Tribute to Ron McCann

Ron McCann, a long-time resident of the Porter Hill Road area NE of Stevensville, recently passed away in Haddonfeld, NJ. He was 92 years old and had gone back to New Jersey to visit his family. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and graduated from B-29 Flight Engineering School at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was one of the largest aircrafts of WWII and was the plane that dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It replaced the B-17 Flying Fortress because it could carry a much larger payload more than 3,000 miles.

Following his service in the Air Force, Ron worked for Boeing and earned a couple of Master’s degrees before retiring in 1991 and moving to Montana. He didn’t retire completely when he settled in the Bitterroot Valley because he built his home on ffty acres of land just east of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Ron maintained his interest in both aircraft and trains through the “Aeronuts” group he founded and the Bitterroot Valley Model Railroad (BVMRR) club he joined after its inception in the late 80s. Ron did volunteer work at the County Clerk and Recorder’s ofce for 27 years, researching and compiling records on county roads. His work makes determining the legal status of roads in the county much simpler. Ron also entered some 10 years of commissioner minutes into a database

Darby heritage group receives donation

On January 12 Laura Owings Smith, President of the Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group was presented with a $6000 check to be used for the upcoming mural in the Sacagawea Rest park on Main Street in Darby. The check was presented by Laura Lindenlaub of The Power of Change and Melissa Greenwood manager of Communication for Ravalli Electric Co-op. The money will be carefully used by the civic group. BHCG has been generous donations from the community has been work- ing on the park since 2017. Jane Azzerello will be the lead artist on the mural. Jane is an outstanding artist and has been researching content for the project as well as gathering information in connection with making a artwork a piece that will be enjoyed by all. Our little park is a project we are proud of, it has been placed on the Lewis and Clark Heritage Foundation and rack cards as a place to stop while going through our community. Support for town businesses is very important to us and that support doesn’t happen if visitors don’t stop. Our community has a rich history and needs to be be on our forefront. where they are now readily accessible.

BHCG encourages people to become new members. Some of our members are native and some have chosen to make their home in the valley. Our meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at 6:15 at the Darby Public Library. Those of you interested in the in the community’s history are encouraged to join.

In his many years of service on the county planning board, he made time to visit the sites of proposed subdivisions so he would have a better understanding of each proposal. Ron was always fair and objective in his votes while on the board. He demonstrated the same work ethic during his tenure on the Stevensville Airport Board.

He and his wife Myrna shared a collection of model trains, planes and art work that is truly museum worthy. In particular, WWII aircrafts featuring the Curtis P-40 Warhawk (Flying Tiger). Ron enjoyed displaying and sharing classic videos of the aircraft with his Aeronut buddies.

Ron and Myrna McCann were true additions to Montana and they will be best remembered for their duty to God and country while living here. Those of us lucky enough to have known them honor their memory.

Contributors to this piece include: Jim Hamilton, Kirk Thompson, Dick Sublett, Regina Plettenberg and Ron’s family in New Jersey.

Volunteers sought for Winter Special Olympics

Volunteers are needed for the 40th Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics, set to return on March 7 and 8, at Lost Trail Powder Mountain. Over 100 athletes are expected, according to Randy Hodgson, director of Bitterroot Special Olympics.

“It ‘takes a village’ to put on the games,” Hodgson said. “We are looking for volunteers to help. Skiing experience is not required, in fact, leave your skis at home. There are all kinds of ways to volunteer from helping athletes put on their snowshoes, cheering on athletes on the hill, to taking pictures and assisting in the lodge.”

“The event has grown from a few dozen athletes 40 years ago to our event today,” said Hodgson. “The games have been on hold for a couple of years, like a lot of events, but the athletes and our committee are thrilled to be back.” paymentsof$13.89per$1,000fnanced.Someexceptionsapply.Termssubjecttochange.Ofersexpire06/30/2023.Tismaterialisfordescriptivepurposesonly.Kubotadisclaimsallrepresentationsandwarranties,expressorimplied,oranyliabilityfromtheuseofthismaterial.Formore information,seeDealerorgotoKubotaUSA.com.Example:0%Down,0%A.P.R.fnancingforupto60monthsonpurchasesofselectnewKubotaBX238 $0Down,0%A.P.R.fnancingforupto36monthsorcustomerinstantrebatesof$500areavailableonpurchasesofnewKubotaRTV-XG850&RTV-1100CSeriesequipmentfromparticipatingdealer’sin-stockinventory.PromotionalrateavailabletoqualifedpurchasersthroughKubota CreditCorporation,U.S.A.subjecttocreditapproval.Example:36monthlypaymentsof$27.78per$1,000fnanced.$500rebateisnotavailablewith0%A.P.R.orotherpromotionalfnancing.Someexceptionsapply.Ofersexpire03/31/23.Termssubjecttochange.Tismaterialisfor descriptivepurposesonly.Kubotadisclaimsallrepresentationsandwarranties,expressorimplied,oranyliabilityfromtheuseofthismaterial.Forcompletewarrant,disclaimer,safety,incentiveoferandproductinformation,consultyourDealerorKubotaUSA.com.

To volunteer, contact Carla at 406-363-3028.