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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!”
’ ! l a c o est at L
‘The B Volume XXXIV, Number 34
Established 1985 - Locally owned & independent
Montana Wilderness School
Short term forecast is a nice slow melt
By Michael Howell
Youth participants in the Montana Wilderness School learn lessons about life and the great outdoors by engaging in challenging expeditions like scaling a mountain peak or plunging through the rapids of a roiling river.
Learning to walk on the wild side By Michael Howell
Montana is blessed with some of the most spectacular wilderness areas in the country. These special places have come to define our state in the minds of most Americans and for most of us who live here. But actually, getting out into the wilderness and enjoying it can be a very trying and even dangerous affair. That’s why even a born-in-Montana baby could use a little education before heading out into the wild woods and one place they can get it is at the Montana Wilderness School (MWS). The school’s mission is to provide empowering expeditionary wilderness courses to youth that foster personal growth and cultivate a conservation ethic through connecting with remote landscapes and wild places. The school is designed to handle young people between the ages of 14 to 18 years old and no previous experience in the outdoors is required. Communications Manager and Development Assistant Claire Kleese, who was raised in
the Bitterroot Valley, said, “Our belief is that wilderness areas in Montana are extremely important and powerful spaces that offer amazing classrooms of knowledge gained through experiential handson learning.” She said spending extended periods of time in these places offers young people opportunities to be away from our human-built world and become immersed in the rawness of nature. According to Kleese, by experiencing challenging situations on a multi-week wilderness course, students have opportuni-
Senate Bill 24, a bill increasing the optional light motor vehicle registration fee for parks and recreation, appears to be headed for approval by the Senate. It would then be taken up by the House. The bill would increase the optional fee from the current $6 fee to a $9 fee. The bill, sponsored by Senator Terry Gauthier, a Republican from Helena, apportions the funds raised by the fee between state parks, fishing access sites and community trails and recreation. Out of every $9 fee collected, $6.74 would go to funding the state’s parks, that’s up from $5.37 under the current $6 fee.
June 28th & 29th!
The amount going to FWP for spending on Fishing Access Sites would double from the current $.25 to $.50. A newly established trails and recreation facilities fund would get $1.37, and the Montana Heritage Preservation and Development account used for the operation of facilities at Virginia City and Nevada City would get $.39. Angie Grove, Chair of the Montana State Parks and Recreation Board, said that she is hopeful the bill meets final approval in the Senate, where it has passed already. A third and final reading was scheduled for Monday, March 11. According to Grove, it has been a long time since the state parks have seen any sort of increase in funding, although use of state park lands and facilities continues to grow. She said there are ongoing costs related to maintaining the lands, like weed control and pest control and facility maintenance, that keep going up as well as the cost of inflation. Grove called the bill “a really good opportunity for small towns like Stevensville where you have a conglomeration of all these
The Bitterroot Valley started out the new year around 20% below average in snowpack. Then came the snows of February. It was a lot of snow and a lot came down all at once over a couple of days. It turns out, by March 1, it was enough to bring the Bitterroot back up to about an average snowpack. Actually, a little bit above, at 103% of average. Historically, Montana has accumulated about 80% of its total snowpack by March 1. The Bitterroot Valley wasn’t the only area to be so affected. According to snow survey data collected by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), snowfall for the month was above normal to record setting across the state, and snowpack totals for March 1 have improved in all river basins. Lucas Zukiewicz, water supply specialist with NRCS, said, “It seemed like every time a storm was moving out another one was lined up to come in.” Monthly totals were especially impressive in some southern and central
regions of Montana, including the Bitterroot. “This month was the perfect setup with cold air in place and abundant moisture coming from the Pacific that collided with it,” said Zukiewicz. “Sixteen NRCS snowpack measurement locations set new records for February snowfall in central and southern Montana, and an additional 13 sites recorded the second highest monthly totals.” While improved snowpack totals and above normal totals in certain rivers basins is good news for this date, there is still plenty of winter and spring left to come. Snowpack in the state typically peaks in early April west of the Divide and in mid to late April east of the Divide. “We have another month or two of snow accumulation to go, and it can be an important couple of months to top things off before we start to see snowmelt and runoff,” said Zukiewicz. “We’re back on the right track, so let’s hope that the snow keeps flying and the above average temperatures don’t show back up before then.” Luke Robinson at the
National Weather Service office in Missoula agreed, adding that based on current weather forecasts, there currently was not much chance of any major flooding along the rivers for another couple of weeks. He said it would take a warming trend with above freezing temperatures at night with some rain to bring the snow down out of the mountains in any major way. Right now, he said it was too far off to predict what that runoff would be like, but in the short-term things look pretty good as far as the current melt off of low-lying snowfields on the valley floor. According to Robinson, the daytime temperatures are forecast to be in the high 30s and 40s during the day and dip below freezing at night for the next several days. This will result in a gradual melt-off during the day that will stop at night, making for a slow release of the 2 to 4 inches of water contained in the low-lying snow on the valley bottom. Streamflow forecasts issued on March 1 for April 1-July See FORECAST, page 8
ties to deal with a diverse group and different leadership styles, and the ability to communicate and collaborate with others to solve problems and accomplish objectives. This is not a school for “troubled” teens. It is not a drug rehabilitation program and does not accept emotionally disturbed kids, nor are they set up to handle the developmentally disabled. But they are set up to handle kids who are economiSee WILDERNESS, page 2
Proposed legislation could affect local parks, trails, FAS’s
By Michael Howell
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
components.” She said there was a state park there, a Fishing Access Site, and river trails, all of which could use these maintenance funds. She called Stevensville “the prime example of the kind of community that we want to help out.” Grove said that the proposal was originally brought up by a group called the Montana Trails Coalition, organized by retired FWP employee Bob Walker. She said the group had a really broad representation from motor vehicle users and non-motorized users, OHV users and hikers, from all around the state. Grove said this funding was really important for state parks and fishing access sites but that the group working on trails has been the group really pushing hard for this legislation. Another bill that may impact state parks, she said, was SB 70, a bill designed to address certain issues with the Headwaters State Park. That park, she said, is designated as a “primitive” park. But there is strong public interest in establishing a canoe camp and a bicycle camp within the park. SB 70 would remove the “primitive” designation and allow the development of the camp sites.
City crews and local contractors in Stevensville and Hamilton have spent many hours trying to get ahead of any flooding threats by removing the massive piles of snow to areas that will have less impact on residents and businesses. Victoria Howell photo.
Road access bill under consideration by legislature
By Michael Howell
Senate Bill 224, sponsored by Sen. Tom Jacobson, D-Great Falls, has passed the Senate and been transmitted to the House. Proponents of the bill say it gives county attorneys a tool to prevent public road closures by increasing the fine for illegally gating established county roads. It would increase the fine for an encroachment on a county road from the current $10 per day to up to $500 per day, with no minimum fine. “For decades, this fine has been so low that it’s simply no deterrent for people to gate off county roads and block off public lands,” Jacobson said. “And when access to our public lands is blocked off, it turns that land into private playgrounds for the lawbreakers who are doing it and the public loses.”
The Montana Wildlife Federation, which supports the bill, claims that hunters, anglers, and other public land users are tired of seeing illegal gates on public roads that lead to public lands. The bill also has support from county attorneys and officials who are caught up in litigation when a road is gated off and becomes the focus of lawsuits. Two disputes over public road access in the Bitterroot have gotten the attention of the courts recently. The Montana Supreme Court ruled this past summer that the Hughes Creek Road gate, which has blocked public access for over forty years, should come down. In another case on Robbins Gulch Road, no gate has been locked, but landowners have taken the Forest Service to federal court challenging public access on the road. That case is due to be heard
in Judge Dana Christensen’s Court in Missoula on March 16. “Having a real, meaningful fine in state law for gating these public roads will give county attorneys a strong tool to get these roadblocks taken down quickly,” said Erin Arnold, Senior Civil Deputy County Attorney for Gallatin County. “A lot of these cases could be prevented in the first place or resolved quickly if the penalty is a real deterrent.” “The first step toward keeping public roads open to public use is having some real teeth in the fine,” said Dave Chadwick, executive director of the Montana Wildlife Federation. “Senator Jacobson’s bill will make people think twice before they put up barriers to the public’s legal access to public lands for hunting, fishing, and other uses.”
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star
Wilderness
HAMILTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY’S
continued
20th Annual Spring Auction is happening on
cally disadvantaged. While the school does charge a fee for its classes which covers the costs of food and transportation and pays the teachers, it is also a tax exempt 501(c)3 non-profit and provides scholarships for students who qualify for financial help. “We have never turned away an applicant because they couldn’t afford it,” said Kleese. The expeditions take place all over the state with some scheduled in the Bitterroot Valley. “We believe that positive personal growth and greater selfactualization will be achieved as students work towards realizing their full potential through the challenge of problem solving on their own terms while rising to meet the demands of their expedition,” she said. The expeditions, which involve learning everything from backpacking to rafting, kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, and horse
Thursday, April 4th @ 5:30pm This fundraiser, which will benefit student programs & scholarships, will take place at the Assembly of God Church, located at 601 W Main St, Hamilton. There will be a 3-Course Dinner & Decadent Dessert Auction, as well as a Live Auction for fun entertainment & travel packages. Contact us for early ticket sales at $30/person before March 20. Call (406) 363-4534 or e-mail us at hcasecretary23@gmail.com.
The mission of the Montana Wilderness School is to provide empowering expeditionary wilderness courses to youth that foster personal growth and cultivate a conservation ethic through connecting with remote landscapes and wild places. packing, can last anywhere from 10 days to three weeks. Participants are not just learning how to ride a horse, use a compass or fly fish, they are also building confidence and developing character;
being physically active outdoors in beautiful Montana landscapes; increasing competency in many outdoor technical skills; learning how to work together with a diverse group of peers; and
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increasing their knowledge about Northern Rockies conservation issues and the importance of our public lands and wild spaces. The school is only five years old but has grown dramatically from the five students who participated the first year. This year they already have 104 registered students. The classes/expeditions are limited to about 10 participants and include two instructors and an intern. Gar Duke, one of the founders of the school, said, “The pieces that make me most proud are the bridges we continue to build. Bridges between these diverse young people supporting inclusive relationships and team-building, as well as the bridges being built between young people and the outdoors. Living in such a divisive time in our country and one where youth are less connected to the outdoors than ever before, it gives me hope to be part of an organization that focuses on inclusion, connection, and empowerment, and provides opportunities for life-changing and transformative experiences for our important young people.” More information about the school may be found at www. montanawildernessschool.org.
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Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Soroptimist award scholarships, and chocolate
By Jean Schurman
the Hamilton Christian Academy, moving it from a small location on the west side of town to its current location at the old Granstdale School. The Hamilton Soroptimist donated $250 for the Hamilton Christian Academy in Beck’s
American Legion Fort Owen Post #94 to celebrate Centennial
These women have been awarded almost $20,000 by the Soroptimist International Hamilton. In the front row are Krista Haywood, Denise Dandridge, Maizie Mendenall, Ivy Semple, Jodi Waliser, and Brandy Stewart. In the back are Alis Auch, Stephanie Beck, Sydni Powell, Elizabeth Varner, Laura Newby, Hannah Wilson, and Laura Wathan. Jean Schurman photo. in personal responsibility and the motto, “It’s what you do that counts.” The award recognizes young women from 13-18 whose volunteer activities make the world a better place. Five young women were recognized and given $250 in appreciation of their work. They are: Elizabeth Varner of Stevensville, Sydney Powell of Corvallis, Ivy Semple of Corvallis, Alis Auch of Hamilton, and Maizie Mendenall of Hamilton. Auch and Mendenall were awarded an additional $250 each from the Greater Ravalli Foundation and Soroptimist of Hamilton also donated $100 each to their charity of choice. The Live Your Dream scholarship is the Soroptimist International’s signature grant program for women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. In addition to either being enrolled or recently accepted to a vocational or undergraduate program, the woman must be
the primary financial support for herself and her dependents. This year’s recipients are Jodi Waliser and Hannah Wilson. Waliser is working towards an associates degree and after completion of that in May, she will continue on and work towards a bachelors degree in social work. Hannah Wilson received her bachelors degree in social work in 2018 and then decided she wanted to continue her education and get a two-year degree in nursing where she could help individuals, especially children with emotional trauma. In addition to a $3,000 scholarship, Wilson’s name has been submitted for consideration at the regional and national level. The Options scholarship is for a woman 50 years or older who is working to better her life through additional schooling and skills training. She must also be the primary support for her family. Denise Dandridge is the recipient of this award. She obtained her associates in Early Child-
Please Join Us in Celebrating Norma Jean Gilmore’s 95th Birthday!!! March 16th, 2019 • 2pm - 4pm
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Today, the American Legion has nearly 3,000 accredited service officers worldwide who assist veterans with their benefits claims and other concerns. Post #94, named for the local, historical Fort Owen, currently numbers over 230 members plus over 60 in the affiliated American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion. Among those whose lives have been touched by Post #94 are Boys State Alum and former Bitterroot Bucs baseball players. “The American Legion Family of Stevensville is excited to share both the legacy and the vision of our organization,” Post #94 Commander Brad Smith said. “We’ve done a lot of good, and intend to keep it up for a second century.” Post #94 will hold a celebration on Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the post home, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville. Members will be serving steak burgers, hot dogs, salads, chips and soft drinks. There will be special activities with games, entertainment, door prizes, and birthday cake will be served. Everyone is welcome.
ar
Fellowship Hall • First Presbyterian Church
hood Education in 2015 and is now working towards a bachelors degree in that field with a prekindergarten through third grade teaching license. The Fellowship scholarship is for a woman who is established in her career, already with a bachelors or masters degree, with a plan to return for an advanced degree or certification. This year, the $3,000 scholarship was awarded to Laura Wathen. Wathen graduated in 2018 with a masters in social work. She is now pursuing advanced training in sensorimotor psychotherapy which will allow her to work with young women and girls with histories of neglect, trauma, and attachment failure. The final award was the Ruby Award which is a recognition of service that acknowledges women who are working to improve the lives of women and
The American Legion is turning 100 and American Legion Fort Owen Post #94 in Stevensville is planning to celebrate. The post, located in Stevensville, was charted on June 15, 1940. The organization as a whole traces its roots to March 15-17, 1919, in Paris, France, in the aftermath of World War I. The American Legion was federally chartered on September l6, 1919, and quickly became an influential force at the national, state and local levels, dedicated to service to veterans, strong national defense, youth and patriotism. A year after it was formed, The American Legion had chartered more than 5,400 local posts that continue to operate today. Since then it has grown to more than 13,000 posts around the world, and more than 2.2 million wartime-veteran members. Throughout its first century, The American Legion built a legacy on such accomplishments as leading the way to create U.S. Flag Code, helping start the Veterans Administration, drafting and getting passed the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 – the GI Bill – which transformed America in the second half of the 20th century, and helping veterans receive benefits for health conditions based on their honorable service, including acceptance of Agent Orange exposure as service-connected.
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The Soroptimist International Hamilton recently awarded $20,000 in scholarships to women in the Bitterroot Valley. According to Sue Macmeeken, president of the group, the funds are raised primarily by the sale of See’s Candies during different holidays. They also will host an Evening Wrapped in Chocolate in April to raise funds. Some of the scholarship funds were also raised by private individuals. One such individual is Sue Major who has experienced several medical issues. These experiences led to many close encounters with phlebotomists. “In recognizing the kindness, compassion and skill of a couple of phlebotomists at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, Major reached out to family and friends and raised $5,000 to support women enrolled in the Phlebotomy program at the Bitterroot College,” the awards program stated. The person who won a $2,300 scholarship from this fund is Darci Lewis. This is a ProTech scholarship. A second ProTech scholarship was awarded to Sydni Rose. She is currently enrolled in the 3+2 Program at Colorado Mesa University where she will work towards an MBA and an accounting degree. The final ProTech scholarship was awarded to Brandy Stewart. She has recently completed the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program at the Bitterroot College. She is now thinking about going into nursing. The Patti Furniss Scholarship went to Krista Hayward and Laura Newby. Hayward is enrolled in the Bookkeeping Certification program at the Bitterroot College. Newby, who previously won a ProTech award, has changed her career path and is now working towards becoming a teacher with an emphasis on art. The Violet Richardson Award is named after Violet Richardson, the president of the first Soroptimist club in Alameda County in 1921. She believed
girls through their personal or professional activities. This year’s recipient is Stephanie Beck. Beck has worked diligently to build up
Bitterroot Star -- Page 3
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Opinion
Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Bitterroot Star Editorial Board Michael Howell Victoria Howell
Guest Comment
Support for transparency in government By Lee Banville, Professor of Journalism, University of Montana
The students I teach at the University of Montana often show up with a powerful assumption: If there is some piece of information out there, Google can find it. It’s an understandable belief for 19-year-olds who have grown up in a world where ubiquitous connection to the Internet and easy access to vast reams of webpages is expected. But for all those Wikipedia pages and Wayback Machines, there are countless documents that you, as a Montanan, have a constitutional right to see and you won’t find them no matter how many pages of search results you click on. That information is sitting in your county courthouse or the state agency in Helena. It is being discussed at the city council or at the local school board meeting. And that is sort of the point of Sunshine Week. Sunshine Week runs from March 10-16 this year and is put together by the American Society of News Editors and Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Its goal is pretty straightforward: highlight and promote transparency in government. But transparency itself is sort of a strange word. The Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously wrote, “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.� The idea that the best way to keep the government representing all of us was for all of us to be able to see its workings, to contribute to its operation.
Finding common ground
Dear Editor, Any regular reader of the Star’s letters section is no stranger to political rants from both ends of the spectrum. As these diatribes seem to have escalated lately, one not familiar with our community might think a wall needs to be built in the Bitterroot to separate the left from the right. And while some might prefer that option, I believe there’s a silent majority of us who live and work in relative harmony and find plenty to agree on. Here are some examples.
The Montanans who gathered to write our state constitution in 1972 knew and believed in this idea, incorporating two rights into the new document — the public’s right to know and its right to participate. Donald Foster, a Lewistown Independent who served as a delegate to the state’s constitutional convention stressed that these two rights were to serve the public, saying during the deliberations, “[T]he citizens of the state will expect to participate in agency decisions prior to the time the agency makes up its mind .... It is also a commitment at the level of fundamental law to seek structures, rules and procedures that maximize the access of citizens to the decision-making institutions of state government.� For that participation to count, the public needs to know about the government’s work and the issues at stake. For nearly 50 years, Montana has stressed public participation and the transparency that makes that possible. But these rights are fragile and in need in constant attention and defense. One misinformed county clerk or nervous school board member or one agency demanding money to hire a lawyer to review the document a member of the public requested could make those rights and the idea of transparent government mere words on a four-decades-old paper. I am a member of the
Montana Freedom of Information Hotline, a service that helps members of the public and journalists navigate the state’s laws and gray zones of public access, and we have seen some things in the past year that are both encouraging and worrying. On the encouraging side, we have had more and more individuals — not journalists or lawyers, just Montanans trying to access information — contact us for help. We are happy to try and aid their efforts to ensure the system Delegate Foster envisioned continues here. But we have also seen troubling developments that may make access to records a luxury only the wealthy can afford. Montana’s Supreme Court is currently considering a case about lawyer’s fees in a public records case. This all sounds pretty wonky, but think of it this way: If you go to get a public document and the government thinks you should not have it and then you take them to court and a judge says the state was wrong, should you have to pay for all that work your lawyer did to correct a government mistake? If the answer is “yes� or “maybe,� I worry that most of us out here in Montana will just throw up our hands and give up because the idea of hiring a lawyer seems pretty intimidating. These issues often seem pretty distant from our day-to-day lives as we desperately try to hang on until spring, but making sure
Montanans can access information from their government and be able to participate in the work of government is as important now as it was when Mr. Foster argued for it nearly 50 years ago. But for this to continue to be the Montana way, we must all stay vigilant. That way, we will continue to live in a world of sunshine and, maybe one day, some warmer temperatures. ••• Lee Banville is a professor of journalism at the University of Montana in Missoula. He can be reached at lee.banville@umontana.edu or at (406) 243-2577. He serves on the FOI Hotline Inc. board.
Government programs, such as our military, public schools, fire departments, police forces, and highway departments, are all social programs. Yes, even our military is socialized. Most of us agree that pooling our resources according to our ability in order to fund programs that benefit our community is a good thing. We also agree that going into debt to pay for things we don’t need is not a good thing. Many in our community hunt for recreation and own firearms for personal protection. That doesn’t make us all second amendment nutjobs. We may not agree on the best way to prevent
deadly school shootings, but we all agree that we want the schools our children attend to be safe. Some in our community are not religious at all, while others have deeply held religious beliefs. We are all afforded the right to believe and worship or not worship how we choose. Most of our beliefs are inherited from our upbringing, and since none of us chose where we were born or who raised us, we agree that we should be respectful of the entire spectrum of religious belief and that believing or not believing one way or another does not make anyone better or worse than anyone else. The Sapphire and Bitterroot ranges and the Bitterroot River and its tributaries are the treasure of our community. Our local economy and collective happiness rely on harvesting timber responsibly, keeping the river clean, and maintaining access to our public land. We agree that pragmatic management of our public lands is essential to our community. While there are many other topics worth discussing, my point
is this: nobody ever changed my mind by pointing out how stupid I am. Instead of engaging in name calling, self-aggrandizing intellectual boasts, and ad hominem attacks, when topics come up that affect our community and government, let’s seek the 80% that we all agree on and focus on that. Who knows, by finding common ground first and talking about the challenges of seeking a balanced approach, little by little, you might provide the perspective needed for someone else to change their own mind. Mark Albrecht Stevensville
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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 The Bitterroot Star is published weekly at 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 108, Stevensville, Montana. Subscriptions are $40 per year in Ravalli County, $50 per year out of county, and $60 out 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 Newspaper Association Member Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Member Stevensville Main Street Association Member Hamilton Downtown Association
FOI Hotline
For years news organizations have relied upon an organization called the Montana Freedom of Information Hotline to provide legal advice and assistance when confronted with closed or improperly advertised meetings or sealed documents. The service also is available to individual citizens who believe they, too, are being kept in the dark. You can reach the Hotline through its website, http://www. montanafoi.org/, or by calling the Meloy Law Firm at (406) 4428670. Tax deductible donations to the Hotline may be made through the website. You can also read more about the Hotline at https:// www.facebook.com/montanafoi/.
Seeds
Dear Editor, Have you ever changed your mind because someone argued with you? Me neither. However, despite all the snow it’s time to think about and even to start some seeds for our summer garden, and whether we choose to garden or not, we are in fact all sowing seeds all the time,
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within ourselves and our families and everyone we come in contact with. My seventy years have convinced me that we are all doing the best we can with what we have to work with – our background and our gifts – and that we all have the power to make conscious choices about the seeds we sow. They can be “seeds of discord� (Proverbs 6), including fear, anger, resentment, hatred, paranoia, mistrust, or they can be seeds of harmony, including kindness, forgiveness, acceptance, encouragement, selfconfidence, laughter, trust. We can also practice being aware of the seeds others are consciously or unconsciously sowing in us, and we can choose which ones to nourish. Happy Spring, all the time! Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Hamilton
Final thoughts
Dear Editor, It is a tragedy that Mr. Novotny spent 28 years in the military without comprehending what he was defending. It is a shame that he doesn’t understand the strength of this country is largely based on our drawing from the best of several philosophies. It is a tragedy that he appears to be cheering for the demise of our democratic republic. I will not be exchanging any more letters with Mr. Novotny. You cannot have a philosophic discourse with someone who resorts to epitaphs like “stupid and lazy� for those who don’t agree with him. One last thought, though: Bertrand Russell wrote, “The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.� George R. Greenwood Colonel, USAF, Retired Stevensville
Cohen hearing
Dear Editor, I am writing because of my deep concern regarding the behavior of the Republicans on the House Oversight Committee during the Cohen Hearing. What I observed was Republican Robots towing the party line or else! Each one read from documents that were designed to deflect and not investigate. Does anyone remember how Hitler came to power and how people were manipulated and threatened if they didn’t go along with what the party dictated? That’s what I saw happening right before my eyes! What I found particularly alarming was that not one Republican seemed interested in the evidence about the man who holds the highest office in our nation! These Party Puppets were a disgrace to our democracy. Are we not supposed to be the land of the free and brave! Not one showed that they were courageous with independent thought. Instead, unilaterally, they seem to want a ‘catch and kill’ autocrat that hires ‘fixers’ to continue to lead our nation to fascism. How about you? Do you really want your ‘leaders’ using threats, intimidation and bullying practices to make you toe their party line? If so, we all might find ourselves saluting “Heil Trump� sooner than you know. Mark Kosterman Hamilton
Steve Daines
Dear Editor, In response to the national emergency declaration, Senator Steve Daines wrote: “I believe the President should do what he can to secure our borders. Methamphetamine from Mexican drug cartels is pouring into Montana, devastating communities and destroying families all across our state. I will continue to fight to uphold the integrity of our nation’s laws, protect and secure our borders, and keep Montana’s communities safe.� Does our Senator not understand that the ‘drug cartels’ are an integral aspect of the ‘Industrial Complex’ (IC) (pronounced Ick)? Is he ignorant of the facts that behind the drugs (both legal and illegal), the weapons (both legal
and illegal), and the human trafficking are these industrial giants and the corrupt bosses who run them? Has he turned a blind eye to the evidence that our President has been put into power by the IC and his role, like Putin, Saudi Arabia’s King, and the many dictators who are now at their country’s helm, has a mission to “devastate communities and destroy families�? Senator Daines sounds proud that he ‘fights’, ‘protects’, ‘secures’. Has he not read “1984� or is he and others using it as the blueprint for our nation? Our world? “War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength.� Is that why he continues his fear mongering, the us versus them diatribe and waving the red, white and blue flag at brown people who are the least among us? For how many more years is he going to kowtow to these tyrants that control our food, healthcare, and who manipulate laws to make themselves wealthy and limit the voice of the people? For how much longer is he going to be a brainwashed pawn tolerating the IC’s dark dealings under the illusion of being a patriotic puppet? We should all be shaking in our boots, regardless of whether we’ve managed to use our bootstraps or not. Urge Senator Daines to keep Montana’s families safe by STANDING UP against the IC and standing for the People, especially those of us who are not in lockstep with The Party. Please! Time is of the essence! Stop Trump’s takeover now! I Serenity Hamilton
Montana is not Washington D.C.
Dear Editor, Montanans expect a lot out of their elected officials, as well they should. Without regard to political party, they expect us to work together when we can and explain our differences with honesty when we cannot. They expect us to spend less time on spats in Helena, and more time on getting to work and strengthening our communities. More than anything, Montanans expect their elected officials to talk straight and be honest. Unfortunately for all Montanans, some Republicans in Montana are starting to act a lot like Republicans in Washington D.C. There is an old saying that goes, “If you repeat a lie often enough, it becomes the truth.� That’s what some legislators like Senate Majority Leader Fred Thomas and House Majority Leader Ron Ehli are trying to do – disregard their actions over the past 18 months, forget the previous statements they have made, shift, dodge and evade until, finally, Montanans forget. The reality is Governor Bullock would have not called a special session unless it was absolutely necessary. He did so to prevent a full $227 million in cuts to services that would have been detrimental to Montana communities and that would have completely eliminated valuable services that Montanans need. By calling a special session, Governor Bullock prevented $150 million of those cuts from occurring. He did so despite many of those in Republican leadership calling on him, publicly, to make the entire $227 million in drastic cuts. The Republican controlled legislature rejected the fiscally responsible, balanced budget that Governor Bullock proposed – and now they want to pass the buck. They want Montanans to forget that they caused a $100 million revenue estimating error that threw the budget off course for the foreseeable future. They want Montanans to forget that they bled the rainy-day-fund dry prior to the start of the worst fire season in the history of Montana. And they especially want Montanans to forget that every single Republican voted for each and every cut during last November’s special legislative session, and made them permanent. We cannot let the example of national politics become the norm of Montana governing. I spent 12 years in the Montana See LETTERS, page 10
Calendar
Hamilton Senior Center activities
Monday: Lunch 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m., Toenail Care with Theresa by apt.; Bingo 1st & 3rd weeks, 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday: Toastmasters 6:30-8 a.m.; 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. Thursday: Stretch Exercise 9-10 a.m.; HSC Board meeting 3rd week Friday: Line dancing 10-11:30 a.m.; Lunch 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m.; Pinochle 1st & 3rd weeks 1 p.m. Saturday: Special Bingo 1st week 12 p.m.; Flea market 8 a.m.2:30 p.m. 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, 6:30-8:30 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. 1st & 3rd Friday: Cribbage, 3-5 p.m. 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+) meets Thursday at 11 a.m. at local restaurants for food, friendship and fun. There is a $4 voluntary contribution but no one is turned away. Congregate lunches
through MAS and CBS. Call 9262135 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, multi-bid racehorse) are played on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday 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 3630142.
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.
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Wednesday, March 13, 2019
5th Street in Hamilton.
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 Jerry Esmay, 777-5517.
Overeaters Anon
American Legion Auxiliary
Morning TOPS
Stevi VFW
Overeaters Anonymous meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church (west door), 1220 W. Main, Hamilton. For more information call 3632512.
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 5 p.m. at the Kootenai Creek Village Clubhouse. For information call Judy Burke at 777-2743.
Exercise classes
The following sessions, all by donation, are held at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th: Mondays: Zumba Gold & Chair Zumba, 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays: Chair Yoga, 10:45 a.m. Wednesdays: Zumba Gold, 1st, 3rd, 4th Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. 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-$22,459; 2- $30,451; 3-$38,443; 4-$46,435; 5-$54,427. For each additional family member add $7,992. Call 406-375-6685 for more information or see on Facebook; www. facebook.com/Ravalli-CountyWIC.
Florence American Legion
Florence American Legion Post 134 meets the first Tuesday of the month 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.
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.
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 .
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.
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 Station), Hamilton. For inquiries contact, email: teslrudd@gmail.com.
Volunteer opp
Pantry Partners Food Bank in Stevensville needs volunteers. For more information contact Dawn Richard at 360-4637 (leave message).
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.
NVPL storytime
Story Time is an enriching early learning program for toddlers and preschoolers that takes place on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the North Valley Public Library’s Community Room. Each week has a different theme, and children can listen to entertaining stories, participate in fun songs and learning activities, and create a cool craft! Each Story Time includes a healthy snack and some time to play with new friends. Older and younger siblings are always welcome. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call 406-7775061 or visit northvalleylibrary. org. All library programs are free and open to the public.
Sapphire Quilters 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 Charlie Kirk at 361-1146.
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.
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 begin-
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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.
Model train club
The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroaders (BVMRR) run their trains in the basement of the Kohl Building, downtown Stevensville, during the following times: First Friday of each month, 5 to 7 p.m. and third Saturday of each month, 1 to 4 p.m. If interested in joining the club, contact Tony Oberting at 273-0006.
Amateur Radio 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.
Draft Horse and Mule Club
The Bitterroot Draft Horse and Mule Club meets every second Monday of every other 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.
Lions Club
The Hamilton Lions Club welcomes you to attend its weekly Tuesday noon meeting at BJs 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, 961-4812, for more information.
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.
continued on next page
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Toastmasters Club
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 Douglas Taylor at 406-3813214 or Jeanine New at 303-9292430 for more information.
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.
Men’s Bereavement Breakfast
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 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.
NAMI family support group
Bitterroot NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is sponsoring a support group for family members that have a loved one with mental illness every Monday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Cornerstone, 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. If you have a loved experiencing challenging from Mental illness come join us and be a part of solving the problems that you are currently having. Facilitated by trained leaders. For more information call Arlene at 239-1708.
County recycling
The Ravalli County Recycling drop-off site, 759 US Hwy 93 (across from Don’s Home Center) is open on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and Mondays, 2 to 5 p.m. (winter hours). Cash paid for aluminum on Saturdays only. Call volunteer coordinator Janice Lee at 360-9895 to learn about volunteer opportunities at either site. Curbside pickup also is available for county residents: call 375-5398 for details.
Clothes Closet
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 household goods and clothing. For questions about donations or directions call Gail Fisher at 777-5694 or Molly Hackett at 961-4614.
Family Shelter
The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot meets on the first Friday of each month at 2 p.m. at Canyon
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 View Church, 195 Skalkaho Road. Everyone is welcome.
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.
Association for the Blind
The Bitterroot Sapphire Chapter of the Montana Association for the Blind meets on the third Friday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at The Coffee Cup in Hamilton. Contact Chris at 8800823 for more information.
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.
Family History Libraries
The Family History Libraries invite everyone (ages 12 and up) who is interested in researching their family history to stop in and take advantage of their free services. There are specialists available who are happy to assist you in finding records on your ancestors as well as in organizing photos and stories about them. They also have free access to subscription genealogical sites. 401 N 8th Street, Hamilton Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays: 6 to 8 p.m. Other times available by appointment. Call 363-5108. 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville East Foyer Door - Ring Marked Bell Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays: 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Other times available by appointment. Call 777-2735.
Suicide support group
A support group for those who have lost a loved one to 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.
Volunteer opp
The Stevensville Clothes Closet free store is in need of a few volunteers to help sort, wash and hang donated items. The shifts are from 12:30 to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Volunteers can commit to one day per week or all three days. If interested, call manager Gail Fisher at 777-5694. The Clothes Closet is a
non-profit free store that accepts donations of clothing, linens and some household items and then offers them to the community free of charge. The Clothes Closet is located at 3862 ALC Way, off of Middle Burnt Fork Road in Stevensville.
ties, crafts, speakers, Go Deeper discussions and free childcare. For more info call the church office, 777-2592.
Adult open swim
Now that school has started, is your preschooler starting to feel lonely with siblings gone all day? Is Mom suddenly considered the entertainment? Moms in this situation might benefit from a few preschool mornings. Any restless child absolutely will benefit from interaction with children his or her age, and the fun of art, science and learning activities, books, the chance to make new friends, and fitting into a school environment. Our Savior Lutheran Preschool offers an affordable broad-based program of socialization and learning to prepare 3- and 4-year-olds for kindergarten and life in the world beyond family. For details about the program call the Church at 777-5625 or lead teacher Joyce Andrade at 3692536. You may request an opportunity to sit in on a class with your child to see whether Our Savior is a good fit. Our Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. Heading south out of Stevensville on the Eastside Highway, pass by Burnt Fork Market, the Country Store, then turn east onto Pine Hollow at the big bend in the road. Cross the canal and you’ll find Our Savior, the church with the three crosses of Calvary in the yard.
Bitterroot Aquatic Center offers Adult Open Swim on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Enjoy the 91-degree water and work out at your own pace. Call 375-8200 for more information or visit the website at bitterrootaquaticcenter.com
Music Jam
An acoustic music jam sponsored by the Bitterroot School of Music is held the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rooted Music located at 100 Skeels Street, Suite A in Hamilton. All acoustic instruments are welcome as is anyone who would like to sing or just come and enjoy the music. For info contact Rooted Music at 406-363-5491.
Drum Circle
African Drum Circle takes place on the 2nd and 4th Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Center for Spiritual Life, 328 Fairground Road, Hamilton. Bring your drum, rattles, and other instruments and be part of the fun. No drums? No worries! There are instruments to share. By donation. For information, contact Jerry at 381-7220 (jelb229@aol.com) or on Facebook at CSLBitterroot or visit the website: CSLBitterroot. org.
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.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed for the Victor Volunteer Fire Department support group. This group provides food for the Wednesday evening meetings of the Victor Fire Department. Support group members are responsible for one week per month only. What you decide to make is up to you, serving about 20 people. Soups, stews, casseroles, etc. and a dessert. Call Sharon at 642-3844 for additional information.
North Valley Library board
The North Valley Public Library Board of Trustees meets the third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. at the library at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. Meetings are open to the public and public input is welcomed. The agenda is posted on the front window of the library and on the library’s website at least 48 hours prior to meetings: https://www.northvalleylibrary. org/docs
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 7 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 363-0683 for more information.
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, activi-
Our Savior Lutheran preschool
PEP program
PEP stands for Personal Employment Plan. PEP Talk is a simple 3-step process to develop your tailored employment vision for future success. It is free and especially suited for folks who are unemployed, underemployed, students, career changers, and anyone unhappy with their current job. This web-based program which the instructor will guide you through contains personalized vocational guidance as well as information on the Montana job market. After orientation, you can access it on your own. Available twice a month through Bitterroot College. Call Literacy Bitterroot (363-2900) or Star Jameson (5465344) for more information.
Center for Spiritual Life
Center for Spiritual Life holds Sunday Services at 328 Fairgrounds Road, across from Hamilton High School. Come 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, visit CSLBitterroot.org, or on Facebook: CSLBitterroot.
Course in Miracles Study Group
There are now two meeting times for the Course in Miracles study group. Join one of the weekly ongoing and deepening discussions of A Course in Miracles, a journey of spiritual transformation. The morning class meets Wednesdays from 9:45 a.m. to 12 noon; the evening class meets Thursdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m., both at The Center for Spiritual Life, 328 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. By donation. More information on Facebook at CSLBitterroot, or visit cslbitterroot.org, or call Selma (AM) at 381-6480 or Ken (PM) at 3812067.
Zumba classes
A fun and easy-to-follow, low impact Zumba class are held on Tuesday and Wednesdays at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton. The class focuses on improving balance, flexibility, muscular conditioning, range of motion and coordination set to a great mix of Latin, Christian, oldies, country, and pop music... you will leave empowered, uplifted, and feeling strong (you can tone up AND prevent falls and injuries!) Even if you think you
have two left feet or no rhythm, come and just move to the music... it’s so much fun. If you can’t stand long, come sit in a chair and “dance.” Join Alexandra on Tuesdays at 5:15 p.m. and Wednesdays (1st, 3rd, 4th) at 11:30 a.m. By donation.
Indoor pickleball
Pickleball in Hamilton at the Bedford Building (upstairs) on Mondays from 5 to 9 p.m. Extra paddles are available. Clinic format in the first 90 minutes with games following. $3.00. Wear tennis shoes. For more information call Rick at 239-8648.
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.
AARP tax prep help
AARP provides free tax preparation to all ages, low to moderate income, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Stevensville Senior Center. Appointments, only, no walk-ins. Some Saturday appointments are available for working people. Same day electronic filing is available. Phone 777-5681 to make an appointment.
Ham radio classes
Become a ham radio operator! Free study sessions will be held at the Darby Library meeting room on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon from March 16 through May 18. The class is free. No electronics background required. An ARRL License Manual is available from the instructor for $30. For more information email Ted Dunlap at KF7ZEC@TedDunlap. net.
Farmer Bootcamp series MSU Ravalli County Extension will host a workshop series in spring 2019 to help landowners understand the science of owning a plot of land, and develop a management plan to realize goals and desires of a plot of land. Topics of classes include soil health and fertility, plant communities, weed management, livestock integration, irrigation, and production opportunities. Classes include presentations from local producers, guest speakers, and field trips to area small farms. Classes will be held Wednesday nights from March 27 to May 29 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Extension Office, 215 S. 4th, Suite G, Hamilton, starting March 27 through May 29th. For information contact Patrick Mangan, 375-6611.
Day of Giving for Nonprofits
Nonprofits are invited to participate in Bitterroot Gives on May 3. Get all the details from a live webinar with the platform providers on March 7 at 1 p.m. Anyone who is already registered can register to view from their own office. Others who want more info can view it at the conference room at the county building (ground floor across from the Extension office). Come at 12:30 p.m. to ask questions; live webinar about the basics from 1 to 2 p.m. Contact Sharon, Bitterroot Nonprofit Partnership, at BRNonprofitPartner@gmail.com or 375-0972 for more information.
Calling all local photographers!
Bitterroot Audubon is organizing another calendar, a 2020 calendar! The generosity of local photographers has helped increase the Education, Scholarship and Conservation Funds with the sales of the very successful BAS Calendars since 2013. Thanks to calendar sales, the BAS Board now has been able to increase the scholarship amount they can
give to a deserving university student in Montana. If you would like to be part of this project, you can contribute any photo(s) you have taken in the Bitterroot of our migrating and resident birds. You will find a list of our Bitterroot birds that the BAS Board has prioritized on the website: http:// www.bitterrootaudubon.org/support-us. Look it over and concentrate on the birds that have never yet been in the calendars. You can submit the photographs from now on up to April 15th - but the sooner the better. Label your email 2020 Calendar. The photos need to be extremely sharp, a minimum of 300-600 dpi, with dimensions in an 8 1/2” W by 9 1/2” H format. And they need to be photos showing the main distinctive features of the bird for people to use for identification purposes. Send your photos and any questions to bitterrootcalendar@gmail.com. As before, this is only for Bitterroot residents, showing our Bitterroot birds. It will be made in the Bitterroot by Bitterroot Audubon. Our Bitterroot birds thank you!
Wed, March 13 Daines’ staff to hold mobile office hours U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that his staff will host mobile hours on Wednesday, March 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Valley Veterans Service Office, 217 N. Third, Suite L, Hamilton. Local residents are encouraged to visit with Daines’ staff during these mobile office hours to discuss their views or questions regarding the federal government. Any comments will be shared with Daines. Residents may drop by, or they can make an appointment by calling 406-5498198.
Humane Assn. board meeting
The monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bitter Root Humane Association will be Wednesday March 13 at 5 p.m. at Bouilla in Hamilton. The public is welcome to attend.
Thurs, March 14 Women Newcomers Club
Are you new to the Bitterroot Valley? Have you recently retired? Have you been here for a while and would like to meet more people? If so, the Bitterroot Women Newcomers’ Club welcomes you to its meeting on Thursday, March 14 at 10 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. This month after a short business meeting the group will be touring the Daly Mansion. For more information call Bonnie at 716773-6106.
Back Country Horsemen
Join the Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen for their next meeting on Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m. in the Hamilton Forest Service Building located at 1801 N 1st St. SPWBCH is a traditional, hardworking volunteer group dedicated to keeping our trails open. The chapter is a strong supporter of education which includes 4-H, statewide Summer Youth Camps and the Teller Youth Expo. Teaching volunteers to pack is also at the forefront of their mission as a volunteer group. They will be discussing and planning summer trail work, scouting trips, pack trips and group activities. If you are new to the valley and want to meet new friends and see the beautiful mountain trails come join in! Owning a horse is not required to be a member and volunteer on the trails. Guests are always welcome for coffee, desserts and lots of “trail talk.” Entry to building is in the rear. For more information please call Kathy at 406-363-8230.
Friday, March 15 Indoor Yard Sale
An Indoor Yard Sale will be held Friday and Saturday, March 15 & 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Victor Multipurpose Room, 424 4th Avenue, Victor. Gently used items/donations for this sale are being accepted in the Ag Room at the School until March 14th at 4:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Victor FFA Chapter. For more information call Cassy Tintzman at 531-2560.
Pachyderm Club
The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 15 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Skip Chisholm who will talk about what it takes to become a U.S. citizen. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Friday Fish Fry
The Knights of Columbus Council 6130 will hold a Lenten Friday Fish Fry on Friday, March 15 from 5 to 6:45 p.m. at St. Francis Pastoral Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton. This will be an excellent opportunity to get out of the house and let someone else do the cooking for you. The meal consists of fish, fries, coleslaw, and mac n cheese, vegetables, dessert and soft beverage. The price for the meal is $10 per person children under nine eat free so bring the kids! As a special offer a family of 4 or more (2 adults and children) will eat for $35. Wine can be purchased separately. The meal is served from 5 to 6:45 p.m. Entertainment will be Jane Shingly playing the harp. Fish Fries will be held every Friday through April 12th. 100% of all proceeds go toward charitable giving within the community. For more information contact Nick Hooper at 961-3930.
Sat, March 16 Adventure Series
“Luck of the Irish” is the theme at the free Kids Adventure Series on Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at the Ravalli County Museum, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Draw your own Leprechaun and a pot of gold under a brilliant rainbow! Add glittery jewels and four-leaf clover for a special Saint Patrick’s Day poster! For more information call the museum at 363-3338.
Facebook for Beginners
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 info@northvalleylibrary.org or (406) 777-5061. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information, call 406-7775061 or visit northvalleylibrary. org. All library programs are free and open to the public.
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
children under 6 are free. Hot dogs and chips will be available for the kids. Green beer will be available for adults with the first glass free. Additional glasses will be by donation.
Monday, March 18 Stevi school menu
Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will feature Eddie Fields calling a St. Patrick’s Dance and Pie Auction on Saturday, March 16. Don Scheline will provide the Round Dance music. The Club dances at the Golden Age Center which is at 5th & Baker Streets in Hamilton. The evening starts at 7 p.m. with a half hour of Round dancing, followed by a Mainstream dance from 7:30 to 9:30. Also, upstairs the annual Experienced Dance Clothes Sale will continue. For more info, call Ray at 370-4414.
Monday: Breakfast - Muffins, fruit, milk; Lunch - Cheese Burgers, oven-baked fries, apple slices, bread & butter, milk Tuesday: Breakfast - Egg & Cheese Filled Breadsticks, fruit, milk; Lunch - Chicken Fajita with cheese & shredded lettuce, fruit cocktail, bread & butter, milk Wednesday: Breakfast - Ultimate Breakfast Cookie Rounds, fruit, milk; Lunch Chef’s Salad with Ham & Cheese, sliced peaches, dinner rolls, bread & butter, milk Thursday: Breakfast - Cinnamon Rolls, fruit, milk; Lunch - Chicken Noodle Casserole, green beans, grapes, wheat bread & butter, milk Friday: Breakfast - Pancake on a Stick, fruit, milk: Lunch Cheese Pizza, peas & carrots, pineapple tidbits, bread & butter, regular or chocolate milk.
Sunday, March 17
Rotary Club
A St. Patrick’s Day Dinner will be held Saturday, March 16 at 5 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church. All are welcome.
Square dance club
Irish Brunch
Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. Tenth Street, Hamilton, will hold a St. Patrick’s Day Irish Brunch on Sunday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Choice of Entree: Traditional Irish Breakfast, Shepherd’s Pie or Traditional Irish Lamb Stew, all served with Sweet Moor Pudding. Tickets sold at the door: Adults $12; ages 6 to 12 $6; 5 and under free. Proceeds to benefit the Bitterroot Celtic Society.
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
St. Mary’s Parish will be serving the annual traditional St. Patrick’s Day Dinner of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots on Sunday, March 17 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Family Center, 400 Charlos Street, Stevensville. Hot rolls, dessert and a drink will round out the menu. Cost of dinner is $13 for adults and teens, children ages 12 to 6 are $8.00 and
Joyce Hopper, with the Bitterroot Women’s Club, will be speaking at the next meeting of the Hamilton Rotary Club, on Monday, March 18 at 12 noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st Street, Hamilton. The meeting is open to the public, and visitors are welcome. For further Rotary Club information, call 363-2960.
Bitterroot Audubon
Bitterroot Audubon’s March meeting will feature a presentation on Lewis and Clark’s “Trail Between the Rivers”, the 407-mile-long, overland part of their journey between the Beaverhead and the Clearwater Rivers that brought them right through the Bitterroot Valley. Ted Hall, local author and Lewis and Clark aficionado, has spent many years researching their route and has identified many of their actual campsites and paths, including the “Descent Trail” from what’s now called Lost Trail Pass down
to the Sula area. Ted will share his extensive knowledge of Lewis and Clark’s journey through the Bitterroot Valley and help us appreciate the wealth of history in our own backyard. Ted’s presentation will be at the Bitterroot Audubon meeting on Monday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Bitterroot National Forest Headquarters on Hwy 93 at the north edge of Hamilton. Enter the building on the west side. The program is free, and the public is invited. Contact Kay Fulton for additional information, 360-8664.
3 Mile Irrigation Sub-district
The Three Mile Irrigation Sub-district will meet on Monday, March 18 at 7 p.m. at Lone Rock Church.
Tuesday, March 19 Corvallis Amer Legion Auxiliary
The monthly meeting of Corvallis American Legion Auxiliary Unit #91 will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at 12:45 p.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church, NE corner of Corvallis Cemetery Road and Eastside Highway. Joy Hendrickson will present her winning Dramatic Literature Interpretation. The story is about the loss of a military father and the grief the family endures after finding out. Joy is the Montana State Class A Champion in Dramatic Interpretation Literature. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information contact Linda at 531-0668.
Corvallis Road, Hamilton. The meetings are open to the public.
BRHA annual meeting
The Annual General Membership Meeting of the Bitter Root Humane Association will be held on Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m. at the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors office, corner of 4th and Cherry in Hamilton. In order for members to vote at this meeting, 2019 membership dues must be paid no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.
Sat, March 23 O’Hara Open House
O’Hara Commons and Sustainability Center will hold a Spring Membership Drive & Open House on Saturday, March 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. This a family friendly event where you can learn more about O’Hara Commons, tour the grounds and facility and join or renew your membership. Membership includes access to the resource sharing libraries, truck share, locally grown seed library, discounts on workshops and so much more. Your membership
supports O’Hara’s mission: connecting local people to local food. And even more, your membership is an investment in local food systems. There will be special kids’ activities, including a goat petting garden. O’Hara Commons is located at 111 S. 4th in Hamilton. For more information call (406) 240-1768.
Square dance
Boots & Calico Square Dance Club will have Ray Dunbar calling on Saturday, March 23rd. Don Scheline will provide Round dance music. The Club dances at the Golden Age Center on 5th & Baker Streets in Hamilton. The evening starts at 7 p.m. with a half hour of Plus level dancing, followed with Mainstream from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. Upstairs the annual Experienced Dance Clothes Sale will continued for your shopping pleasure. For more info, call Ray at 370-4414.
Get local!
For information about advertising in your local paper, call the Bitterroot Star at 777-3928!
Wed, March 20 RCEDA
Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will hold its regular monthly Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 20 from 2:15 to 2:55 p.m., and the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, March 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the RCEDA office, 274 Old
March 16th 2-6pm Tap Take Over by HIGHLANDER BREWERY
THE
RESTAURANT
DAY S E DN
The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will present a class on Facebook for beginners on Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. Learn what Facebook is, what you can do with it, how to use it, and how to adjust your settings for privacy. If you wonder why so many people use Facebook, and think you might like to set up an account, then this class is for you. Register for this event by emailing or calling the library
Bitterroot Star -- Page 7
WE NIGHT
WINE TASTING
$
WINES
RS
E TIZ PPE
A
March 17th St. Patrick’s Day Party COME GET YOUR IRISH ON! Enjoy a Green Beer & Some Irish Food from Big Sky Grub Truck DOOR PRIZES 207 Main St . Stevensville
(406) 625-2627
www.cateredtable.com 777-7090 205 Main st. Stevensville MT.
BITTERROOT VALLEY ELKS LODGE ST. PATRICK’S DAY
NEW CLIENTS
Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner
$5 HEARTWORM TESTS
Invites you to get an early start on
Join us for
Friday, March 15th at 6pm
203 State Street, Hamilton $15 - Adults • $7 - Children under 12
$10 off 1st appointment w/ purchase of Interceptor Dewormer ($20 Savings) ends March 31st
All Elks are encouraged to invite & bring friends to the dinner
The secret is in the glaze! For more information call 363-3031
3682 Eastside Hwy, Stevensville, MT 59870 • (406) 777-3844
Page 8 -- Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
March Special!
Buy 40 Units of Botox® & Get 10 Units FREE! - $120 Value -
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Expert training & 13 years experience in non-surgical facial rejuvenation
406.880.0804 293 Rodeo Drive • Florence www.rsaesthetics.net Medical Director: Dr. Jeffrey Sweat
Forecast continued
31 indicate near to above average seasonal volumes in many areas across southern Montana but are slightly below average in some northern basins due to the early season deficits that remain in water year-to-date precipitation. “It looks like we are turning the corner into spring,” said Robinson, “and in the near term, we are not concerned about any serious flooding from the snow melt.” Some new snow, maybe ½ to 1 inch, was expected to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday, but the temperature regime of warm days and freezing nights is expected to continue through the week. While no flooding is predicted in the immediate future from the river, there is still the potential for isolated flooding in areas of the valley bottom. The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office has issued some flood preparedness information as it is anticipated that minor flooding may occur at some locations throughout the valley, including areas adjacent to and downstream from irrigation ditches and canals, fishing access locations, culverts, bridges, small creeks and streams, and areas in which debris and/or ice has built up. Emergency services in Ravalli County are encouraging residents and property owners to be aware of the situation and potential flooding. People who have experienced flooding in the past should prepare now by assessing their own risks and taking appropriate actions to mitigate any effects of high water. Sandbags can be placed at appropriate areas around the properties as a mitigation effort. Sand and sandbags will be available to Ravalli County residents at the following locations: • Corvallis Fire, Station #2 at mile marker 9 on Eastside Highway, southeast corner of the station building • Three Mile Fire, Station #1, 1064 Three Mile Creek Road, northwest corner of the parking lot • Victor Fire, new station
building at 2383 Meridian Rd in Victor • Stevensville Fire, Westside Station at the Stevensville Wye behind Subway Sandbags should only be placed to protect structures and must not be used to divert water onto other properties. Do not place sandbags, boards or other obstructions or diversions in irrigation ditches or canals. Stay clear of these areas and do not park vehicles near the ditches or on access roads. If you have questions regarding wells or septic tanks, you may contact the Environmental Health Department at 406-3756565. It is very important at this time to keep the following safety messages in mind: • Do not approach areas of high water and flooding, including fishing accesses, area streams, ditches, and the Bitterroot River. • Ensure the safety of your children and animals by keeping them away from hazardous areas. • Do not enter or cross flowing water or water of unknown depth. • Observe any road closures or detours- they are in place for your safety. Roadway hazards or flooding may be reported to the Ravalli County Road Department at 3632733 or the Ravalli County 911 Center at 363-3033. Dial 911 for life threatening emergencies. The Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring the situation and coordinating response efforts with the Ravalli County Road Department, local fire districts, and other local, state and federal partners. The Office of Emergency Management may be contacted for further information during normal business hours at 406-375-6655. Robinson, at the Missoula National Weather Service, said that snowfall during the month of February in the Missoula area did not break any records. He said the monthly total at 25.7 inches ranks as the third snowiest February on record. He noted that the Bitterroot valley got almost that much snow in two days.
“You’ve gotten a lot more snow than we have in Missoula, but we do not have the long term consistent records to determine that it was the snowiest on record,” he said. “It’s certainly above average, but we can’t say for certain that it is a record.” The Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS), however, does maintain seven Sno-Tel sites in the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains surrounding the valley on Daly Creek, Lolo Pass, Nez Perc Camp, Saddle Mountain, Skalkaho Summit, Twelvemile Creek, and Twin Lakes. Although the amount of water contained in the snow – the Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) – at the sites has been recorded since 1928, records of snow depth do not begin until 2002. The relationship between snow depth and water content is not a direct correlation because the snow can be either wet and heavy with water content or dry and light in which case it reaches a greater depth but contains less water. All the sites in the Bitterroot valley are currently showing from 98% to 111% of the median snow water equivalent. BITTERROOT RIVER BASIN – Snow Water Equivalent Place, Elevation, SWE, Median SWE, % of Med.
Daly Creek, 5780, 10.2, 9.2, 111 Lolo Pass, 5240, 24.1, 24.6, 98 Nez Perce Camp, 650, 11.5, 12.0, 96 Saddle Mtn., 7940, 19.9, 20.5, 97 Skalkaho Summit, 7250, 18.1, 18.5, 98 Twelvemile Creek, 5600, 15.7, 14.6, 108 Twin Lakes, 6400, 35.1, 32.6, 108
Basin Index (%) 102
BITTERROOT RIVER BASIN – Total Precipitation Place, Elevation, Precip, Median Precip, % of Med.
Daly Creek, 5780, 11.7, 11.5, 102 Lolo Pass, 5240, 27.7, 29.1, 95 Nez Perce Camp, 5650, 17.9, 17.4, 103 Saddle Mtn., 7940, 18.4, 19.7, 93 Skalkaho Summit, 7250, 18.7, 19.2, 97 Twelvemile Creek, 5600, 31.5, 27.3, 115 Twin Lakes, 6400, 37.0, 38.7, 96
Basin Index (%) 100
Get local!
For information about advertising in your local paper, call the Bitterroot Star at
St. Patrick’s Day Savings You have a lot on your plate. Worries about cancer won’t be one of them.
Take 10% OFF ALL Merchandise, Regular & Sale Priced Items
get something that’ll help you enjoy more of them — a 3D™ mammogram from Advanced Imaging. Walk-ins are welcome here. Cancer is not. Walk-ins welcome. Stevi Junction Plaza (by Verizon Wireless) U.S. Highway 93 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Friday, & Saturday!
* Special Sale excludes some selected items
Shoe Dept.
Includes: • All Docker & Haggar Pants • All Van Heusen Dress Shirts • All Mens Flannel Shirts • All Wrangler Western Shirts • All Jackets & Vests • Woolrich Wool Jackets & Shirts • All Tee Shirts & Underwear
K I D S
If you have 15 minutes at lunch, you can
March 15th & 16th
Men’s Dept.
Take 10% OFF ALL Shoes & Boots Includes: Lacrosse, Muck & Tony Lama Boots All B.O.C., Hi Tec & Sketchers Shoes
Take 10% OFF ALL Merchandise! Includes: All 2-16 Girls Tees, Tops, Hoodies and Jackets All Girls Leggings & Jeans All 2-16 Boys Tees, Shorts, Hoodies and Jackets All Boys Jeans & Pants
an’s m o W t. Dep Only
% 0 2 FF ly t Oen or Mootshing Gre een Cl Gr
Domestics
Take 10% OFF EVERYTHING or 20% OFF anything GREEN
Includes all sheets, towels, blakets, rugs & pillows
Additional
20% OF
F
All Re Tagged Itdem s
FORD’S
“Your Bitterroot Valley Department Store”
Special Sa le excludes so me select item s including Jr & Missy Levi Jeans
Downtown Hamilton
Mon - Sat 8 am - 6 pm
! y Now thru a D ’s k ic r t a P . t S ! h is r I e h t ’ o k c u L e h t e le b rate Bitterroot Star -- Page 9
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
C
Now thru St. Patrick’s Day
BREAKFAST~ Corned beef, LUNCH~ b Come in for Dinner on Corned St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Dinner
BREAKFAST~ Corned beef, hash browns & toast - $9.00 LUNCH~ Corned beef Ruben - $9.00
MARCH 16TH
5pm, 6pm, or 7pm Reservations Required raut, Sauerk Brats toes & Pota se Soup ee li & Ch Brocco hopper Pie Grass
DINNER~ Corned beef & cabbage, potatoes, cornbread, & choice of soup or salad - $11.00
Come in for Dinner
O
PEN Tue Fri Sat 1 9am - 2pm 0 am - 1 Bretz pm els, C h Scone eese Stick s , & LUNC More s, H TU ES - F RI
900 N 1st st, HamiltoN, mt 59840 • (406) 363-4650
DINNER~ Cornedthe beef Come Celebrate cornbread, & choice o
Alpenstüble Inc.
LUCK OF THE IRISH! 900 N 1st st, HamiltoN, mt
Lunch Tuesday - Friday 3920 Hwy 93 N. Suite G • Stevensville • Behind Ole’s For more info call Silvia at (406) 777-9825
March 17th • Noon - 8pm
St. Patrick’s Day Irish Brunch
Sunday, March 17th 10am - 1pm
Bitterroot Celtic Society Fundraiser
Corned Beef & Cabbage, Boiled Potatoes & Carrots with Salad Bar trip for only $10.95
Sapphire Lutheran Homes
3954 US-93 Stevensville
501 North 10th Street, Hamilton Tickets at the Door Choice of Entrée Adults Youth 6-12 5 & Under
$12 $6 Free
777-4228
• Traditional Irish Breakfast • Shepherd’s Pie • Irish Lamb Stew
all served w/ Sweet Moor Pudding
Sponsored by:
(406) 961-6808
406.363.2800 • sapphirelutheran.org 406.274.8886 • www.bcgg.org
Get your Irish on! Montana State LIQUOR STORE
March 5th - 16th
our Come get y St. Patty’s Day Swag!
Satur & Sun day d Buffe ay as we t ll!
ST. PATTY’S DAY BEER SALE 15% Off
Sale
• Beer Glasses • Beer Accessories • Anything Green
Open Tuesday - saTurday • 305 W Main HaMilTOn • 375-5903
IRISH WHISKEY
HAVING A PARTY? We have all the supplies you need!
IRISH CREAM LIQUEURS Party Supplies Mixes • Ice GET YOUR IRISH FLU SHOTS HERE! ... Large selection of mini bottles
SCHNAPPS
Liquor • Beer • Craft Beer • Wine Cigars • Mixers • Ice
Enjoy your St. Patty’S Day! Don’t get pinched this St. Patty’s Day! Get all your Irish Liquor & More
We Deliver!
301 Main St • Stevensville • 777-5591 www.triple7liquor.com
State Liquor Store & More Open Mon - Sat 9am - 8pm
501 S.1st Street Hamilton • (406) 363-3751
Page 10 -- Bitterroot Star
Letters continued
State Legislature and never before have I seen such deceit. From now until the start of Montana’s next legislative session in 2019, Governor Bullock and I will be having the tough discussions about how we can bring in new revenues, update our tax system to reflect Montana’s strong economy, and make smart investments in Montana families, communities, and our most vulnerable populations. We won’t be spending our time making sure Montanans forget, we will work to fix it. We ought to set an example for the entire country of how we govern best by finding common ground and common solutions. Governor Bullock has always said that he is willing to work with anyone who will meet him halfway. Rather than acting like those in D.C., Republicans in Montana should be honest, take responsibility, and join Governor Bullock in doing the hard work of getting the budget back on track. Lt. Governor Mike Cooney Helena
Report from Helena
Dear Editor, We have arrived at the midway point of the 66th legislative session with a lot accomplished and a minimum of diversions. Getting things done seems to be the unified goal. Good bills have been passed to benefit a wide range of Montana’s citizens. Bills have been killed that shouldn’t have been brought in the first place. Bills to prohibit Montana cities becoming sanctuary cities have passed through the House. Bills are also in the works to lower the cost of prescription drugs. These costs have skyrocketed in past years and are due in large part to the Pharmacy Benefit Managers. Bills for transparency to deal with this have gone through the House. A resolution has been brought by Senator Mike Cuffe to delist the grizzly from the endangered species list. Also, a bill that will expand the number of shoulder season elk tags a hunter can get when the elk population is too large. We are working to reduce the size of government by eliminating unnecessary FTEs... full time employees. The Governor has proposed adding 76 new FTEs. We are restoring the Governor’s cuts to essential services.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Early in the session, we passed HB175 through the House which gives pay raises to all state employees. We have killed at least 9 new taxes presented to the House. Several bills have gone through the House that will increase career and technical education. HB567 establishes a school marshal program, ensuring our schools are as safe as possible for our young people. We have passed several bills benefiting veterans - bills to establish county service offices, brought by Representative Dave Bedey, revising hunting privileges for Purple Heart recipients, increasing dollar amounts available for veteran home loan programs… the list goes on. Most of the toughest issues are coming in the second half of the session. The budget. Infrastructure. Medicaid Expansion. There are good, qualified people on both sides of the aisle working on these issues. I am confident that Montana’s best interests are being considered. I have been working on issues brought by the family law attorneys of the Montana Bar. Bills that will make a difference in grandparents’ rights and in conciliation opportunities for couples facing dissolution of marriage. These two months have been tough. They’ve been eye-opening. They’ve been good. I would encourage you, if the snow ever stops, to drive over to Helena and watch the legislative process in action. I’d love to give you a quick tour of the Capitol! Rep. Sharon Greef Florence
Daines on WSAs
Dear Editor, Seldom-seen Senator Daines ducked into the debate about bike use in Bitterroot Wilderness Study Areas again, of course at a safe distance from his constituents, with a last-minute letter from Washington D.C. With his letter, delivered a few days before the scheduled Bitterroot NF Travel Plan Objection response is to be made, he wants to further delay and obstruct an open public process that has taken over a decade. He says the delay is needed to consider facts he has gathered. Where has he been for the last ten years with his facts? Maybe his alternative facts took a while to manufacture. Maybe the view from his high perch in D.C. looks different from the one out here in the Bitterroot. The decade leading up to the imminent Forest Service decision has been used for analyzing actual
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facts, gathering public comments during several public comment periods lasting months and finally capped off by a lawsuit brought by mountain bikers in 2017. After all this deliberation by the Forest Service, the public at large and the courts, Senator Daines sends a two-page letter to obstruct the final Decision. If that is his version of democratic process we don’t need him representing Montana. It’s time to reel him in out of the swamp; he needs some fresh air. Larry Campbell Darby
Re: Democratic infighting
Dear Editor, I have to admit a feeling of schadenfreude about the infighting within the Democratic Party over the purported anti-Semitism of its two Muslim freshman congressional representatives, Ilhan Omar (a Somali-American from Minnesota) and Rashida Tlaib (a Palestinian-American from Michigan). The intraparty strife in the party of identity politics that we are witnessing is what one would expect from the most diverse Congress in American history. Although the representatives’ purported anti-Semitism could be viewed as an attempt to start a long-overdue debate about American policy toward Israel, for many, however, they crossed the line of acceptable discourse. Omar suggested that some members of Congress have been paid by America’s main pro-Israel lobby, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), to support Israel and that politicians are being pressured to pledge their “allegiance to a foreign country” (i.e., Israel). Tlaib, who first made national headlines with her comment that she will “impeach the motherf*****, in reference to President Trump, on the day she was sworn into Congress, has close ties to radical anti-Israel activists and criticized Senate Republicans for introducing a law banning boycotts of Israel, saying, “they forgot what country they represent.” The Democratic Party, the party that never ceases to celebrate diversity – racial, ethnic, religious, cultural – as its own and as America’s “greatest strength,” is now in turmoil over one consequence of its own diversity, namely the questioning of the party’s traditional pro-Israel policy. On the one hand, there is the “Democratic old guard” on Capitol Hill, such as Senators Chuck Schumer and Bob Menendez and Representative Eliot Engel, who are ardent supporters of Israel. On the other hand, there are Omar, Tlaib, and Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez from New York City, who speak for a rising progressive minority in the party that regards
Israel as an apartheid state that oppresses Palestinians. These farleft progressives and their supporters want to force what were once fringe views into the mainstream and significantly change American policy toward Israel. They are also demanding that Democrats who are seeking the presidency debate the country’s stance toward Israel rather than treating it as a foregone conclusion. One battleground of this Democratic infighting is the international protest movement targeting Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza known as BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions). When Republican Senators introduced the Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act of 2019, which supports the punishment of any U.S. company or contractor who engages in BDS by refusing to work with Israel, it passed the Senate by a vote of 77 to 23, even though its constitutionality is questionable because it violates the freedom of political expression. However, Senators Cory Booker, Dianne Feinstein, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren all voted no. (Both Senators Daines and Tester voted yes.) A House version of the bill faces a more uncertain future because the majority Democrats appear so far to be less inclined to bring it to a vote. Omar and Tlaib are outspoken supporters of the BDS movement. An anti-BDS bill would certainly expose publicly the division in the Democratic ranks. There is little doubt that Omar and Tlaib will continue to push the envelope of acceptable discourse on American policy toward Israel. Their constituents expect it. Tlaib’s congressional district in the Detroit area contains many Arab-Americans. She has close ties to anti-Israel activists who praised the terror group Hezbollah and Palestinian terrorists, said Israel has no right to exist, and called for Israeli “Zionist terrorist” Jews to return to Europe at a private celebratory dinner that Tlaib hosted after her swearing-in ceremony. Minnesota has the largest Somali-American population in the United States – estimates of up to 100,000. Omar’s district, which includes the urban area of Minneapolis, has seen more men and boys attempt to join foreign terror organizations (either the Somalia-based Islamic insurgency al-Shabab, or the Iraq- and Syriabased ISIS) over the last twelve years than any other district in the United States. Anti-Semitism is moving into the mainstream left in the United States just like it has already in Europe (e.g., Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour party) because of the objection to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine and sympathy for the suffering Palestin-
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ians, who have been placed in the global hierarchy of oppressed victimhood by the theory of intersectionality. It also helps that Muslims far outnumber Jews in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe. Increasing divisiveness is the future of the American body politic because diversity creates divisiveness. The more diverse America becomes, the more divisive America will become. As the minorities of color in the Democratic coalition grow, they become more competitive and demanding. And the further they move left, the more they move outside the American mainstream. As a sign of the times, it is indicative that Omar was defended by both Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan and David Duke. Henry Fowler Stevensville
Is FCC understating scope of rural broadband gap? Dear Editor, Policymakers at the state and federal level have been working for years to improve access to broadband-quality across the country. It’s a difficult problem, especially in states with predominately rural populations. While internet service providers (ISPs) in Montana have made large investments in building out broadband infrastructure, and have succeeded in providing access to many rural Montanans, we are still a long way off from achieving the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) stated goal of eliminating the rural broadband gap. ISPs in Montana have made huge investments in bringing connectivity to underserved rural areas. They’ve spent more than $250 million on broadband infrastructure in the last decade, and have brought broadband to all of Montana’s rural schools. Montana ISPs are the front-line soldiers addressing this issue—but they need help to continue to build the infrastructure to serve more Montanans. One of the first steps in addressing a complex challenge is having an accurate scope of the problem. However, the data we are relying on today may not be serving us well. The FCC releases an annual Broadband Deployment Report, which includes a state-by-state assessment of broadband access. The 2018 report showed that 77 percent of Montanans had access to broadband Internet. The report further broke down the data between urban and rural areas, showing broadband access for 92 percent of urban and 59 percent of rural Montanans—underscoring the urban-rural divide when it comes to broad-
band connectivity. The importance of the FCC’s broadband deployment report cannot be overstated. This data is used to help allocate public funds and gives ISPs direction on where their efforts are needed. Unfortunately, there is evidence to suggest this data is inaccurate. The FCC’s current methodology to assess broadband access is to survey ISPs to determine if any individual or business within a particular census block has broadband access. If anyone in that census block has broadband access, then it is assumed that everyone in the census block has access. This methodology is a somewhat crude measure. In rural areas, census blocks can be very geographically large, and broadband could be available to some residents of a particular block, but not to others. Even in urban areas, it’s likely that many Montanans are classified as “covered” when they are actually not. In short, the FCC’s data underestimates the severity of the broadband gap. A new study from Microsoft gives an idea of the degree of the FCC’s error. Rather than looking at which households could have access to broadband, this report quantified which ones actually access the Internet at broadband speeds. For comparison’s sake, overall the FCC’s 2018 deployment report estimated that about 803,000 Montanans have access to broadband Internet. However, Microsoft’s data indicate that only about 319,000 Montanans are accessing the Internet at broadband speeds. That would indicate that only 40 percent of Montanans who have access to broadband are actually using it. A county-level analysis shows even starker disparities. For example, according to the FCC data, 99 percent of residents of Park County have broadband access. But Microsoft’s usage analysis shows that only 19 percent of those residents using broadband. Meagher County is another example—the FCC estimates 97 percent have broadband access, but only 11 percent access the Internet at broadband speeds. This disparity is a problem because the FCC’s data determines where public funding is allocated. By overestimating broadband access in some areas, they could be leaving people behind. There is no doubt that measuring broadband access is a difficult task. The current FCC did not create this problem— this methodology was passed to the Commission from previous administrations. However, with better technological capabilities, it’s time for the FCC to update this process. Rep. Daniel Zolnikov HD 45, Billings
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Sports
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Bitterroot Star -- Page 11
By Jean Schurman Sports Editor
Wolf Point too much for Florence The Wolf Point Lady Wolves claimed their first state title in 16 years on Saturday night in Belgrade with a 48-35 victory. The Lady Falcons finished their season with 21-3 record and brought home the second place trophy. Florence’s Danielle Zahn opened the game with a basket and Makenna Liles followed with a trey to give the Lady Falcons the early lead. But then Mary Bighorn hit two free throws and the momentum swung to Wolf Point and never really came back to the Lady Falcons. Three of Wolf Point’s starters are six feet tall or taller. Mary Bighorn and Abby Juve are both six feet tall. Mary Bighorn’s twin, Imani, stand 6’3”. This wall was tough for Florence’s front line to penetrate and snag rebounds. The Lady Falcons got in early foul trouble with Joey Janetski picking up her second foul late in the first quarter. Liles also got in early foul trouble. Florence tied the game in the second quarter when Zahn sank two free throws but once
Florence’s Danielle Zahn looks for an opening to steal the ball from Three Forks’ Kyle Olsen. Jean Schurman photo. again, Wolf Point pulled ahead. The size of Wolf Point was definitely a factor as they kept Florence from getting into their regular defensive mode of stealing
Rilee Mangun of Florence takes a shot over Wolf Point’s Abby Juve. Jean Schurman photo.
the ball and making shots. “We put a lot into last night’s game (against Forsyth),” said Florence coach Duane Zeiler. “I don’t like to make any excuses for anyone but we were tired, you could tell it coming into the game tonight. It took us two and a half or three quarters to finally get moving.” As the game progressed, both Liles and Janetski picked up their fourth foul just two minutes into the third quarter and had to sit out. Without their rebounding and Liles’ shooting, the Lady Falcons were left to make outside shots. Rilee Mangun, who normally scores anywhere from 12 to 19 points, didn’t even score until the third quarter. She finished the game with eight points. “I knew we were in for a great game,” said Wolf Point coach Cody Larson. “Florence is well coached. Zahn is an amazing basketball player. We have a couple of those too and we just came out and did it tonight.” The Lady Falcons are known as a second half team and Zeiler reminded them of that at the
half. “I told them we’ve been a lot worse off (at the half) but we got in foul trouble. When you get to this level, you can’t overcome that like you can all year long in the conference. These teams are here for a reason. They’re all good.” Wolf Point 48, Florence 35 Wolf Point - S Wells 5, Mya Fourstar 8, M Bighorn 9, A Juve 7, Imani Bighorn 19. Florence - Emma Stensrud 6, Joey Janetski 2, Rilee Mangun 8, Makenna Liles 7, Danielle Zahn 12. The opening game for the Lady Falcons matched up two of the best guards in the state, Florence’s own Danielle Zahn and Three Forks’ Kyle Olsen. Curiously, both wore the number 32 and although both could shoot the lights out in the gym, it was Zahn’s drive and determination that ultimately pulled out the 50-48 first round win. But it wasn’t just Zahn that contributed to the victory. The Falcon defense was strong and held Kendal Lynn in check for most of the game with Rilee Mangun and Makenna Liles playing tough defense. Three Forks jumped out to a seven-point lead before Makenna Liles hit the second of two free throws to put Florence on the board. That opened the door for the Lady Falcons and with a bucket by Zahn and one by Mangun pulled them within a point. Florence took the lead when Zahn hit a trey but a shot by Three Forks’ McKenzie Feddes tied the game at 19 all at the end of the quarter. After leading by two points at the half, Florence came out shooting and built up a 13-point lead by the end of the quarter. But Three Forks wasn’t done. Florence coach Duane Zeiler said that the lapse by Florence was a combination of things. “Their legs were tired, we haven’t played a game in two weeks,” he said. “I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. And we only played six players the entire
Joey Janetski keeps pressure on Forsyth’s Lindsey Hein during the semi-final game. Jean Schurman photo. game.” Florence began to build their lead in the third quarter and by the end of the third quarter had an 11-point lead. But then Three Forks’ Olsen caught fire and a couple of treys, and the Wolves were knocking at the door. Florence again went on a run with Liles and Mangun leading the way. Mangun hit two free throws with 2:49 remaining. That would be the last Florence score of the game. Olsen was charged with a charge with 10 seconds remaining which gave the ball to Florence and the win. Florence 50, Three Forks 48, Florence - Emma Stensrud 7, Joey Janetski 2, Kasidy Yeoman 3, Rilee Mangun 13, Makenna Liles 7, Danielle Zahn 18. Three Forks - Kinzee Howey 1, Erin Welter 2, Kendall Lynn 4, Paeton Ohs 7, Kyle Olson 28, Breanna Block 6. Florence then advanced to the semi-finals where they took on Forsyth with their 6’5” player, Lindsey Hein. With her height, Hein has created problems for most teams but Zeiler had a plan. Janetski, who is 6’2” herself, had to stay on Hein all of the time. “I knew I had to from her because I knew I would have backside help,” said the Flor-
ence senior. “She’s played against smaller girls but I’m more her size and I knew I’d have backside help. I do trust my team.” Florence went out in a twothree defense but it just didn’t work according to Zeiler. “We knew their guards weren’t as strong as our guards so we came back to man-to-man defense and that’s what carried us. Pressure, pressure, pressure.” The battle on the boards was a bit one sided early on but as the game progressed, Janetski and Stensrud pulled down their share. Florence began pulling ahead in the third quarter and went on to win, 59-37. “I know Dani had a good game but Joey was unbelievable in there. She played her butt off. Probably the best game I’ve ever seen Joey play and this is basically her first year of getting a lot of varsity time,” said Zeiler. Janetski finished with six points and five rebounds. She held Hein to six rebounds. Florence 59, Forsyth 37 Forsyth - Lindsey Hein 17, Jordan Cookman 10, Becky Melcher 6, Roxanne Keefer 2, Austin Brewer 2. Florence - Danielle Zahn 27, Rilee Mangun 14, Makenna Liles 12, Joey Janetski 6.
Blue Devils sign Hamilton loses to Butte Central in consolation game
Hamilton opened against Park County in a closely contested game. The Broncs and Rangers went bucket for bucket in the first half with only five points separating the two at the half. But every time the Broncs put some distance between them and the Rangers, the Rangers came back. Livingston finally gained a three-point lead early in the fourth quarter but again, Hamilton battled back. With time running out and the score at 51 all, Hunter Omlid, who finished with 29 points, hit a long threepoint shot to give the win to Hamilton. Hamilton 54, Park County 51 Park County - Brendon Johnson 23, McLeod Versland 10, John Waddell 11, Danner Parken 5, Sage McMinn 2, Hamilton - Cam Rothie 5, Carson Rostad 9, Hunter Omlid 29, Tanner Goligoski 2, Trey Searle 6. Tyler Barnes 3. After winning their opening game, Hamilton took on Billings Central in the semifinal game. The two last met in November for the state football championship. Hamilton scored the first few baskets but then went cold while the Rams finally broke loose and took the lead. Although Hamilton was able to reduce the span between them. Billings Central went on to win, 63-51, and eventually win the
state championship over Hardin. Semi finals Billings Central 63, Hamilton 51 Hamilton - Trey Searle 14, Tanner Goligoski 12, Hunter Omlid 10, Camron Rothie 6, Carson Rostad 5, Josh Dickemore 4. Billings Central - Niki Krause 15, Sam gray 11, Gabriel Penha Dos Santos 11, Seth Sasich 8, Joe Byorth 8, Chrishon Dixon 7, Cade Herriford 7, Marcus Wittman 5, Charlie Parkan 2. Hamilton pulled out a 74-62 win over Browning on Saturday morning to advance to the consolation game and play for third place. Browning went on a 14-0 run to open the game before the Broncs got on the board. Browning went on to score 22 points in the opening frame. But Hamilton started clawing their way back into the game and only trailed by seven points. Hunter Omlid sank a trey to pull Hamilton within two points. By the end of the first half, Hamilton took the lead when Goligoski sank a field goal. Trey Searle added to the lead shortly after the beginning of the third quarter with a trey and Goligoski then added another three-pointer to put the Broncs up by eight points. Browning went on a ninepoint run but Hamilton kept just ahead of them. With the clock ticking down, Hamilton went on
a 10-0 run and held Browning scoreless and sealed the win. Hamilton 74, Browning 62 Browning - Riley Spoonhunter 4, Ethan Running Crane 4, Derek Sharp 3, CJ Smith 12, Justin Burn 3, Deion Mad Plume 2, Tyree Whitcomb 28, John DeRoche 2, Blayne DeRoche 4. Hamilton - Cam Rothie 2, Carson Rostad 8, Hunter Omlid 20, Tanner Goligoski 21, Trey Searle 21, Tyler Burrows 2. Saturday night’s consolation game between Butte Central and Hamilton marked the fifth time the two teams had met this season. Prior to the consolation game, each team had won twice. This would be the deciding match not only for third place but also for bragging rights. It took 40 minutes of basketball to determine the outcome of the game, 32 minutes of regulation play and two overtimes. Butte Central won, 54-41. Omlid finished with 14 points. Butte Central 54, Hamilton 51, 2OT Butte Central - Jared Simkins 4, Luke Heaphy 3, Matt Simkins 2, Braden Harrington 15, Dylan Sestrich 4, Gator Yelenich 2, Trevor Neumann 6, Cade Holter 14, Aaron Richards 4. Hamilton - Cam Rothie - 12, Carson Rostad 11, Tyler Barnes 5, Hunter Omlid 14, Tanner Goligoski 6, Trey Searle 3.
Dante Venema of Corvallis has signed to wrestle at Dickinson State University in North Dakota. Venema began wrestling in seventh grade for Corvallis. He said he had his best year yet this year where he finished with a record of 43-6 and finished fourth at 126 pounds at state. Venema said he chose Dickinson because he really liked the coach and when he sat in on some classes, he enjoyed the professors. He plans on majoring in exercise science. He is shown here with parents Audrey and Nathan Venema. Jean Schurman photo.
Maureen Jessop of Corvallis has signed to play volleyball with Montana Tech in Butte. She said she has played with some of the players on the team there and feels it is a good fit for her. She said that any of the other schools that she had visited just didn’t feel quite right but when she went to Butte to visit Tech, she knew it was a good fit. Jessop plans on majoring in accounting. She is shown here with her parents, Heather and Lyman Jessop. Jean Schurman photo.
Page 12 -- Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
West Fork deadlines soon The debate, if you can call it that, about West Fork commercial use never seems to resolve, and probably never will. Someone, somewhere, will feel left out. I’ve heard old-timers in the valley say they’d like for all of the West Fork outfitters – all of them – to simply be gone. “Let ‘em pack up and leave. It was better before they started fishing it. Now they’ve ruined it. I don’t fish there any more and it used to be...”
Flyfishing with Chuck Stranahan What did they lose that left them feeling so bitter? It was what they experienced on the West Fork, what that little gem of a trout stream provided for them. The trout are plentiful and beautiful. You find them in rockbound and timbered canyons up above the Nez Perce or in the flattened-out meanders among the pines and cottonwoods downstream. The West Fork has a different feel, a different character than most roadside fisheries. It meanders away from a road that serves local use and virtually dead-ends beyond that. You can get away from the noise, fish in settings that are spectacular but intimate in their beauty. There are orange-colored rock outcroppings above the greens of the pines leaning toward the river; there is an abundance of streamside wildlife and birds ranging from kingfishers to bald eagles; beautifully-colored wild trout live there among the rocky runs and riffles and log-jammed pools. It’s a setting where you’re connecting with a supreme part of the natural world; you engage with it and take it into your soul as you fish. Then and now Times change; there are more of us and fewer West Forks now; we have to adjust, but I can see what the old-timer was bitter about. And I heard one outfitter say in defense of his ramped-up commercial use there, “It they don’t like it there let ‘em go fish somewhere else.” That’s pretty harsh. And I’ve heard other outfitters say that they don’t want to give up a livelihood they’ve worked hard to establish. I can certainly understand that. Still other outfitters see the need to regulate outfitter traffic
on the West Fork but make it more workable. I understand that, too.
Multiple issues seeking solutions In the case of the West Fork, there are more than use problems: While the use debate goes on, what happens to the resource? And what happens to the quality of experience for those who fish there, guided or private? The only issues up for consideration this time around as the FWP deadline for public comment on closes in on March 19, are these: How many outfitter boat tags, should be handed out? Second, should outfitters be allowed float through two sections per day instead of one with each boat launch? The answer to tag issue seems fairly simple – to me, anyway. Give ‘em as many as they want. Too much commercial use again The other issue is thorny. Outfitters simply ask to be able to float through two, not just one, of the designated sections of the West Fork and upper main as designated by FWP. Put simply, the upper sections are too short to provide a quality experience for clients on a full day’s float. But in the face of outfitter pressure to reopen the upper stretch to season-long commercial floating, another demand to double the distance floated per launch seems excessive to a growing number of average Joe anglers. The debate over too much commercial use has been going on for years. The overwhelming majority of private West Fork citizen-anglers polled by FWP 75% - feel disenfranchised. Multiple problems - compounded Their input led FWP to form a Citizen Advisory Committee that originally proposed a moratorium on commercial floating after June 30 from Painted Rocks Dam to Appleberry Access, some 10 miles downstream. That committee also proposed limiting commercial floats to two boats per section per outfitter per day, and putting a cap on outfitter use. The June 30 closure on floating the upper end was rescinded by FWP after outfitter objections. The cap on outfitters was also lifted by FWP. How to regain control of rising commercial use with no cap on new outfitters is in the hands of FWP. Last year saw a 30% increase in new outfitters. And that’s at the heart of the problem. The committee was formed to address the problem of too much commercial use. Where to go from here? The upper stretch is the site of increased habitat degradation and frequent wader/floater conflicts – until the waders all but left. It was the most-heavily-used wading section of the stream.
And, commercial over-use has led to abuse. The ramping up illegal destruction of in-stream habitat wood has grown parallel to increased commercial use. The closure to commercial floating after June 30 on this stretch, as originally set forth by the advisory committee, would seem to address both problems. A partial closure might be more workable at this time and give the outfitters some advantages. There’s a virtually unused
Obituary Wilma R. (France) Snell Hamilton - Wilma Roberta Snell, 86, our loving Mother, passed away Wednesday, March 6, at the Bee Hive Homes in Hamilton. Mom was born in Stevensville, Montana on September 24, 1932 to Fred and Stella France. Mom was preceded in passing by her parents; her husband George; brothers, Verdun, Miles, Merritt, Aaron, Lincoln, Kenneth, Milton; sister, Wanda; and daughter-in-law, Sylvia.
Transcripts filed in Christensen appeal
By Michael Howell
boat launch on that upper stretch about halfway down at Marty’s Bridge. There’s another at the USFS site known as Canoe. Between Marty’s Bridge and the dam there are twelve pull-outs on Forest Service land where a wading angler can access the river. That’s more than on the whole remainder of the West Fork combined. Seeking a workable alternative I’ve listened to a number of citizen-anglers who are opposed to the two-section launch request from outfitters which they see as outfitters getting more of whatever they demand at the expense of the private user. Over forty of these same people would unanimously approve that request if it were accompanied by a closure to commercial floating after June 30, from the dam down to Marty’s Bridge. That solution would address multiple concerns and carries many benefits. First, the river would benefit. The bull trout habitat would eventually come back if the temptation to cut it out were reduced by reducing daily commercial floating on that stretch. Second, the wading angler would have that narrow waterway to enjoy for the low water part of the season, free from conflict from passing floaters. Third, longer daily floats launching at Marty’s or Canoe would help distribute floater traffic and provide better client experiences. If this makes sense to you, or you have another suggestion, please email FWP region 2 Supervisor Randy Arnold ADVERTISING at rarnold@mt.gov before the deadline of March 19. This is important. The regulations once approved are set to stand for five years.
Crossword Puzzle
Mom is survived by daughter, Sally (Bill) Neustrom and their children, J.D., Nancy and Paul; son, Fred and his children, Jeri, Paul, Robert and Hallie; son, Steve (Cindy) and their children, Elizabeth, George and Serena; son, David (Marketa) and their children, Steve, Jeremy and Amanda; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at Daly Leach Memorial Chapel on
Following a lengthy delay that began with a late filing followed by three extensions of the deadline, former Florence doctor Chris Christensen finally filed the transcripts of the trial that will allow his appeal to the Montana Supreme Court to move forward. Christensen was convicted by a jury in November 2017 on nine counts of felony endangerment, eleven counts of distribution of dangerous drugs, and two counts of negligent homicide. On February 2, 2018, seventy-year-old Christensen was sentenced to serve 20 years in Montana State Prison with 10 years suspended for the crimes he committed, all related to overprescribing of opioids. The imposition of sentence was stayed, however, and Christensen was released on bond, pending the outcome of an appeal to the Montana Supreme Court, which the defendant’s attorney, John Van
de Wetering, indicated would be filed. The appeal was not timely filed but was ultimately accepted by the Montana Supreme Court. A deadline was set for the filing of the transcripts in the case, but three extensions of time were granted before the transcripts were finally filed last month. Defendant’s brief in defense of his appeal is due in mid-March. Christensen remains free on bond pending outcome of his appeal.
Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 11 a.m. with a reception following in the funeral home’s community room. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Stevensville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests the memorials be made in Wilma’s name to Marcus Daly Memorial Hospice, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Death Notices Sheryn R. Kittel
Hamilton - Sheryn R. Kittel, 76, passed away in the evening, Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at her home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Paul D. Oliver
Huson - Paul D. Oliver, 91, passed away in the morning, Sunday, March 10, 2019, at his home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Missing man found dead
Ravalli County Sheriff / Coroner Steve Holton confirmed that a man missing from Darby since February 14th, 2019 had been located deceased. Sheriff Holton said the body of Dave Norton was located Friday, March 8th in the Tin Cup area west of Darby by people conducting a winter survey. The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office,
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Ravalli County Search and Rescue, and the Darby Marshal’s Office recovered the body. Sheriff Holton said the coroner investigation positively identified the decedent as Dave Norton and determined the manner of death was suicide. The Ravalli County Sheriff / Coroner’s Office notified Mr. Norton’s family. Sheriff Holton thanked the Darby Marshal’s Office and Ravalli County Search and Rescue for their assistance last Friday. This had been an ongoing investigation into Mr. Norton’s disappearance with many different leads. The Darby Marshal and Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office thank everyone who provided tips and leads to help locate him and bring closure to the case.
DISPOSE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY RESOLUTION VICTOR SCHOOL DISTRICT #7 RAVALLI COUNTY VICTOR, MONTANA 59875 MARCH 2019 MARCH 13, 11, 2019 “Therefore, Be it Resolved that the Trustees of School District #7 have determined that certain items are undesirable for school purposes of said District and petition is made to sell or otherwise dispose of such property in accordance with the provisions of State Law 20-6-604.” Adopted by the Board of Trustees of Victor School District #7, Ravalli County, on August 13, 2018 and September 10, 2018 in Room B during a regular Board meeting.
BITTERROOT STAR
BUSINESS DIRECTORY COUNSELING Positive Goal Directed Cognitive Behavioral Counseling
ACROSS 1. Former president of U.S. 4. Breath mint 10. Downwind 11. New York Indian 12. Abridged (abbr.) 13. Inlets of the sea 14. Flowered dress 16. Time zone 17. Bunsen burner 18. Neodymium (abbr.) 20. Mrs.’s companion 22. Fluky 26. Tally 29. Put behind bars 31. City 33. Transgression 34. Dilute 35. Nosh 36. Speech organ 37. Epoch
DOWN 1. Glowing part of a fire 2. First public appearance 3. Show 4. Meat alternative 5. Native American 6. Chief executive officer 7. Wheel covering 8. Totals 9. Broken bone holder 15. Mayan language 19. Gloomy 21. Arose 23. Friction match 24. Religious person 25. Gossip 26. Bird 27. Whim 28. Rive 30. Tail-less cat 32. Heavens © Feature Exchange
FINANCIAL Jane Foster
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842 S. 1St St., Hamilton - 363-0723 115 W. 3rd, Ste. 106, Stevensville - 777-1662
Licensed Clinical Counselor Serving the Bitterroot since 1980 363-3882 • 217 N. 3rd, Hamilton
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FUNERAL HOME
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Stevensville
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Bill & Helen Kropp Serving the Bitterroot Since 1902
Classified
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Call
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12 noon for Wednesday
SALES/ AUCTIONS
- .. Feb 14-16. Florence. 209 Cormoret. Kioti SALES tractor, shop, ESTATE outbuildings! www.bluejayestatesales.com Feb 21-23. Florence. 209 Cormoret. House portion of the sale!
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FARM & GARDEN 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).
BUILDINGS AUTHENTIC TIMBER FRAMED BARNS. Residential and Commercial Timber Packages. Full Service Design - Build Since 1990, (406) 581 3014 brett@bitterrootgroup.com, www.bitterroottimberframes.com
RENTALS COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE: Great parking, Highway 93 frontage, 3900 sq. ft. retail or professional offices, Hamilton. 406-381-7251. 5-ACRE lots for rent. Trailer house hookups. 406-544-1669.
HELP WANTED
HOME CARE SERVICES is hiring caregivers and CNAs. Flexible schedule, competitive pay. Apply at 925 N. First Street in Hamilton. Call 375-8637. NORTH VALLEY LIBRARY IN STEVENSVILLE is hiring a SATURDAY Library Assistant. Application procedure available at the library’s website. Great opportunity, for the right local candidate
20-Word Personal $8.50 20-Word Commercial $10.50 Each Add’l Word - 20¢ Includes Posting to Web Page
50 Years of Service
Elaine’s Engraving
& Rubber Stamps
363-5193
WINTER HOURS! DAY ONE 4:00-7:00 PM. LINE NUMBERS GIVEN facilities provided at no cost to only with computer, web research, and AFTER 2:00 PM. those workers who are not reasoncustomer service 2 skills. Applicaper person. tions accepted by email only. FOLLOWING DAYS 9-12ably able to return same day to 3 positions - Temporary/ seasonal work performing heavy manual field work including but not limited to planting, cultivating and harvesting evergreen trees on a tree farm, from 4/1/2019 to 10/26/2019 at Lundeby Evergreens , Tolna, ND in Nelson county. This job requires three months of prior agricultural employment experience, preferably on a nursery or fruit/vegetable farm. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 100 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire drug testing is required at random and upon reasonable suspicion of use. Employer-paid post-hire background check required. Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain driver’s license within 30 days following hire. No minimum education or High School diploma/equivalent is necessary for the position. $14.38/ hr or current applicable AEWR. Raise/bonus at employer discretion. Workers are guaranteed 3/4 of work hours of total period. Work tools, supplies, equipment supplied by employer without charge to worker. Housing with kitchen facilities provided at no cost to only those workers who are not reasonably able to return same day to their place of residence at time of recruitment. Transportation and subsistence expenses to work site will be paid to nonresident workers not later than upon completion of 50% of the job contract. Interviews required. Apply for this job at nearest State Workforce Agency in state in which this ad appears, or Job Service North Dakota, 1501 28th Ave S , Grand Forks, ND 58201. Ph: (701) 795-3700. Provide copy of this ad. ND Job Order #556427. 5 positions - Temporary/ seasonal work performing heavy manual field work including but not limited to planting, cultivating and harvesting evergreen trees on a tree farm, from 4/1/2019 to 6/21/2019 at Lundeby Evergreens , Tolna, ND in Nelson county. This job requires three months of prior agricultural employment experience, preferably on a nursery or fruit/vegetable farm. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 100 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire drug testing is required at random and upon reasonable suspicion of use. Employer-paid post-hire background check required. Clean driving record required. Must have or be able to obtain driver’s license within 30 days following hire. No minimum education or High School diploma/equivalent is necessary for the position. $14.38/ hr or current applicable AEWR. Raise/bonus at employer discretion. Workers are guaranteed 3/4 of work hours of total period. Work tools, supplies, equipment supplied by employer without charge to worker. Housing with kitchen
their place of residence at time of recruitment. Transportation and subsistence expenses to work site will be paid to nonresident workers not later than upon completion of 50% of the job contract. Interviews required. Apply for this job at nearest State Workforce Agency in state in which this ad appears, or Job Service North Dakota, 1501 28th Ave S , Grand Forks, ND 58201. Ph: (701) 795-3700. Provide copy of this ad. ND Job Order #556423.
2 positions - Temporary/seasonal work on a corn, soybean, wheat and/or oilseed crop farm handling both manual and machine tasks associated with commodity production and harvest activities, from 4/1/2019 to 12/1/2019 at Lee Guscette Farms , Wimbledon, ND in Barnes county. This job requires a minimum of three months of prior experience working on a corn, soybean, wheat and/or oilseed crop farm handling both manual and machine tasks associated with commodity production and harvest activities. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. No minimum education or High School diploma/equivalent is necessary for the position. Must possess or be able to obtain an insurable driver’s license within 30 days following hire. Workers will drive company vehicles, including semi-trucks within a 150-mile radius of the farm. $14.38/hr or current applicable AEWR. Raise/ bonus at employer discretion. Workers are guaranteed 3/4 of work hours of total period. Work tools, supplies, equipment supplied by employer without charge to worker. Housing with kitchen facilities provided at no cost to only those workers who are not reasonably able to return same day to their place of residence at time of recruitment. Transportation and subsistence expenses to work site will be paid to nonresident workers not later than upon completion of 50% of the job contract. Interviews required. Apply for this job at nearest State Workforce Agency in state in which this ad appears, or Job Service North Dakota, 1307 12th Ave NE, Ste 3 , Jamestown, ND 58401. Ph: (701) 253-6200. Provide copy of this ad. ND Job Order #556831. 8 positions - Temporary/seasonal work in a nursery, planting, cultivating and harvesting nursery stock - trees, shrubs, from 4/1/2019 to 12/20/2019 at Burnt Creek Nursery LLC , Baldwin, ND and multiple worksites within Burleigh and Kidder counties. This job requires a minimum of three months of prior agricultural field work employment experience, preferably on a tree farm, handling both manual and machine tasks associated with commodity production and harvest activities. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs. Employer-paid post-hire drug testing is required at random, upon reasonable suspicion of use and after a worker has an accident at work. $14.38/ hr or current applicable AEWR. Raise/bonus at employer discretion. Workers are guaranteed 3/4 of work hours of total period. Work tools, supplies, equipment supplied by employer without charge to worker. Housing with kitchen facilities provided at no cost to only those workers who are not reasonably able to return same day to their place of residence at time of recruitment. Transportation and subsistence expenses to work site will be paid to nonresident workers not later than upon completion of 50% of the job contract. Interviews required. Apply for this job at nearest State Workforce Agency
123 S. 5TH Corner of 5th & State in Hamilton in state in which this ad appears, or Job Service North Dakota, 1601 E. Century Ave., Bismarck, ND 58503. Ph: (701) 328-5000. Provide copy of this ad. ND Job Order #556759.
REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE– NORTHWEST MONTANA – Company owned. Small and large acre parcels. Private. Trees and meadows. National Forest boundaries. Tungstenholdings.com (406) 293-3714
NOTICES FREE TO GOOD HOME White calico cat, neutered mail, shots. Desera, 777-3333 (leave message). Dr. Stuart Kieran is closing his neurology practice located 1019 W Main St, Hamilton, MT. Effective April 30, 2019. Records will be made available upon request.
LEGAL NOTICES
tive
Judith A. Loring Attorney at Law P.O. Box 4 Stevensville MT 5987 777-5414 jaloring@jloringlaw.com Attorney for Personal Representa-
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF JUANITA MAE SCHAFFER, Deceased. Cause No.: DP-2019-23 Department No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Paul Henry Schaffer has been
PUBLIC NOTICE Public Hearing Thursday, March 14, 2019 6:30 pm NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 6:30 pm at the Town Council Chambers, 206 Buck Street Stevensville, Montana for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding a FY18/19 Budget Amendment. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to ask questions and to express their opinions regarding the proposed ordinance. Comments may be given orally at the hearing or emailed to clerk@ townofstevensville.com or submitted in writing mailed to Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 12:00 pm on Thursday, March 14, 2019. Questions or comments or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-777-5271. Attest: Audree Tribbensee, Town Clerk BS 3-6, 3-13-19. MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY WAYNE SIMPSON, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-19-25 Department 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 Karolyn R. Simpson, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o Royce A. McCarty, Jr., P.O. Box 210, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 27th day of February, 2019. /s/ Karolyn R. Simpson BS 3-6, 3-13, 3-20-19. MNAXLP.
SERVICES SNOWPLOWING from Florence to Hamilton. Truck or 4 wheeler. Call for estimate 2071793.
Bitterroot Star -- Page 13
NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Travis Alain Spencer Frisbie to Travis Allen Orsburn. The hearing will be on April 18, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated: March 1, 2019. /s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court By: Jaime Anderson, Deputy Clerk of Court. BS 3-13, 3-20, 3-27, 4-3-19. MNAXLP
appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. Decedent is Juanita Mae Schaffer. 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 Paul Henry Schaffer, Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o Judith A. Loring, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 4, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 21st day of February, 2019. /s/Judith A. Loring Attorney for Personal Representative BS 2-27, 3-6, 3-13-19. MNAXLP
tive
LEGAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a floodplain permit application for work proposed within the floodplain of the Bitterroot River at 48 Bush Creek Lane in Stevensville, MT. The project will perform maintenance along a section of bank that was stabilized in 2012, and extend a buried revetment installed in 2012 by about 70 feet, between two 2 previously installed projects. The project site is located on the east side of the river about ¾ mile upstream (south) of Bell Xing Bridge, in the NW¼, SE¼, Section 20, Township 8 North, Range 20 West, Ravalli County, on tax parcels numbered 902910, and 902930. The applicants are Walter Krengel and Myrn Ellen Barrett. Information regarding this application is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt.gov) and must be received by Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 5:00 pm. (Reference Application #FA-19-01). BS 3-13-19. MNAXLP
Kenneth Bransby Bransby Law Firm, P.C. 515 Main Street Stevensville, Montana 59870 Phone: (406) 777-1000 bransbylaw@gmail.com Attorney for Personal Representa-
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: CLEO V. MORAN-GUENTHER, Decedent. Cause No.: DP-19-24/6 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 (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 the Personal Representative, Rodney Moran, c/o Bransby Law Firm, P.C., 515 Main Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870, return receipt requested, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. Dated this 21st day of February, 2019 /s/ Rodney Moran STATE OF MONTANA ) :ss County of Ravalli ) Signed and sworn (or affirmed) to before me on February 21, 2019 By Rodney Moran /s/ Lisa Radcliffe Wallace NOTARY PUBLIC for the State of Montana Residing at Florence, MT My Commission Expires April 09, 2022. BS 3-6, 3-13, 3-20-19. MNAXLP Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Travis Frisbie, Travis Frisbie, Petitioner Cause No. DV-18-400 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON
LEGAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a floodplain permit application to cover a bank stabilization project within the floodplain of the Bitterroot River, at the location of a 2018 project that failed during runoff. The project performed by Fox Logic, LLC (for Philip Barrett) is intended to stabilize the degrading bank using techniques which will include rip rap over a biodegradable fabric, and willow plantings in an attempt to promote stabilization of the eroding bank. The project is located on the west bank of the river approxi-
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Page 14 -- Bitterroot Star mately 1.3 miles north of Darby Bridge, in the NW ¼, Section 11, Township 3 North, Range 21 West, Ravalli County, on Parcel 1117200. Information regarding this application is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@ rc.mt.gov) and must be received by Thursday March 28, 2019 at 5:00 pm. (Reference Application # FA-19-02). BS 3-13-19. MNAXLP
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 Crossword Solution
The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary
The Frame Shop
Bitterroot Seven Day Forecast
has moved! Call 363-6684 for an appointment © Feature Exchange
hamiltonframeshop@gmail.com
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Few Snow Showers
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
Sunny
Sunny
33 / 15
35 / 17
37 / 20
41 / 24
43 / 26
51 / 34
58 / 41
Local UV Index
Tuesday
Detailed Local Forecast
0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure
Today we will see mostly cloudy skies with a 45% chance of snow showers, high temperature of 33°, humidity of 63%. West wind 2 to 5 mph. Snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. The record high temperature for today is 69° set in 2003. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight with an overnight low of 15°. West southwest wind 2 to 5 mph. The record low for tonight is 1° set in 1962. Thursday, skies will be partly cloudy with a high temperature of 35°, humidity of 60%. Light winds.
Weather Trivia
Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This Week
0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+
When was the first weather forecast issued in a newspaper?
?
Peak Times Day AM PM Wed 5:54-7:54 6:21-8:21 Thu 6:49-8:49 7:17-9:17 Fri 7:46-9:46 8:16-10:16 Sat 8:46-10:46 9:16-11:16
Answer: It was May 7, 1857 in the Washington Evening Star.
Weather History March 13, 1989 - Residents of the southern United States viewed a once in a lifetime display of the "Northern Lights". Unseasonably warm weather continued in the southwestern United States. The record high of 88 degrees at Tucson, Ariz. was their seventh in a row. March 14, 1987 - A powerful storm in the western U.S. produced 15 inches of snow in the Lake Tahoe Basin of Nevada, and wind gusts to 50 mph at Las Vegas, Nev. Thunderstorms in the Sacramento Valley of California spawned a tornado which hit a turkey farm near Corning.
Shop local! 777-3928
Monday
Peak Times Day AM PM Sun 9:46-11:46 10:15-12:15 Mon 10:45-12:45 -Tue 11:14-1:14 11:42-1:42
www.WhatsOurWeather.com
Sun/Moon Chart This Week Day Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
First 3/14
Full 3/20
Sunrise 7:53 a.m. 7:51 a.m. 7:49 a.m. 7:47 a.m. 7:45 a.m. 7:43 a.m. 7:41 a.m.
Sunset 7:39 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 7:41 p.m. 7:43 p.m. 7:44 p.m. 7:46 p.m. 7:47 p.m.
Moonrise 11:38 a.m. 12:23 p.m. 1:17 p.m. 2:21 p.m. 3:34 p.m. 4:53 p.m. 6:13 p.m.
Moonset 3:06 a.m. 3:12 a.m. 4:15 a.m. 5:13 a.m. 6:03 a.m. 6:45 a.m. 7:22 a.m.
Last 3/28
New 4/5
Last Week's Almanac & Growing Degree Days Date 3/4 3/5 3/6 3/7 3/8 3/9 3/10
High 15 18 34 36 31 31 31
Low -3 -9 15 22 8 8 4
Normals 45/25 46/25 46/25 47/25 47/26 47/26 48/26
Farmer's Growing Degree Days Date Degree Days Date Degree Days 3/4 0 3/8 0 3/5 0 3/9 0 3/6 0 3/10 0 3/7 0
Precip 0.00" 0.00" 0.01" 0.06" 0.00" 0.00" 0.00"
Growing degree days are calculated by taking the average temperature for the day and subtracting the base temperature (50 degrees) from the average to assess how many growing days are attained.
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Charolais
facts
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Well maintained 3bd/1ba, 1104+/- sf, in the pines. Quiet, peaceful with loads of wildlife. Home features gas fireplace, remodeled kitchen with gas range, Wood floors, new windows, new paint, metal roof, raised and fenced garden area, heated greenhouse, two large storage buildings, wood shed, wood stove in over sized garage, covered patio, and fenced yard for animals. Quick access to town but feels like it’s remote. This one is move in ready. MLS#63279 / 21900811 $325,000
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Custom cabinets with Granite countertops and all new appliances, two fireplaces, living room and a family room and a wine cellar are some of the features in this 5 bedroom, 3 bath home that is ready for a new family. There is also an 180 sq ft bonus room off the back of the garage.
Call Mark Haldorson! 381-4112