We Sell
licenSeS
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID STEVENSVILLE MT PERMIT 89
777-2822 4039 HWY 93 N STEVENSVILLE
OUTLET STORE
For all your ammunition & Hunting needS
www.ammoandmorestore.com
Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
Find the latest updates and information on the COVID-19 pandemic at www.bitterrootstar.com Volume XXXVI, Number 17
’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B ‘The
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
www.bitterrootstar.com
Republican sweep
Honoring Wayne
Ravalli County Election Results
Voter turnout was heavy in this election. Statewide, out of 752,551 registered voters, 608,934 or 80.92% cast ballots in the 2020 general election. In Ravalli County, with 33,739 registered voters, 28,828 cast votes in the 2020 general election for an even higher voter turnout of 85.44% Ravalli County voters voted overwhelmingly in favor of President Donald Trump serving another term with 19,013 (67%) voting for Trump and only 8,757 (31%) voting for former VicePresident Joe Biden. Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen garnered only 630 (2%) votes. Trump also took the state with 56.9% to Biden’s 40.6% and Jorgensen’s
2.5%. Biden has been declared the winner nationally with 270 electoral votes to Trump’s 214, although the Trump campaign is contesting the results.
RAVALLI COUNTY RESULTS FOR LOCAL OFFICES In the non-partisan elections for District Court Judge in District 21 both candidates ran unopposed. Howard Recht retained his seat in Department 1 by a vote of 20,662 (81%) to 4,827 (19%). Jennifer Lint retained her seat in Department 2 by a vote of 20,317 (80%) to 5,045 (20%). State Senate District 44: Republican Theresa Manzella won with 9,483 (67%) votes to Democrat Margaret Gorski’s 4,625 See RESULTS, page 5
Stevi mayor survives recall
Two council members resign By Michael Howell Businessman and community activist Wayne Hedman, who passed away lat December, is pictured here with his dog Seymour gazing across the Bitterroot River at the mountains to the west. They are standing near the area now included in Skalkaho Bend Park, where a park bench was recently dedicated in his honor.
Bench dedicated to Wayne Hedman By Michael Howell
Wayne Hedman, who passed away last December, will be remembered by a whole lot of people for the many things he did for them and for this community over the years. He built a pharmacy business based on genuine compassion and consideration for his customers, every one of whom he saw as a potential friend. At the same time, he took the idea of civic duty to an extraordinary level. He served the wider community in most every way he could with just as much energy and compassion as he served his customers in the pharmacy business. He was a thinker and always had something worthwhile to contribute in community conversations. He also loved animals and nature
and always sought to integrate that love into his business and civic affairs. Now, thanks to a combined effort primarily including the Hamilton Lions Club, the City of Hamilton and the Bitterroot Land Trust, there will be a permanent reminder of this man and his many connections and accomplishments at Skalkaho Bend Park where a bench was dedicated in his honor last Thursday, November 5. President of the Hamilton Lions Club, Dan Rothlisberger, orchestrated the dedication. Hedman was a very active member of the Lions Club. “The local Lions Club has been active in the community for 91 years,” said Rothlisberger. “Wayne was a member for 46 years, about half the life of the organization.” He said Hedman
Whitney Hedman was on hand for the dedication of a new bench in Skalkaho Bend Park in memory of her father, Wayne Hedman. She is holding her father’s Lions Club vest. He was member of the Hamilton Lions Club for half of the 91 years it has existed. was heavily involved in the club’s activities over the years, playing a role in the creation of Blodgett Park and saving the Alta Cabin, among many other projects. Whatever organization he decided to help benefited greatly from his involvement and energy including the Trapper Creek Job Corps, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital and the Ravalli County Museum. Rothlisberger said that the Lions Club, known for its work on dealing with heart disease and diabetes which can seriously impact individual lives, is also always wanting to do something of lasting value for the community such as aid in the creation and upkeep of parks. Hamilton Lions Club President Dan Rothlisberger helped orchestrate the dedication of a new bench in Skalkaho Bend Park to the memory of Hamilton resident, pharmacist and community See HEDMAN, page 5 activist Wayne Hedman, who passed away in December 2019.
g sgivin Thank ial Spec Serves
4-6
Coming S O O N ! 529-3157 . 101 Church . Stevensville
Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey survived the recent recall election against him with a vote of 584 (52%) in favor of keeping him in office and 535 (48%) voting to oust him. The recall petition accused the mayor of violating the law and his oath of office by hiring an IT company without council approval. Following the election on November 3, Council
President Bob Michalson and Council member Robin Holcomb both submitted their resignations, effective November 5th. The Mayor responded to the election results with the following statement: “Stevensville’s decision in Tuesday’s election is one that sheds light on what has become a dark political climate locally. While the recent recall election has distracted us from our core values and the vision that our citizens have for their community, See STEVI, page 5
Modified sign says it all.
COVID-19 cases still going up, three more deaths By Michael Howell On Saturday, November 7, Ravalli County Public Health officials announced the deaths of three Ravalli County residents due to complications of COVID19. This makes a total of eight deaths in the county so far related to COVID-19. The newest deaths included a female in her 80’s; a male in his 80’s and a male in his 60’s. “We urge county residents to follow the best practice guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” stated the special
release. “In recent weeks we have seen the number of those infected with the virus jump dramatically. Public health has strived to meet the needs of so many. We have brought on additional professional staff to contact trace and guide residents through these uncertain times. We recommend residents keep their cohort circles small. Practice physical distancing whenever possible. Wear a mask in public when physical distancing is difficult to maintain. Frequent hand washing and sanitizing when
Cakes • Cupcakes • Cheesecake Gluten Free • Rustic Bread
See COVID, page 5
BREAKFAST 6:30 - 11am