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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!”

‘The B Volume XXXV, Number 32

Top Business Person

Established 1985 – Locally owned & independent

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Group seeks injunction to stop Darby Lumber Lands project

By Michael Howell

Friends of the Bitterroot, a local non-profit conservation organization, has asked a federal judge to put a hold on and, ultimately, declare unlawful the implementation of the Darby Lumber Lands Phase 2 Project, also known as the Taber Mountain timber sale on the Bitterroot National Forest in the Sapphire Mountains south of Darby. According to information provided by BNF officials, Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2016 and focused on improving watershed and stream health including reducing chronic sediment from an extensive road system built decades ago for timber management. It also created a sustainable motorized access system and loop-based motorized routes, including 44 miles of connector trails for motorcycle and ATV travel. Phase 2 was billed as “continuation of the original project” that “also incorporates vegetation management activities” that will “improve watershed conditions through management of a

suitable transportation system, improve forest health and reduce potential fire severity and provide timber products and related jobs.” Proposed treatments include commercial timber harvests, noncommercial thinning, and prescribed burning to improve forest health. The project could provide 5.7 million board feet, or approximately 1,200 truckloads of timber to Montana sawmills. The lawsuit, filed last Wednesday, February 19, in U.S. District Court in Missoula is the first lawsuit that Friends of the Bitterroot has filed in over ten years. The organization claims that it is necessary to save crucial, roadless elk habitat surrounded by an area still recovering from decades of overharvest. “The Forest Service has missed a great opportunity to do true restoration on the most ecologically damaged lands on the Bitterroot National Forest,” said Jim Miller, president of Friends of the Bitterroot (FOB). “The Darby Lumber Lands have not recovered from decades of industrial-scale logging and roadbuilding, yet the agency plans to log the last ves-

tiges of intact forest ecosystem in crucial elk habitat and to illegally build roads to get the big trees.” The group contends that, not only is the Darby Lumber Lands project a violation of the law, it represents a broken promise by the agency to restore the area. “The Forest Service worked with numerous stakeholders to develop a project that would put the area on the path of recovery, a process that began all the way back with the Phase 1 of this project,” said Miller. “Now under Phase 2, the Bitterroot National Forest has decided to include harmful logging and road building instead of keeping the promise to truly restore the area.” The group claims in its lawsuit that the Forest Service did not identify a minimum road system that would still meet all the project’s needs and objectives as required by NEPA. They argue that under the current Forest Plan adopted in 1987, much of the project area and planned logging is in a management area [Management Area 8b] that prohibits comSee LAWSUIT, page 2

Gardening columnist Hackett gives us ‘More Dirty Fingernails’

Ann Bethea, owners of Florence Ace Hardware and Eastside Ace Hardware, has been named Business Person of the Year by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce. She was recognized at the annual Chamber Awards Banquet on February 8. Jean Schurman photo.

Bethea named Business Person of the Year By Jean Schurman

Ann Bethea, owner of Florence Ace and Eastside Ace hardware stores, in Florence and Stevensville, respectively, was recently named the 2019 Business Person of the Year by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce. It’s an honor she greatly appreciates. This has not

been the easiest year for her and to win this award really gives her a great feeling. Ann and her husband, Jim, purchased Florence Ace Hardware in 2009. Jim was a contractor and they felt this was a good fit for them. Prior to moving here, they lived in Florida where Ann worked at Jim’s family business, a private school with classes from kinder-

garten to sixth grade as well as a pre-K school. She taught pre-K and toddler classes, helped with summer camps and generally did whatever was necessary, even driving the bus. The couple moved to the Bitterroot because of the outdoor life and the fly fishing. Ann is an See BETHEA, page 3

Bitterroot Valley author Molly Hackett has written hundreds of newspaper columns over the past three decades answering questions about gardening in this part of the world and now she has updated and expanded her comments and put together a major new book on the subject using the same title for the book that she employed with her column – “More Dirty Fingernails.” Her book is a collection of new questions and answers that address the common woes that most gardeners encounter when they try to have a productive garden – covering eight major categories: vegetables, flowers, fruit, herbs, landscape, how to issues, problems and indoor gardening.

Seven sworn in as Eagle Scouts

See BOOK, page 9

Jonathan Schmitz (above, far left), US Navy and former Troop 1991 Eagle Scout, administered the oath at the recent Eagle Scout swearing in ceremony in Stevensville. New Troop 1991 Eagle Scouts, l to r, and their projects: Carlos Morales, constructed and installed a Veterans Memorial at Stevensville High School soccer fields; Cody Bradford, Painting & improvements to the Stevensville Clothes Closet free store; Dakota Johnson, did demolition for Victor Volunteer Fire Department’s new fire station remodel, Clayten Cochran, organized and managed a blood drive for the American Red Cross; Dale Sutton, improvements and maintenance to Stevensville’s Veterans Memorial Park; Everitt Mauler, built new horse shelter for Toby’s Legacy Equine Rescue in Stevensville; Reagan Yaskus, organized and produced an all day variety show to benefit the Stevensville Playhouse theater. Above, far right: “The Eagles Nest,” local Eagle Scouts in attendance to honor the new Eagle Scout recipients. The seven new Eagle Scouts organized hundreds of hours of community service (estimated more than 350 hours) and earned a combined total of more than 160 merit badges in less than two years. Their Scout Master is James Higginson. Pictured at right with the flags, l to r: Eagle Scouts Reagan Yaskus, Ryan Horlacher, Coltin Mauler, two members of “Sons of the American Legion” and Eagle Scout trumpeter Cody Bradford playing the National Anthem. Michael Howell photos.

Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Lawsuit

The group also objects to the use of site-specific amendments to suspend Forest Plan standards for Elk Habitat Effectiveness. The group notes that the Forest Service has used a site-specific amendment to suspend EHE rules in 10 different projects to date and suspended the rules for thermal and hiding cover seven times. Although the commercial harvest may increase big game forage production, one thing the plan allows in this kind of management area, the group claims the need for increased forage was not demonstrated. In fact, elk numbers in the area currently exceed what the plan requires. They ask the judge to declare that the project, as approved, violates the law. They

continued

mercial logging. It also prohibits the construction of new roads, except those that may cross it to reach adjacent management areas where work is planned. The whole project, covering 27,453 acres in Rye Creek, Little Sleeping Child Creek, Harlan Creek, Roan Gulch, Burke Gulch, North Fork of Rye Creek, and Robbins Gulch, contains 959 acres slated for timber harvest and 347 acres of that is in Management Area 8b. The group claims that the roads being put into the area are also in violation of the planning standards because they do not access any adjacent management areas.

ask him to vacate the decision and set aside the Finding of No Significant Impact and enjoin the implementation of the project. They also ask for award of costs, expenses, expert witness fees, and reasonable attorney fees. “The BNF Forest Plan is a foundational management contract with public landowners,” said FOB member Larry Campbell. “It lays out legal limits to ecological harm. We are asking a judge to decide if the BNF can waive legal protections of elk habitat yet again. We are drawing a line at the Darby Lumber Land project area because it is an island of prime elk habitat surrounded by a sea of habitat destruction.” “We hope that, beginning with this project, the Bitterroot National Forest will follow the law and bring to an end its practice of tax-subsidized timber sales that damage the environment, reduce opportunities for hunters and anglers, and cost the taxpayers of Ravalli County hard-earned money,” said FOB President Jim Miller. Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Matthew Anderson said, “We have not had a chance to read the lawsuit thoroughly as we just received it. It is unfortunate that the project, which drew community support, has been litigated. This is an important project that improves forest health, reduces potential fire severity, and is good for our local economy and jobs. We believe we did our due diligence under the law.” The Darby Lumber Lands - Phase 2 Project was subject to public objection under Code of Federal Regulations §218. The Objection Reviewing Officer who reviewed the project found that it complied with all applicable laws and the Forest Plan. The DN/FONSI are available online at www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=49700 and at the Darby Ranger District and Forest Supervisor’s Office in Hamilton. For additional information contact Eric Winthers, District Ranger, Darby/Sula Ranger District at (406) 821-3913.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Darby Brilliant Beginnings lays foundation for saving

By Michael Howell

It’s time to pull that sequined vintage flapper dress out of the closet and get a ticket to the Murder Mystery Dinner at the Darby Clubhouse for Saturday, March 7th because the Friday event is already sold out! The event is a fundraiser for Darby Brilliant Beginnings, a local non-profit organization formed about five years ago that opens a free savings account for every kindergarten student in Darby and seeds it with a $100 deposit. The savings accumulate in a deposit-only account at the Bitterroot Community Federal Credit Union until the child graduates at which time the money becomes available to the student. “The idea,” said DBB President Christina Harrell, “is that parents and grandparents can make deposits into the account and use it as a savings for their children’s future education and employment.” But the aim also includes instilling financial literacy and good savings habits in the children themselves by offering incentives to the children to help them save. Any kindergartener who contributes $10 or more each month for six months receives a $50 reward bonus from the DBB. First graders this year all got piggy banks with one month to save up money. At the end

of the month the piggy bank is opened, and the money is counted. The DBB then matches the funds up to $20. Second graders are rewarded for drawing a picture of who they want to be. Third graders go on a field trip to the local Credit Union where they are given money to make an actual deposit into their own account. Fourth graders got to read books about financial management to kindergarteners and earn $5 per book up to $20 for their savings accounts. The accounts are automatically set up for each kindergartner in Darby each year for free and do not contain any hidden fees, shares or costs. Since the DBB owns the account until the child’s graduation (or equivalent), it does not affect any public assistance or financial aid that the family may be receiving. This could make a difference for many students in Darby. Roughly 65-75% of Darby children qualify for Free & Reduced Lunch, and many are born into families with no savings or assets of any kind. Studies show that a child with a college savings account in any amount is significantly more likely to attend college than one without, regardless of income, race or academic achievement. But if a traditional route through a four-year college education is not right for the child, according to Harrell, they can use the funds to pay for alternative post-secondary education, such as community college, or technical or vocational

training. Upon approval from the DBB board of directors, the funds may even be used to start a business with a solid business plan. If the child decides not to pursue postsecondary education or entrepreneurial opportunities, the saved funds will be returned to them when he or she turns 25. Incentives or matching funds contributed by DBB will be returned to DBB. Harrell said that there was some hesitation by some people in the community when they first started the program but that it is now very well accepted. She said even people with children who are past kindergarten age are asking to set up accounts. “It gets better and better every year,” she said. Harrell thought that people would be really interested in the menu for the Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser. You have your choice between lemon-dill baked salmon, bacon-wrapped meatloaf with red wine glaze, or a vegan dish of roasted root vegetables atop a bed of baby spinach and French green lentils. Tickets for the Saturday event are available online on the Darby Brilliant Beginnings Facebook page, at Bitterroot Community Federal Credit Union, Darby Espresso or Electric Beach. Find more information online at info@darbybrilliantbeginnings.org

Bethea

Bitterroot Star -- Page 3

continued

around Ann and her three daughters to help get them through this tough time. She says that her daughters each gave and continue to give her support in their own unique ways. Jackie lives in Pennsylvania and Ann credits her daily phone calls with keeping her going. Allie helps out at the store some, especially with advertising, as she has her own consulting business. And then there’s Katie. She is at the store five days a week and Ann says Katie is her “right hand gal.” Katie had picked up a lot of the business from her dad and is now passing that on to her mom. Ann also credits the Ace corporation with not only helping her through a difficult time this last year but also in the day-to-day business of running two stores. They offer her education as an owner but also education for her staff. When they only had the Florence store, Ann had a Ladies Night for women to learn little DIY projects. That store is quite cozy and so the tables were set up in the aisles. She plans on doing more Ladies Nights in the Eastside Ace store because there will be a lot of room after the current remodel is done. She says there are a lot of women who work in or own Ace stores. Her store manager

avid fisherwoman and loves to be out in nature. Once they purchased the hardware store in Florence, Ann set herself to learning the business. Although she has always worked with people and loves working with them, she had to pick up a whole new language, that of the handyperson and weekend carpenter. She said they didn’t really change much to begin with, just tightened up the running of the store and expanded the inventory, especially the garden center. “We wanted to keep the small town feel,” she said. “But we wanted big city efficiency.” If you go into almost any hardware store, and certainly the Florence Ace and Eastside Ace stores, you will find that many of the sales associates are older men of about retirement age. Ann said these men have been fixing things for their entire lives and they have the best knowledge to help beginners or even experienced customers or really anyone who frequents hardware stores. In 2018, Jim and Ann purchased the Ace Home and Ranch Center in Stevensville. They set about putting their stamp on the business and making changes where changes were needed, including changing the name to Eastside Ace. However, that all came to an abrupt halt at the end of January 2019 when Jim suddenly passed away. It was then that Ann found that the sales associates became family and their customers became friends. The community rallied

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at Florence is Kim Harbison, and Ann says her agriculture and farm knowledge is a real asset to the store. Ann and her staff have made community a priority and have been very generous in supporting community projects. As she talks about the plans for the Eastside store with the remodel, she looks at a poster of an Ace store with modern features around the edge, but in the center, a quaint stove and an area more reminiscent of times gone by. She looks at it and says, “I want to have a ‘Helpful Hub’ where people can go to ask questions, learn how to do things, and feel comfortable.” As for her business philosophy, Ann says it’s pretty simple. “Follow your gut, work hard, and smile.” Florence Ace Hardware is located at 5524 Old Hwy 93, and the phone number is 273-4333. Eastside Ace Hardware is located at 4054 Eastside Hwy in Stevensville; phone number is 777-5525.

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Opinion

Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Bitterroot Star Editorial Board Michael Howell Victoria Howell

Guest Comment

Grizzlies arrival signals need to end bear baiting By George Nickas, Executive Director, Wilderness Watch, Missoula

Over the past few years, threatened grizzly bears have been making their way back to their ancestral homeland in the wild country of the Selway-Bitterroot Ecosystem along the Montana and Idaho border. Officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last month put the supervisors of the Bitterroot, Lolo, Salmon-Challis and Nez PerceClearwater National Forests on notice that any grizzly that migrates into the Selway-Bitterroot Ecosystem has the same protections as other grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act. While that’s certainly welcome news, as the Selway-Bitterroot Ecosystem provides critical connectivity between grizzly bear populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem surrounding Glacier National Park, it’s actually not new news at all, ESA protections have always traveled with the imperiled Great Bear. The fact of the matter is that grizzlies will make their way back to the vast, wild country of the Selway-Bitterroot Ecosystem, if we let them. Unfortunately, national forests and wildernesses on the Idaho side of the Selway-Bitterroot Ecosystem are littered with bait stations—literally garbage dumped in the woods—used by hunters to lure unsuspecting black bears so they can be shot. The general public may not know that Idaho and Wyoming still allow bear baiting within the range of grizzly bears, and Idaho continues to allow bear baiting even in wilderness. The Forest Service once regulated bear baiting practices on national forests, but in the 1990s it delegated control to the states. At least eight grizzly bears have been shot and killed at bait stations in national forests in Idaho and Wyoming since 1995, including, in 2007, the first known grizzly to inhabit the Bitterroot in more than 50 years. At least two of the grizzlies confirmed to be roaming in the Selway-Bitterroot Ecosystem in recent months were

Letters

Proud to be an American

Dear Editor, In response to the letter of Grace Wilson: Are you a Russian operative trying to interfere in our election? A real American knows that you can be a Republican or Democrat, Independent, Tea Party, liberal, progressive or Communist. Perhaps you should try talking to a Democrat, or any real American. We all have the right to disagree with each other, it doesn’t make you right and everyone else a Communist. My family fights against foreign aggression and I do my best on the domestic front. From a real American Democrat and proud of it. J. Ward Lolo

Burning issue

photographed at bear baiting stations. Since the Forest Service gave states the power to allow bear baiting in national forests, scientists have established a significant body of showing baiting causes harmful and irreversible grizzly bear research conditioning to human food and disrupts grizzlies’ behavioral dynamics. This ongoing death-trap for grizzlies is unacceptable. When the Forest Service changed its policy to allow state control of bear baiting practices, it did so under a legal agreement that any killing of grizzlies would require the agency to re-evaluate the program. Now, after multiple grizzly bear deaths, it’s long past time for the Forest Service to prioritize protecting this threatened native species by ending state control of bait stations on federal public land. That’s why Wilderness Watch, Western Watersheds Project and WildEarth Guardians filed a lawsuit in federal court to stop the killing of grizzly bears at bait stations. As our attorney, Pete Frost with the Western Environmental Law Center, said when we filed our lawsuit, “The confirmed grizzly killings at bait stations are more than enough to trigger the Forest Service to reevaluate its policy delegating these decisions to states. Safe passage for grizzlies to the Selway Bitterroot ecosystem is critical to their recovery, and the Forest Service is required to reassess whether to allow states to control bear baiting in our national forests.” Given bear baiting’s harmful effects on threatened grizzly bears, we want the Forest Service to consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service to re-evaluate whether bear baiting decisions should be up to states, and whether baiting is too harmful to threatened grizzly bears to continue. Spoiler: It is. While we celebrate the return of the Great Bear to the SelwayBitterroot Ecosystem, let’s make sure we give threatened grizzlies a fighting chance by ending unethical bear baiting within our national forests and designated Wilderness areas.

Dear Editor, Fire and smoke are inevitable and powerful elements of our landscape and culture. The toxins and particulates in wood smoke are dangerous for humans and animals alike, equivalent in toxicity to our DNA as cigarettes and vehicle exhaust. Wood and plant derived smoke is composed of a mixture of gases, solids, and liquids. In addition to solid particles are formaldehyde, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, acrolein, and toxic organic chemicals. The impact of these can be swelling of the lungs, irregular heart rythms,

heart attack and stroke, and a host of respiratory problems. Smoke can severely aggravate shortness of breath, bronchitis,and asthma, and inflame respiratory tracts. Fine particulates that aren’t completely burned can lodge deep in lungs and can’t be coughed out. Their concentration in the air is monitored by health and government institutions which evaluate the risk to our health, and can advocate steps to lessen exposure to unhealthy air, like staying indoors, and advise controlling its production, like shutting down the practice of outdoor burning. The increasing volume of wildfire smoke that originates here or blows in to our air-scape is on a scale difficult to influence. It would benefit all oxygen breathers if we cared enough to prevent negative consequences from the two types of fire which we residents can affect; wood stoves and open burning. In the case of heating stoves, a hot fire consumes more of its fuel, therefore producing less smoke and pollution, and releasing more energy from the wood. Burning seasoned dry wood, providing sufficient air to energize the fire, and not overloading the firebox all result in a win-win; efficient combustion, more heat, and less pollution. These same considerations apply to open burning of natural yard waste, which, by the way, is the only permissible fuel to be burned out of doors. Dried leaves, shrubs, and branches, in moderatesized piles, which can be added to as the fire burns down, plenty of air so that it all burns HOT, will be

Bitterroot Star

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

Publishers - Michael & Victoria Howell Editors - Michael & Victoria Howell Sports Editor - Jean Schurman Advertising Sales Consultants Jean Schurman (239-4354) & Liz Cook (880-2007) Graphic Designer - Deven Monta TheBitterroot Bitterroot Star Star isispublished published weekly weekly at 115 W. 3rd, Street, Suite 108, The at 115 W. 3rd Suite 108, Stevensville,Montana. Montana.Subscriptions Subscriptions are are$40 $50 per per year year in in Ravalli RavalliCounty, Stevensville, County, $60 per out of and county, per year out of state. $50 per year out year of county, $60and out $70 of state. The Postal Service will no longer forward the Bitterroot Star. Address changes to our mailing list are made once a month and can be made by contacting the Star office at 777-3928.

Member Montana Montana Newspaper Association Member Association Member Commerce Member Bitterroot Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Member Main Street Association Member Stevensville Hamilton Downtown Association Member Downtown Association Member Hamilton Stevensville Civic Club

safe, successful, and welcomed by your neighbors who otherwise an be subjected to days and nights of suffocating smoldering smoke. Ann Harding Hamilton

mum capacity now and a 30% cut undoubtedly threatens public safety and will impact local tax coffers and local public safety

Public safety in jeopardy

Dear Editor, For communities and businesses to prosper, they must be safe. From the 9-1-1 call through to the arrest, conviction and incarceration of felony offenders, Montana citizens rely on state funded public safety and justice programs to support that goal. I’m dismayed to read about Greg Gianforte’s proposed tax cut on Public Safety of 30%. If Montanans see such cuts in the next biennium there will be serious consequences to public safety across the state. We can’t all afford to provide our own security and safety like those with Gianforte’s wealth. Taxes are the way individuals combine our resources to fund critical collective needs that we can’t provide ourselves such as education, public safety and a social safety net. Since Montana’s legislature must craft a balanced budget every two years, every dollar cut in taxes requires cuts in spending. State spending on public safety includes highway safety, criminal justice, the judicial system, corrections, mental health, addiction treatment and child/ family services are critical to making Montana a safe place to live and raise our families. These systems are at maxi-

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services – police, fire, ambulance, jails and 9-1-1 centers. When you call 9-1-1 to report a violent crime or medical emergency and you’re told all units are busy, then what? Or your stalker can’t be jailed because the jail is full of state inmates awaiting prison? How about when your daughter’s rapist can’t be convicted because of backlogs of evidence in the crime lab? Montana voters must critically contemplate promises of tax cuts with a wary eye. A principled leader is concerned with keeping the public safe. Montana voters must elect leaders who will responsibly help this state improve public safety. Mark Muir Missoula

So many things

Dear Editor, I’ve arrived! Here in the “Star,” on February 19th, I was called a “Feminazi” because of my “hokey” hyphenated last name. There are several reasons for the hyphen, but the only one of real significance is that almost 36 years ago, when I asked my prospective husband, Robert Thomas, how he felt about it, he replied that he was looking forward to being married to Mary Fahnestock, not Mary Thomas. Similarly, when I asked if he minds that I prefer to wear my hair very short, he said, “It’s your hair.” That’s a man I can love, respect, and share my life with. As for the term itself, it must have been invented by a man or men who were afraid of intelligent, strong-minded women and of losing their patriarchal power. “Nazi” has come to mean someone who is racist (sexist?) and authoritarian, as in power-hungry. Surely that suits our current administration more than yours truly. Such labels and name-calling are tools of last resort aimed at avoiding any discussion one is afraid of losing. The same short letter pointed out that our current president is

not a politician, like Mr. Smith in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” as I had suggested, but a businessman, implying, I think, that he is attuned to the economy, not to the tricky world of politics. Really? How far apart are those two worlds when the sole focus is self-aggrandizement, of which he is an outstanding example? Which brings me to our American fascination with outlaws, gangsters, con men, and crooks in general, such as Butch Cassidy, Bonnie and Clyde, Jessie James, Billy the Kid, Al Capone, the Godfather, Roger Stone, and (dare I say it?) our current president, who makes a specialty of flouting both honorable traditions and the laws that are supposed to help us all live together honorably and constructively in this democratic republic. Are we fascinated because they get away with so much? Until they don’t? Ultimately what they get away with is money and/ or power, and I just don’t see how that benefits you and me in our day-to-day world -- except perhaps by distracting us from focusing on day-to-day problems that they can’t or won’t help us fix. So I have a sign in my yard showing an American flag underlined by the statement “HONESTY MATTERS,” because I think it does. The idea came from someone in Granite County, and I had 10 made so that I can share with anyone who wants to stand up and agree. I still have a couple in case you know me and would like one. And if you decide to have your own made, perhaps even to share, bigskypromotions@gmail. com can help you. Whether I agree with them or not, I am grateful to this paper and to the people who write letters to the editor, because we are, I believe, standing up and trying to be honest in public, which is more than can be said for many of our “leaders” right now. Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Hamilton

Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center activities

Monday: Lunch 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Cribbage 2nd & 4th week, 1 p.m.; Toenail Care by appt. 1st & last week; Bingo 1st & 3rd week, 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday: Toastmasters 6:30-8 a.m.; Western Line Dancing 10-11 a.m.; Clogging 1-4 p.m. Wednesday: Lunch 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Bridge for Fun, 10 a.m.; Bridge 1-5 p.m. Friday: Line dancing 10-11:30 a.m.; Lunch 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m.; Pinochle 1st, 3rd & 5th weeks, 1 p.m. Saturday: Flea market, 2nd week, Sept-May 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Special Bingo 1st week, Oct-May, 12 noon; Sunday: Bridge 1-5 p.m. For info: 363-5181.

Stevi Senior Center activities

Monday-Friday: Free coffee, 8-11 a.m., Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Monday: Bridge, 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday: Exercise class, 10-11 a.m. Tuesday: Quilters, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday: Paint with Sue, 1-3 p.m. (1:30 on 3rd Wednesday) Every Other Wednesday: Fiddlers at Lunch 3rd Wednesday: Special Birthday Lunch, 12 noon, with music. Blood pressures taken. 2nd and 4th Thursday: Cribbage at 12:15 pm Friday: Pinochle, 12:15; Monday & Saturday, 7 p.m. For more information call the Center at 777-5681.

Victor Senior Center activities

Monday-Friday - Men’s Coffee, 8 a.m. Monday-Friday - Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Includes main course, salad bar, dessert, beverage. Donation 60 and over $3.50, under 60 $6 (RSVP 642-3320) Tuesdays: Bingo, 6 p.m. Wednesdays: Pinochle with snacks, 7 p.m. Fridays - Ladies’ Coffee, 10 a.m. Everyone welcome. Victor Senior Center is located at 246 5th Avenue.

Florence senior lunches

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

Lolo senior lunches

Lolo senior lunch group (60+) meet at 11 a.m. at local restaurants for food, friendship and fun. There is a $4 donation but no one is turned away. Congregate lunches through MAS (Missoula Aging Services). Call 529-1819 to schedule your lunch.

Golden Agers

The Golden Age Club is located at 727 S. 5th in Hamilton. The club’s business meeting is held on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. All members are asked to attend to review activities and plan new ones. Cake and ice cream is served. Card games (pinochle, multibid racehorse) are played on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday and 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. There is a $2 charge per person. Exercise classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m. Blood pressure is

checked every third Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. Guests are welcome. The hall is also available for members to use for personal activities. A monetary donation to cover hall expenses is expected. For more information call 363-0142.

AA meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous meets at the following times and places: Monday: 7 p.m., Spirit of Christ Catholic Church, 5475 Farm Land Road, Lolo Tuesday: 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Parish basement, 333 Charlo Street, Stevensville Wednesday: Big Book Study Meeting, 7 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence Thursday: 7 p.m., St. Mary’s Parish basement, 333 Charlo Street, Stevensville Friday: Discussion Meeting, 7:30 p.m., St. Joseph Mission, 224 Linder Street, Florence 3rd Saturday: Women’s Group, 9:30 a.m., St. Joseph Catholic Church, 224 Linder Street, Florence Sunday: Big Book Study Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Victor Senior Center, 243 5th Ave. Check for local meetings by calling the hotline 1-888-607-2000 or by visiting www.aa-montana. org.

Al-Anon

Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the small dining room at the Living Centre, 57 Main Street. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 239-0878.

Narcotics Anon

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

Free Indeed

Free Indeed, a faith-based addiction support group, meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 230 3rd Avenue in Victor. Contact Donald Layman at 203-8579 or Pastor Jim Landis at 642-9849.

Gamblers Anon

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

Overeaters Anon

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church (west door), 1220 W. Main, Hamilton. For more information call 3632512.

Morning TOPS

Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a weight loss support group, meets in Stevensville every Thursday at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street. Weigh-in starts at 8 a.m. and meetings start at 9:30 a.m. Meetings are fun while learning to eat healthier and lose some pounds. Guests are always welcome. Call Becky at 642-6368 or Margie at 375-5439 for more information. Check out the website at www. tops.org.

Evening TOPS

The evening TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Chapter meets every Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Kootenai Creek Village Clubhouse. For information call Judy Burke at 777-2743.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Saturday Morning TOPS

Saturday Morning TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Saturday morning at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, 200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton. Weigh-in starts at 8 a.m.; meeting at 9 a.m. Call Cindy at 961-0196 (leave contact message) or check facebook page at TOPS “Take Off Pounds Sensibly Hamilton, MT.

Exercise classes

The following sessions, all by donation, are held at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th: Thursdays: Tai Chi, 4 p.m. Fridays: Tai Chi, 1 p.m. Indoor Walking: Mon-Thurs 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.12 noon. Please log in, 16 laps is a mile!

WIC clinics

Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. Income guidelines are 1-$23,107; 2- $31,284; 3-$39,461; 4-$47,638; 5-$55,815. For each additional family member add $8,177. Call 406-802-7180 for more information or see on Facebook; www. facebook.com/Ravalli-CountyWIC.

Florence American Legion

Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Station. Call Terry Wahl, Commander, at 274-4589 for more information.

Hamilton American Legion

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

Stevensville American Legion

The Stevensville American Legion Post 94 meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Post Home on Middle Burnt Fork Road. A veterans’ breakfast is held every Wednesday at 9 a.m. at C.J.’s Den in Stevensville. For more information, contact Chuck at 253-380-7016.

American Legion Auxiliary

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

Addresses r Stevi VFW

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

Marine Corps League

The Marine Corps League welcomes all Marines from all eras, along with Corpsmen and Chaplains who have served with the FMF. The League is a national veterans’ organization that include members of all ranks, all MOS, active duty, reserves, honorably discharged veterans and retirees. It carries on the traditions of the Corps, support Marines still serving, and assist those who have left the service when needed. Meetings are on the 4th Thursday of every month, January to October at 7:30 p.m. for general meetings at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd Street, Hamilton. Activities include Toys for Tots, Honor Guards for veteran funerals and Color Guards for parade events, rifle and pistol matches, and support of Marines and the community, and a Marine Birthday celebration in November. An SOS Breakfast and informal get-together for members, spouses, family and friends is held every first Saturday at 9:30 a.m. from January to December at the Hangar Cafe, Ravalli County Airport, Hamilton. It’s an opportunity to get acquainted, exchange ideas, and share sea stories from the past. For more information contact Meade Phillips at 520-9916386 or at USMCmeadeMCL@ aol.com or visit www.mclnational. org or www.montanamcl.org .

VA medical rides

The DAV Transportation System has a hub in the Bitterroot with rides available Monday through Friday. To book a ride to your VA Medical appointments, call Dena at 363-8396. Give at least 72 hours notice. The hub is always looking for volunteer drivers. For information call Dena at 363-8396.

Soroptomist

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

Rotary Club

The Hamilton Rotary Club meets Mondays, 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street, Hamilton. For information about Rotary, call 363-2960.

Lions Club

The Hamilton Lions Club welcomes you to attend its meetings the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. The club strength – besides being low key and getting a lot done – is helping provide assistance for glasses and hearing aids in Ravalli County. Contact Dixie Dies, 406-3810922, for more information.

Stevi Masons

The Stevensville Masonic Lodge #28 meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month at 300 Church Street, Stevensville. Stated meetings are on the first Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and special dinners are on the third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. For information or membership email: stevilodge28@ gmail.com.

Victor Masons

Victor Masonic Lodge #43 meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. The Lodge is located on Main above Farmers State Bank. For information on membership, email plycoupe1936@msn.com.

Eastern Star

Naomi Chapter #19, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Victor Lodge building located on Main Street above Farmers State Bank, Victor. Leona Chapter #31, Order of the Eastern Star, meets the first and third Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the Masonic Lodge building, 115 S. 3rd Street (next to the Fire Sta-

tion), Hamilton. For inquiries contact, email: teslrudd@gmail.com.

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Main MainSt. • Stevensville 203 Stevensville• •777-0028 360-2661

BPL storytime

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

DCPL storytime

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

Worship at 12:0011p.m. Sunday Worship AM In this Church there shall In this Church there shall be no outcasts. be no outcasts. month at 7 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Members drive everything from mini, to mule, to draft horse. Haven’t driven but would like to learn? This is the club for you! Don’t have a horse but would like to get involved? There is always welcome help and there is always a spot on a wagon somewhere. Members do rides as well and have events scheduled throughout the year. For more information call Claudia at 406642-3477.

Three Mile bingo

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

Sapphire Quilters Lolo bingo The Sapphire Quilt Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Join this fun group of people to learn about quilting. Beginner to expert quilters welcome. For more information call Anna Arntz at 707-481-3233.

Fiber Arts Guild

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

Knitters Guild

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

Doll Club

The Bitterroot Blizzard Doll Club meets monthly, usually the second Thursday of the month, to share a passion for dolls, bears, toys, miniatures and paper dolls. Members rotate hosting the meeting so call or email for the time and location of the next meeting. Contact Kay Schrader, 406-3607214, schrader1501@blackfoot. net.

Bingo is held every Sunday at the Lolo Community Center from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Doors open at noon, games begin at 1. Food and drinks available. Costs: 3-card pack/13 games is $10; 6-card pack/13 games is $18. Two optional games: 1st game card is $2; 2nd game card is $3.

Toastmasters

Effectively formulate and express your ideas! Bitterroot Toastmasters Club (BTC) meets Tuesdays from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. at the Hamilton Senior Center, 820 N. 4th Street, to support personal development and empower communication and leadership skills. The words we speak convey a great deal! Do you mean what you say when you communicate during a job interview or with your boss, coworkers, and family? Wouldn’t you like to feel more confident, credible, and concise in your speaking presentation? Bitterroot Toastmasters can help! BCT members are given opportunities to wear different hats and fulfill many roles. Visit the website at bitterroot.toastmastersclubs.org or call Mike Turner at 406-360-7262 or Jeanine New at 303-929-2430 for more information.

Clothes Closet

The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders (BVMRR) run their trains in the basement of the Kohl Building, downtown Stevensville, on the First Friday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m., or by special request. The BVMRR Club will be running trains every Saturday over the holidays from Nov. 30-Dec. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. If interested in joining the club, contact Tony Oberting at 273-0006.

The Stevensville Clothes Closet is a non-profit, free store that serves the people of the Bitterroot Valley by accepting donations of children and adult clothing, shoes, linens, small appliances and kitchenware. They then sort, wash and offer the goods free to the community. The Clothes Closet is located at Middle Burnt Fork and ALC way. It is open for shopping and for donations Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. The Clothes Closet is especially in need of blankets, sheets and comforters. For questions about donations or directions call Gail Fisher at 369-0394 or Molly Hackett at 961-4614.

Radio Club

Family Shelter

BitterRodders Car Club

Men’s Bereavement Breakfast

Model train club

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

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

Draft Horse and Mule Club

The Bitterroot Draft Horse and Mule Club meets every second Monday of every other

The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot meets on the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at Canyon View Church, 195 Skalkaho Road. Everyone is welcome.

Marcus Daly Hospice sponsors a Men’s Bereavement Support Breakfast on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 9 a.m. in the Marcus Daly Hospice Dining Room. This breakfast creates a special opportunity for men coping with the death of a spouse or loved one to gather and share their journey of healing. Informal discussions are led by a trained Bereavement Facilitator and continued on next page

Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star address such issues as dealing with grief, loneliness, forming new relationships, single parenting. A donation of $3.00 is appreciated for the meal. For more information call Marcus Daly Bereavement Coordinator at 363-6503.

Breast cancer support group

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

Pregnant/new mom groups

Postpartum Support Circle and Baby Bistro (breastfeeding support) meet on the second Thursday of each month and a Prenatal Support Circle meets on the fourth Thursday of the month. All meetings are held at 109 N. 4th St. Suite 104 in Hamilton from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. For more information, call Sheehan at 6426527 or email bitterrootbreastfeeding@gmail.com.

MomLife

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

Dementia Caregiver Group

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

Parkinson’s support group

A Parkinson’s support group meets the third Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes. All are welcome. Contact Susan, 369-0535, for more information.

Suicide support group

A support group for those who have lost a loved one to

Wednesday, February 26, 2020 suicide meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 12 noon at Riverfront Mental Health Center, 209 N. 10th, Suite A (blue building), Hamilton. The group is hosted by Ravalli County Suicide Prevention Alliance. For information email: rwetzel@wmmhc.org or phone 375-4095.

NAMI

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) support group for families and friends with a loved one who experience mental challenges, meets the second Monday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Cornerstone Church, 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. For more information contact Donna at (406) 381-9884 or Arlene at (406) 239-1708.

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

Quantum Group

The Quantum Group of the Bitterroot is a group of ordinary people determined to learn about quantum theory. They study relevant material (no equations), discuss it and teach one another this most important field of science. The group meets every other Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Community Center in Hamilton. New members invited and welcomed. Visit the website at www//Quantumgb or e-mail blaise.favara@gmail or call 3630683 for more information.

Saturday bingo

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

Socrates Cafe

to 8 p.m. at Fast & Fluffy, 115 Pine Street, Hamilton. 3 loads per individual/family. Check in with a Laundry Love Hamilton volunteer to sign in and receive your washer card. All laundry detergent, fabric softener and quarters will be supplied by Laundry Love Hamilton. Laundry guests must remain on site. Laundry Love Hamilton is made possible by donations, business sponsorships, fundraisers and volunteers. For more information or to inquire on how your business/organization can help, contact Laundry Love Hamilton by email: laundrylovehamiltonmt@gmail. com.

Center for Spiritual Life

Services are held every Sunday at 328 Fairgrounds Road, across from Hamilton High School, to hear inspiring ideas and uplifting music. Meditation begins at 9 a.m., service begins at 9:30 a.m., stay for fellowship in the Social Hall at 10:45 a.m. For further information call Dave Schultz at 381-2355; schultz_dv@ msn.com/; visit CSLBitterroot.org, or like us on Facebook: CSLBitterroot.

Course in Miracles Study Group

Join a weekly ongoing and deepening discussions of A Course in Miracles; a journey of spiritual transformation. The class meets every Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to 12 noon at The Center for Spiritual Life, 328 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. By donation. For more information, call Selma at 381-6480; selmaputnam@gmail. com/; visit CSLBitterroot.org, or on Facebook: CSLBitterroot.

Drum Circle

African Drum Circle is held the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Bring your drum, rattles, and other instruments and be part of the fun. No drums? No worries! There are instruments to share. Drum Circle meets at The Center for Spiritual Life, 328 Fairground Road, Hamilton. By donation. For information, contact Jerry at 381-7220; jelb229@aol. com/; visit CSLBitterroot.org, or on Facebook: CSLBitterroot.

Wed, February 26 Bitterroot Quilters Guild

The Bitterroot Quilters Guild will meet Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Daly Leach Community Room, 1010 W. Main, Hamilton. Anyone with an interest in quilting is encouraged to come early to socialize and shop the ‘Ugli Bin’ for a bargain before the meeting; doors open at 6 pm. The TARTS or Textile Artists Group will present examples of their work at this meeting. Members also share their own projects during a Show and Tell. Membership in the Guild is open to quilters from beginner through advanced; contact Tena Chapman, Membership Chair, at 406-381-4755, or attend the February meeting as a guest. For more information, visit the Bitterroot Quilters Guild on Facebook.

Fri, February 28

Socrates Café takes place every other Tuesday evening (May 14) from 7 to 9 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bitterroot Public Library. Join in the philosophical discussions. Bring questions to be selected and discussed at the meeting. You are invited to examine, learn and think with others. Learn how others view the world. Together generate community, understanding and change together. Tea, coffee and cookies are provided.

Elks dinner

Laundry Love

MT Junior Duck Stamp contest

Laundry Love Hamilton, a monthly laundry event for homeless and low-income individuals/ families, takes place the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5

March 15, 2020. Entries can be mailed or hand delivered to Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge at 4567 Wildfowl Lane, Stevensville MT 59870 (406 777-5552). The art image should be of a live, native North American waterfowl species that measures 9” x 12” in a horizontal layout. Artwork can be drawn using ink, paint, pastel, crayon, or pencil. Entries should not be matted, drawn with a border, signed, initialed or lettered, computer-generated, photographs, or copies or tracings of published art. Entries placing first through honorable mention will be publicly acknowledged and feted at the Montana Junior Duck Stamp Award Ceremony on May 16th, at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. The Junior Duck Stamp Contest is an active participatory art and science program designed to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school enrolled in private, public or home schools. The curriculum (www.fws.gov/juniorduck/) guides students using wildlife observation principles to draw or paint a waterfowl species in appropriate habitat. Approximately 27,000 students from across the country enter the contest annually.

The Elks Lodge serves dinner every Wednesday evening beginning at 6 p.m. The menu varies each week and the meals are all delicious. The cost for members is $11 and non-members $12. Coffee is always included. Come and bring a friend. The Lodge is located at 203 State Street in Hamilton behind Neff’s Flooring. For further information call 363-3031.

Student Artists, Art Educators, Mentors: The 2020 Montana Junior Duck Stamp Contest is receiving entries now up until

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry

Stevensville KofC Council #13093 will be holding their annual Lenten Fish Fries beginning February 28th and every Friday during Lent with the exception of March 20th. The dinner will include fish fillets, French fried potatoes, a vegetable, roll, dessert and drinks. They will be serving at St. Mary’s Family Center from 5 to 7 p.m.

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Sat, February 29 Ag soils workshop “Regenerating Ag Soil with Patterns of Diversity” will be presented on Saturday, February 29 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Corvallis Grange Hall in Hamilton. You are invited to a presentation on the various organic ways of regenerating agriculture soil. Topics to be discussed include revitalizing soil microbes and fungi, regenerating veggie soils, rejuvenating ranchlands, and using animals and plant biomass to restore agriculture soils. Invited speakers include Larry Evans from the Western Montana Mycological Association, John Brown from Charter Ranch, Steve Elliot and Lucy Brieger of LifeLine Produce, Leon Stangl, Yourganic farmer, and others. This is a free event and drinks will be provided. Bring your own brown bag lunch. Sponsors are welcome to have a display space to promote their ag related products and programs. Contact Leon at yourfarm@yahoo.com or 961-5452 for a sponsorship form.

Cat Castle construction class

Does your cat deserve a castle? Most cat lovers agree, we’d go to any length to support our furry friends. The North Valley Public Library is taking a page from the Missoula library and hosting their own Cat Castle Construction on Saturday, February 29 at 10 a.m. Come build multi-tiered spires out of stockpiled cardboard. Build stacked levels, cut windows for kitty to watch the world, create scratching posts and add a cover with colorful wrapping paper. This event broadens creativity and collaboration to build your cardboard towers. From young adult to grandparents, all are invited to give their kitty a home fit for a king or queen. The library will have all the necessary elements including sharp box cutters, super strong tape, wrapping paper and sisal rope, so bring gloves to wear! Cats love to scratch on the cardboard so it won’t last forever, but then you can build another with the skills you learn at the Cat Castle Construction workshop. Please register in advance. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call 406-777-5061 or visit northvalleylibrary.org. All library programs are free and open to the public.

Adventure Series

“Origami Frogs” is the topic of the free Kids Adventure Series on Saturday, February 29 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford, Hamilton. Celebrate leap year and make your own origami frog to hop across your floor! Let your frog take leaps and bounds as you frolic around with glee! Origami is fun and very rewarding! Just be sure to follow directions precisely! For more information call 3633338.

Paint Party

A Paint Party fundraiser will be held Saturday, February 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lolo Community Center, 12345 Hwy 93 South, Lolo. Host is Julie Muela-

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Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will be dancing at the Golden Age Club, 5th & Baker Streets in Hamilton on Saturday, February 29th. Ray Dunbar is calling and Don Scheline is providing the Round dance music. The evening starts at 7 p.m. with a half hour of Plus level, followed by Mainstream level from 7:30 to 9:30. Spectators are always welcome. For more info, call Ray at 370-4414.

Monday, March 2 Stevi school menu

Monday: Breakfast - Blueberry Bagels with Cream Cheese, fruit, milk; Lunch - Corn Dogs, peas & carrots, pineapple tidbits, bread & butter, milk Tuesday: Breakfast - Banana Bread Slices, fruit, milk; Lunch - BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, taters, pear slices, bread & butter, milk Wednesday: Breakfast Egg & Cheese Tortilla Wraps, fruit, milk; Lunch - Taco Salad with Lettuce & Salsa, corn chips, oranges slices, bread & butter, milk Thursday: Breakfast - Maple Mini Waffles, fruit, milk; Lunch - Beef Steaks, mashed potatoes & gravy, dinner rolls, peach slices, bread & butter, milk Friday: Breakfast - Pancake Wrapped Breakfast Sausage on a Stick, fruit, milk; Lunch - Chicken Sandwich, fresh veggies with ranch dressing, grapes, bread & butter, milk.

Rotary Club

Dr. Madeline Mussman, a member of the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital Staff at the Corvallis Family Medicine Clinic, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, March 2 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. Dr. Mussman brings Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy to the Bitterroot Valley. The meeting is open to the public, and visitors are welcome. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.

Tuesday, March 3 Sons of Norway

Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will meet Tuesday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie in Hamilton. The program will include visits with foreign exchange students from Corvallis High School. The Lodge will have a main dish of chicken pot pie, with drinks and service; members and visitors are invited to bring a side dish. The public is invited. Call Jackie Bjergo at 961-4538 for more information.

Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot The monthly meeting of the Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot will be Tuesday, March 3 at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. Social hour is 5:30 to 6:30 with cocktails and dinner optional. The general meeting starts at 7 p.m.

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Jessica Haydahl Richardson will be presenting the club’s annual slideshow. Jessica has been a professional photographer in sports fishing for over 10 years. In her early life, growing up by the ocean in Vancouver, British Colombia, Jessica could be found running boats, sailing and fishing around the Pacific Northwest. It was there that Jessica’s passion for photography and nature grew into a profession. Jessica has been published constantly in varying sport fishing magazines. There will be a raffle and plenty of fish stories along with this terrific program. If you are interested in meeting like-minded folks, attend for a fun evening. For more information call Daneel at 406-961-0187.

Wed, March 4 Garden Club

Stevensville Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, March 4 at 1 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street. Nan Christianson, one of the founders of the Bitterroot Secret Garden Tour, will give a power point presentation about this year’s event. The public is invited to attend. Call Colleen at 273-3973 for more info.

Thursday, March 5 Fly Fishing Film Festival

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival will be held Thursday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at the Bedford Building, 223 S. 2nd Street in Hamilton. Join the Bitter Root Water Forum for the 2020 International Fly Fishing Film Festival. The festival will showcase films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, highlighting the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing. Bring your fishiest friends to this must-see experience at the Bedford Building. Doors open at 6 p.m. Beer from Bitter Root

Brewery will be available for purchase. Plus, a special treat, a screening from local filmmaker and photographer Jessica Haydahl Richardson, “Dropped in the Pacific,” a short film chronicling local women’s fishing adventure to Christmas Island. Tickets are available at the Bitter Root Water Forum office, the Freestone Fly Shop, and the Bitter Root Brewery. They are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Enjoy door prizes and enter a raffle to win a float trip for two with Eddie Olwell of Fishs Eddy O Outfitters.

MT Grape and Winery Assn.

From identifying challenges in the vineyard to improving winemaking and marketing efforts, the sixth annual conference for the Montana Grape and Winery Association (MGWA) offers something for everyone again this year. The group will convene at the Bitterroot River Inn at Hamilton for a three-day session, March 5-6, and kicks off with a wine tasting event Thursday evening where attendees can sample and rank Montana wines produced by members. Awards will be presented for the top entries at a banquet Friday evening. The main sessions of the gathering kick off Friday morning with five presentations ranging from troubleshooting grapes to an update from the MSU Western Agricultural Research Center (WARC) in Corvallis on the health and vitality of Montana vineyards. Speakers include Ben Banks, winemaker at Sovereign Estate, who will address winemaking techniques specific to Montana’s cold climate grape varietals. Darrin Michaels of Scott Labs will address managing oxygen in the winery and then Annie Clodd, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, will talk on best practices for cold climate grape production. Dan Vogel, a sommelier at Glacier National Park will address capitalizing on the wine styles of Montana and Dr. Zach Miller,

WARC, will provide an update on Montana’s cold climate grape research in viticulture and vineyard practices. Rich Torquemada, president of the association, said this year’s convention will again be the highlight of the year for many members, as it broadens their knowledge and understanding of the Montana grape and wine industry. “The event is open to the public through a registration system,” said Torquemada. “We encourage anyone interested in growing grapes, making wine or the Montana industry in general to look into attending. Our members are always anxious to share information and knowledge they’ve gained from years of growing grapes and making wine.” Saturday’s events include the MGWA annual meeting and an afternoon field tour to area vineyards and wineries. To register or learn more about the event, or to talk to members, go to MTGWA.com. For more information contact Tom Eggensperger, 250-5471, or Rich Torquemada. 274-0125.

Sunday, March 8 Accordion Club

An accordion jam and dance will be held Sunday, March 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rustic Hut in Florence. Admission is $4 members, $5 guests.

Sat, March 21 Spring Fling Market

A Spring Fling Market will be held Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lolo Community Center, 12345 Hwy 93 South in Lolo. There will be crafters, artisans, vintage and collectible vendors. There will food available. Come have lunch and do some awesome shopping!

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 7

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Page 8 -- Bitterroot Star

Corvallis girls get a taste of self defense Town of Stevi to annex

property near well field

India Hite and Ara Masar, advanced students at Legacy Martial Arts in Victor, recently demonstrated some basic selfdefense moves to eighth grade girls at Corvallis Middle School. A special day was set aside for girls to spend the day focusing on empowerment and tools for transitioning into high school and beyond. They got to try Zumba/ Yoga, attend a panel discussion with high school senior girls, and do other fun stuff like cupcake decorating and watch movies and play games. The boys were gone for a day of snowshoeing and cross country skiing. The following day the boys had their special day, with visits from Ravalli County Sheriff’s Deputies, Corvallis fire fighters and some firearm safety training, while the girls went skiing and showshoeing. Top: India Hite and Ara Masar show the girls how to get out of a choke hold. Bottom left: the girls try a palm strike. Bottom right: The girls try a few different kicks. Legacy Martial Arts offers classes for all skill levels. For more information call 961-5309 or visit their facebook page.

By Michael Howell The Stevensville Town Council passed a resolution of intent to annex 26 acres of land adjacent to the town’s well field on the south of town. The town is simultaneously considering a contract with the property owner to provide an easement to the town to enter the property to check the pond and potentially add a future well. The property owner would

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receive a connection to the town’s water and sewer systems. A public hearing on the annexation proposal will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. The council approved amending council rules, but wants to retain Robert’s Rules of Order and declined to use a consent agenda format. Utility billing was modified to state that bills are due and payable 15 days after the date of billing. It is considered delinquent after 30 days and a 5% late fee will be added to the bill. The council split over the prospect of closing Town Hall on the fifth Friday of any month that has one. Councilors Robin Holcomb and Bob Michalson thought a half day closure was enough and voted against the proposal. Councilors Jaime Devlin and Dempsey Vick voted in favor of the full day closure. Mayor Brandon Dewey broke the tie and the closure on the fifth Friday of the month was approved. The council also adopted a master schedule for charges and fees.

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category in the new book’s eight chapters. She notes that trying to grow tomatoes, peppers and root vegetables can be a challenge in the varied environmental conditions found in the Northwest, but she hopes that her book will become a friendly companion to her fellow gardeners and not be seen as just another reference book. The book addresses questions and problems that every gardener encounters, whether they’re experienced or new at it and she readily built her new book around her experience of discussing gardening with others over the 30 years her popular gardening column “More Dirty Fingernails” has been published in The Missoulian and the Ravalli Republic in Missoula and Hamilton. A Foreword to the book was written by former Missoulian Editor Kathy Best, herself a gardener, and dozens of illustrations by Florence artist Christine Payton grace the new book’s interior. “More Dirty Fingernails” was issued in 6x9-inch softcover

continued “Gardening should be fun, not a chore,” Hackett said upon the publication of her new book, which was made by Stoneydale Press of Stevensville. Stoneydale published Hackett’s second book, “A Year In The Garden” in 2001. An earlier book, “The Compleat Gardener,” was published in 1995 by The Missoulian. Hackett began her career writing about gardening as a young ranch wife with the goal of providing her family with healthy food. Over the years she has expanded her inquiry into the broadest of issues involving gardening and says that she doesn’t trust what she’s told by a gardener with clean fingernails – in other words, she gives out “hands-on” advice. Hackett officially became a Master Gardener in the mid1980s. Using a standard question and answer technique, Hackett goes into intricate detail with each

Bitterroot Star -- Page 9

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

North Valley Public Library renovating storage area into new makerspace The room behind the North Valley Public Library community room is getting a much-needed upgrade. It will be transformed from a storage room into a useable and energy-efficient room called the Makerspace. Currently the room has

format, 176 pages, with numerous black and white illustrations throughout the book. The book retails at $19.95 and is available at many book stores, garden shops and other outlets in the region as well as direct from Stoneydale Press, 523 Main Street, Stevensville MT 59870; phone 406777-2729 or via the publisher’s website, www.stoneydale.com. A book signing will be held on First Friday, March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Valley Drug & Variety in Stevensville.

no heat, with no insulation in the cement walls, and a drafty window. The soiled ceiling tiles are falling apart. Every time a person walks from the community room to the restrooms, heat escapes. The Makerspace will have new framing and insulation, a new ceiling grid, electrical troffers, an upgraded electrical panel, a window replacement, HVAC, door replacements, 15 amp USB outlets, fresh paint, and a newly finished floor. This renovation will allow library staff to conduct hands-on programs in this area. The project is fully funded through grants and donations, thanks to the generosity of the North Valley Public Library Foundation, the Jane Heman Foundation, the Stevensville Community

Foundation, plus an anonymous donor. Due to the renovation, which begins in March, there will not be any programs held in the adjoining

community room. Also, the community room will not be available for reservation during this time. Be aware that renovation delays are possible.

This area at North Valley Public Library will soon be transformed into a useable public space. Denise Ard photo.

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Page 10 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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Sports

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

By Jean Schurman Sports Editor

Tigers win District 13C again

After going into the District 13C tournament as the No. 3 seed, the Darby Tigers made a statement on Friday night, don’t overlook them. The Tigers defeated SeeleySwan, the No. 1 seed, last week by 10 points and they topped Clark Fork, No. 2, by 21 points on Feb. 22. This week at the District 13C tournament in Frenchtown, it was Darby who prevailed again and took the championship. Although the two teams were only separated by a point at the end of the first quarter, Darby’s defense started to wear Seeley down and they began to pull away in the second quarter. Nelson Smith scored six of his 20 points in the second quarter. The Tigers pulled ahead and went on to win their second district championship in a row, 47-34. Gabe Smith sank seven of eight shots from the charity line. Darby 47, Seeley-Swan 34 Darby - Nelson Smith 20; Jordan Anderson 12; Gabe Smith 9; Preston Smith 5; Tyler Davis 1. Seeley-Swan - Walker McDonald 14; Quinlan Ream 10; Seth Richardson 4; Dakota Wood 4; Chase Haines 2. The semi final game between Darby and Clark Fork was also a rematch of a week ago and although Clark Fork, the combined team of Alberton and Superior, put up a fight and sent the game to over time, Darby won, 65-60. Darby’s Gabe Smith picked up his first two fouls in the first minute and a half of the game and it looked like he would be sitting. Nelson Smith and Nelson’s brother, Preston, picked up the scoring for the sitting Smith (no relation) and kept the Tigers in the lead. Every time the Mountain Cats made a run, Darby answered and kept the lead. Gabe Smith came back in and played but had picked up four fouls by the third

Victor’s Caleb Rockwood looks for an opening against Valley Christian. Jean Schurman photo.

Gabe Smith of Darby (5), pulls down a rebound against Seeley. Jean Schurman photo. quarter. But that didn’t stop him. Clark Fork came back in the

fourth quarter and wouldn’t back off. Clark Fork’s Danner Haskins

let loose a shot from five feet beyond the three point line to put

Clark Fork one point down with 14 seconds remaining. Nelson Smith was fouled and missed one of his two free throws. Clark Fork took the ball down and Aaron Waddle made the shot as time ran out, sending the game into overtime. Darby went on to pull ahead and win behind Preston Smith’s six points in the extra time. Gabe Smith finished with 25 points. Darby will advance to the Western C Divisional in Butte this weekend. Darby 65, Alberton-Superior 60 (OT) Clark Fork - Aaron Waddle 19; Carson Callison 16; Orion Plaake 13; Bryan Mask 9; Danner Haskins 8; Anthony Mueller 2. Darby - Gabe Smith 25; Nelson Smith 18; Preston Smith 15; Tyler Davis 6; Tanner Davis 1. The Tigers opened their tournament play against Lincoln. The Tigers quickly took control and rolled over the Lynx, 73-47. Darby scored 24 points in the first frame and then built upon that. Nelson Smith pumped in 21 points in the game. The Tigers were very determined and did their job in the game. Darby 73, Lincoln 47 Darby - Lex Hilliard 2, Nelson Smith 21, Gabe Smith 17, Tyler Davis 2, Tanner Davis 3, Preston Smith 15, Jordan Anderson 8, Christian Humphrey 5. Lincoln - Ryan Greenwood 14, Nathan Brown 17, Brody Hen-

derson 10, Trenton Grentier 6 Victor opened their tournament play with a win over Valley Christian. After a very slow beginning from both teams, only five points were scored in the first quarter, the teams got going. The lead changed hands several times throughout the game. Victor took the lead for good with 2:17 left in the game when Carson Varner hit a field goal and was fouled. He sank the free throw as well. Victor went on to win, 47-44. Varner finished with 19 points. Skyler Webberson had 12, Caleb Rockwood had eight, Raymond Russi had four, and Brandon Bowen finished with four. Victor then had to take on Seeley Swan in the semi finals. The Blackhawks quickly took control of the game although the Pirates made a run at them in the second quarter and tied the game at one point when Russi squeaked between two large Seeley players to make the basket. But then Seeley began to pull away and went on to win, 55-38. Weberson finished with 17 points. Victor’s final game was against Lincoln in loser out action on Friday morning. A slow third quarter ended the Pirates’ season when they were outscored by 17 points. Lincoln went on to win, 61-47. Varner, a sophomore, finished with 21 points. Webberson had 15, Rockwood 7, and Canyon Parks 4.

Florence takes No. 3 seed Lady Tigers finish third The Florence girls team will go into the Western B Tournament in Hamilton this weekend as the No. 3 seed from 6B. The Lady Falcons had to play two games this week for the seed. On Friday, they played Anaconda in Anaconda. The game was close in the first half but Anaconda had a strong third quarter and went on to win, 54-42. Emma Stensrud led Florence with 11 points. Coach Duane Zeiler said it’s always tough to play in Anaconda. On Saturday, Florence played Deer Lodge at Loyola. The Lady Falcons played a tough man defense which created several turnovers that they were able to convert into points early in the game. The Lady Falcons also controlled the boards and pushed the lead to double digits. Deer Lodge was down three starters due to injuries in the last couple of weeks. Florence rested their starters early in the fourth quarter and Deer Lodge made a little run. However with three minutes left in the game, the Florence starters came back in to seal the 44-30 win.Emma Stensrud had 12 points in the win and Kassidy Yeoman added nine. Florence will advance to

Florence boys lost to Arlee in the playin game last Monday and did not advance.

The Darby Lady Tigers finished third in the conference with a win over Valley Christian in the consolation game, 48-19. Sophomore Amber Anderson broke through with 17 points in the game to pace Darby. Darby 48, Valley Christian 19 Valley Christian - Mackenzie Dierking 5; Maggie Harvey 4; Taylor Vance 4; Lanaya Gedney 2; Bella Roff 2; Lanessa Gedney 2. Darby - Amber Anderson 17; Annie Rennaker 7; Makena Hawkinson 6; Kimber Schlapman 6; America Baugus 4; Keyla Goodwin 2; Sami Shull 2; Madison Conner 2; Kylie Schlapman 2. Earlier in the day, Darby defeated Lincoln, 41-29. Anderson paced Darby with 15 points. Lang had 8 points, Kimber Schlapman had six, Annie Rennaker and Makena Hawkinson each had four points, Madison Conner three points, and Goodwin one point. Darby opened against the Lady Pirates of Victor and quickly took control of the game. They went on to win, 50-22. Gracie Lang and Annie Rennaker each had 11 points to lead the Lady Tigers. Darby 50, Victor 22 Darby - Madison Conner 4,

Corvallis 54, Dillon 38 Corvallis - Isabel Evans 17, Hannah Hutchison 6, Madeline Gilder 7, Brooke Powell 7, Hannah Martin 2, Jenna Jordan 6, Ashlyn Nixon 7, Bree Lewis 2. Dillon - DeJohn 4, Shipman 6, Peterson 9, Jones 7,Walker 3, Pittman 4, Shipman 5. The Corvallis boys also

upset Dillon, 41-39. Caleb Warnken led the Blue Devils with 17 points. The Blue Devils had to play Dillon again on Monday in the play in game. Results were not available at press time. Corvallis 41, Dillon 39 Dillon - Cole Johnston 6, Braden Anderson 2, Justus Peterson 8, Jonathan Kirkley 4, Connor Curnow 5, Callahan Hoffman 8, Eli Nourse 2. Corvallis - Jaymark Liedle 1, Tanner Jessop 13, Bryce Mayn

Florence’s Kassidy Yeoman goes for the lay up with a Deer Lodge player bringing up the rear. Stephanie Geiser photo.

the Western B tournament in Hamilton this week. They will play Eureka at 1:30 on Thursday. The

Corvallis upsets Dillon The Blue Devils handed Dillon their first conference loss of the season in their final game of the regular season on Saturday. Coach Andy Knapp said his team has played well the last seven games and are really clicking right now. “Our guards were hitting well against Dillon,” said Knapp.

“With them hitting, that pulled the defense off of Izzy (Isabel Evans) and she finished with 17 points.” Although the win was great, it didn’t move Corvallis up in the standings. They still had to play Butte Central on Monday night for a play in game to advance to the Western A tournament in Ronan this week.

Victor’s Ashley Buchanan gets around Darby’s Madison Conner in the first game of the District 13C tournament. Jean Schurman photo. Gracie Lang 11, Kylie Schlapman 5, Annie Rennaker 11, Kimber Schlapman 3, Makena Hawkinson 4, America Baugus 3, Samantha Schull 2, Amber Anderson 5, Keyia Goodwin 2. Victor - Cassidy Alber 2, Nola Smorowski 4, Bella Scichilone 4, Tia Allred 1, Emma Day 3, Virginia Brown 3, Maddie Bahr 1,

3, Cole Trexler 7, Caleb Warnken 17. Stevensville had to play Frenchtown, both the boys and the girls in order to advance to the divisional tournament. Hamilton enters the tournament as the No. 2 seed in both the girls and the boys divisions. Please go to the Bitterroot Star’s website at www.bitterrootstar.com or our Facebook page for tournament updates.

Ashley Buchanan 4. Victor’s final game of the season was against Valley Christian. Victor put up a good fight and were coming back as time ran out. They lost, 31-28. Coach Ryan Tolley said he was very proud of the growth his young team had made throughout the season. “They worked hard and we’ve come a long ways.” Valley Christian 31, Victor 28 Victor - Bella Scichilone 8; Emma Day 4; Nola Smorowski 4; Ashley Buchanan 3; Maddie Bahr 3; Elizabeth Sturges 3; Allred 2; Jadyn Scheffer 1. Valley Christian - Mackenzie Dierking 12; Ashlyn Kelly 7; Lanessa Gedney 4; Lanaya Gedney 3; Taylor Vance 3; Bella Roff 2.

Page 12--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The colors of capnia & other bugs

In Colorado they call them snowflies. On the Bitterroot, we know them as the skinny little black bugs that hatch late winter and into spring. They’re most visible on the crusted snow along the river, and even then, you have to look closely. Like I say, they’re skinny – it’s easier to spot one crawling around than it is to seen them standing still. Once you see one, you’ll spot several more, and

Flyfishing with Chuck Stranahan after that, maybe many more. They’re prolific – and trout eat them. The black ones can range from about a #16 hook size on down to a #20, and there are dark gray ones that can be as large as a #12 down to #16. The larger ones are often mistaken for the gray nemoura stoneflies that start hatching just before the skwala hatch gets underway. To the trout the genus and specie don’t seem to matter much – they eat ‘em all. It matters to us only in that we can get so hidebound in what we “know” that we can miss other opportunities if we’re not open to them. The skwalas, the hatch that causes a local frenzy among anglers every spring, can range from about a #8 early on, down to a #12 by the time they’re done. Those flies, like the capnia and nemoura, are skinny. The big fat salmonfly and golden stoneflies that hatch during and after the runoff appear fatter, in part owing to their larger #4 through #10 size, and partly because, well, they’re fat juicy bugs. Not so with the pre-runoff stoneflies. They’re all skinny. Back to the capnia: I’ve heard anglers disagree many times over the size of these black stoneflies. One saw one specie of capnea, and the other one saw another. Capnia are a genus, not a species. Start there. And they’re not all black. Les Korcala sent me photos and a report of some bugs – capnea of some sort - that had yellow bodies. A few weeks later, my friend Gerald Baron spotted some yellow-bodied ones crawling around among the black-bod-

ied ones. As he watched, he noted some black-bodied ones mating with the yellow-bodied ones. Turns out the black-bodied ones were males, and the yellowbodied ones were females. Same species, different genders. Still curious, he caught some and put them in a jar and took them home. And yes, even in captivity, one of the black-bodied ones mated with the yellow-bodied one. Another black-bodied one showed no interest in the yellowbodied female.

Monogamous bugs? Is it true blonde bugs have more fun? Not quite. Turns out the yellow-bodied female, once impregnated, turned black. Both females eventually off-loaded their teensy-weensy cargo of black bug eggs, barely visible to the naked eye. Mystery partially solved. No yellow-bodied separate specie, so far as we know. Only yellowbodied females – maybe to make the process of getting a date easier for the black-bodied bugs of the opposite gender. So, who cares? Why is all this so important? It isn’t, really, in the grand scheme of things, some might say; or it could be very important in that same grand scheme for the opposite reasons. Depends on whether you see man (or yourself) as the center of the universe or not. But I won’t go too far into that other than to bring it up, and leave you to your own speculation. For me, the cosmos and the microcosm are equally fascinating, and I find a delightful sense of wonder and humility in all of it. Apparently, when we’re talking about the smaller capnia that look black from on top, the egg-laying females that get back to the water are black on the bottom as well. That means that the practical angler can carry some skinny black dry flies in #16 through #20 and get by quite well. There are times when the trout will take those little black flies, even with bigger bugs on the water, and nothing else will do. Another must-have is a skinny dirty yellow nymph in about a #16. Dangle that fly off a dry pattern. Turns out that most of these small capnia species have dirty yellow-looking nymphs. Don’t leave home without ‘em A tale I’ve told on myself several times is of the day I spend with my kindred spirit, Jim Allred, in search of some skwala action on the upper Bitterroot. Jim had the place all picked

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Mongolian desert 5. Capital of Norway 9. Eve’s garden 10. Capital of Senegala 11. Lading 12. Aflame 13. Factuality 15. Self-esteem 16. Country Island group in Indian ocean 18. Put in the middle 21. Hoopla 22. Decrees 26. Riot 28. Tropical island 29. Nail filing board 30. Old 31. Fib 32. Perceives with eye

1. Money 2. Smell 3. Swain 4. Charge formally 5. Lout 6. Snow slider 7. Slow 8. Sandwich cookies brand 10. Stopped up 14. Resentfully 17. Abominable 18. Insertion mark 19. Water retention 20. New 23. Court suit 24. Biblical “you” 25. Lager 27. Before, poetically © Feature Exchange

out: He knew a side channel where he had some great fishing just a couple of days before. We went to Jim’s spot; I went upstream and he went downstream. He tried several skwala patterns with no success at all, and eventually in desperation out on the #8 Chuck’s Golden Stone that had been so successful fore him for many midsummer golden hatches.

He immediately struck gold with that fly. A huge brown, one of the biggest he had ever hooked, put up a stingy battle for about ten minutes before it finally got off. Jim saw the fish clearly, several times, and was unnerved by its size. Early in the hatch the bugs tend to be larger in size and brighter in color than later on. Jim’s fly choice could have succeeded because the standard skwalas he was fishing were too small, and too dark for this leviathan brown. Meanwhile, downstream, I went broke fishing over rising fish until I took a break and saw some capnea crawling around bedside me. I didn’t have any, even though I know better. I whittled another small blackbodied fly down to size, and managed a couple of fish – but knew, with a skinny black stonefly in #18 or so I could have had a field day. I went home and tied some, gave a few to my friend and former guide, outdoor writer, and expert angler Greg Thomas to try. Greg told me those flies did well, to put it mildly. Since then I’ve never been to the river early season without a few. When they’re called for, they pay off. They can be fished when you see capnia around and nothing else is working, or as an afterthought dangled behind another fly. They can produce when nothing else will or make a good day even better – if you fish them. Author and flytyer Chuck Stranahan can be reached at chuck@chuck-stranahan.com or visit his fly shop at 109 E. Main in Hamilton.

Crossword Answers on page 14

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Obituary Martin Albert Martin

Stevensville - Marvin Albert Martin, 71, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 16th. He passed away at his home in Stevensville, MT. He was born on August 11, 1948 in Billings, MT to Albert and Katherine Martin. He is survived by his wife, Diane Martin; daughters, Tami Martin and Lori (Scott) Simmert (Tucson, AZ); grandchildren, Jacki (Bryan) Moss and Greg Simmert; brother, Len (Susan) Martin of Colorado Springs, CO; many nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his sister, Geraldine (Ken) Mehr of Spokane, WA in October of 2019; his Mom, Katherine Martin in 2013; his Father, Albert Martin in 1985. He met the love of his life, Diane Bennett, through his best friend, Don Bennett, while hanging out with Don’s family. Marvin would tease the youngest daughter Debbie. He jokingly said for two years he never knew there was another daughter, Diane, because she was so shy she would hide in the bedroom when he came to the house because she liked Marvin. They eventually broke the ice, started talking and dating, and married in 1968. They were married for almost 52 years. After he graduated from Stevensville High School in 1966, he started working at the Mill in Missoula. He went in the Navy in 1967 for 18 months. He was in the Navy Reserves for several years. He went back to work at the Mill until 1970 when it closed. He began dabbling in the masonry business, laying stone and brick, and found that it was his call-

Death Notice Linda Oppegaard

ing. He loved his work! He was a skilled craftsman and was known from Darby to Polson for his quality work. He was a workaholic but he always had time to talk with someone he knew. He got into an MLM business, Excel, for 3 ½ years. He came away with great memories of many friends (old & new) and a lot of good times. He was a good provider. He built six homes, most of which his family lived in. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather! He found the Lord in 1980 and went to church regularly for many years. He was very tenderhearted and emotional, sometimes not being able to talk because of it. His family loved his sensitive spirit. He was a man of integrity and honesty. He believed in treating people fairly, which he lived by. He was always willing to lend a helping hand where it was needed. He loved to hunt, fish and camp. He had many stories of hunting and fishing excursions. He played many hours of pinochle with his family throughout his life. He liked doing Sudoku and

Missoula - Linda Mae Oppegaard, 65, passed away in the afternoon, Thursday, February 20, 2020, at her home in Missoula. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory are honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.

playing Free Cell on his phone. He loved meeting the guys for coffee at Wild River and the Bum Steer. We really appreciate all those who showed their kindness at Lifespan of Stevensville, Hospice of Hamilton, the staff at Community Rehab and all the amazing staff at St. Pats Hospital! We want to thank everyone who called and visited so many times these past two years. It was your time, effort and love that kept him going. That meant so much to him! He loved each one of you! Marvin was better known as Merf. Merf, we love you so much and we miss you greatly! You were God’s gift to us! We know we will see you again. Marvin didn’t want a funeral, there may possibly be a memorial service this summer. Please share condolences, memories and stories at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Contact for a catalog today! Tom and Kathy Hill Box 186 Stanford, MT 59479 (406) 566-2479

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FARM & GARDEN

WINTER SQUASH, POTATOES. Pro-Mix potting soil. Grain-fed beef and pork and eggs. Moeller’s Nursery, 946 Eastside Hwy, Corvalis. Open daily. 9613389. BAGGED WHOLE-GRAIN livestock feed: wheat, oats, barley. Cracked 3-Way (barley, oats, wheat), new crop hay. GRAIN-FED LOCKER BEEF. Call Russ, 3601125 or 961-3528. PRIVATE TREATY HEREFORD BULLS. MC brand MCMURRY CATTLE BILLING. WEBSITE: mcmurrycattle.com . REASONABLY PRICED PROVEN BALANCED TRAIT GENETICS Delivery available. HP (406) 254 1247. CELL. (406) 697 4040 Email mcmurrycattle@gmail.com FRESH FARM EGGS from pastured free range chickens, delivered daily to the Bitterroot Star, Stevensville. Severson’s natural grass fed ground beef (1-lb packages, $5/lb), also steaks!. Call 777-3928 for availability or just stop by Bitterroot Star at 115 W. 3rd (blue door).

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HELP WANTED

STEVENSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT has an opening for two night shift custodians. The hours are 4:00 pm to 12:30 am, Monday through Friday, with a starting wage of $13.47/hour. The final candidate must be able to pass a background check and a physical. If interested please submit a classified application on our school website www.stevensvilleschools. org. Positions are open until filled. If you have questions, please contact Samantha at 406-777-5481 x137. MTFWP is hiring seasonal AIS Watercraft Inspectors statewide. $13.78/hour. High School Diploma or equivalency and Valid Drivers License required. Apply online at statecareers.mt.gov. CEO/GM POSITION with Scranton Equity Exchange, Scranton, ND. Manage very successful multi-location cooperative. Grain experience preferred. For consideration, submit resume David.lemmon@chsinc.com (320) 219-0270 https://chsmembercooperative.catsone.com/careers/ HOME CARE SERVICES is hiring caregivers and CNAs. Flexible schedule, competitive pay. Apply at 925 N. First Street in Hamilton. Call 375-8637.

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LEGAL NOTICES

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN MAY NEWBERRY, Deceased. Cause No. DP-20-15 Dept. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Shannon Dale Smith and George Tobias Newberry, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 11th day of February, 2020 /s/ Shannon Dale Smith Co-Personal Representative 8529 SW Frank Ross Road Amity, MO 64422 /s/ George Tobias Newberry Co-Personal Representative P.O. Box 243 Corvallis, MT 59828 BS 2-19, 2-26, 3-4-20. MNAXLP

tive

Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 MeganW@mcpcattorneys.com Attorney for Personal Representa-

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of IRA TILTON HOLT a/k/a IRA T. HOLT, Deceased . Probate No. DP 20-11 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative 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 ADVERTISING first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred . Claims must either be mailed to Michael T. Holt , the Personal Representative , in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana,

Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

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

59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court . I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 29th day of January, 2020. /s/ Michael T. Holt MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. By: Megan S. Winderl Attorney for Personal Representative BS 2-19, 2-26, 3-4-20. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF FILING FOR TRUSTEE CANDIDATES: Lone Rock School District# 13 is looking to fill two (2) Trustee positions for a 3-year term each. If interested in being part of a board that has a focus on high quality education, please file by March 26th, 2020 by 3:00pm with the Business Manager/Clerk at Lone Rock School – 777-3314, or with the Ravalli County Election Office. Forms can be found on the school website. BS 2-5, 3-4-20. MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ARLOENE M. LAY, ALSO KNOWN AS ARLOENE MAY LAY, Deceased. Cause No. DP-20-19 Dept. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the 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 Maxine J. Donahue, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 19th day of February, 2020 /s/ Maxine J. Donahue, Personal Representative 19720 Leo Hansen Rd Florence, MT 59833 BS 2-26, 3-4, 3-11-20. MNAXLP

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES TOWN OF STEVENSVILLE, MONTANA 2020 Water System Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) Update The Town of Stevensville, Montana is requesting sealed proposals from qualified firms, teams or consultants interested in providing professional engineering services to the Town for development and preparation of an update to its 2009 Water System Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for the existing Water System. The Report will update the pertinent sections of the 2009 PER with focus on the Phase IV Storage System Upgrades. The Town invites qualified consultants to submit a qualifications package based upon the scope of work contained within this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The PER update shall be completed in the standard Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste Action Coordinating Team’s (W2ASACT’s) “Uniform Preliminary Engineering Report for Montana Public Facility Projects” outline. This outline is found in the October 2017 Uniform Application for Montana Public Facility Projects, and can be found on the State of Montana Website:http://dnrc.mt.gov/ divisions/cardd/docs/resource-development/w2asact-docs/2017uniform. applicationFORM.pdf . This Project may be partially funded by a planning grant from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program (RRGL) or the Montana Department of Commerce Treasure ADVERTISING State Endowment Program (TSEP). The selected consultant will be required to meet all grant requirements for reimbursement. The complete RFQ can be found on the “BIDS/RFP” link at www.townofstevensville.com and is intended to provide interested consultants with sufficient information to prepare and submit a statement of qualifications for consideration by the Town of Stevensville. Proposals are due by 5:00pm on March 13, 2020. BS 2-19, 2-26-20. MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Michael Robert Williams, Michael Robert Williams, Petitioner Cause No. DV-19-414/5 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Michael Robert Williams to Gage Alistair Foxlord. The hearing will be on February 27, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated: January 21, 2020 /s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court By: Janenne Sorenson, Deputy Clerk of Court. BS 2-5, 2-12, 2-19, 2-26-20. MNAXLP Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Ruby Lee Earsley, Ruby Lee Earsley, Petitioner Cause No. DV-29-49/3 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Ruby Lee Earsley to Bunny Lee Earsley. The hearing will be on March 19, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated: February 6, 2020 /s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court By: Janenne Sorenson, Deputy Clerk of Court. BS 2-19, 2-26, 34, 3-11-20. MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) seeks public review of its proposal to acquire approximately 97 acres of private land along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River in Ravalli County, for creation of the C. Ben White Memorial Fishing Access Site (FAS). The proposed FAS would expand the currently leased W. W. White Memorial FAS and permanently protect access, recreation, and wildlife values at the gateway of the West Fork canyon. Proposed FAS developments include expanded day-use improvements, a small campground with 1-3 sites, river-bottom and upland parking areas, 2 vault latrines, and walking trails. The existing boat-launch area would mostly remain the same with possible minor improvements. Fishing, hunting, and wildlife-watching opportunities would increase as a result of the additional acreage.

A draft environmental assessment (EA) for this proposal is available for public review and comment. The EA may be obtained by mail from Region 2 FWP, 3201 Spurgin Rd., Missoula 59804; phoning 406-542-5500; emailing shrose@mt.gov; or viewing FWP’s Internet website http://fwp.mt.gov (“News,” then “Recent Public Notices,” beginning February 27). Comments may be made online on the EA webpage or submitted by mail or email to the addresses above. Comments must be received by FWP no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 27, 2020. BS 2-26, 3-4-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Board of Health (BOH) will conduct a Public Hearing to receive public comment on the first and second reading of the proposed revisions to the Ravalli County Subsurface Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Regulations, previously approved by the Ravalli County Board of Health on December 20, 2010, and effective January 1, 2011. The first reading will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2020, at 2:00 p.m., the second reading scheduled for March 25, 2020, at 5:00 p.m., both meetings will be held in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Administrative Center located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting will be considered in the decision on the proposed changes. Information describing the proposed revision will be available for inspection on March 4, 2020, at the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite D, Hamilton, MT 59840, and on the Ravalli County website. For questions relating to these meetings, please contact the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department at 375-6567. If you would like to request an electronic copy of the proposed draft, please send a message with the request to rceh@rc.mt.gov. BS 2-26, 3-4, 3-11, 3-18, 3-2520. MNAXLP NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING Thursday, March 12th, 2019 7:00 p.m. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 12th at 7:00 PM at the Town Council Chambers, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana, 59870 for the purpose of considering annexation of a parcel of land described as a Tract of Land Located in Section 35, Township 9 North, Range 20 West, 26.06 Acres, CS #691110-R Tract 1-B. This parcel is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Logan Road and Middle Burnt Fork Road. Comments to be considered may be given orally at the hearing, submitted in writing via email to clerk@t ownofstevensville.com or U.S. mail to Town Clerk, P.O. Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 3:00 pm March 12th , 2019. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contact ing the Town Clerk at 406-777 -5271. Attest: Monica Hoffman, Town Clerk BS 2-26, 3-4-20. MNAXLP

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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Page 14--Bitterroot Star

Crossword Solution

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Sunday, April 5 • 11am

NOT JUST AN AUCTION, AN EXPERIENCE! C| 406.880.3582 E| ctaylor@glaciersir.com

Get local!

Customer satisfaction Rating: 5.00 / 5

7,000 ATTENDEES Call 406-250-7396 or visit crestonfire.org

Independently validated by Quality Service Certification, Inc.

Outstanding in his field Merle Unruh

Call today

Talk to Merle for all your Real Estate Needs! Hamilton 363-4700

* DEALER PARTICIPATION REQUIRED

Be ready for winter with the Grand L Series Featuring front and rear mount snow blowers and blades and rotary sweepers, winter won’t know what hit it.

BIG SK

K ubot Has something for

Tell Winter to Bring it On!

Think Orange.™

Call Brian for all your Kubota parts needs Call Ben for all your Kubota service needs

SEE JOHN OR RICHARD ABOUT CASH DISCOUNTS & GREAT FINANCE OPTIONS FOR YOUR

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BIG ORANGE K BIG SKY KUBOTA LLC

Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2020. $0 Down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 60 months on purchases of select new Kubota L series equipment from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory is available to qualified purchasers through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A.; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Example: 60 monthly payments of $16.67 per $1,000 financed. Offer expires 2/29/20. Terms subject to change. This material is for descriptive purposes only. Kubota disclaims all representations and warranties, express or implied, or any liability from the use of this material. For complete warranty, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your local Dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com.

7550 Thornton Drive, Missoula, MT 59808 • 542-2200

BIG SKY KUBOTA