Bitterroot Star - February 23, 2022

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

‘The 32 29 Volume XXXVII, Number 30 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume XXXVII, Number

’ ! l a c o L Best at

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Wednesday, February 23, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 26, Wednesday, February 2,9,2022

Rocky Mountain Grange revival

Eagles in winterHumane Groundbreaking held Association for medical center Bitter Root

celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary

speech, occupational well-being of the community and aghave a Grange Hall and local Granges benefit them all. To that and end,physical she and therapy aservices riculture, according to Wikipedia. The still serve as a center of rural life for Belmonth have organized concert– therapy The RockyHealth Mountain Grange is in Grange, founded in 1867, is the oldest many farming communities. series, “Live at theincluding Grange,” awith four Bitterroot the process of reinventing itself as a American agricultural advocacy group Today, with fewer big ranches different musical groups featured over pool – plus imaging held a groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’s once-again relevant community asset, with a national scope. The Grange and farms in the Bitterroot Valley, four months. Eachand concert will also lab services. ceremony, said meal. concerning the wine ing Wednesday andlast members Gretchen Langton and actively lobbied state legislatures and the older generation of ranchers have a potluck Beer and Bishop said “It organization’s 50 years of service, An open house celebration was for itsBelmont new medical Erin are helping the Grange and Congress for political goals, such and farmers now retired, many of the will be available. And, each concert they hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root was started by a bunch of little old to realizethat thatwill goal. as the Granger Laws to lower rates smaller tracts are owned by young will be paired with a local non-profit. complex be Humane Association’s (BRHA) new ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by facility opena started families. The Rocky Mountain Grange “The Grange is the a great community builtGranges just north of after the Civil War, charged by railroads, and rural free bunch of little ladies.” animal shelter located on Fairgrounds in response to the Industrial Revomail delivery by the Post Office. is trying to focus more on that demoresource,” saysold Belmont, who by spring ofcurrent2023, Stevensville at the lution and the rise of Bigevent Business. The Grange movement was hugely graphic. ly Kathie serves as president. “It’s a really Butts, President of theplan Road in Hamilton. The served a and that they corner of had Kootenai Farmers trouble getting their popular in rural areas of the country, Granges started as grassroots great building, a place to gatherhas and Board, said, “This organization double purpose. It included a ribbon on continuing to Creek Road and insohonor products to market they organized with national membership as high as organizations, and Langton says that network and haveway community events. cutting ceremony of the new come such a long since it was expand among 875,000 in 1875. In 2005, the Grange part is not going to change. “We want Our Grange inservices. about Hwy 93.themselves. facility, including tours of the whole started aboutwas 50 started years ago. I feel a1933. “We’re bringing the The Grange, officially named had a membership of 160,000, with to revive the Grange and highlight The grange is a fraternal organization John Bishop, huge sense of responsibility to honor building, and anBitarray of food and The National Grange of the Order organizations in 2,100 communities in non-profits and people who need help, but it’s really welcoming and support-” care to the patients, terroot those who have come before us and drink inHealth honorCEO, of the organization’s of Patrons of Husbandry, is a social 36 states. It is headquartered in Wash- like with food insecurity, or people ive of the community. That’s its whole he said. 50th birthday. make it asThis goodisas it can be as grange. we set said that Marcus organization in the United States that ington, D.C., in a building built by who want to farm but need support.” purpose. a community Lois Hedgethe course for the next 50 years.” The private non-profi t organization Daly Hospital had to band together encourages families the organization in 1960. Many rural Langton said they came up with the 2 McCormack saidpeth, thatchair the ofpage was first organized in 1972. 1984, See GRANGE REVIVAL, to promote the economic andInpolitical communities in the United States still an idea to combine some groups to organization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the hospital board, fundraising campaign fund the new granddaughter of Marcus Daly, gave saidto this project construction but then the Covid-19 the BRHA land on Fairgrounds Road has been four years Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitpandemic hit and construction with a 99-year lease. Six years later, in the works, costs but ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded John Bishop, pictured from left, leads a gathering people involved in the there were some celebrating the opening of the new animalfifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michaelof Howell. had to take out a mortgage to finish the land to the organization where delays due to the Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on the property that had housed the Sue McCormack, who serves on the current shelter is located. The See SHELTER, page pandemic. She said2 theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building shelter since 1984. their vision is that just north of the Stevensville Junction. the Stevensville facility will be more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, of a “medical center” rather than just a Hamilton. accessible, personalized of ways to by clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly The new 12-acre campus will health care” for 90 years. give, and Murphy. She led the Nathan is a critical access Halfway provide primary, care, urgentthis careisand In recent years, they one Hospital, which commissioners through Boddy rated the specialty have hospital, fun way have been taking steps to aRock lengthy fund#4 byinfund The was Lonerecently School District by Victoria Howell me likeservices. a ton of Two physicians through fiscal to enjoy a for quality by the of national ratThere accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse nation is exploring the option providing invest in all the commubricks.” good bevwere a lot it up, shows the county, enhanced educational opportunities ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. year, county practitioner, and two more doctors Numerous Bald Eagles have been congregating in the Burnt area lately to feed onOverstreet carcasses. was Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it comes erage while of smiles overall, well to students who are 4doing yearsvery old in by Michael Howell. by Victoria are being recruited. There will also be you’re rais- Howell he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from and cheers by Victoria Howell by Victoria Howell

Higherground Brewing helps fund fire station

Surviving COVID

Lone Rock Co. to consider County budget K-Ready on track Cowboy Ball program

scheduled

budget looking good

on its taxCommunity collections and a K-Ready program. ing money Overstreet the hospital with at Higherhas a showing revenues meetings are planned in Marchover and for The the fire Ground Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli County message for you: an oxygen tank. of projections in April to provide information, explore hall.” Brewery Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. Thisinput is don’t fool around! He was home for most departments while options and solicit community Joel on Friday, theMichael tenth annual event and the wayprogram. it’s shaping Overstreet, two or three days. by Howell Connolly, expenses have only regarding a potential At June 18th as up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftothe a23% jubilee Managan the attorney in During that time, amounted of their February meeting, Lone brewery er and and former council member, the public at the next Halfway through celebration. projections in large Rock Trustees approved due policy 3100, private practice in hismeeting oxygen level unveiled by Victoria Howell Assistant the budget year,which the its new part to jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of this provides the option for this appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, Brewer, performance county’s ‘Backdraft have yet to be filled. type of early education programming. event. Freeman is also thethat chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with regular a normal of his efforts to teach the new the appointment offrom two addisays that At the second Imperial is looking pretty good, One big savings was in LRS Superintendent Dr. Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Robert Board, colon 99. “I jokingly say they have to Ravalli council and mayor how local tional council members. Redcancer IPA.’ meeting of theintwo-member according the budgeted funds DoBell brought the possibility which he’s been on for 12 years. A real estateoffor brewed February offor 2021. that 51 is brain On hand government should run. He “We’ll do our job, ” said County CFO Klarryse the Bitterroot, county’stoshare in Stevensville Town Council, on K-Ready the board, about agent 16 for 18 years here programming in the and also Hethe went through damage material.” unveiling was a frequent commenter Gibson along with a plan to engage with kegs of the January 27, town clerk Jenelle was Hamil- and in the Army for 21 years, his organizational and 10 chemotherapy But COVID-19 See COUNTY, page community members. “We believe Joan Mell, an attorney new IPA, ton Mayor Berthoud told the council and at council meetings during fundraising skills, and discipline, have been put to in late August he was was no joke. “It so it’s not early childhood education may be an Dominic the last administration. In from Hamilton, wasgot recaudience thatcancer she was having good use as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee. told that the so bad I felt certain important service for Lone Rock chilFarrenkopf, public comment, Crews told ognized for stepping in I couldn’t said theParticularly committee considering hopes to raise trouble streaming the meethowFreeman long hadCouncilor been eradicated. like dren. some the council that those makto handle the prosecution supplies $50,000 this year, the expansion of exist the rodeo Overstreet had She said breathe, like I ingsDan on Mitchthe internet. of thefor barriers that might for will last. chutes. ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney ell andon YouTube bucking “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery October chanwas being water families in accessing these services, the former One thing “They need towhether be replaced. getting banged they They’re are: availability, cost or address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet while he was 23,Hamilton 2021had for was ostomy boarded, or whatFire Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf, Higherground brewer Joel Connolly and Hamilton nel they no longer for sure, Volunteer for other reasons. If there is a need up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” removal, the fi nal I imagine water audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovhowever, is Brad working but they Chief had set up Mohn prepare for a taste. Photo by Nathan Boddy. Fire Departthat we can meet, shouldactually explore The cowboy ball we – which that all of10th the annual in the boarding is not a question and answer” ering, from Covid-19. Mell to be ment Chief atreatment new Facebook page. Howoptions.” proceeds, 11 years ago but couldn’t be held last year to do it as economically as ” were to get therecalls colon cancer like,” Brad Mohn.journey. session. “It’s public comment. did quick the work at behind no charge to which amount to started ever, membersthat of the public Two–meetings plannedthis to proa fewtodolpossible. One of those ways idea. due the pandemic has beenare upgraded Alongside many of the The day afterwere Overstreet. “This The mayorhelp hadwith said commuprevious- the town.Farrenkopf “I just wanted will go vide information and get community is getting Mayor gra- to lars for each serving, who had tried to access the volunteer firemen who also year. surgery, he was when I realizedthe new fire station. fundraising.” light of ciously offered buyisthe input: that he would beIn answering publicly thanktoJoan for help- toward The Town of Stevensville attorney Joan aMell, came topage satisfy their thirst, Facebook said it was not lynity “This is therecognized first year we’ve ever done fully diagnosed with that I was not When asked to describe that desire, he explains that, first round, but of course, ▪ Thursday, March 3, 6:30pm – while lending support to the questions from the public. ing me and helpingtaking the town, ”the center, for filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University flavor of the IPA, ConCOVID-19. Covid “Counselor Dan Mitchell the long term hope is that upcoming construction of a 7:30pm also that they residents said Overstreet. ofPictured Montana Catering Service will provide the – nolly says, “It’s a little sweet, with hadCrews an idea of said approaching stop on by and do had Covid-19. Mell are, l toApril r, Overstreet, fornew patience as she for worked “I was seriously enough. fireobviously station the City ▪ Thursday, 7, 6:30pm one of the local breweries.” should be prepared for some their part to fund this imandMayor not overly bitter.” At Desserts dinner. are provided by 4H members. of weakened,” Hamilton. very said through the issues. 7:30pm Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and Aftertalks a visit withhis Fire Chief portant long-term Mayor Farrenkopf ex- Overstreet 8% ABV, he says that it is See page 2 “interesting comments” from Greg about recent brush with death dueSTEVI, to resource. Overstreet. “It hit Both meetings will be held in the Jim Crews, former mayor Stacie Photo by Victoria Howell. Mohn, the owners of HighAs mentioned by Mayor See COWBOY BALL page 4 See SURVIVING, page 5Barker. plains that, “We’re building strong. “Like theby firemen.” Michael Howell Multi-Purpose Room in the elemenCovid. Photo by Victoria Howell. a new fire hall and are trying erground Brewing Company Farrenkopf, “There are a lot tary school. Last week the Ravalli County Commissioners approved adoption of a memorandum of understanding with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force and letter aspen and whitebark pine; the commissioners statedInstituteProtection National Forest 1987 Forest MAPS Media to produceAgency. a video The designed by Michael Howell help parents on their children’s behavthat “RavallitoCounty objectskeep tabs contains recommendations Plan. manage timber to provide ior. impacts toto itemsconcerning by Nathan Boddy found in locations such asfor to unmitigated the Draft SEIS forest products and jobs; and A new record of decision The deadlineHowell closed on if it would by Victoria be possible The DUI Task Force approved the creation of Butterfly Herbs or Rockin’ Rudy’s in by Victoria Howell year, the facility tookButterfly. in just under county owned/maintained the Gold Concernretain old growth status in all was issued ononDecember 17, to put envelopes January 18, forMontana filing objeca Mischief$240,000 Room lastand May and the commissioners Missoula, the Hamilton business plays Hamilton, is unique for spent every penny. ingrole theinvolved scope ofthe the analysis roads from signed heavy equipment 2021 accompanied treatment units. According to Dominic Farrenall the doors and then by a Draft off There on it. The project creation tions toreasons, theShinn, Draft a different for some locals. many butSupplemenone is the indisputare no paid employees; it’s an“Aall-of Jasmin founder and kopf, activities director put valentine cards in and logging trucks, mostly, the letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding lot of people consider ‘Between The able fact that it is comprised of people tal Environmental Statement executive director of 1 Horsethem. Farrenkopf really volunteer organization. But Shinn said at Sapphire Lutheran compartments where someone could stash some Worlds’ to be their safe space,” says with roots in many different backroot Forest Plan’s Forest-wide cific forest plan amendment about 90% of the proposed but not limited to, the impacts (Draft SEIS) for the Gold AtHomes A Time Horse it costs about $200 per month feedwas inDraft Hamilton, isRescue liked the idea. He asked drugsRoad. or hide aTrevor small flask of“This whiskey. Thetoaim isWildlife a place where grounds, cultures, regions and spirituManagement Retreatment areas are within an to Willow Creek Due to Kelvie. defining old-growth stanButterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility in Corvallis, got a nice these “gentle giants.” Then there are asking the community students at schools to provide parents a learning opportunity to see the a lot of people come in to talk about al beliefs. Perhaps that is why Between area designated for insect and resource and financialveterinary limitasource Objective tocan “Maintain dards. Some objections to the bills, training, and boost lastForest week when she to send his residents athatwas daycares to make National project various ways in which any therapy, young person hide their spirituality. They can believe The Worlds has been able to and call 205 Last year lopes. tions, Ravalli County would sufficient habitat newenvelopes decision and were received disease treatment because of the envelittleStreet love this special other associated costsold-growth to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck for $7500 their substance use from casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres what they believe and not feel judged.” Main home for fourteen years. so full they now tine’s Day. them for each not be able to accommodate onWhen suitable timberland to denseis pockets oflopes dead were and dyJanuary 18 deadlineThe project from representatives of JCCS, anby the horses. they’re finally Glendathese Wiles, Director of the DUI Task She adds that, “We’re not Force, a ready church. “We consider a decorate new-age of commercial andourselves non-comhad to be emptied more really popular, and resident. Then people About four years said what she tells parents is, “If you don’t look, for adoption, most can be driven or accounting fi rm with a branch We’re not here to preach to people. metaphysical gift shop,” says joint support viable populations ing trees. They claim the area the necessary maintenance mostly having to do with the mercial vegetative treatment could drop off valenthan once. growing every year. ago, aDennis resident came then younor don’t see.and If you don’t you owner, Kelvie. “Weofcarry evgoal isold-growth to meet thethen needs ofdon’t the ridden, some justsee, become “pasture located in Hamilton. Part the logging of dependent is impacted by mountain pine during the project, theOur of old growth, potenwithin a 55,000 acre area of to Farrenkopf to see tines to fill the enveSee VALENTINES, page 10 erything from books and crystals to incommunity and what people are lookselection for awarding that gift tial impacts to wildlife and to pets.” See DUI, page 10 after species.” The letter notes that beetle, Douglas-fir bark beetle, rehabilitation of the road forest in the Sapphire Mouncense, sage, and jewelry. We also have ing for.” was online voting and according Willow Creek Road. 1 Horse At A Time was established theand Draft SEIS express limits the scope dwarf mistletoe and western the project is complete. Ravalli tains eastbranch ofapothecary Corvallis. the largest in the valley.” Dennis Trevor strong to JCCS manager, Andrea by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from of its environmental consespruce budworm damage. County objects to shifting Bitterroot National Forest Trevor Kelvie, who began as an emties with the Bitterroot Valley and The original proposal Germany where she grew up around its Simmerman, 1 Horse At was A Time ployee of Between the Worlds before residents, a fitting attitude people quences analysis to for vegetation, Although in general financial burden of the project officials have stated that the withdrawn of vote 2020 horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of in theAugust top four ultimately purchasing the business, whose business quite literally focuses RDO Equipment Co. to Ravalli County andbut believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed after Friends the Bitterroot getters. she is the especially passionate about describes theof retail establishment this upon spiritual well-being of others. 8571 Running W. Road it is contrary to current law pine marten. project, the Ravalli County forest resilience to natural That followed in the draftIronically, horses. She and hertheir husband, a has and Alliance for the Wild way: “If check you’re looking for giftswake that however, business “We realize these old Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” recently disturbances like fire, insects Missoula, MT 59808 military retiree, two children of a couldn’t $25,000 gift claiming in November Rockies filed find suit the you anywhere else, espebeenand thetheir recipient of growth an atspecies are listed in Forest officials also received and disease; reduce sediconcern over impacts to relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20from Tractor Supply. cially iffailed you’reto looking something tempted smear campaign, conducted 406-549-4171 agency use thefor best That a lot of lean to acre farm which ShinnPlan, said canitsupport that hassounds more oflike a spiritual it, sources in the Willow by a self-proclaimed prophet, whose the Forest but is not comments Strobel ment county andShinn maintained available science in managing Presenting a check for $7500 from JCCSowned to Jasmin (second from left) of 1 from HorsePhilip At we are your people.” to Shinn, Creek watershed; improve tactics have included large scale postRDOequipment.com money but, according about 20 horses. She currently Director of the NEPA Branch clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek elk habitat and didn’t com- however,A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch Beyond just its offerings, ing of fliers on public utility poles taking care of draft horses is Worlds, downtown Boddy.of the Regional Adminbull troutBetween habitat; the restore Road. Hamilton. Photo by Nathan Office ply with theof definition old the owners Betweenof The Worlds Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. Also pictured is Tiny, the non-profit’s mascot and the an expensive proposition. Last See RESCUE, page 16 65 See GOLD, page In asome letter to the Forest the Environmental habitat meadows, See BETWEEN, page horseof that was rescued by While 1 Horse At A Time. Photo by Victoria istrator Howell. need the community. of its merchandise mightofbe similar growth foundofintheir the Bitterroot like to think shop as serving afirstincluding

Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds

DUI Task Force, MAPS to partner on special video

Gold Butterfly project draws some objections

Spreading Between thelove Worlds serving community’s needs Local draft horse rescue thriving

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