Bitterroot Star - March 1, 2023

Scandinavian Fish Dinner for fire station

Jacque VanDenburg is in charge of the marketing for this year’s dinner, and says the event is, a beautiful and intergenerational undertaking. She says, “The little ones will help clear the tables and help serve,” enumerating the many committees which divide the tasks to make the dinner a reality.

The dinner itself is comprised of traditional Scandinavian fare, featuring lutefisk, pickled herring, coleslaw, cranberry sauce and lefse. Additionally, there will be an option of steamed cod. Diners will also enjoy Scandinavian music and items on display.

Faith Lutheran makes a point of donating the proceeds of the dinner to community projects, and this year has earmarked half of all proceeds toward construction of the new Hamilton Fire Station. The remaining 50% may be allocated to a variety of locations, but is often given as educational grants for college aged youth from the congregation. VanDenburg says that firefighters from Hamilton Fire Department will be on hand to help at the dinner, provided their emergency services are not simultaneously required.

The church anticipates serving up to 500 people during the event, and has even planned for people who are unable to physically attend. “We’re not Door Dash,” says Vandenburg with a smile, “but we have one committee that is dedicated to putting to-go boxes together, and can take meals to those that need them.”

by Nathan Boddy

Faith Lutheran Church o f Hamilton will be hosting its Scandinavian Fish Dinner again this year after a two year hiatus following the Covid 19 pandemic. The dinner has been an

important community involvement event for Faith Lutheran since 1974, when it was begun by church members Charlie and Judy Larson. On alternative years ever since, the dinner and fundraiser has been raising funds for a variety of community projects.

The Scandinavian dinner will take place on Saturday, March 11th from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at 171 Lewis Lane in Hamilton. The cost is $25, with children 10 and under free. Anyone interested in more information is encouraged to call Faith Lutheran Church at (406) 3632964.

Rural Dementia Caregiver Project looking for assistance

Do you take care of someone with memory loss and live in a rural area? Have recent months left you stressed and isolated?

The University of California, San Francisco is offering a free online workshop to help rural caregivers. The project is funded by the National Institutes of Health and brought to you by Rural Dementia Caregiver Project.

The workshop includes training on how to reduce stress, manage the difficult behaviors of your friend or family member with memory loss, and plan for the future. You will also get support from other caregivers and trained staff.

Because it is online, the workshop is accessible to caregivers whenever

they want it, day or night, accessed on computer, tablet or smartphone.

Caregivers are eligible if they live in a rural area, care for someone with memory loss, have internet access, and provide care for at least 10 hours per week. Those who participate will be asked to complete four surveys on their caregiving experiences and will receive up to $80 in cash.

For information, go online to caregiverproject.ucsf.edu and complete an eligibility survey, or call toll-free 1-833-634-0603 or email caregiverproject@ucsf.edu.

Help rural caregivers connect to a new online workshop

Millions of rural caregivers provide crucial support to family members or

frends living with memory loss and dementia. These same caregivers often feel stressed and isolated. An online workshop may help them.

The University of California, San Francisco is conducting a study of a new online caregiver workshop. The project is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Caregivers may qualify if they: Live in a rural area, care for someone with memory loss, are 18 years of age or older and/or provide care for at least 10 hours per week.

Caregivers who participate in the study of the workshop will be asked to complete four surveys on their caregiving experiences and will receive up to $80 in cash for doing so.

What does the online workshop

offer?

The workshop is accessible to rural caregivers whenever they want it, day or night. It teaches caregivers new skills to reduce their stress, take better care of themselves, manage challenging behaviors of their care partners, and plan for the future. Caregivers also get a workbook to keep, support from other caregivers, and information on community resources.

How can caregivers and others learn more? Interested caregivers can go to caregiverproject.ucsf.edu or call the toll-free number 1-833-634-0603 to get more information. Organizations that work in rural communities or have contact with caregivers can use that same contact information.

Photo of the poster for the event. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

UM Study: Montanans Share Common Love Toward Grizzly Bears

by Raequel Roberts, UM News Service

For an animal whose population barely tops 2,000, Montana’s grizzly bears hold an outsized presence in the psyche and politics of the Treasure State. Small wonder, then, that Montanans, though likely never to have seen a grizzly, hold strong opinions about the legendary bruins –opinions they readily shared for a study by the University of Montana and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, which was just published in the journal Conservation Science and Practice.

“We got about a 40% response rate from the 5,350 surveys we sent across the state, which was huge,” said study author Holly Nesbitt, a Ph.D. student in UM’s Human Dimensions Lab of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation. “We received responses from every corner of Montana, allowing us to make estimates about how all Montanans feel about grizzly bear management, which is pretty important to the state.” And, it turns out, timely. This month, FWP wraps up public comment on its draft management plan for Montana’s growing grizzly population, a plan that could have enormous implications should the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delist grizzly bears and turn bear management over to the state. Grizzly bears have been under federal oversight since 1975, when they were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The survey results will be factored into the FWP’s final recommendations to the state. And what do Montanans think about the official state animal? “It was surprising. We found overwhelming support for grizzly bears,” said Alex Metcalf, a co-author of the study and associate professor of human dimensions at UM. “We found 80% to 90% of respondents think bears have a right to exist –that they make Montana special and that we need to learn to live with them. But also, that over 80% want to see some form of grizzly hunting allowed.

“Those are crazy numbers,” he added. “You can’t get 80% to 90% of people to agree on anything.”

But beyond documenting these current sentiments, the study’s analysis allowed Nesbitt and her co-authors to identify what factors helped shape those attitudes. “We often hear about a rural-urban divide, or that direct, negative experiences with grizzlies cause people to hate bears,” Nesbitt explained. “However, when we controlled for multiple possible factors, we see these old assumptions don’t hold up and that other, more important factors emerge.”.

For example, the researchers found that hunters, and those who believed hunting should be used to control grizzly bear conflict, were most likely to believe that grizzly populations were too high. And rather than direct experience, it was “vicarious experience” or hearing about others’ property damage that led folks to believe there were too many grizzlies in the state. On the other hand, those who most trusted FWP and held positive attitudes toward grizzlies were most likely to say grizzly populations were too low.

Delving into these sometimes-tricky interactions between humans and the natural world is at the heart of research conducted by UM’s Human Dimensions Lab, which conducts studies on such wide-ranging subjects as climate data and its relevance for ranchers, as well as community responses to environmental restoration projects. Emotions play a key role in many of the results

they see and never more so than for grizzlies, said study co-author Libby Metcalf, the Joel Meier Distinguished Professor of Wildland Management and associate dean of the UM forestry college.

“It’s important to remember that people have emotions attached to these animals,” Libby Metcalf said. “You can’t divorce management of the species from that emotional component.”

These results, Nesbitt added, hold true regardless of respondent’s education, location in the state, gender and profession – ranchers included – and start to define a happy medium or middle ground.

“We call it the ‘Goldilocks Zone,’ where those who said there are too few or too many bears tended to be less satisfied with management of the population,” Nesbitt said. “This wasn’t terribly surprising to us, but it’s a good reminder that when people have a comfort level with the way grizzly bears are being managed, the better they can tolerate bears on the landscape.

“So, the trick facing Montana is to find that sweet spot where grizzly populations are ‘just right’ – where bear populations are healthy and the people of Montana are happy in their coexistence with those grizzlies,” she added.

Alex Metcalf agreed: “We hope these results will help bolster people’s satisfaction with grizzlies in parallel with conservation efforts because ultimately successful grizzly bear recovery will depend on Montanans’ continued support.”

A highway billboard in Missoula reminds motorists that grizzly bears are a reality of life in the Treasure State.

Photo Courtesy University of Montana.

Dog cabin fever

With some very cold temperatures hanging around the state over the last week, I have been hounded by a problem many pet owners are also likely experiencing. With temperatures so low, my dog does not get his daily activity. For both of us, it is far too cold and windy outside, let alone want to go on a prolonged walk. Beyond quick trips to tinkle, he quickly returns to the safety and warmth of the house.

Being that he is a cattle dog, and still under a couple years old, his level of energy is a force to be reconned with. I have been racking my brain about what to do to end his suffering, and mine.

For those who have dogs, especially energetic ones, it is well documented that a few rounds of fetch through the living room are just not enough. An active dog really needs hours of activity to prevent them from anxiety, winning, pestering and being an overall nuisance. with fetch, I can only throw the ball for a few minutes, but if he had his way we would be playing until the shy hours of the morning and he would still be going strong. Fortunately, Ace, my Texas healer, is as smart as they come, and so my solution has become brain games.

by John Dowd

After some quick searching of the internet, and some advice from family members, I stumbled upon a couple solutions that have kept him pretty occupied.

The first I tried was the bowl game. I picked either his bowl or ones he can destroy. These must be possible for him to flip both upside down and right side up, but without ease. I simply put treats under the bowls, with him watching, and then let him try to figure it out. This one worked well at first, however, once he figured out how to use the corner of the table, all bets were off and he’d have those treats in seconds.

The second was the towel game. I picked a towel, or blanket, that I am not concerned about him destroying, preferably one of his towels that we dry him with after a bath. The bigger the better. I then took a treat or two (or several) and twisted them into the towel. After having him waiting and watching what I had been doing, I unleashed him upon the towel. The more treats and the further hidden amongst the folds, the higher his anxiety and energy expenditure went. This was all the

better for my sanity. However, after a while he became convinced that every towel and blanket in the house must also contain goodies. Oh boy.

The last game I tried was one of several overthe-counter brain toys for dogs. This was a ball one that hides treats inside it and encourages the pooch to work out how to get them out. The first day I tried this went well. After a few hours of thinking, Ace wore himself out, and all with minimal input from me. Fortunately, dogs are scavengers, and enjoys stretching their mind by searching for food. The harder the test and the higher the reward, the more they enjoy it, and most importantly for us, the more tired they get. Those were the thoughts running through my mind by the end of the day. Unfortunately for me, the second day ended with my healer throwing the hard rubber ball around the house violently, and for fear of him damaging anything the toy had to go. Oh boy, I cannot wait for warmer weather for Ace’s sake, and for mine.

Ace the dog, working out his next hooliganism. Photo by John Dowd.

Rock, Blues, Gospel concert coming to Hamilton

Worldwide Gospel Recording Artist, three times Grammy nominee Mr. Leon Patillo, https://leonpatillo.org/ Former Lead Vocalist /Keyboard of the infamous group Santana and Blues, Rock, Gospel recording artists Machaira www.machaira.com which now features Coupe de Ville Recording Artist, Mr. Marc Cooper https://www.coopdevillerecords.com/ are coming to the Bitterroot valley. WHEN, WHERE AND WHAT TIME?

It’s all happening on April 15th, at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center, 327 Fairgrounds Road Hamilton MT. This concert is FREE to all and musical styles will appeal to absolutely every age range! This Non-Denominational event kicks off at 7:00 pm and will end around 9:30 pm. Tickets are available either at the door on a first come first serve basis, until capacity is reached, or by emailing Machaira@hughes.net.

ABOUT LEON PATILLO

After Leon left Santana, he launched a solo career with Word Records, became a one-man band

Crossword Puzzle

and created a dazzling, computerized show. As he released a string of successful albums, he performed in various arenas and coliseums worldwide. Even TBN developed and ran a show for him called Leon and Friends. Leon sees himself as an encourager, to bring joy into the hearts of many people. His concerts are always filled with excitement, humor, and inspirational teaching. He crosses all age groups and ethnic boundaries and is a total performer who can sing, dance, and motivate. For many years, he has used his voice, motivating gifts and music for concerts, radio, and TV hosting, and has had amazing success and visibility with Gold and Platinum albums. Most recently Leon has teamed up with the Gospel group Machaira, opening for and then accompanying Leon in the second part of this concert. This relationship is proving to be very exciting as a complete band unit, while diversifying the shows. This newly formed band also added the talents of world renown guitar virtuoso Marc Cooper (formally with Joe Walsh, Danny Gatton, Stive Vie etc.…) Leon named his portion of the concert From Santana to Hosanna showing the evolution of his history in a dynamic show.

WHO IS MACHAIRA?

Machaira is a 11-piece Gospel blues and jazz band, complete with horns! For 30 years, they have been devoted to outreach! Supporting causes such as homelessness, domestic violence, missions, churches, you name it. Machaira has been singing all over Northern California, toured Russia, produced 7 CD’s, facilitated over 300 outreach concerts and has Founded, Hosted and performed in the longest known Praise and Worship concert for all of these years in Northern California, called Praise In the Mountains! They are beginning this season’s tour here in the Bitterroot and will end up in Europe to spread the good news!!!

Info: Dennis Hulbert 530-320-0155

Trapper Creek mid-winter reading contest winners

Center- Wide Reading Contest won by Paige Wright from Provo, Utah. One of the books Paige read was Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows ( 747 Pages) by J.K. Rowling. Three books covering over 1, 500 pages. Ren Taylor from Crockett, Texas took second place and the main book she read was Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer (754 pages). Ren also read three books. According to Recreation Supervisor Clarence Ferguson, both students are prolific readers. Photo Courtesy of Clarence Ferguson.

Local author releases debut novel

Linda Fifer has announced the release of her debut novel, “The Road Between Two Skies.” The work of fiction follows Brenniss Tripham in her journey from the apex of her career to memory loss following a bizarre kidnapping. She is supported by three new friends in her new life as “Maggie.” But while her kidnapping is behind her, the demons she faces as a result help solve the crime surrounding her. Only by saying goodbye can she determine who she is and where she belongs.

Writer Dorothy Rosby describes “The Road Between Two Skies” as “...part suspense, part mystery, part romance… a beautifully told story. A real page-turner.”

Fifer, originally from Ohio, came to Montana in 1975 and considers Big Sky Country her home. A retired speech/language pathologist, Fifer was published in 2018’s edition of “Spokane Writes.” In 2020, her poem “The Last Night” was awarded first place in the adult category in the Ravalli County Fair Poetry Contest.

“The Road Between Two Skies” is available locally at Chapter One Bookstore, through Atmosphere Press, Amazon and Barnes and Noble as well as through the author’s website: Isfiferauthor.com. If purchased di-

rectly from the author, the book will be signed by Ms. Fifer. Cost is $20 per book. A copy has also been donated to the Bitterroot Public Library. Readers are encouraged to review the book on Goodreads.com or on the author’s website.

“The strength of this book,” Fifer states, “is how the lives of the characters are changed after a traumatic event. They all find healing and their own potentials. It’s a positive and fulfilling story that readers don’t want to end.”

Report from the Senate

Thoughts on facial recognition technology

The legislature always has an ongoing effort to protect privacy and rights of Montanans, and this session is no different. Recently Senate Bill 397 has been heard by the Senate Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs Committee.

SB 397 is Ken Bogner’s bill to restrict the government’s use of facial recognition technology. Bogner, R-Miles City, and President Pro Tempore of the Montana Senate, is no stranger to fighting for privacy rights. He also sponsored Montana’s newest constitutional amendment which protects Montanans’ electronic communications from government eavesdropping. This is an issue that we in the Economic Affairs Interim Committee discussed and studied at great length, and I think we would all agree that it was very much worth it.

by Jason Ellsworth

If SB 397 is passed it would prevent state and local governments from using facial recognition technologies for continuous surveillance. The bill would also regulate the technology for individual identification uses. Additionally, it would create strict processes for law enforcement to employ the technology in certain criminal investigations. Under current law there are no specific regulations governing facial recognition technology in Montana.

The work that has gone into bringing SB 397 to this point has been the culmination of two years of work. The bulk of that work on

facial recognition technology was conducted by the Legislature’s Economic Affairs Interim Committee, which Senator Bogner chaired. This bill also has substantial bipartisan support. Rep. Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, passed the resolution to study the topic in the 2021 legislative session. This is an issue that is causing serious concern to many. With the passage of time facial recognition technology is becoming refined and more sophisticated and therefore more intrusive. In addition to multiple state government agencies using the technology for limited purposes, Montana Public Radio revealed during the Legislature’s interim study that some Montana schools are beginning to use the technology to surveil students. Before the proliferation of this technology becomes out of control, we must put restrictions in place to make sure that people’s rights are being protected.

I am glad that I was also a part of the interim committee that studied facial recognition technology. Protecting citizen’s privacy is a critical issue to people on both sides of the aisle and that’s why there has been so much support to take up this issue. Montanans are becoming more and more concerned with the emergence of a surveillance state. That’s why this work is so important, and why I am so grateful for Senator Bogner’s hard work.

Joane Boughton Cosper

Hamilton - Joane Boughton Cosper, of Hamilton, loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023, surrounded by her family.

Joane was born on August 14, 1941, in Berwyn Illinois, the daughter of Donald W. Boughton and Melva Hewetson. Her early years were spent in Hinsdale and Elmhurst, Illinois. She graduated, in 1959, from York High School and spent her first year of college at William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri. She then transferred to Drake University, in Des Moines, Iowa. It was there that she met her future husband Alan on a blind date. Following their marriage on February 3, 1962, in Elmhurst, the couple moved to Sacramento, California, where she continued her education, graduating from Sacramento State

University, in 1965, with a degree in Home Economics with a minor in business. In 1967, son David was born with daughter Debra arriving in 1970. In 1997, after their retirement, they moved to Hamilton, Montana, where she lived until her death.

Joane is survived by her husband, Alan; son, David (Shawna); daughter, Debra Ferrera (Joel); Grandchildren: Julia Roth (Tristan), Trenton Ferrera (Stephanie), Noel Ferrera, Natalie Cosper; and a great grandson, Levi Roth. No formal services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Hamilton Elks Lodge, 203 State St., Hamilton, MT 59840. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

Veronica ‘Vonnie’ Evelyn Miller

The Bitterroot lost a firecracker, Veronica “Vonnie” Evelyn Miller passed away on February 17, 2023. She was born on September 18, 1923, in Perth Australia to Minnie Eloise Scott and Walter Lawrence Scott. She had a brother Aaron and sister Patricia. Vonnie met a young submariner from Montana who was stationed at the Fremantle Submarine Repair Shop on a blind date named John Miller. If you ever saw the pictures of her in her younger days, she was a fiery redhead, and you could see why John pursued her. They married in Perth, Australia on April 4, 1945. She said that when she and John

started out, she cooked a casserole every night. It was after a week that he told her he did not like casseroles. From that point on, she worked hard to become a very good cook. They had a son, John, born on April 2, 1946. They then moved from Australia to Montana in May of 1946, and lived at the ranch up the Burnt Fork Canyon at the Forgey Place. It was there that she learned about ranch life as they lived in the bunk house and had no indoor plumbing and that was a big adjustment for her. She did not enjoy living up there because it was so remote and rustic. Vonnie said that it was difficult being a “war bride” and said it was tough making friends and being accepted in the community. Then on June 18, 1948, they welcomed a second son, Scott. She said she never rode a horse and never learned to milk a cow. She did however, learn how to drive, and it was always an adventure with her behind the wheel. They sold the ranch up the Burnt Fork Canyon and moved to a ranch off Miller Hill Road on the South Burnt Fork Road. There they welcomed a third son, Harry, on September 1, 1958. She learned to really love being a ranch wife. She would cook for her family and the ranch help where she really refined her cooking skills. If you were fortunate enough to work for John, then you ate like a king when she cooked. She also became active in the Bitterroot Cowbells for over 50 years and was president of the club for many of those years. She was also politically active and member of the Pachyderm Club, the Rocky Mountain Grange and the Montana Federation of Women Club and was always up for a good debate. If you knew Vonnie, you never had to guess what was on her mind or what she was thinking. She spoke what

was on her mind whether you liked it or not. She was always up for a visit at the ranch and would share a cup of coffee or cocoa with you or a large glass of iced tea. When John and Scott left to serve in the Vietnam War, she started to learn to paint. She painted the grist mill from the ranch up the canyon and it became a center of attention in her dining room, and it was even featured in the local paper. She loved to watch golf and never golfed a day in her life. When asked why she watched golf, she said she loved to listen to the Aussie golfers and hear their Aussie accents and it would remind her of home. If you wanted to see Vonnie in town, she could be found at Ramona’s Hair salon getting her hair done and working to keep the red in her hair. Then on September 2, 1992, her husband John lost his battle with cancer. She took great pride in the ranch, and it was a tough decision to sell it and move into town. She would always talk about it and what a great life it was for her and John and their family. She also missed her Angus cows. She loved her grandkids and enjoyed having them come visit and share their adventures and stories with her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Aaron, and her husband John and her daughter-in-law Bunny Miller. She is survived by her sister Patricia, her son John, son Scott (Debbie) and son Harry (Linda), grandkids- David (Candice), Andy, Don, Sarah (Jon), Brian (Robin), Jessica, Rebecca (Josh), Stephanie, Elizabeth, Allisa (Devin), Harry, and Virginia and 17 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. She will be cremated, and a graveside service will be held on a later date in Stevensville.

Norma L. Petty

Norma L. Petty passed away February 26, 2023, in Hamilton, Montana, with her loving family at her side.

Born March 1, 1928, to AJ and Anna Margaret Heinle at Hebron, North Dakota, Norma was the sixth of eight siblings, with five older sisters and two younger brothers.

After graduating from Hebron High School, she attended Valley City State College and graduated from Dickinson State University. She taught school at Streeter, North Dakota, Park River, North Dakota, and Williston, North Dakota. She met her husband, Charles R. Petty, in Williston, North Dakota. Charles graduated from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, Texas, and took, an internship in the Army. Dr. Petty worked at many places while in the Army, including Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, Ireland Army Hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and served at the American Embassy in Cambodia.

They were married at St. John’s Church in Hebron, North Dakota on July 24, 1954, and were married for nearly 69 years.

Norma loved the outdoors, gardening, hiking, skiing, and biking. She did many bike trips with her husband and friends through the Vermont Biking Tours, which included rides in Montana, Washington, British Columbia, New Zealand, Prince Edward Island, and Vermont.

Living in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley gave them opportunities for much backpacking, camping, and skiing.

Norma was a longtime member of the United

Methodist-American Baptist Church and was active in many church functions, which included being a member of the choir and director of Christmas Tree Lane.

Survivors are her husband, Charles of Hamilton, Montana, sons, Kirk (Carole) of Ranchester, Wyoming, and Charles, Jr. (Kayla) of Priest River, Idaho, five grandchildren, Brian Petty (Alison) of Moscow, Idaho, Matthew Petty (Hailey) of Ranchester, Wyoming, Michelle Petty of Laramie, Wyoming, Christianne McKay (Corban) of North Bend, Washington, Allison Jampsa (Kyle) of Kent, Washington, four great-grandchildren, Owen and Quin Petty of Sheridan, Wyoming and Sylvia and Wesley Petty of Moscow, Idaho, sister, Esther Jones of San Diego, California, Goddaughter, Mary Buchli (Jack Hudspeth) of Big Sky, Montana, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death were her parents, sisters, Loretta Berdahl of Santa Cruz, California, Martha Cords of Sun City, Arizona, Lillian Buchli of Sun City, Arizona, and Ruth Keltsrup of Reno, Nevada, and brothers, Wally Heinle of Dickinson, North Dakota and Kenneth Heinle of Englewood, Colorado.

A memorial service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held Friday, March 3, 2023, at 1 :00 pm, at Daly-Leach Chapel, in Hamilton, Montana. A reception will follow in the Daly-Leach Community Room. Interment will take place at the Riverview Cemetery, in Hamilton, Montana. The family suggests memorials to Marcus Daly Hospital (Bitterroot Health), the Daly Mansion, or the United Methodist-American Baptist Church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

Lenten Fish Fry

The Knights of Columbus Council #13093 will be holding their annual Lenten fish fry dinners starting February 24th at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. They will be serving from 5 to 7 p.m with the option to dine in, drive thru or take out. Menu includes fish filets, French fries, mac and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, dessert and drinks. Cost of meal will be $15 per plate for ages 12 and up and $7 per plate for under 12. March dates are the 3rd, 10th, 24th and 31st. The Knights of Columbus appreciate your support.

Emergency Preparedness classes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly Emergency Preparedness classes. They are held at 7pm at the Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: March 9: “Cooking that Wheat—Recipes and samples of great tasting food that maybe you hadn’t considered; April 13: “Alternative Cooking Methods (Apple Box & Wonder Cookers) and Fire starters (assembling them). You can attend any or all classes. Classes typically run 60-90 minutes. Call 513-3125494 with questions.

Chili cook-off benefit

The Stevensville Police Department will hold its 2nd annual Chili Cookoff and Fundraiser on Saturday, March 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center, 333 Charlos, Stevensville. Funds raised will go towards ongoing equipment needs of the department, continuing education and to give back to the community. There will be a raffle, a silent and live

auction, and music by Joan Zen. There is a $25.00 fee to enter the chili competition; entry forms are available online at www.townofstevensville.com on the Police page, or can be picked up at Town Hall or the Police Department during regular business hours. (Cash or check only please.) The cost to attend the event is $5.00 at the door (cash) and includes a bowl of chili, a side and a nonalcoholic drink. There will be a cash bar with beer and wine.

Introduction to Defensive Handguns for Women

March 18 & April 8 2023

This 2 day course is for women with little or no experience with handguns, who may be frightened of handguns or who are considering acquiring a handgun. The first day course is designed to assist you in choosing the right handgun – for you. It will also introduce you to the facilities of the Whittecar Range.There will be discussions on handgun safety, basic operation of revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, and the cartridges used in each type of handgun.The legal aspects of the use of force will be presented and discussed. Handguns will be provided so that you may handle the different types and models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fire session on the range. A self defense book, specifically for women, will also be provided.

The second day course will teach basic defensive shooting using the students own equipment. Safe gun handling will be taught and stressed. Various types of ammunition and the performance of each type will be discussed.The class will be held at the Whittecar Range on Blodgett View Road and is limited to 10 participants. For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or Jim at 3608392.Successful completion of this two day course meets the education requirements for application to the state for a concealed carry permit.

Square dance classes

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

Tax-Aide program

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will be offering free tax return services to all ages in Stevensville this year. To schedule an appoint-

ment call the Senior Center (406)777-5681 between 10 a.m. and noon on Monday, Wednesday or Friday only. Reserve the NVPL Community Room

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

Star Calendar Policy

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

406-777-3928.

Three Mile Community Center will be hosting a family game night 6-9 pm Friday March 17th at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. We will have board games, card games, in door corn hole any many more. No charge just come have an evening of fun with your family and friends. Call 406-544-4994 or 360-3385

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club

Will meet Friday, March 3, 2023 at noon at The Frontier Cafe; HWY 93 in Stevensville.

Our guest speaker will be Victoria Howell who is now the publisher of four Mullen owned newspapers. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 P.M. The North Valley Pachyderm

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Hamilton girls and boys headed to state

The Western A Divisional tournament was held in Ronan on Feb. 23rd-25th. The Hamilton girls lost to Frenchtown, 42-49, in the Championship game and took home the 2nd place trophy. The Hamilton boys took 4th place, narrowly losing the Consolation game to Dillon in overtime 39-41. The Stevensville

round on Thursday. It was a close game early and the Lady Broncs pulled away in the 2nd quarter behind a great defensive effort and led 30-19 at halftime. In the second half, Hamilton kept up the pressure and led 43-31 after the 3rd. Polson made a 7-0 run to start the 4th quarter to make it a 5-point game and Hamilton stumbled to the finish line as they only scored 5 points in the final quarter, but held on for the 48-43 win. Taryn Searle had 17 points to lead Hamilton, Taylor McCarthy had 9, Ashlynn Kckern had 7, and Emilee Searle and Layne Kearns each had 6.

On Friday, the Hamilton girls met Dillon in the semifinal game. Dillon seemed to have Hamilton’s number this year, winning their two regular season games. But on this night it would be different. Dillon has a very athletic team and their full court press can cause havoc, but with Layne Kearns and Taryn Searle spearheading the offense, Hamilton was able to mitigate Dillon’s press. Hamilton was down 1-7 early then went on a 13-2 run and led 14-11 after one quarter. Dillon fought back in the 2nd and took a 28-26 halftime lead. The pivot stretch of the game came with 5:30 left in the 3rd quarter. Hamilton trailed 38-31 then went on a 9-0 run, culminating in a Taylor McCarthy three at the end of the 3rd quarter to give Hamilton a 40-38 lead. In the 4th, McCarthy continued her hot shooting, and Taryn Searle nailed a three with two minutes left to seal the 55-51 victory. McCarthy led Hamilton with 17 points, Taryn Searle had 15, Layne Kearns had 13, and Madalyn Nelson added 5.

and Max Cianflone added 5.

The Hamilton boys then faced Frenchtown in the semifinals on Friday. Much like Dillon, these teams are evenly matched - they split their regular season contests. Hamilton led 26-22 after a low scoring first half. It was more of the same for Hamilton in the 3rd quarter and Hamilton led 39-32 going into the 4th. Hamilton struggled to score in the 4th and their lead evaporated. With 26 seconds left in the game the score was tied 45-45, and Hamilton had the ball. They got fouled, but missed the front end of a one and one and Frenchtown got the rebound and, with 5 seconds to go, drove the length of the court and made the game winning basket. It was a crushing way to lose, but with such evenly matched teams the margins for error are very slim. Asher Magness again led the scoring with 16 points, Eli Taylor had

girls were competitive, but lost both of their games. Both Hamilton teams qualified for the State tournament, which is in Bozeman on March 9th-11th. The Hamilton girls will face Billings Central (18-3) at 3:30 p.m. on March 9th. The Hamilton boys face undefeated Lewistown at 8 p.m. on March 9th.

The Hamilton girls faced Frenchtown in the Championship game on Saturday night, Feb. 25th. The two teams split their two regular season games. Both teams have solid defenses and it was a low scoring game. Hamilton started slow and trailed 5-12 after the 1st quarter, but they rallied in the 2nd, closing the gap to 20-22 at halftime. Hamilton struggled to consistently hit shots against a tall Frenchtown team, but only trailed 31-35 going into the 4th quarter. Frenchtown jumped out to a nine point lead early in the 4th and Hamilton couldn’t make up the gap, losing 42-49. Layne Kearns led the scoring with 15 points, Taylor McCarthy had 12, Ayda Griffin had 9, and Ashlynn Mckern added 4.

The Hamilton girls played Polson in the first

The Hamilton boys played Dillon in the Consolation game on Saturday night, Feb. 25th. The two teams are evenly matched - both teams have a suffocating defense and an efficient offense. In their two regular season games, Hamilton won by one in overtime and then won by two on a last second shot by Eli Taylor. So if you had to bet, this game was going to be close and low scoring. And it was. Hamilton fell down early but rallied in the 3rd, and early in the 4th quarter the game was tied 27-27. It was a back and forth battle down the stretch and with 14 seconds left, Hamilton had the ball and the score was tied 36-36. Asher Magness, who was spectacular in the game, barely missed a tough shot at the buzzer, and the game went to overtime. Hamilton fell behind in overtime and was down 39-41 with 11 seconds left and had the ball. Hamilton had trouble getting open and at the last second Eli Taylor had to take a heavily contested three pointer from the corner which bounced off the rim and Dillon won 41-39. Asher Magness led the scoring for Hamilton with 11 points, Cole Dickemore had 10, Eli Taylor had 6, and Tyler Jette added 5.

The Hamilton boys played Polson in the first round on Thursday. The defensive intensity for both teams was solid and Hamilton held a narrow 15-13 1st quarter lead. In the second quarter, Eli Taylor and Asher Magness hit back to back threes to propel Hamilton to a 27-23 halftime lead. Polson evened the game up in the 3rd quarter, trimming Hamilton’s lead to 38-37. Then in the 4th, Hamilton turned up the defensive pressure and went on a 11-0 run and rolled to get the 54-44 victory. Hamilton’s team defense was, as always, exceptional, and on offense, Eli Taylor and Asher Magness led with 19 and 16 points, respectively, Liam O’Connell had 7,

Lady Jackets’ season over

12 and Cole Dickemore added 7.

This sent Hamilton to a loser out game on Saturday morning against Browning. With their season on the line, Hamilton wasted no time and was up 15-9 after the first quarter and 32-18 at halftime. It was more of the same in the second half as Hamilton would not be denied and won 66-50. Asher Magness had a big game with 22 points, Cole Dickemore had 20 points, and Canaan Magness added 11.

Stevensville senior Claire Hutchison taking a jump shot. Hutchison helped lead Stevi to Divisionals where the Lady Jackets fought hard but failed to advance to State. Photo by Scott Sacry.

The Stevensville girls played one of their best games of the year and gave Browning, the northwest’s #1 seed, a scare on Thursday, Feb. 23rd. Browning was 17-1 on the season and a top five team. Browning plays a hectic style of basketball, with a lot of defensive pressure and a fast up and down offense. Stevensville seemed comfortable in this style of game. They fell behind 11-17 after the 1st quarter, but rallied In the second to take a 26-24 halftime lead. The third quarter was back and forth and everytime Browning made a push, Stevi had an answer, and Stevi trailed 37-40 after three quarters. Browning gradually pulled away in the 4th and won 65-54. Claire Hutchison thrived in this up and down contest and led Stevi with 20 points, Cambree Praast had 11, Shilo McLain Lampi had 10, and Alexa Perez added 7.

The Stevensville girls then faced Columbia Falls on Friday morning in a loser out game. They started slowly and were down 25-20 in the second quarter, then got a bolt of energy and went on a 11-0 run and led 31-26 at halftime. To start the second half, Columbia Falls quickly caught up and tied the game at 31-31 but Stevi pushed back and led 39-35 at the start of the 4th. Stevensville then went cold and Columbia Falls went on a 16-0 run to start the 4th and Stevensville wasn’t able to get back in the game and lost 52-58. Shilo McLain Lampi had a big game with 16 points, Cambree Praast had 12, and Dawsyn Brewer and Claire Hutchison each added 9. This ends the season for the Lady Jackets who played their best ball at the divisional tournament and have a bright future with a talented group of players returning next season.

Hamilton senior Taryn Searle drives to the hoop. Searle leads a talented Hamilton squad who got 2nd place in the Western A Divisional tournament in Ronan on Feb. 25th. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Hamilton senior Asher Magness taking a jumper. Magness leads a potent Hamilton team headed to State in Bozeman on March 9th-11th. Hamilton will face undefeated power Lewistown on March 9th at 8:00 p.m. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Falcon’s season ends at divisionals

The Florence boys played Eureka in the first round of the Western B Divisionals on Thursday, Feb 23rd. Florence started slowly and trailed 7-14 early in the game. They then went on a 29-10 run and led 36-24 at half. Florence increased their lead in the 3rd quarter, but Eureka made a run in the 4th quarter to make it a five point game with 26 seconds left. Florence persevered and was able to get the 74-66 victory. Patrick Duchien had a big game with 22 points and 11 rebounds, Jesse Padilla got hot and had 21 points, Tyler Abbott had 10, and Trapper Oster and Ethan Alexander each added 5.

Then on Friday, they played Missoula Loyola in the semifinal game. Missoula Loyola is arguably the best Class B team in the state and in their previous two contests Loyola beat Florence by 36 points and 18 points. But in the first half it was different. Florence came out energized and played methodically on offense and stingy on defense. They led 15-10 after one quarter and 23-15 at the half. The Falcons held the Rams to only 15 first half points, which is quite the accomplishment given they had scored 78 points the night before. But you knew Loyola was going to make a run in the second half and they did. Loyola started the 3rd quarter on a 12-2 run and outscored Florence 31-10 in the second half to get the 46-33 victory.

This sent Florence to a loser out game against St. Ignatius on Saturday morning. Florence sputtered out of the gate and were down 19-36 at halftime. They fought hard in the second half and got close a couple of times but couldn’t get back in the game and lost 56-67. Patrick Duchien led with 12 points, Trapper Oster had 9, and Tyler Abbott and Jesse Padilla each added 8. This ended the season for the Florence boys, they hoped to make it farther, but it was a successful season nonetheless.

The Florence girls made it to the Consolation game in the Western B Divisional tournament, where they met Anaconda on Saturday, Feb. 25th. Florence floor general Maggie Schneider got three quick fouls in the first quarter and Florence fell down 11-14. In the 2nd quarter, the team stepped up and went on a 6-0 run to start the quarter and outscored Anaconda 19-8 to take a 30-22 halftime lead. The 3rd quarter was even and Florence led 39-31 going into the final quarter. Florence went cold and Anaconda went on a 11-0 run to take a 4239 lead. Florence hung tough and a Josie Lewis steal and breakaway basket got Florence within one, but Anaconda pulled away and Florence lost 46-48. Kenzy Pickering had a great game with 14 points, Trista Williams had 10, and Taylor Pyette and Olivia Coulter each added 6.

The Florence girls played Thompson Falls in the first round on Thursday, Feb. 23rd. Thompson Falls is a solid team, ranked in the top ten most of the season. It was close early, with Florence trailing 15-16 after one quarter. But the basket seemed to have a lid on it for Florence in the 2nd and they were outscored 4-19, and were behind 19-35 at halftime. Florence outplayed Thompson Falls in the second half, outscoring them 30-26, but they had dug themselves too much of a hole and couldn’t make up the gap, and lost 49-61.

This sent them to play Eureka on Friday morning in a loser out game. The Lady Falcons took a while to warm up but when they did they cruised - they led 14-8 after the 1st and 38-20 at halftime. They kept rolling in the 3rd and won easily, 69-39. Trista Williams had a solid game and led Florence with 16 points, Maggie Schneider had 14, and Kenzy Pickering added 12.

The Florence girls then played St. Ignatius on Saturday morning. It was a close game throughout and after three quarters it was tied 40-40. St. Ignatius quickly got a 41-47 lead, but for the next 5 minutes, Florence went on a 11-3 run to earn the 52-50 victory. On the final play, St. Ignatius had the ball with a chance to tie the game and Florence’s Trista Williams made a game-saving block to preserve the victory.

The Florence girl’s season ends at the Divisional tournament. They lose two talented seniors in Trista Williams and Josie Lewis, but they are loaded with young talent, so expect big things in the future.

Tigers fall short at divisionals

The Darby boys played Manhattan Christian in the first round of the Western C Divisional tournament on Thursday, Feb. 23rd.

Manhattan Christian is one of the best Class C teams in the state and don’t be surprised to see them contend for a state championship. Needless to say, Darby had their work cut out. After one quarter Darby trailed 15-25 and 23-49 at halftime. It was more of the same in the second half as Darby fell 53-91. Darby had some great stretches of play, but overall they didn’t have the firepower to compete with a deep, tall, and talented Manhattan Christian squad.

On Friday they met St. Regis in a loser out game. Darby rebounded from Thursday’s loss and played a great game against a solid St. Regis team. Darby led 24-21 at

half and kept up the pressure in the second half to earn the 51-46 victory. Cullen Duggan led the way with 18 points, Hooper Reed had 12, and Devyn Hundley and Stevan Gabric each added 7.

This sent them to play a strong West Yellowstone team on Saturday morning in another loser-out game. Darby started fast and led 13-8 after one quarter and 2726 at halftime. West Yellowstone pulled away in the second half as Darby struggled down the stretch and lost 54-72. Stevan Gabric and Hooper Reed had great games with 18 points each, and Cullen Duggan and Will Martin each added 8. It was not the way they wanted to end the season, but the Darby boys had a great season winning their conference tournament and making it to divisionals.

Florence senior Brodie Hinsdale fights to get the ball. Hinsdale and the Falcons ended a successful season at the Divisional tournament in Anaconda. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Florence senior Trista Williams going for two at the Western B Divisional tournament in Anacona on Feb. 23rd-25th. Williams and the Lady Falcons reached the Consolation game where they lost to Anaconda. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Darby senior Cullen Duggan pushes the ball up the court. Duggan helped lead Darby at Divisionals on Feb. 23rd-25th in Butte. Darby played tough, but didn’t advance to State. Photo by Scott Sacry.

The fly-fisher’s spring checklist

There’s plenty to do in the spring. Let winter’s grip slip a little as the days lengthen and get warmer, and the living things that have been dormant all winter (myself included) begin to stir out of their lethargy. There’s that itch, impatient at times, to get moving.

Spring in western Montana comes with its own set of chores: Change the furnace filters, rotate and change out the winter tires, open and air out the house and clean everything. We’re still not there – but soon enough we’ll get busy as the trees bud out and we hear the returning song birds, and see the bright yellow faces of daffodils.

Until then there are other

by Chuck Stranahan

checklists: My colleague Bill Bean, who used to run Fishaus Fly Shop in Hamilton, made a list every fall of flies he needed to restock and spent the winter tying them. By now, without the distraction that come with running a fly shop, he’s no doubt ready –his fly boxes well-stocked for the coming season.

I’m not nearly that far along. Bill is more methodical and organized that I ever will be, but my haphazard approach to life comes with spontaneous outbursts of creativity. I’m more inclined to find an odd bit of material on my fly tying bench and wonder: What if… “ and new pattern is born. I’ll tie the other flies, the old, stable patterns to go with the new ones, in frantic rushes just before I need them.

I’m not that slipshod and haphazard about everything, though; every spring I go through my tackle.

Basic tackle to-do’s

First, the rods: They do well enough through the winter in their cases. I’ll make sure the ferrules are clean, and maybe

apply a thin coat of paraffin (real thin) to the male ferrules.

Reels: Pop the spool off, hold the frame under a good stream of hot running water and then dry everything off. Use a wet paper towel to do about the same thing with the spools, and run something into the center bushing hole to clean it. Apply a little grease of some sort to the post and oil the other parts that might need it.

Lines: Strip the line off the reel into a clean plastic container. Check for wear – the discolored and cracked end on the first few feet on a floating line means it’s time to change. Pay attention also to the ultra-dirty section about 35-50 feet down, where you handle the line. If your hands transferred bug repellant to the line, it’s probably DOA. DEET destroys fly lines. It’s not so good for your liver, either. If the line’s dirty but otherwise OK, give it a bath by pulling it through a cloth soaked with a mild mix of grease-cutting dish soap. Rinse with water, dry off, and then pull the line through a clean patch of cloth saturated with 303 - the compound that guides use on their rafts. 303 is avail-

able at some fly shops or auto parts stores. A line that gets 303’d regularly shoots further and lasts longer.

Leaders and tippet: The stuff doesn’t last indefinitely. If you stored your tippet on a lanyard hanging in front of you last season, where it soaked up plenty of sun, toss it and replace it. Heat, UV light, and Father Time are relentless enemies of leader material.

Flies: Matted down and dirty flies can be steamed in a sieve held over a teakettle and carefully laid out on a matting of paper towels to dry. The exception is rubberlegs and foam flies. Give ‘em a bath in grease-cutting dish detergent, rinse and squeeze, and then set them out to dry. Result: Rejuvenated flies.

Floatant: I usually carry both gel and powder floatant and remember (painfully) the times I ran out. Put extras or refills on your list. The guide-sized High N Dry floatants out of Missoula are enviro-friendly and work real well.

Tools and accessories: Nipper worn out? Maybe treat yourself to a new one – a good one, maybe a multi-tool that costs $25 or so. It’ll outlast a handful of $3 nippers and do things a cheap nipper won’t.

Forceps or hemostat? Check.

Hook hone? Keeping that hook sharp shouldn’t be an afterthought; I check the hook every time I have a fly in my hand and resharpen if needed. I drag the point gently over my thumbnail – if it sticks, it’s sharp.

GROW WITH US!

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

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

An old reel will last a long time with care

Another Glass Recycling Event in the Bitterroot

The non-profits Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and Recycling Works MT will sponsor another glass recycling event in March. the event will be held on March 11, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north end of Ravalli County Fairgrounds on Old Corvallis Road.

It’s been 5 months since the last Bitterroot glass recycling day so recyclers have been saving up for a while. Only clean, unbroken, food and beverage containers can be recycled on this day.

For years people have been asking RCR why they couldn’t recycle glass. RCR volunteers would explain that because glass is heavy the cost of shipping it would mean little or no profit. Then Recycle Works MT in Missoula found a way. They found a company in Salt Lake City that would pick up MT glass and recycle it.

Momentum Recycling in Salt Lake City sends loaded trucks to Montana, unloads them, fills their trucks with glass at Recycling Works MT’s Missoula site and drives it back to Salt Lake. In Salt Lake the glass is repurposed into insulation and other products. Momentum Recycling has a laser system that sorts glass by color. Different colors are used for different products.

Recycling Works MT now partners with Ravalli County Recycling so Ravalli County residents can recycle glass. On March 11, 2023, Bitterrooters can recycle glass and cardboard. All require payment and in the past recyclers here have shown they are willing to pay to keep our Montana environment clean, and send less to the landfill. Payments required are as follows.

Glass is $1 per gal and $5 for a 5 gallon bucket etc. Glass does not have to be in

buckets. Volunteers will estimate amount and fees no matter what container you use. Clean food and beverage containers only.

For cardboard by C2C Cardboard Recycling the Charge is $10 per cubic yard and the amount you can fit into a car is usually around $5. Pick-up loads and larger are more.

Profits will be donated to Recycling Works MT to cover shipping and other costs. Recycling Works MT also gives donations to schools in the Bitterroot for projects that promote recycling. They have given $1000 donations to the Corvallis and Hamilton school districts.

If you have questions you may contact janicling@gmail.com RE glass recycling 0r C2C Cardboard Recycling at (406) 3690859 or (406) 381-4120.

Detailed Local Forecast

Today we will see partly cloudy skies with a high temperature of 33°, humidity of 47%. East wind 2 to 7 mph. The record high temperature for today is 61° set in 1994. Expect mostly cloudy skies tonight with an overnight low of 16°. Southwest wind 7 to 10 mph. The wind chill for tonight could reach 8°. The record low for tonight is -4° set in 2019. Thursday, skies will be mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of snow, high temperature of 36°, humidity of 57%. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Peak

2, 1975 - The "Governor's Tornado" in Atlanta did considerable damage to the governor's mansion and surrounding areas, resulting in three deaths and 56.5 million dollars in damage.

Bird Squawk

Warm Spring Ponds – Premier hot spot for birding

I want to give my readers an update on the birding activities at Warm Springs Ponds. The 2,400 acre area lies within the 6,400 acre Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area. After the historic flood of 1908 that destroyed much of the riparian area between Butte and Missoula along the Clark Fork River, the Anaconda Company built the first of three major ponds to prevent that occurrence from ever happening again. After the 1908 flood much of the riparian zone had mine tailings from One to five feet deep consisting of toxic heavy metals.

How good is the birding? We have identified 244 of Montana’s 445 species. That is 55% of all species in the state and makes for an important birding area in southwest Montana.

by Gary Swant

Two additional ponds were built and modified with the final work completed in 1995. The purpose of these ponds is flood control and heavy metal removal of copper, zinc, arsenic and other toxic minerals. Silver Bow Creek’s riparian zone has been cleaned from Butte to the ponds and the lower Clark Fork is under remediation from Warm Springs to Deer Lodge. Today, when needed, lime is added to Silver Bow Creek as it enters the Warm Springs Ponds to combine with heavy metals causing them to settle to the bottom. After a 30 day retention period, relatively clean water is released back into Willow Creek, which combines with Warm Springs Creek, forming the Clark Fork River.

Atlantic Richfield has opened the ponds to the general public to enjoy for hiking, fishing, limited hunting and bird watching. Atlantic Richfield desires this area to be an asset for the public of Montana. In terms of birding, it is worth the drive if you truly want an outstanding birding experience.

Let me share with you what Atlantic Richfield is doing to make your birding experience a quality one. First, they welcome you to walk and ride bicycles on all of the 12 miles of dike roads. They have shelters with tables and vault toilets for your use. They have also commissioned GoBird Montana, LLLP (my company) to produce a poster series that features the major birds of the area. Three of these posters are done and the fourth will be completed this spring. Posters completed are waterfowl, riparian and grassland birds. The shorebirds poster will be completed before spring migration. There are kiosks at the four entrances to the Ponds where these posters are displayed. You can also obtain a bird checklist of the 244 birds at the same kiosks.

Secondly, and most exciting, are four spring bird walks and three fall bird walks for the public at no charge. GoBird

Montana is in the third year of leading these bird walks. We had 91 birders sign up for spring walks and 54 for fall walks in 2022. If you are interested, watch for our ad in regional newspapers or on Facebook Montana birding sites. You can participate in one of our bird walks regardless of where you live. We have had folks from as far away as Billings. We suggest you take the guided bird walk first and then go birding on your own afterwards.

We encourage you, if you haven’t birded the Warm Springs Ponds, to consider the drive from the Madison Valley, Bitterroot Valley or the local areas of Butte, Anaconda, Deer Lodge and Philipsburg. It is

really not that far. My book, “My Montana Birds” features many stories from these 2,400 acres and would be a good resource along with using a field guide. You can obtain a copy by sending a check to Bird Squawk, 800 St Marys, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. You will not be disappointed in your effort to bird the Warm Springs Ponds. If you want to know the best time for different species or families of birds, email me (birdmt@charter.net) and I can give you information. I can also provide a PDF of the bird checklist and map of the area.

I hope that you will consider a trip to the Warm Springs Ponds this year to enjoy one of the more unique birding experiences in southwest Montana. You might even find Caleb and myself out there bird -

ing or doing MT

March 15 is considered the first day of spring migration. So get excited, spring birding is coming. I can hardly wait.

FWP surveys.

Warm Springs Ponds welcomes recreationalists and birders. Photo Courtesy of Gary Swant.

Poster of some of the variety of birds found in Warm Springs Ponds. Photo courtesy of Gary Swant.

RAT TERRIER PUPPIES. Smart and sweet. $600. Call 417-312-1000. Hamilton.

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

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

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

APT. FOR RENT. Fully furnished 1br. 1bath also double bed/couch. New appliances. All utilities paid. Security and damage dep. req. No pets, no smokers. $1600.00 per month. 208-827-310

Local delivery. Scobey and Plentywood areas this sprng. Must have a CDL or be able to obtain before starting. ALSO-FULL-TIME tire truck operator at Opheim location. Full benefit package. Contact Tanner Trower 9406)487-2612.

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

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

VACASA IS HIRING!

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

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

VACASA IS HIRING!

Runner Position in Big Sky,

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

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

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

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

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

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Asisstance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-866-585-6456.

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

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

Telephone: (406) 363-3181

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF:

BRIAN LEE TRESCOTT, Deceased.

Cause No. DP-20-151

Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Linda Trescott, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Office PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 8th day of February, 2023.

/s/ William J. Nelson

Attorney for Personal Representative

/s/ Linda Trescott

Personal Representative

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

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

Telephone: (406) 363-3181

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: MARGARET E. DUNBAR, Deceased.

Cause No. DP-19-98

Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Thomas H. Dunbar, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Office PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 8th day of February, 2023.

/s/ William J. Nelson

Attorney for Personal

Representative

/s/ Thomas H. Dunbar

Personal Representative BS 2-15, 2-22, 3-1-23.

RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C.

P.O. Box 1917 Hamilton, Montana 59840

Telephone: 406/363-6888

Email: ravallilaw@montana.com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Estate of PATRICIA VIRGINIA WHITE; Deceased. Case NO.: DP-23-14 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the 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 Joann C. Hosko, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A. Weber, P.O. Box 1917, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 8th day of February, 2023.

/s/Joann C. Hosko

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

Craig Mungas State Bar No. 6746 Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC 2809 Great Northern Loop, Ste 100 Missoula, Montana 59808

Telephone: 406-721-8896

Telefax: 406-541-8037

Email: craig@bjornsonlaw. com

Attorneys for Debra Jo Dudley and Robert James Dudley, Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JUDITH LEE KLINE, a/k/a Judith L. Kline, Deceased. Dept. No.: 1

Cause No.: DP-23-13

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to DEBRA JO DUDLEY and ROBERT JAMES DUDLEY, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 8th day of February, 2023.

/s/ Debra Jo Dudley Co-Personal Representative

/s/ Robert James Dudley Co-Personal Representative

Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC

By: Craig Mungas

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

sentatives

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

NOTICE OF FILING FOR TRUSTEE CANDIDATES:

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

BS 2-15, 3-15-23.

TANKO LAW OFFICE

BRIAN C. TANKO, ESQ.

Montana Bar No. 5194 392 - 1st Avenue East North Kalispell MT 59901

Tel: (406) 257-3711

Fax: (406) 257-3722

Email: btanko@tanko.law. com

Web: www.tankolaw.com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BRIAN JOSEPH ADAMS, Deceased. Case No.: DP-22-111

HOWARD F. RECHT

District Court Judge

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to BARTON J. ADAMS, the Personal Representative, to ℅ Tanko Law Office, 3921st Avenue E.N., Kalispell MT 59901, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 9th day of September, 2022.

/s/ Barton J. Adams, Personal Representative

Submitted by: TANKO LAW OFFICE

/s/ Brian C. Tanko, Esq.

Attorney for Personal Representative BS 2-22, 3-1, 3-8-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, March 9, 2023,

6:00 pm

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

EN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6:00 pm at their regularly scheduled meeting held at 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870 for the purpose of final plat review of Burnt Fork Estates Phase 1.

Comments to be considered may be given orally at the hearing, submitted in writing via email to jenelle@townofstevensville.com or mail to the Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 pm on March 9, 2023.

Questions, comments or more information can be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk at 406-777-5271.

Attest:

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PREPARATION OF A NORTH HAMILTON PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT FOR WATER, SEWER, & TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS CITY OF HAMILTON, MT

February 17, 2023

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

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

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

The full RFP is available from the Hamilton City Clerk’s Office and on the City of Hamilton website at www. cityofhamilton.net. Proposals shall be emailed to the Hamilton City Clerk at cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net by the proposal due date. For alternative delivery methods please contact the City Clerk. Responses must be received by the City Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00 p.m.,

Friday, March 10, 2023. Late responses will not be accepted and any response received after the due date and time will be returned unopened.

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

Publish:

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

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Sarah Lavonne Sargent, Sarah Lavonne Sargent, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-23-51

Dept. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Sarah Lavonne Sargent to Sarah Lavonne Gingerich-Sargent.. The hearing will be on March 29, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 15th day of February, 2023.

Paige Trautwein

Clerk of Court

BY: Barbara Beavers

Deputy Clerk of Court BS 2-22, 3-1, 3-8, 3-1523.

LEGAL NOTICE

Guardianship Hearing –Chavez

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In the Matter of Guardianship of Mahalani A Aina Artemis Chavez, Duane Dee and Leeann Lynn Dufresne, Petitioners

Case No. DG-23-10

NOTICE OF GUARDIANSHIP HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the guardianship hearing will be held on March 23, 2023 at 1:30 pm in Ravalli County District Court #2, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Jennifer B. Lint District Court Judge BS 3-1, 3-8, 3-15.

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of ELLYN PALMER JONES Deceased.

Probate No. DP -23-15

Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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 first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to DOUGLAS W. SMITH, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 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.

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: RUSSELL D. SWINGER, Deceased.

Dept. No.: 2

Cause No.: DP-23-16

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four NOTICE TO CREDITORS (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to BRENNA SWINGER, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

Notifying all interested parties that the BitterRoot Bus is applying for $170,960.00 under the Section 5311 Grant program for the Federal Transit Administration entitled “Financial Assistance for Other than Urbanized Areas,” administered by the Montana Department of Transportation. Funding will be used for operating expenses associated with providing transportation services to the public within Ravalli County, Montana. BitterRoot Bus will also be receiving $ 62,489.00 in matching TransAde funding, and $131,149 in Capital funding for 1 minivan and 1 Mid-Top Extended minivan replacements.

If you have any questions, contact LaNette Moore at (406) 363. 7484 MRTMA of Missoula is also applying for $195,072.00 under section 5311 as well as $81,014.00 in CMAQ funds. As well MRTMA (I Ride) will be requesting Capital funding of $113,970 in replacement vehicles. Comments on this proposal should send comments within 30 days to: BitterRoot Bus, 310 Old Corvallis Rd., Hamilton, MT 59840. The application is on file at 2820 S. Higgins Ave., Missoula, MT. If requested a public hearing will be held and public notice indicating the location, date and time of the hearing will be provided.

If you have any questions, contact Lyn Hellegaard at (406) 327.8707

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) will hold a public hearing March 15, 2023 beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the RCEDA Conference Room, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, MT. The RCEDA Board of Commissioners will consider adopting a resolution authorizing participation in the Board of Investments of the State of Montana short Term Investment Pool (STIP) and authorizing the execution and delivery of documents related thereto. at this time will take public comment, will be taken and considered. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. Written comments on establishing the Resolution may be submitted to Julie Foster, RCEDA Executive Director, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Suite A, Hamilton, MT 59840 or julie@rceda.org. For further information, call the RCEDA at 406-375-9416.