry.

A river never sleeps – and neither should we

I thought we had this whole issue settled some time ago. Twice.

Several years ago, a Mr. Jim Crews of Stevensville presented the notion that hovercraft should be allowed to operate on the lower Bitterroot and Clark Fork rivers.

That idea was shot down by the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission. Given the dangers posed by motorized craft of any description except Search and Rescue boats and the like, the commission voted to keep hovercraft off the Bitterroot.

The issue of allowing hovercraft to operate on the lower Bitterroot and Clark Fork rivers was brought before the FWP Commission several years ago and summarily dismissed. Now the same individual who brought it up the first time is at it again – with what new motivation I don’t know.

by Chuck Stranahan

I learned just recently, as did all on the Bitterroot River Trout unlimited email list, that the deadline for public input on this matter expired on Tuesday, February 21 – one day before the paper you are reading is published, and too late for my deadline.

Hovercraft – again?

I did get an email off to newly-appointed Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commissioner, Ravalli County’s own Jeff Burrows. Like many of you I have followed Burrows’ career on the Ravalli County Commission.

Here’s what I wrote to FWP Commissioner (can’t get his two commission hats mixed up!) Burrows:

Commissioner Burrows:

The recreational and wildlife habitat values of the lower Bitterroot are significant, both intrinsically and economically. Both would be compromised and imperiled by excessively fast and noisy hovercraft operating where they shouldn’t.

The whole notion of putting hovercraft on the Bitterroot is dangerous, stupid, unnecessary, and serves a very few at the expense of the many - and the resource.

The Bitterroot River is the lifeblood of the valley. The new fishing/tourism dollars brought in to the valley every year number in the tens of millions –that’s before we consider the spinoff value of the river in home sales and new business entrepreneurship.  Hovercraft wouldn’t add anything to that economy - but would detract from it.

I trust that you and your colleagues will vote to keep the current regulations in place and again outlaw hovercraft on the Clark Fork and lower Bitterroot. .

Respectfully submitted,

- Chuck Stranahan

GROW WITH US!

Local Bounti is one of the fastest growing indoor farming companies in the U.S. We are looking for local Montana talent like you to help grow our delicious leafy greens for your family & community.

Local representation begins with us

Our last Bitterroot Valley-based member of the FWP Commission was Dr. Jim Olsen, who served admirably for a number of years and enacted many things that benefit us today. The list is long. After retirement from the FWP Commission, Jim served on the 2016 Bitterroot River Advisory council, formed to address commercial float-fishing overcrowding on the West Fork. The overuse issue was addressed by capping use at current levels. The same amount of traffic was distributed to alternating sections of the river. Tags and permits and logistic headaches for outfitters followed.

Concurrent with the overuse issue the need for single-point barbless or pinched-barb artificial lures on the West Fork was brought up from the floor and tabled by FWP. Concerns for habitat preservation or restoration were handed off to other agencies.

Long story short, after countless meetings and innumerable hours put in over the years since 2016 by economic stakeholders, private sports-

men, and various agencies, the West Fork still needs help. We may have lost the commercial overcrowding battle. On the habitat conservation front we are fighting a fighting a war of attrition. As to the fishery, you still see too many fish that have been maimed by barbed hooks.

The need for public input

Mr. Burrows is in a position to provide meaningful leadership to protect, preserve, and enhance the fishery and wildlife resources in his district. He has worked forcefully from his seat on the Ravalli County Commission to bring local influence to U.S. Forestry Service management. He can work as forcefully for us.

He already knows or will no doubt discover that the best stewards of public resources are often found among members of the general public – the everyday Montanans who hunt and fish, and enjoy our outdoor resources as an intrinsic and valuable part of our lifestyle, aside from the demands of economic special interest.

We may be too late to contact Burrows on the hovercraft debacle, but as he faces a full slate of other issues in the coming years he needs to hear from you. His email address is CommissionerRegion2@mtfwp.org

Give him a friendly shout-out, and let him know your concerns.

COME SEE WHAT THE EXCITEMENT IS ABOUT! *(Includes gas stipend if you live 25 or more miles from the facility)

Put yourself – or a hovercraft – in this picture…

0%Down,0%A.P.R.financingforupto72monthsonpurchasesofselectnewKubotaLX3310equipmentfromparticipatingdealers’instockinventoryisavailabletoqualifiedpurchasersthroughKubotaCreditCorporation,U.S.A.;subjecttocreditapproval.Example:72monthly paymentsof$13.89per$1,000financed.Someexceptionsapply.Termssubjecttochange.Offersexpire06/30/2023.Thismaterialisfordescriptivepurposesonly.Kubotadisclaimsallrepresentationsandwarranties,expressorimplied,oranyliabilityfromtheuseofthismaterial.Formore information,seeDealerorgotoKubotaUSA.com.Example:0%Down,0%A.P.R.financingforupto60monthsonpurchasesofselectnewKubotaBX238 $0Down,0%A.P.R.financingforupto36monthsorcustomerinstantrebatesof$500areavailableonpurchasesofnewKubotaRTV-XG850&RTV-1100CSeriesequipmentfromparticipatingdealer’sin-stockinventory.PromotionalrateavailabletoqualifiedpurchasersthroughKubota CreditCorporation,U.S.A.subjecttocreditapproval.Example:36monthlypaymentsof$27.78per$1,000financed.$500rebateisnotavailablewith0%A.P.R.orotherpromotionalfinancing.Someexceptionsapply.Offersexpire03/31/23.Termssubjecttochange.Thismaterialisfor descriptivepurposesonly.Kubotadisclaimsallrepresentationsandwarranties,expressorimplied,oranyliabilityfromtheuseofthismaterial.Forcompletewarrant,disclaimer,safety,incentiveofferandproductinformation,consultyourDealerorKubotaUSA.com.

Late-life love: inspiration

“Gray Love: Stories About

and

It was supposed to be a nice night out. But you drove around and around looking for the restaurant and once you found it, you learned that you needed reservations. Practically before the evening started, you sensed that your food could be as cold as your date. As in “Gray Love,” edited by Nan Bauer-Maglin and Daniel E. Hood, looking for love wasn’t like this when you were younger. You thought you’d be happy alone.

After the divorce, the funeral, the last break-up, you didn’t think a little you-time was a bad idea. And it wasn’t – but love, someone to go to the movies with or dine with or snuggle with, seems more and more appealing now. Today, though, as the forty-two essays in this book confirm and as you’ve learned, that’s easier said than done.

You want a partner, someone your age, but you fear becoming a caretaker. You like doing your own thing, but having someone around to do it with would be nice. You have company but you are “without intimacy.” Or you don’t want a full-time someone but it’s scary to think about “falling off a ladder alone.”

So you go online because, well, people don’t meet like they used to. That’s when you learn that dating sites are generally ripe with people who lie about their ages, who seem clingy or who want things you can’t give, “the Uncertain, the Angry... the Unattractive,” and – let’s be honest –jerks. Unlike real life circa 1973 or 1993, there’s nobody to

vouch for singles online.

You wonder, “What would I wear?” You learn about scams the hard way, while tales of love at way-up-thereages are inspirational. Dating someone of the same sex

by Terry Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLZ.

isn’t out of the realm of possibility, but nobody’s asked – or you did, and it was wonderful and why didn’t you do that before? Love is love. You date the wrong people, you date the right people, you’re exhausted and disappointed. And sometimes, even for awhile, you’re someone’s “’sweetie.’”

According to a study quoted in “Gray Love,” about twenty-five percent of American adults live alone. If you’re one of them and open to a relationship, you need this book.

Just know that this is not a how-to manual. Editors Nan Bauer-Maglin and Daniel E. Hood don’t offer advice in their introduction, and most of their storytellers didn’t Ann-Landers their way into this book. Instead, you’ll read tales of dating and mating gone happily right and very, very wrong, told in ways that will make you laugh, sigh, and know that you’re not alone in your late-life search for love. The mixture here is diverse and wide: if one tale makes you want to swear off dating forever, the next one offers Happily Ever After.

Be aware that a few of the tales inside “Gray Love” flirt with the explicit and others might ruffle a feather or two. Still, it could be great to share it with a millennial or older GenZ’er, If you see this book on a bookshelf, take it out.

Dating

New Relationships After 60,” edited by Nan Bauer-Maglin and Daniel E. Hood c.2023, Rutgers University Press $24.95 303 pages

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STAND-UP FREEZER, $500. Entertainment center, $300. Treadmill, $150. ATV wagon, $400. Lawn mowers, $50 each. Wheelbarrows, $25 each. (307) 371-2284.

RAW GOAT MILK RESERVATIONS! Kidding season is just around the corner call me to get on my reservation list for 2023. Raw goat milk, goat cheese chevre & feta. Testing done. Located in Stevensville, 406-8805477.

CAUCASIAN MOUNTAIN SHEPHERD DOG PUPPIES. Purebred. Born 11/03. Three males and one female. Call or Text (406)210-4807

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Scobey and Plentywood areas this sprng. Must have a CDL or be able to obtain before starting. AL-

SO-FULL-TIME tire truck operator at Opheim location. Full benefit package. Contact Tanner Trower 9406)487-2612.

HIRING WEATHERIZATION POSITIONS, program manager $20-$28 DOE and weatherization crew member at $18-$22/ hour, full benefits. Full job description at Lewistown Job Service or https:// www.hrdc6.org/jobs

K-8 MONTANA CERTIFIED TEACHER Mountain View Elementary. Send resume: Mountain View Elementary, Box 1169, Cut Bank, MT 59427. Email questions JerryHofer73@gmail.com or call (406)336-2638.

VACASA IS HIRING!

Local Operations Manager in Big Sky, MT! Pay is $55,000 - $60,000 / year! Apply now on vacasa.com/ careers/positions

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT seeks lateral POST-certified peace officers to join its team in Bozeman. Apply here: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/34740

VACASA IS HIRING!

Runner Position in Big Sky, MT! Pay is $25-$27 / HR! Apply now on vacasa.com/ careers/positions. Job title: “Runner”

Corrine Campbell, Physical Therapy/ Myofascial Release, 406-777-2679. Elizabeth Harper-Schurman, Counseling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy. 406-3042517. 5501 Hwy 93N, Ste. 101, Florence, MT.

SNOW SHOVELING AND SNOW PLOWING. 406-207-1793.

49-YEAR OLD SINGLE, PROFESSIONAL LOOKING FOR 2- BEDROOM IN BITTERROOT VALLEY. Excellent credit. Clean rental history, and background. (406) 2105141.

WANTED: Smaller greenhouse that I can move. 1-406-369-2509.

internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Asisstance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip

SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT - PRO Co-op seeking fertilizer delivery truck drivers. Local delivery.

Sharon Dedmon

• 25 years experience

way cool person

• way cool person

• award winning agent

• award winning agent

Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI 406-360-0258

Whenhiringarealestateagent,nomatterwherethelocation,therearefourimportantthings toconsider;experience,depthofknowledge,understandingofthelocalmarket,anddedication to the client. After having been through the buying as well as the selling process five times withSharonoverthelastseventeenyears,youcanrestassuredthereisn’tanotheragentin theBitterrootthatismorequalifiedtohandleyourrealestateneeds.–Michael&DebbieReid

Whenhiringarealestateagent,nomatterwherethelocation,therearefourimportantthings toconsider;experience,depthofknowledge,understandingofthelocalmarket,anddedication to the client. After having been through the buying as well as the selling process five times withSharonoverthelastseventeenyears,youcanrestassuredthereisn’tanotheragentin theBitterrootthatismorequalifiedtohandleyourrealestateneeds.–Michael&DebbieReid

John S. Masar

LionWood Law, PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 625-2682

jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com

Attorney for Personal

Representative

MONTANA TWEN-

TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: RITA LOUISE

NEUSTROM, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-23-09

Dept. No.: 1

HOWARD F. RECHT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal

Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to STEVEN D.

NEUSTROM, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o LionWood Law, PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 30th day of

January, 2023.

/s/ Steven D. Neustrom

Personal Representative

c/o LionWood Law, PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870

LionWood Law, PLLC /s/ John S. Masar

Attorney for Personal Representative BS 2-8, 2-15, 2-22-23.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

SALE Notice is hereby given to the people hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $850 and $930, Venture West Storage, LLC, located at 1008 Hwy 93 N. Victor, MT, 59875, will sell the contents of storage units E7 and E16 occupied by Raquel Murray (E7) and Melvin Vogt (E16), at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Venture West Storage, units E7 and E16, on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. BS 2-8-23.

MONTANA TWEN-

TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In the Matter of Guardianship of Jack Donovan Powell, Bryan and Lisa Brizendine, Petitioners

Case No. DG-23-07

NOTICE OF GUARDIANSHIP HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the guardianship hearing will be held on March 9, 2023 at 1:30 pm in Ravalli County District Court #2, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton.

Dated February 1st, 2023.

/s/ Jennifer B. Lint District Court Judge BS 2-8, 2-15, 2-22-23.

David T. Markette

Dustin M. Chouinard

Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C.

601 S. First Street

P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110

DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com

Attorneys for Petitioners

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

N RE: THE PETITION FOR INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION OF LANDS IN THE DALY DITCHES IRRIGATION DISTRICT IN RAVALLI COUNTY, MONTANA

Heather Villarreal; and Henry L. Tintzman and Wendy

J. Tintzman; and Henry L. Tintzman; and James F. Shaw, Jr. and Diane M. Shaw; and Mary P. Wetzsteon and Joseph W. Wetzsteon; and Bitterrooters LLC; and Leonardi Farms Inc; Petitioners Cause N. DV-82-95

Dept. No.

NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that a public hearing has been set in the courtroom of the above-entitled Court at the Ravalli County Courthouse, Courtroom No. 2, 205 Bedford, Hamilton, Montana, Ravalli County, Montana, for the inclusion and exclusion of land in the Daly Ditches Irrigation District, the 23rd day of March, 2023 at 1:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter

as the matter may be heard, at which time and place all persons interested in the Petition of Heather Villarreal; Henry L. Tintzman and Wendy J. Tintzman; Henry L. Tintzman; James F. Shaw, Jr. and Diane M. Shaw; Mary P. Wetzsteon and Joseph W. Wetzsteon; Bitterrooters LLC; and Leonardi Farms Inc; to add and remove certain lands described in the Petition to the Daly Ditches Irrigation District in Ravalli County, Montana, may appear to be heard. Said Petition is on file with the Clerk of District Court and is open to public inspection.

DATED: January 30, 2023

Paige Trautwein

Clerk of Court By: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk BS 2-8, 2-15, 2-22-23.

LEGAL NOTICE

The Daly Ditches Irrigation District will be holding its regular meeting on Tuesday, February, 14th,2023, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the District office, 566 Tammany Lane, Hamilton. BS 2-8-23.

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Office PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840

Telephone: (406) 363-3181

Attorney for Personal

Representative

MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: BRIAN LEE TRESCOTT, Deceased. Cause No. DP-20-151 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Linda Trescott, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Office PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 8th day of February, 2023. /s/ William J. Nelson Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Linda Trescott Personal Representative BS 2-15, 2-22, 3-1-23.

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Office PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: MARGARET E. DUNBAR, Deceased. Cause No. DP-19-98 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present

Legals

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In Re the Estate of PATRICIA VIRGINIA WHITE; Deceased.

Case NO.: DP-23-14

Dept. No. 1 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 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 Joann C. Hosko, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A. Weber, P.O. Box 1917, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

Dated this 8th day of February, 2023.

/s/Joann C. Hosko

Personal Representative of

The Estate of Patricia Virginia White BS 2-15, 2-22, 3-1-23.

Craig Mungas State Bar No. 6746

Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC 2809 Great Northern Loop, Ste 100 Missoula, Montana 59808

Telephone: 406-7218896

Telefax: 406-541-8037

Email: craig@bjornsonlaw.com

Attorneys for Debra Jo Dudley and Robert James Dudley, Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JUDITH LEE KLINE, a/k/a Judith L. Kline, Deceased.

Dept. No.: 1 Cause No.: DP-23-13

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 decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to DEBRA JO DUDLEY and ROBERT JAMES DUDLEY, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 8th day of February, 2023.

/s/ Debra Jo Dudley

Co-Personal Representative

/s/ Robert James Dudley

Co-Personal Representative

Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC

By: Craig Mungas

Attorneys for Debra Jo Dudley and Robert James Dudley, Co-Personal Representatives

BS2-15, 2-22, 3-1-23.

NOTICE OF FILING FOR TRUSTEE CANDIDATES:

Lone Rock School District# 13 is looking to fill two (2) Trustee positions each for a 3-year term. If interested in being part of a board that has a focus on high quality education, please file by March 23, 2023 by 4:00pm with the Business Manager/ Clerk at Lone Rock School – (406) 777-3314. Forms can be found on the school website.

BS 2-15, 3-15-23.

NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE

Please take notice Park River Storage located at 17 Red Ranch Rd. Stevensville MT 59870 intends to hold an Auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale shall occur as an online auction via www.lockerfox.com on 3/7/2023 at 10:30AM. Unless listed below, the contents consist of household goods and furnishings. Unit #11; Unit #116; Unit #126; Unit #144; Unit #147; Unit #35; Unit #6B. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. BS 2-22-23.

TANKO LAW OFFICE

BRIAN C. TANKO, ESQ. Montana Bar No. 5194 392 - 1st Avenue East North Kalispell MT 59901

Tel: (406) 257-3711

Fax: (406) 257-3722

Email: btanko@tanko. law.com

Web: www.tankolaw. com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BRIAN JOSEPH ADAMS, Deceased. Case No.: DP-22-111 HOWARD F. RECHT

District Court Judge 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 deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to BARTON J. ADAMS, the Personal Representative, to ℅ Tanko Law Office, 392 - 1st Avenue E.N., Kalispell MT 59901, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 9th day of September, 2022.

/s/ Barton J. Adams, Personal Representative

Submitted by: TANKO LAW OFFICE

/s/ Brian C. Tanko, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative BS 2-22, 3-1, 3-8-23.

LEGAL NOTICE

Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists (BBC) is partnering with the USDA Forest Service to complete trail clearing on the Bitterroot National Forest (BNF). BBC is currently accepting bids for a service contract for Trail Opening on approximately 140 miles of trails throughout the Montana portion of the BNF, outside of designated Wilderness areas. The type of work includes: “Logging Out” all downed or leaning trees within the clearing limits (width and height); “Loose Rock Removal” of all rock larger than 6” from the trail tread; and “Drainage Clearing” of all drainage structures. The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, equipment, mobilization, tools, supplies, permits, licenses, transportation, and incidentals necessary to perform trail opening, for which the desired outcome is in strict accordance with the Standard Trail Plans and Specifications. Bid packages, including list of trails in scope of project, maps, trail specifications, and additional details are available by email from bitterrootbackcountrycyclist@gmail.com or by telephone at 406-3610567. Bids must be received by March 24, 2023 and will be awarded on or about March 31, 2023. BS 2-22-23

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6:00 pm

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6:00 pm at their regularly scheduled meeting held at 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870 for the purpose of final plat review of Burnt Fork Estates Phase 1. Comments to be considered may be given orally at the hearing, submitted in writing via email to jenelle@townofstevensville.com or mail to the Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 pm on March 9, 2023. Questions, comments or more information can be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk at 406-7775271.

Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 2-22, 3-1-23

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

PREPARATION OF A NORTH HAMILTON PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT FOR WATER, SEWER, & TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS

CITY OF HAMILTON, MT

February 17, 2023

The City of Hamilton is seeking proposals from qualified firms to develop a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for an area of north Hamilton that includes the North Hamilton Urban Renewal District (NHURD) as well as adjacent properties both inside and adjacent to Hamilton City limits. The North Hamilton PER is intended to identify preferred alternatives and costs of improvements so that the City can begin working with public and private partners to implement water, sewer, and transportation projects needed to facilitate development and reduce blight in accordance with the City’s long range plans, including the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Plans, water & sewer plans, and NHURD Plan. The North Hamilton PER shall follow the outline of the Uniform Preliminary Engineering Report for Montana Public Works Facility Projects.

Consistent with Section 3 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1968, CDBG regulations governing the grant require that to the greatest extent feasible, opportunities for training, employment, and contracting arising in connection with this CDBG-assisted project will be extended to low- and very low-income individuals, especially those employed by Section 3 business concerns, participating in YouthBuild, living within the service area or the neighborhood of the project, or residing in public or Section 8-assisted housing.

Training and employment, as well as contracting opportunities are presented in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Opportunity Portal at https:// hudapps.hud.gov/Oppor-

tunityPortal/ [hudapps.hud. gov]. Prospective trainees, employees, and contractors of HUD-assisted projects are encouraged to utilize this resource to identify opportunities. In addition, contractors are encouraged to register on HUD’s Section 3 Business Registry at https://portalapps.hud.gov/ Sec3BusReg/BRegistry/ SearchBusiness [portalapps. hud.gov] if they meet HUD’s requirements for a Section 3 Business Concern. Registrants will receive targeted outreach for opportunities pertaining to assisted projects that are covered by Section 3. CDBG regulations governing the grant also require that opportunities for contracting will be extended to minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged (“DBE/ MBE/WBE”) businesses. DBE/MBE/WBE firms are encouraged to register on Montana’s DBE Registry at https://www.mdt.mt.gov/ business/contracting/civil/ dbe.shtml. Registrants will receive targeted outreach for opportunities pertaining to assisted projects that are covered by DBE/MBE/WBE.

The full RFP is available from the Hamilton City Clerk’s Office and on the City of Hamilton website at www.cityofhamilton.net.

Proposals shall be emailed to the Hamilton City Clerk at cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net by the proposal due date. For alternative delivery methods please contact the City Clerk. Responses must be received by the City Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2023. Late responses will not be accepted and any response received after the due date and time will be returned unopened.

The City of Hamilton and its agents reserve the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any formality or technicality. Questions regarding the North Hamilton PER may be directed to Hamilton Director of Public Works Donny Ramer, (406) 363-6717, dpw@cityofhamilton.net

Publish: Bitterroot Star: February 22, 2023 and March 1, 2023.

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Sarah Lavonne Sargent, Sarah Lavonne Sargent, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-23-51

Dept. 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Sarah Lavonne Sargent to Sarah Lavonne Gingerich-Sargent..

The hearing will be on March 29, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 15th day of February, 2023. Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court

BY: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk of Court BS 2-22, 3-1, 3-8, 3-1523.