Bitterroot Star - March 20, 2024

FLIES:

afcionados of fshing and cigars regale passers-by

Continued from page 1

ing to Field, a lot of Lester’s skill can be seen in the small details, like the way the hackle is wrapped, or the hair is trimmed. Lester’s colors are sharp, and the lines are clean. It is also evident through the pure consistency throughout every single fy that Lester ties that his fies are a cut above. Field’s personal favorite of Lester’s fies is the Brindle Chute in olive.

In fact, that same fy is one that Lester has a lot of history with. Most of Lester’s patterns are fresh water trout stuf, though he has dabbled a bit in things like salt water and large streamers. According to Lester, in most of western Montana, and the Bitterroot, the dry fy is often the way to go. Lester eventually moved to the Bitterroot and even tied fies for Chuck Stranahan’s shop. Stranahan currently writes a column in the Bitterroot Star and remains active in trout conservation in the area. According to Lester, in his time working for Stranahan, he learned the pattern he credits Stranahan with inventing, called the Brindle Chute. Lester believes he must have tied over 45,000 in a dozen years, while working with Stranahan. Lester, and others in the group, highly recommend this fy, es-

pecially for the Bitterroot area. Lester said that its efectiveness comes down to the body color mix.

Lester was drawn to fy fshing, in his words, because, “A lot of good people fy fsh.” Lester was a teacher for 35 years, teaching both English and history. He was also a “spillover guide” on the Missouri for a number of years. In that time, Lester touts the great many lifelong friends he has made. Several of these friends sit with him now, recounting old fshing tales and adventures, most Fridays. The group welcomes passers by, and sometimes even sells a couple of Lester’s renowned fies.

Starting in March, the “Vagabond Fly and Cigar Social Club” sits in front of the grocery store, and they do so every Friday until early July. They then take a break for the summer and return in September and go until late October. The group contends that, for those interested in fy fshing, there are few better places to go.

Stop by on a Friday soon, or for more information about Lester’s Elite Flies, interested parties can contact him by calling (406) 549-3477, or by emailing him at rick.b.lester@gmail. com.

MARCH 27TH | 9 AM

HAMILTON SENIOR CENTER

820 NORTH 4TH ST

Wishing you the joy of the Easter promise. May the resurrection of Christ fll your heart with hope.

We invite you to join us this Holy Week at St. Francis of Assisi, 411 S. 5th Street, Hamilton stfrancishamilton.org & St. Mary, 333 Charlos Street, Stevensville stmarystevi.com

• Palm Sunday of the Lord’s PassionMarch 24

Saturday Vigil at 5 p.m. St. Francis of Assisi

8:45 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary

• Holy Thursday - March 28

Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper

6:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi

• Good Friday of the Lord’s PassionMarch 29

Noon at St. Francis of Assisi

6:30 p.m. at St. Mary

• Holy Saturday At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter - March 30

8:45 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi

• Easter Sunday - March 31

The Resurrection of the Lord

8:45 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi

11:00 a.m. at St. Mary

Please Note: No Vigil mass at 5pm and NO Reconciliation on Holy Saturday.

Jim Field, Jim Edwards, Rick Lester, Bill Looser and Mark Fischer, of the unofcial Vagabond Fly and Cigar Club stand outside Burnt Fork Market selling fies and talking fshing. Photo by John Dowd.

CLIMATE: some fsh populations under threat

Continued from page 1

snow melts. The SNOTEL sites are for the most part located in very high elevations where the depths of snow are the highest. But that depth of snow only covers a small area at the mountain tops. The lower areas of snow cover are not as deep but they cover a whole lot more land and contain the bulk of the snow and thus a far greater level of water content. As average temperatures warm up, this snow line will gradually move up the mountain sides, reducing the area of over-all snowpack.

Once the snowpack has run of, the river and its tributaries are dependent upon the groundwater that feeds them through springs and the summer rains. Thus, as tempera-

tures increase and the number of frost free days increase, the fows become more and more dependent upon groundwater aquifers and late season precipitation.

By developing models that accurately refect historical data back to the 1800s and projecting them forward, the future does not look bad for the Bitterroot in terms of the amount of precipitation. The volume of water we are likely to receive is predicted to remain fairly steady. But when you look at the big picture, the timing of the precipitation and the timing of spring runof, the picture doesn’t look so good. Our water temperatures are rising across the board.

The bulk of our precipitation is shifting into the winter months as late summer precipitation declines. The winters are growing shorter and the run-of is coming sooner. In sum, we are looking at a steady decline in late season fows.

According to Hoylman, the Standard Precipitation Index in the Bitterroot did not change much from 1980 to 2020 across the state. But over that time the average mean temperature has risen in the Bitterroot from 26 degrees Fahrenheit to 30 degrees F. The days above 90

degrees and the number of frost-free days have increased dramatically and we are seeing the impacts. That’s why over the last three years, the Bitterroot has been experiencing drought conditions despite the fact that precipitation levels have remained fairly constant.

The silver lining, according to Hoylman, is that Montana is a headwaters state and the Bitterroot River watershed is a closed system.

“Imagine being in Nebraska,” said Hoylman, “where you are impacted by everyone upstream.” Here in the Bitterroot, on the other hand, at the very headwaters of our river, “we can make decisions now that will afect us in the future, afect our kids, and this gives us some power. Even though things are not going in the best direction, we have the power to afect what happens and we should not take that for granted.”

He said one thing we could consider, for example, is the “irrigation efciency paradox.” Irrigation withdrawals for agriculture take water out of the stream, thereby reducing the fows. By focusing upon agricultural use efciency and switching to sprinkler irrigation, that withdrawal can be signifcantly reduced or more acreage can be added

to the growing operation. But in some places, like along the Yellowstone River, studies have shown, paradoxically, that food irrigation can actually increase base fows and produce increased late season fows. Flood irrigation takes muddy springtime water and puts it through a holding flter producing late season fows of colder, cleaner water.

Mike Jakober, a fsheries biologist on the Bitterroot National Forest for over 30 years, discussed the impacts of forest fres on the fsh populations in the Bitterroot. He said when he started working on the Bitterroot National Forest, impacts from fres were a negligible factor on fsh populations. However, in the late 1990s there were some larger and hotter fres burning that began to show impacts, starting with a 60,000 acre fre in the Selway in 1996 and booming in the year 2000 when 375,000 acres burned, followed by several years of fres of signifcant size and intensity.

“Now there is hardly a stream on the forest that hasn’t had some part of its watershed burned,” said Jakober. Hot fres can raise water temperatures in streams signifcantly by removing vegetation that shades them and it can take years for that vegetation to recover. The heat from the fres can kill up to 90% of the fsh in a stream immediately and it can take a lot of time for the fshery to recover.”

said that there was an abundance of pre-fre data on the books in 2000, so the Bitterroot Forest decided to instigate some fsh population counts to try to get a handle on the recovery and how it might proceed. They did some extensive sampling between 2000 and 2004 and then decided to continue it through 2022.

The results of all that study showed some species were doing surprisingly well, but some others not so good. The surprise was how quickly and efciently the Westslope Cutthroat Trout performed.

In the frst four years the numbers in most streams showed populations greater than before the fres. Skalkaho Creek was the exception. And this held true up through 2022. This is good news for the native fsh population that he estimated might represent 80% to 90% of the total trout population in the Bitterroot.

On the other hand, the native population of Bull Trout are not faring well at all and they are fairly well extirpated and absent from most streams in the Bitterroot, with a few remnant populations surviving in high elevation waters in a couple of creeks.

Brook Trout populations also sufered signifcantly from pre-fre conditions but show signs of slow recovery over the long term.

Brown Trout populations, a non-native species that has been in the Bitterroot River for decades, are hanging on and are sending a few pioneers into new areas, the exception being Skalkaho Creek where Brown Trout populations are actually booming.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fsheries biologist Jason Lindstrom, with 17 years of experience, the last fve on the Bitterroot watershed, reported on the results of the last 30 years of water temperatures in the Bitterroot. He said that out of 62 monitoring sites, 60% showed increasing temperatures, 18% remained constant, and 16% showed declines in temperature. All 12 Index Sites monitored since the 1990s showed increased temperatures. Sleeping Child Creek showed

Jakober

the greatest increase, rising from 52 degrees to 59 degrees in mean temperature over the last 30 years.

Lindstrom said that total trout populations in the river were not doing too bad, in fact pretty good in the upper sections but declining a bit from Stevensville downstream. All of this while fshing pressure has been on the increase with unprecedented increase in the last few years. The Bitterroot River is the most fshed river in Region 2 and the 5th most fshed river in the state. With catch and release rules in place, hook scars have been observed on 70% of the Cutthroats in fsh counts on the lower West Fork. He said that Hoot Owl restrictions on fshing hours which are invoked when the water temperature exceeds 73 degrees over three consecutive days have been implemented on sections of the river several times from 2000 through 2020 and starting in 2003 they have been invoked on the entire river. He said a new trigger for Cutthroat was adopted that would be invoked at 66 degrees.

“What once was occasional will probably become annual,” he said. He said the Pike population on the lower Bitterroot River frst observed in the 1950s was growing stronger and that they are now showing up as far upriver as Hamilton. On an alarming note he reported the catch of a couple of Small Mouth Bass in the lower Bitterroot River as well.

“Small Mouth Bass can really change fshery dynamics,” said Lindstrom.

Kelsey Scott, a longtime fshing guide and conservationist working for American Rivers and Wild and Scenic Rivers Protection, gave some advice and instructions for anglers on how to take water temperatures and encouraged them to enact their own Hoot Owl restrictions voluntarily when appropriate. She also encouraged fsherpeople to rethink their “glory photos” and consider taking photos of the fsh in the nets or leaving the nets, or at least holding them partially submerged. She said it also helps to consider “size selective” fshing by leaving the younger, more vulnerable fsh to grow which helps establish a more robust and balanced fshery.

“It’s not just about the fsh you are cooking,” said Scott. “It’s about the fsh you will cook in the future.”

Above, Zachary Hoylman points at a graph showing recorded dates and temperatures associated with each other. Although annual precipitation and dry days in the Bitterroot are forecast to remain constant, the number of days above 90 degrees F and the number of freeze free days are forecast to increase dramatically. Photos by Michael Howell.

How do you know when it’s spring?

The robins suddenly make an appearance in your back yard. The fowers begin to poke their heads from the ground and in the stores. Mom and Dad start making garden plans and Grandpa fnds his garden shears. Trees begin thinking about sprouting leaves, the temperature rises, and the sun feels

nice on your face. The calendar helps, too, because it tells you when it’s Easter. So why not get a hop on things and read these great Easter books?

Chances are, you know all about the Easter Bunny. You can guess what he looks like, what he wears, and what he eats. But what if you make a mistake? In “I am NOT the Easter Bunny!” by T.L. McBeth (Flamingo Books, $12.99), a “regular bunny” sure looks like the real thing. He acts like the Easter Bunny. He wears a plaid vest and bowtie, he hops along a trail, he carries a basket, he buys eggs at the grocery store and then he paints them! He swears he’s absolutely not the Easter Bunny, but who’s he kidding?

Not your 3-to-5-year-old! This is the kind of book that’s so much fun and so funny, you won’t mind reading it all year ‘round.

Sometimes, there’s more to some- one than meets the eye, especially when it comes to cute. In “The Cutest Brave Little Bunny” by Joy Steuerwald (Nancy Paulsen Books, $18.99), a cute little “fufe” of bunnies is born on the farm one day. They’re all so cute and that littlest one is especially so – although he swears he’s not! He’s absolutely not cute. He’s brave, resourceful, smart, and well, he’s kind of mean. Is it possible to be brave and resourceful and smart and fun... and nice, too? This story is adorable and a little bit sassy, and your 3-to-6-year-old will love knowing how it ends.

And fnally, what’s Easter without a new Easter outft to wear to church? In “Elijah’s Easter Suit” by Brentom Jackson, illustrated by Emmanuel Boateng (Doubleday Books for Young Readers, $18.99), a young boy wants to get a shout-out from his pastor and the adults in his church for wearing the best outft – but how? He starts at the department store uptown, but nothing looks “quite right.” He searches at the local thrift store, but he gets the same results. Even the oldest store in town disappoints him. Then Mama Green and Mr. Brown tell Elijah how they used to fnd their Easter outfts, and that gives him an idea. What makes an Easter outft great? Kids ages 7 to 9 will love this sweet story and the great illustrations.

If these books aren’t enough – or if you’re looking for something for an older child, a teen, or for your own Easter basket, then hop on over to your favorite bookstore or library. You’ll fnd all kinds of helpers there, who can put the right book di- rectly in your paws. They know the perfect book to make your little bunny the hoppiest this Easter.

program, also already delivers vocational education post high school.

A visit in November 2023 to Branson MO revealed a host of Christmas shows touting “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” as well as a tour of nearby College of the Ozarks, where students MUST work 15 hours per week to pay for tuition and are imbued with a Christian and American patriotic-centric culture on campus. Students work with cattle, a working dairy, a mill, assisting with campus building construction, etc. and thus provide ice cream, cookies, fruit cakes, fnished building materials, etc. and graduate debt-free.

I think Ravalli County citizens are better served by Christian post high school vocational and educational institutions than a government/state-run institution fnanced by ALL property taxpayers… regardless of how “small” the initial levy may seem. There is no absolute guarantee of any success. Neither is there any guarantee that students will remain debt-free during enrollment and at graduation.

Ravalli County citizens already have in place working successful post high school vocational training programs. There are also working models of privately funded post high school institutions which leave students debt-free both during years of instruction and at graduation.

I am going to vote NO on any new property tax levy that will require ALL property taxpayers to fund a post high school vocational or other educational institution like the Bitterroot Valley Community College which is governed by state laws and funded by taxpayers. There are better ways to train post high school individuals!

Tom Watson Stevensville

Support for Overstreet

This is a short letter to note that I had a conversation with Greg Overstreet who is running for the seat in House District 88. I was impressed not only by his knowledge of our common issues but also his willingness to listen (and actually hear) some of my other concerns. Too often our representatives assume that they know more than the constituents and don’t need our input. Sometimes they do need to hear our point of view. I will support Greg as someone who will listen to me.

April Wakeman Stevensville

Love misunderstood

HB 402

Ms. Kathy Love, a legislative candidate for HD85, which includes the towns of Corvallis, Darby, Connor, Sula, and parts of Hamilton, does NOT have the honesty and integrity, nor the listening, reading, and comprehension skills necessary to be a “productive” member of the legislature. Here’s why I say this.

At a recent meeting of the Pachyderm Club in Stevensville, Love, who was the guest speaker, presented House Bill 402, as proof of why she should be elected.

Amazingly, Love didn’t understand the bill or hadn’t even read it, because its sponsor, David Bedey, was present and refuted completely what she had stated - which was that the bill allowed illegals to vote. He explained the objectives of the bill and how it was developed. and clearly demonstrated that her claim was not correct.

Here is a short summary of what he said to the crowd and to Ms. Love. Bedey’s bill was intended to identify “voting ofenders” but allowed for the “fact” that the “citizen verifcation system,” at least initially, might not be “real-time correct” so that in some instances a person could cast a vote if the verifcation process was NOT complete.

The intent of HB 402 was to “catch illegal voting ofenders early.” However, to “survive court challenge,” it was necessary to add the provision, “allowing a person whose registration has been accepted and processed to vote while citizenship verifcation is pending.” Without this clause, the bill would have been ruled unconstitutional by the courts.

This was an unfortunate necessity driven by the NVRA (National Voting Rights Act) and the Montana courts’ interpretation of the law, i.e. once you attest to being a citizen on a registration form, you must be treated as a citizen even if you are NOT!

(NOTE: Given the clear violation of what we Montanans consider our citizens’ right to vote and having it protected by the courts, we must get justices on the courts who read and interpret the Montana and U.S. Constitutions correctly and support them – and not rule for their political parties or ideologue activist thinking! We must get this rule changed or the thirty or so million illegals currently residing in the USA will be allowed to vote and always disenfranchise or cancel out Americans who vote! Choose your justices carefully when you vote later this year.)

For further info check this page: https://leg.mt.gov/content/ Committees/Interim/2023-2024/ State-Administration-and-Veterans-Afairs/Meetings/January-25-2024/5.2-2024-Primary-General-Election-Calendar.pdf

When she wrote her recent op-ed, candidate Love proved that she wouldn’t or couldn’t understand what Bedey had clearly explained, or hadn’t even read the bill or she would have known that what she wrote was incorrect and misinformation. This may be due to possibly having poor literacy skills: https://nces. ed.gov/surveys/piaac/doc/PIAAC-SAEBrochure.pdf

And/or, perhaps her misunderstanding of the bill was due to being around members of the John Birch Society (JBS) and her mentor, Theresa Manzella. Love may have been gaslighted. Here is the defnition of what gaslighting means: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/gaslighting

If you cannot listen to and comprehend what you are told by a bill’s sponsor, as Love clearly could NOT, you are not ready for prime time in the legislature.

I ask all residents of HD85 to consider that if honesty and integrity, and good literacy skills are among the qualifcations for the legislature, then vote for the current incumbent of HD-85, Michele Binkley. Please get out and vote June 4. As you can see from the court rulings, and Love’s disinformation, we MUST elect “good” people with good skills and values to public ofce.

Helen Sabin Corvallis

Support for Rusk

I have spent the last few years getting to know my way around the Republican party here in the valley and I’ve come to some determinations that will direct my vote on June 4th. In the beginning, I was an open book and very eager to learning about all of our representatives and what their core beliefs and values are. I had never met Wayne until my husband and I joined the Central Committee and I found him to be a decent and kind man, committed to his community and country. By contrast, I found Theresa Manzella to be dogmatic, manipulative and vindictive, which rings true today. I was probably most shocked by the audacity of Theresa, and her small group of followers, stating that THEY had the moral superiority and obligation to vet candidates and determine WHO we would be ALLOWED to vote for in the primary. You may not have known that this took place, but it did and that was a turning point for me.

I then did something I’ve never done

before – I actually paid attention to what took place during our last legislative session and was very confused by the disconnect between what Theresa “claimed” to accomplish and the truth. The reality is, Theresa accomplished very little in the last session. The vast majority of her work never made it out of committee or died in process. She was so hyper focused on her personal agendas, she forgot to represent us. She likes to claim she is the “winner” of some score card that has never earned the respect of conservatives and expects that this will direct Ravalli Country in how to vote. The only problem is that the real score does not work in her favor.

I want a Senator that is not a member of the John Birch Society (you can’t be a slave to an activist organization and also serve your constituents), I want a Senator that is more concerned about representing the citizens of our valley than some angry national narrative that has become all-consuming and detrimental to our party. I want a senator that is measured, committed to the constitution and has the common sense necessary to know when to fght and how to fght to get things accomplished. I want a representative that does not blindly follow a fringe in Washington but stays rooted to what is important here at home. I want a Senator that is not consumed with hating and attacking people and works with people to accomplish what we need. I want Wayne Rusk to be my next Senator.

Patty Franklin Hamilton

Republicans in Ravalli County

Two factions of “Republicans” exist in Ravalli County today.

The vocal faction is the defeated leadership of the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee (RCRCC), who, rather than assisting in a peaceful transfer of power, seeks revenge by disrupting the new leadership’s eforts to reach constituents and sowing division. These sore losers, seeking power anywhere, wrested control of the North Valley Pachyderm Club through unannounced, surprise elections, usurping the rights of legitimate members, dividing yet another conservative group.

These people, now falsely claiming to be MAGA, are led by the “Republicans” who voted to adopt rules to begin the legislative session that rendered the Republican Supermajority Legislature mute by allowing Democrats power and position to derail true Republican eforts like property tax reform, parental rights and voter security. Ravalli County legislators were directly involved in this derailment and now tout this as an accomplishment! Gaslighting at its fnest.

These same Republicans supported the MTGOP in forcing the local Central Committees across the state to hold their leadership conventions AFTER the State Convention. A direct violation of MCA 13-38-205. This delay cost the Republican Central Committees over six months of action in a critical election cycle and prevented the many MAGA/ America First conservative Central Committees from having representation in electing who would lead the MTGOP through the 2024 election cycle, enshrining a tyrannical regime in the MTGOP. This corrupt action by the MTGOP exposes their top priority; to control the people, not to empower them.

The overthrown leadership of the RCRCC, which includes MTGOP leadership, is ramping up their eforts to further deceive Ravalli County by scheduling an event one week before the ofcial RCRCC spring kick-of event. Featured speakers will be those endorsed by the establishment MTGOP, many of whom

were previously mentioned as gaslighters. The old guard is actively recruiting candidates to oppose those who stand frm with former President Trump and America First from the precinct level on up. They desperately want their power back before they can be exposed through contrasts in actions.

After 13+ years, the RCRCC is now held by true MAGA/America First representatives. If you’re weary of Republicans who surrender your rights while placating you, I encourage you to learn about the candidates being supported by the new RCRCC at the precinct and state levels. Come meet them and Professor Clemets, creator of the hit movie “Let My People Go!” April 6th at the Fairgrounds.

The RCRCC appreciates and welcomes the support of ALL people who hold fast to the traditional values and rights historically held by residents of Montana. The RCRCC is proud to support candidates willing to stand in restoring, securing and protecting those rights.

The era of go-along-to-get-along is over! The fght to keep it is just beginning. It’s worth it!

Since 1776 our government’s sole purpose is “To SECURE THESE RIGHTS governments are instituted among men.”

Doug Bohn Victor

Protecting our heritage

Sadly, I must take the time to write this letter. I wanted to write to explain my thoughts on an event I attended sponsored by the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association and Trout Unlimited about the Sheep Creek Mine. I must now, however, write and explain why it is so important for you to protect our heritage.

Last week, in the Bitterroot Star below my letter announcing my candidacy, you may have read a letter attacking all who trap by KC York. Pretty ironic that this letter would appear right below my letter of candidacy. Had Wayne Rusk and all Democrats not voted against HB 372 we would now be voting on this constitutional amendment and if passed we would have ended all negative publicity against trapping by organizations such as Trap Free Montana, KC York and Footloose Montana.

For many years I have fought anti-trapping organizations. I, along with many of you, were able to defeat an anti-trapping ballot initiative in the past. I was also a vocal supporter of HB 372, the right for us to vote on adding a constitutional amendment for all of us to hunt, fsh and trap forever should we choose to do so.

I had told my son about having several phone calls and emails from State Senators to Ravalli County residents (Manzella supporters) telling me that I should withdraw from the race. My son asked me, “Why are you doing this?” (running for Senate District 44). I looked at him and said,”I am doing this for you! “

I know that a vast majority of you in Montana have had enough. This may be our last stand, will you stand with me? It’s time to protect our heritage.

Brad Davis Candidate for SB 44 Victor

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Calendar continued

Montanans for Life

Montanans for Life will hold their monthly meeting on the frst Thursday of every month at 6PM at More to Come Fellowship, 330 3rd Ave., Victor. For more information call (406) 407-1254.

A Course of Love study

group

Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480

Volunteer at St. Mary’s Mission

Share your talents! If you enjoy history, like to meet people, and be involved in your community, there’s a place for you! No matter your background or level of experience, there’s a role for you to play. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or a month, our schedule is fexible. Join in making a diference and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Visit the website: saintmarysmission.org or call (406) 777-5734.

Stevi Tax-Aide

AARP Tax-Aide will be ofering free tax preparation services for low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages. Tax preparation is held at the Stevensville Senior Center on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The Senior Center WILL NOT schedule those appointments. Call 406-201-5734, leave your name and phone number, and a volunteer will call back to schedule your appointment.

Florence American Legion

Florence American Legion Post 134 is having a free pancake breakfast on the frst Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.

North Valley Dems

Join the North Valley Democrats for “Politics and Pals” on Thursdays from 5 to about 7 p.m. at Fireside Pizza, 3885 North U.S. 93. This is due west of the Stevensville Super 1, on the southbound side of the highway. Meeting room is in the back of the restaurant. Check RavDems.com or fnd them on Facebook for info and or changes. The newsletter is at RavDems.com/newsletter.

Bitterroot Celtic Society

The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.

NV Library events

Library Board Meeting – Wednesday, Mar 20 at 3pm

Meetings are open to the public. Agendas are posted on the Library’s website before the event. If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@ northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly.

Emotional Literacy for Parents

Webinar – Thursday, Mar 21 at 6pm

Discover the role of emotional intelligence and why it is crucial for children to learn early on in life. Gain insights into the purpose of emotions and learn how to decode emotional messages in both yourself and your child. During this workshop for parents of children of all ages, you will learn how to: Navigate challenging situations using emotions as a guide, become an emotional coach for your child, practice cooperative parenting, and more.

Read to Dogs at the Library –Monday, Mar 25 at 4:30pm

Certifed Therapy dogs at North Valley Public Library, here to listen to your child’s favorite book from home or one from our shelves. Great for early readers or kids who just love dogs. All canines are certifed, constantly accompanied by their Pet Partner handlers and ready to listen.

Estate Planning for Montanans with Dr. Goetting – Thursday, Mar 28 at 6pm

Think you know who gets your things when you die? Think again! This introduction to estate planning webinar is the perfect starting point for everyone, no wealth or heirloom items required. Led by MSU Extension Specialist and Professor Dr. Marsha Goetting, this program will explain how Montana laws decide who receives your property when you die without writing a will, how to get started creating your will and other important documents, and more. Participants will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and gain access to many resources.

Accordion Club

The Accordion Club will hold music jams at the Missoula Senior Center from 1 to 4 p.m. on the following dates:

March 24th April 14th April 28th, Annual Meeting, 12-4 p.m. May 12th, Mother’s Day

Everyone is welcome. $6 fee at the door. Polka, swing, waltz and 2-step dances. Good dance music and fun for all. For more info, contact Helen Steele, 406-369-1839.

Our Savior Lutheran events

Our Savior Lutheran Church and Preschool invite friends and neighbors to Lenten services to prepare for Good Friday and the joys of Easter through scripture readings, meditation, prayer and song.

Lenten services start on Thursday, February 15th. Lenten Matins services will meet every Thursday at 9 am. Lenten evening services at 7 pm, preceded by Soup and Whatever Suppers at 6:15. Join us, with or without food to share, to make church fellowship less complicated after work.

The Holy Week service schedule follows. Please note, no suppers are shared during this period. On both Good Friday and on Easter, each service is diferent.

Palm Sunday service —March 24 at 9 am.

Holy Wednesday—27th at 7 pm.

Maundy Thursday—28th at 7:30 pm.

Good Friday—29th at 3 and 7:30 pm.

Easter Vigil — Saturday the 30th at 7:30 pm. Easter day services—7 am and 10 am, with breakfast in between services. Our Savior, afliated with the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, south of Stevensville of the Eastside Highway. Call 406-777-5625 Monday through Thursday mornings for more information..

Easter egg sale

Don’t feel like helping the Easter Bunny this year? Victor FFA is here to help! Simply place your order by March 22nd and say goodbye to the stress of stufng eggs! Cost is 30 eggs - $25; 50 eggs - $45; 70 eggs - $65; 100 eggs - $90. Easter gift baskets are $15. Easter eggs are a mix of chocolate, gummy and hard candy.

Baskets are loaded with a chocolate bunny, Easter-themed stufed animal, playdough, bubbles, coloring books, stampers and a pair of squishy toys.

Pick up baskets at Victor School on Friday, March 29th between 5 and 7 p.m. Contact a Victor FFA member or call 406-531-2560 to place your order.

Driver safety course

Bitterroot Health Located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, will host an ALL NEW AARP Driver Safety Program on Friday, March 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over; all drivers are welcome. The new program features laws specifc to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving and new Vehicle Technologies. There are no driving tests or written exams and, Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers. Issued Certifcates are good for 3 years! Class fees are $20.00 for AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. Class size is limited; pre- registration is advised. For class sign up call Jones Korman Insurance at 406-363-6583. For further information call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 369-0149.

Montana Junior Duck Stamp 2024

Student Artists, Art Educators, Mentors: The 2024 Montana Junior Duck Stamp Contest is receiving entries now up until March 22, 2024. Entries can be mailed or hand delivered to Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge at 4567 Wildfowl Lane, Stevensville, MT 59870 (406 777-5552). The art image should be of a live, native North American waterfowl species that measures 9” x 12” in a horizontal layout. Artwork can be drawn using ink, paint, pastel, crayon, or pencil. Entries should not be matted, drawn with a border, signed, initialed or lettered, computer-generated, photographs, or copies or tracings of published art. Entries placing frst through honorable mention will be publicly acknowledged and will receive ribbons and awards.

The Junior Duck Stamp Contest is an active participatory art and science program designed to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school enrolled in private, public or home schools. The curriculum (www. fws.gov/juniorduck/) guides students using wildlife observation principles to draw or paint a waterfowl species in appropriate habitat. Approximately 27,000 students from across the country enter the contest annually. The Best of Show from Montana will compete in the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest in Washington, D.C.

Hamilton school board meetings

Special Board Meeting

Friday – March 22, 2024

8:00 a.m. – ZOOM / District Conference Room

The Board will be conducting this meeting via ZOOM. If you would like to join the meeting, you are encouraged to attend in person by coming to the District Ofce Conference Room.

Agenda

1. Public Comment

2. Request to Approve and Enter into a Primary User Agreement with the City of Hamilton for the use of Vester Wilson Athletic Field by the

Hamilton School District (Action)

3. Close of Meeting

Governance Committee Meeting

Wednesday – April 3, 2024

4:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room

The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation.

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – April 9, 2024

6:30 p.m. – Washington Elementary – Room 4

The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube.

You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg

Women Only Defensive Handguns class

For Women Only Introduction to Defensive Handguns class will be held

March 23 and April 13 at the Whittecar Rife Range on Blodgett View Road. This 2-day course is for women with little or no experience with handguns, who may be frightened of handguns or who are considering acquiring a handgun.

The frst day course is designed to assist you in choosing the right handgun – for you. It will also introduce you to the facilities of the Whittecar Range.

There will be discussions on handgun safety, basic operation of revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, and the cartridges used in each type of handgun. The legal aspects of the use of force will be presented and discussed. Handguns will be provided so that you may handle the diferent types and models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fre session on the range. A self defense book, specifcally for women, will also be provided. The second day course will teach basic defensive shooting using the students’ own equipment. Safe gun handling will be taught and stressed. Various types of ammunition and the performance of each type.

The class is limited to 10 participants. For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or Jim at 360-8392. Successful completion of this two day course meets the education requirements for application to the state for a concealed carry permit.

Trekker Kids programs

Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo began its annual Trekker Kids program series Saturday, March 9. The free, interactive programs are geared towards kids ages 4-10 and their families. The one-hour programs run every other Saturday through May 18 beginning at 11 a.m.:

March 23: All about owls/dissect owl pellets April 6: Fire in the pines/discover more about wildfre April 20: Native games May 4: Gift of the Bitterroot/fower art and Indigenous culture May 18: Raptors of the Rockies/ meet real raptors

For more information, contact Travelers’ Rest State Park (6717 Hwy 12, Lolo) at 406-273–4253 or visit travelersrest.org under the events page.

Back Country Horsemen

The Bitterroot Back Country Horsemen is hosting their monthly meeting Thursday, March 21st, at the Corvallis Primary School, 1151 Eastside Highway in Corvallis, just north of the four way stop. Signs will be posted to help guide you to the cafeteria. Potluck at 6:30pm and the meeting starts at 7:00 pm. This month the group welcomes Ted Hall, speaking about the Lewis and Clark trail during the time they rode through the Bitterroot. He has titled it “Horseback in the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark.” As always guests and new members are welcome. For more information,

call Gene at 208-310-6326 or check out the website at www.bchmt.org/ bitterroot.

Bitterroot Good Sam Club

The Bitterroot Good Sam Club was established in 1976 and club members continue to camp in Montana in Forest Service or private campgrounds during May through September months and enjoy potluck dinners at a local church during winter months. While camping in some of Montana’s beautiful campgrounds, the club enjoys hiking, fshing, playing golf, sightseeing, visiting local museums, delicious breakfasts and dinners in camp, games and interesting conversations around the campfre. The club is currently open to new members. If you would like more information about the club or to make a reservation to attend the March 26th potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. at 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton, call Tony Rizzo at 406396-2755.

Republican Women’s Club

Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, March 26 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speakers will be incumbent Representative Michele Binkley, HD85, and candidate Kathy Love, HD 85. Forum debate style: each candidate will be asked the same questions. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.

‘Protecting the Big Sky’ workshop

The Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) is hosting 16 investor protection events across western Montana this March. The events are part of the Protecting the Big Sky tour—a series of educational presentations to inform adults and seniors about common investment scams, and how to detect and prevent fnancial exploitation.

In 2023, consumers reported losing more than $4.6 billion to investment scams nationwide, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Last year, investment scams were the most reported scams in the United States. There will be presentations on Wednesday, March 27 at the Hamilton Senior Center from 9 to 10 a.m. and at Stockman Bank in downtown Missoula from 1 to 2 p.m. Presentations are free and community members are welcome to attend.

Corvallis Annual Easter Egg Hunt

The Corvallis Community Church will be holding their annual easter egg hunt Sat. March 30 at 10 a.m. The event will take place at the Corvallis Community Events Center, and participants are asked to meet in the football grandstands. For children 2-10 years old. Fore more infor, contact the church at (406) 961-3443.

Pro-Life training

Montanans for Life invites anyone interested in participating in efective pro-life training with Dena Espenscheid, Director of Coalitions and ProLife Training for the Leadership Institute to attend this important meeting. Her expertise and knowledge of how to work in pro-life campaigns and actively participate in the pro-life fght at the local, state, and national levels will beneft all who attend this event. There is no cost to attend, however, registration is required as dinner is provided. The training event is being held on Thursday, April 4th at More to Come Fellowship, 330 3rd Ave in Victor from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. To register: https:// montanansforlife.com/events.

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Spring sports underway

The spring high school sports season is underway in the Bitterroot Valley. Practices started on March 11th and, as always, there will be plenty of action this spring.

Here’s a quick rundown of the spring varsity sports for the six Bitterroot high schools.

All six schools have boys and girls track and field teams. Darby, Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville have boys and girls tennis teams. Corvallis, Florence, Hamilton, and Stevensville have softball teams. Florence, Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville have baseball teams (this is the second season of high school baseball in Montana). And Florence and Darby have boys and girls golf teams.

The Corvallis boys and girls both won state last year in track and field, and they look strong again this year. Hamilton also has a deep group of track and field athletes, so they will also be in the mix for a state title. Stevensville, Florence, Darby and Victor all have athletes who will contend for individual state titles this year.

The valley’s baseball and softball teams are always tough, and each will be vying for state playoff appearances. And look for area tennis and golf athletes to compete at a high level this year.

Drake Springer

Early baseball results

Although most of the games begin this week, there were a couple of baseball games played last week. Stevensville hosted Dillon on Friday, March 15th and lost 1-5. Stevensville’s Drake

Springer and Joey Wheeler got the only two hits for the ‘Jackets.

The Hamilton boys team had two games. They defeated Frenchtown 11-1 on Friday, and lost to Columbia Falls 6-7 on Saturday. In the Frenchtown

game, Hamilton pitcher Cash Lawrence had six strikeouts. The Broncs’ ofense racked up 11 runs on 12 hits. Connor Ekin went 2 for 2 and scored 2 runs, and Jackson Lubke went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Area athletes sign letters of intent

Athletes from Bitterroot Valley high schools have been busy signing letters of intent to play college sports next year. They will continue to sign as the year progresses, but, so far, the following students have signed to play college sports next year.

Florence : Tyler Abbott signed with Rocky Mountain College to play football; Ethan Alexander signed with Montana Tech to play football; Arie McLaughlin signed with Montana Western to play football; Harrison Shepp signed with Carroll College to play football; and Trapper Oster signed

with Dickinson State (ND) to play baseball.

Corvallis : Emma Cashell signed with Kenyon College (OH) to play softball; Laurie Davidson signed with College of Southern Idaho for cross country and track; Landon Johansen signed with Valley City State University (NE) to play football; Olivia Lewis signed with Montana State University for track; Wyatt Miles signed with University of Providence for track and field; Isaac Stoker signed with Dickinson State (ND) to play football.

Stevensville : Holly St. Germain signed with University of Providence to play soccer; Zachary Sannar signed with Western Montana to play football; Shilo McLain Lampi signed with Rocky Mountain College to play basketball.

Darby : Sierra Reed signed with Vermont State University-Johnson to play volleyball and track.

Hamilton : Trevor Lewis signed with Montana Western to play football; Hunter Stewart signed with Montana Western to play football; Lavana Wetzel signed with North Idaho College to play basketball.

Post-season basketball honors

The All Conference and All State teams in basketball were announced and many Bitterroot Valley players were honored.

For the Southwestern A boys Hamilton’s Canaan Magness was named Co-MVP, All State, and 1st Team All Conference. Also, for Hamilton, Tyler Jette was named 2nd Team All Conference, and Cole Dickemore, Jackson Jessop, and Tristan Koerner were all named Honorable Mention All Conference.

For Corvallis, Ryan Hutchison was named 2nd Team All Conference and Derek Criddle was named Honorable Mention All Conference

For the Southwestern A girls, Hamilton’s Taylor McCarthy and Ashlynn McKern were both named 2nd Team All Conference, and Lavana Wetzel

was named Honorable Mention All Conference.

For Corvallis, Ella Varner and Ericka Jessop were both named Honorable Mention All Conference.

For Stevensville, Shilo McLain Lampi was named Honorable Mention All Conference.

For the 6B girls, Florence’s Kenzy Pickering was named 1st Team All Conference, and Maggie Schneiter and Kendyl Meinhold were both named 2nd Team All Conference.

For the 6B boys, Florence’s Tyler Abbott was named 1st Team All Conference, and Brody Duchien was named 2nd Team All Conference.

Stevensville’s

dives to make a tag on a Dillon runner in early spring baseball action. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Darby’s Sierra Reed signing with Vermont State University-Johnson to play volleyball and track. Photo courtesy of Darby School District.

Florence’s Kenzy Pickering (#34) was named 1st Team All Conference for 6B.

Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence’s (l to r) Harrison Shepp, Tyler Abbott, and Arie McLaughlin signing to play football in college next year; Shepp with Carroll College, Abbott with Rocky Mountain College, and McLaughlin with Montana Western. Photo courtesy of Florence School Activities.

Victor Wesley Kearney

Victor Wesley Kearney, 86, of Darby passed away February 29, 2024, at his home In Darby. He was born July 4, 1937, in Columbus, Montana, the son of the late Wesley C. and Claire E. Martin Kearney.

Victor married Beverly M. Bosket on August 8, 1964. Victor was a minister, avid outdoorsman and hunter. He worked as a sawyer, heavy equipment operator and rancher.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 301 Nicole Lane, Hamilton, MT 59840. The service will also be presented on Zoom, ID –4063696168 with Password – 59840SH. In lieu of fowers you may donate to donate.jw.org. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Death Notices

Joan C. Eger

Victor - Joan C. Eger, 94, of Victor passed away Friday, March 15, 2024 at her home of natural causes. No formal services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

The Seattle Seahawks lost their 12th (wo)man on February 8, 2024, and the decibel level from the loss of her cheering and shouting will never be the same!

Leah spent her childhood in the outer Seattle area, where she embraced her feistiness to excel in Taekwondo, earning her gold medals. At 17, she moved back to Montana, and fell in love with the outdoors: hunting, fshing, camping, and gardening; but nothing compared to days on the lake perfecting her mad skills on a kneeboard or wave runner, and late-night campfres surrounded by family and friends. Leah possessed a passion for life, often showing her quirky dance moves or singing along to songs of every genre, from rap to country. That passion also extended to her career, whether it was in sales (she could sell ice cubes at the North Pole), as a mortgage broker, bartending, or her most recent love as an insurance agent. Leah always had her heart set on being the best, and providing the best service. She excelled in both, with many loyal clients and customers becoming life-long friends along the way. Leah loved spending time with family and friends; with many great get togethers, adventures, and memories made. Oh, the stories to be told! Leah’s greatest pride

Richard E. Nelson Stevensville - Richard E. Nelson, 101, passed away in the morning, Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at The Living Centre in Stevensville. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

Alexander N. Wells Missoula - Alexander N. Wells, 43, passed away in the evening, Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Community Medical Center in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www.brothersmortuary.com.

were her children, “Bubba” and “Rooty Poo Punkin Britches.” She could always be found cheering them on from the sidelines of their sporting events, and just in life in general. They are on their way to great things, and she was so proud of both of their accomplishments, loving them deeper than the ocean and beyond the moon. If only we could all be as energetic and organized as Leah; always ready for a get together, house always spotless, purse full of Cholula hot sauce packets and foss picks, and a spare bedroom always ready for overnight guests. It’s an extreme understatement to say Leah will be missed by many. Rest your restless soul. Until we meet again!

Leah is survived by her children: “Bubba” Caden; “Rooty Poo Punkin’ Britches” Rylie; “Kitty Kitty Meow Meow” Jerry; dad and step-mom, Tim and Debbie; mother, Kathy; sisters, Brenda and Crystal; brothers, Stephan and Tim; and many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, and “adopted” children, you know who you are! There will be a service/celebration of life for Leah on Saturday, April 6th, at 4:30 p.m. at the Florence Carlton Community Church located at 20075 Old US Highway 93 in Florence.

Michelle M. Emery Missoula - Michelle M. Emery, 42, passed away in the morning, Friday, March 8, 2024, at her home in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www.brothersmortuary. com.

Kenneth K. Riemer

Victor - Kenneth K. Riemer, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Victor, January 15, 2024. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 23, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Daly-Leach Chapel with a reception following in the funeral home’s community room. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Leah LaRae Hill

Some stores say locals are starting projects early

by John Dowd

As the weather starts to turn and spring rounds the bend, many Bitterrooters are getting out and starting their spring projects. According to a couple of home improvement businesses in the valley, with spring seemingly approaching early, so too are the early homekeepers already getting their nests ready for the summer.

AJ Grauberger, the store manager at Don’s Home Center, said, “It’s defnitely starting to pick up!” Grauberger has been with Don’s for almost fve years, and before that in construction. In that time, he has always seen an uptick this time of year. However, the early spring rush this year seems more extreme. In particular, Grauberger has noticed a lot of interest in decks, gardens and chicken coops.

Grauberger and his fellow staf members at Don’s are trying to keep up with the rush, and still provide the same level of service they are known for. In fact, the thing about Don’s that Grauberger is most proud of is how

they help their customers. Anyone can come in and no matter how much they know, Grauberger and his fellow employees work to help customers get what they need. When a customer comes in, they will be handed of to one of the many experienced staf who will then work with the customer to

determine a budget and the amount of supplies they will need to make their dream project happen. From customer feedback, Grauberger thinks that is why a lot of their customers keep coming back.

Grauberger noted that between the employees that specialize in providing this service for customers, there are over 30 years of knowledge to call upon. Don’s helps customers determine the best materials and helps look through ideas and helps create blueprints. In fact, they have recently been working on a new showroom in the back, which used to be their garden center. The large room showcases all the diferent sidings,

cabinets, railings, countertops and more that Don’s sells. This can help customers get a real and tangible look at how their idea might take form. According to Grauberger, “Sometimes a picture in a magazine just doesn’t do the job.”

Along with the supplies, Don’s also specializes in carpenter equipment and lumber. In fact, the company started across the street in a lumber yard in around 1994. They can also get supplies delivered free, all the way from Missoula to Sula. Grauberger said customers should keep their eye out for future customer appreciation sales and the like in the near future.

Evans Ace Hardware in Hamilton has become a community staple, according to general manager Chris Smith. From what he has seen, just as

See SPRING, page 15

Above, AJ Grauberger stands in the new showroom inside Don’s Home Center. Photos by John Dowd.

Top eight usage mistakes when using outdoor power equipment

As the weather warms and people are coaxed outside to their yards and managed landscapes, it’s time for everyone to remember how to use their outdoor power equipment safely and properly.

“Think safety frst,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing outdoor power equipment, small engine, utility vehicle, golf car and personal transport vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. “I can’t stress enough to review manufacturer’s safety guidance before starting up any equipment—especially your lawn mower. Review your owner’s manual

and do maintenance on your equipment.”

Also being aware of surroundings is key, he adds. “And be sure to keep kids and pets away from outdoor power equipment while it’s in use.”

OPEI urges homeowners and other equipment users to avoid these eight most common mistakes when using outdoor power equipment.

1. Thinking all mowers are the same. You need to know how to handle your specifc equipment correctly, and do basic operations like turning it of or on and controlling speed. Review your owner’s manual and how to use the equipment before use.

through your yard or work area before starting to mow or using other outdoor power equipment.Always walk the area you intend to work in, and look for and remove objects, sticks and other items that could create a hazard.

2. Not inspecting equipment before use. Always look over equipment before operating it. Check the air flter, oil level and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualifed service representative.

3. Not walking

4. Removing or not using safety guards on the equipment. Never alter or disable safety protection measures. If needed, take equipment to a qualifed service representative for repairs and inspection.

5. Using fuels not designed for equipment. Loading up your outdoor power equipment with gasoline with more than 10% ethanol in it can cause running problems and damage the fuel line. Always use E10 or less.

6. Using batteries or chargers that are not specifed by the manufacturer. While a host of batteries and chargers can

be found for sale online, only use batteries and chargers specifed by the equipment manufacturer.

7. Not storing fuel and batteries safely. Cofee cans, milk jugs and other non-approved containers should not be used to store fuel. Only store fuel in containers designed for it, and always use up fuel before it is 30 days old. Label fuel cans with the date of purchase and ethanol content. When battery packs are not in use, keep them away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fre.

8. Not cleaning or storing equipment well. Equipment will run more efciently and last longer if it’s cleaned. Always remove dirt, oil or grass before using and storing your equipment. Store equipment in a dry place, avoiding damp or wet environments.

For information on safe fueling, go to https://www.opei.org/programs/ ethanolwarning/

For more safety information visit www.opei.org

SPRING: Gardens on local minds, say hardware store employees

Continued from page 13

mentioned at Don’s, this year people are really coming out in force for garden supplies. So much so, in fact, that Smith said they are currently getting three to four soil truck deliveries per week. “People are getting that green thumb itch,” said Smith. Also according to Smith, ever since COVID-19, the outdoor grill sections at all the Aces in the nation have seen a massive uptick that has not slowed down since.

This includes the outdoor pizza ovens, one of which Evans Ace sells and Smith said can do a full pizza in 45 seconds. Smith said that after being

cooped inside for so long, people want to get out into the fresh air and cook around other people. That pastime appears to have stuck around.

Evans Ace is also unique among other Aces in that they have a very expansive houseware department. That section of the store even has its own name, “Sandy’s Kitchen,” named in honor of the owner’s mother. The space includes spices, cast iron, canning supplies and much more. Smith also prides his store in having one of the top paint departments in all of the Ace store chain.

In fact, in January they were

awarded “Coolest Hardware Store,” among all the Aces west of the Mississippi. Another area to be getting hit hard at Evans Ace is their small engine repair shop. Smith says customers are bringing in their chainsaws, lawnmowers and more to get them ready for the year. According to Smith, many of these are spring tune ups, blade sharpenings and fushing stale gas.

Evans Ace will be getting their greenhouse stocked up in a month, and Smith foresees that the rush will only pick up after that. However, Smith warns against people doing things too early. In all

his 13 years with Ace, Smith said, there are always people that come in early to get their plants and put them in the ground, just to lose them to a late freeze.

“Don’t get too eager and don’t be fooled by the weather,” said Smith, citing Montana’s unpredictable weather patterns. “Start plants inside, especially when from seed, then move them out.” He recommends people looking to start their gardens early try out the starting kits they sell at Ace. Otherwise, folks should wait until the snow on the mountains has melted at least three quarters of the way up, said Smith.

Above, Barrett Chowning, Trager the cat and Chris Smith at the register in Hamilton’s Evans Ace Hardware. At left, Evans Ace displays their trophy for being recognized as the “Coolest Hardware Store,” in all of Ace, west of the Mississippi. Photos by John Dowd.

National Forest are gearing up for their annual prescribed burning operations to reduce hazardous fuels, restore wildlife habitat, and better protect communities from future wildfres.

Pending favorable conditions, underburning operations are scheduled to begin later this month. Underburning, a type of prescribed fre treatment, ignites vegetation under the forest canopy or in open grassy meadows and focuses on the consumption of surface fuels. Frequent, low-intensity fre is essential in improving habitat conditions by regenerating fre-adapted vegetation and encouraging the growth of new forage and food sprouts for wildlife.

“This is the time of year when we have the opportunity to be proactive and meet our forest-wide goals of reducing hazardous fuels in key areas near communities,” said David Tingley, Bitterroot National Forest Fuels Fire Management Ofcer. “Over the coming weeks, we will be burning on days that maximize safety and minimize smoke impacts to restore healthy forest conditions.”

Spring prescribed fre activities normally take place in April and May and burning is highly weather and fuels dependent. A mosaic pattern of burned and unburned areas will remain after treatments.

Fire managers plan to burn approximately 9,235 acres this spring. Smoke may be visible at times from West Fork Highway, East Fork Highway, or Highway 93. Treatment areas include:

Stevensville Ranger District – 1,300 acres are planned:

Threemile Units - east of Florence in the Threemile State Wildlife Management Area

West Central “Victor V” – Three miles northwest of Victor.

West Fork Ranger District – 4,200 acres are planned:

Lower West Fork Project - south of Trapper Creek and north of Boulder Creek

Piquett Creek - east of the West Fork

of the Bitterroot River and north of Pine Creek School Point Ecoburn - west of Ward Creek and east of Halford Creek

Soda Springs Ecoburn - east of Little West Fork and west of Halford Creek

Darby/Sula Ranger District – 3,735 acres are planned:

Como/Horse Lick Units - south of Lost Horse and north of Lake Como

Cameron Blue Ecoburn - along East Fork Hwy near Guide Creek

Tabor Ecoburn – northeast of Darby, east of Hwy 93

Teepee Face Ecoburn - north of East Fork Hwy and northwest of Springer/ Bonanza

Trapper Bunkhouse – west of Darby from Trapper Creek to Chafn Creek

West Side Collaborative burn –north of Lost Horse Road and south of Camas Creek

West Tolan Ecoburn - east of Sula between Reimel and Tolan Creeks

Prescribed burning operations are a key component of the Wildfre Crisis Strategy that works with partners to protect communities and improve the resilience of America’s Forests. Burning will only be conducted if conditions are favorable. Favorable conditions include correct parameters for temperature, wind, fuel moisture, and ventilation for smoke. When prescription criteria are met, frefghters implement, monitor, and patrol each burn to ensure it meets forest health and public safety goals.

All prescribed burns will be implemented in compliance with Montana air quality standards and coordinated with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to reduce the impacts of smoke to neighbors, cooperators, and surrounding communities. Smoke may settle in the valley bottoms and drainages overnight, but it is expected to dissipate within a few days.

For public safety, recreationists are asked to be aware of fre crews and vehicles in these areas. The public is also asked to avoid traveling in prescribed burn units while crews are present, as well as trails and roads directly adjacent to the units.

FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $4.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.

MCNAB PUPPIES FOR SALE. 2 males with all their shots. Highly intelligent and people friendly. Breeders own both parents and the female dame is out of the Gary Williams McNab line. $800 Ph: 805801-6986. We are located in Hamilton.

50% SALE ON ALL BOOKS, Beverly’s Books in Frontier Cafe Mall, Monday - Saturday, Call with question (406) 375-0825.

ALASKA, EUROPE, HAWAII plus dozens of other popular trips! Starting at $1649 per person (double occupancy req’d.)

YMT Vacations plans everything, leaving you to relax and enjoy. Call 1-833658-1230 for more details. Use promo code YMT2024 for $250 of. Limited time only.

Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5Gand 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-419-7978.

SWITCH AND SAVE up to $250/year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with fexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time ofer - get $50 of on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-877-324-0193.

SWITCH TO DISH and get up to a $300 gift card! Plus get the Multisport pack included for a limited time! Hurry, call for details: 1-855-995-3572

GRAPHIC DESIGNER - part-time, newspaper-specifc work. Experience required. Call Victoria for details, 406-207-8793 or send resume to victoria@mullennewspapers. com.

WANTED TO BUY: Old Car, Truck, Motorcycle, also old signs and license plates, gas station items or dealership items. Call 406270-8630 any time.

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST — WESTERN MONTANA FOOT AND ANKLE

Our Hamilton ofce is looking for someone to join our team full-time.

Pay: $16-$20/hr DOE

Please email resume and 2 references to westernmontanafootandankle@ gmail.com

JOB OPENING IN BOULDER, Montana: City Administrator Position. Details at www.cityofbouldermt.com. Salary between $65,000 and $83,000 annually including benefts. Call with questions: Rose Perna at (406) 225-3381.

WANTED: CANNING JARS, especially pints and jelly. 1-406-369-2509.

FREE ITEMS - log furniture, pictures, misc. Stevensville area. Call for info, 406-370-1004.

FREE GARDENING COURSE WITH CLIFF TREXLER – This course involves a forgotten factor hardly any gardener thinks about. Development of an “old time” method that is interesting, successful, and fun. Basic: 4 hours – four 1 hr. classes. Could be 5 weeks easily. Whatever fts your schedule. A blackboard would be useful but not essential as I will have “visual aids.” Former high school science teacher, long-time rancher (30 years) and gardener (70 years) in Bitterroot, always experimenting and

cialist for the Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, at 444-0710 or Breanna.Gill@mt.gov. BS 2-28, 3-6, 3-13, 3-2024.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is Hereby Given that the

The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public comment and make a decision by Resolution to amend the Ravalli County Access Encroachment Rules and associated fees.

If you would like more information contact the Commissioners’ Ofce at 375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number or by email at commissioners@ rc.mt.gov

Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 3-6, 3-13-24.

Public Hearing-Ravalli

Meeting and the 2nd reading will take place at the 3-28-24 Town Council Meeting. Comments may be given on the 1st reading of Ordinance No. 141 orally at the Public Hearing Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 6:30 pm and at the 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 141 at the Public Hearing on March 28, 2024, at 6:30 pm. Comments can also be given to the Town Clerk at PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 or before 5:00 pm in person on the scheduled Town Council meeting day. Questions, comments or more information may

Attest: Jenelle S. Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 2-28, 3-13-24.

Sharon E. Thompson PO Box 1255 Trout Creek, MT 59874 (406) 360-1628 havesmontana@gmail.com

Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: DOLORES F. BROWN, Decedent. Cause No.: DP-2024-16

Dept. No. 1 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Sharon E. Thompson, P.O. Box 1255, Trout Creek, MT, 59874, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 21st day of February, 2024.

/s/ Sharon E. Thompson, Personal Representative BS 2-28, 3-6, 3-13-24.

Public Hearing-Ravalli County ESTABLISHMENT OF PACE PROGRAM

The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 9:30 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public comment and make a decision by Resolution to Establish the Ravalli County Pace Program.

If you would like more information contact the Commissioners’ Ofce at 375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number or by email at commissioners@ rc.mt.gov

Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 3-6, 3-13-24.

Public Hearing-Ravalli County Fee Increase FOR: RAVALLI COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE DE-

County Fee Increase FOR: RAVALLI COUNTY ROAD AND BRIDGE DEPARTMENT

The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public comment and make a decision by Resolution to amend the Ravalli County Excavation Rules and associated fees.

If you would like more information contact the Commissioners’ Ofce at 375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number or by email at commissioners@ rc.mt.gov

Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 3-6, 3-13-24.

David T. Markette MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110

DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com

Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of SELMA DURBIN, Deceased

Probate No. DP-41-2023000140

Dept No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months

Court.

DATED: February 29, 2024

/s/ Bill Fulbright, Ravalli County Attorney

3-6, 3-13, 3-20-24.

Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212

MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES A. BEUKENHORST, Deceased. Case No.: DP-24-21

Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons

Claims must either be mailed to Cathy Cabral, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 26 th day of February 2024.

/s/ Cathy Cabral, Personal Representative BS 3-6, 3-13, 3-20-24.

MONTANA 21ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF JANE LOUISE COOKSON, Deceased.

PROBATE NO. DP-24-18

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that ROBERT K. JEFFREY has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to ROBERT K. JEFFREY, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 2111 9th Ave., Helena, MT 59601, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 1st day of March, 2024.

/s/ ROBERT K. JEFFREY 2111 9th Ave. Helena, MT 59601

Personal Representative BS 3-6, 3-13,

publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, EFFIEA.

GREATHOUSE, return receipt requested, ℅: Browder Law PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 26th day of February, 2024.

/s/ Daniel Browder, Attorney for P.R. 217 N. 3rd Street, Ste J Hamilton, Montana 59840

/s/ Efe A. Greathouse BS 3-6,

J. DENNIS, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 11th day of March 2024.

/s/ Patrick J. Dennis

Personal Representative Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC By: Craig Mungas

Attorneys for Patrick J. Dennis, Personal Representative BS 3-13, 3-20, 3-27-24.

VICTOR WATER & SEW-

ER DISTRICT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR PRE-SELECTION OF EQUIPMENT

Victor Water & Sewer District in Victor, Montana is seeking proposals for equipment pre-selection for their wastewater treatment plant improvements project. The following equipment will be pre-selected prior to project bidding: UV Disinfection System Interested parties may contact Cale Mages, PE, Project Engineer, 406-542-4844, cmages@m-m.net to request a proposal packet(s). Complete proposals must be submitted no later than 4:00 pm (MST) on March 21, 2024. No extensions will be granted. BS 3-13, 3-20-24.

ANNUAL

Evening Grosbeak not to be missed

by Gary Swant

In my opinion, the Evening Grosbeak is one of the most strikingly beautiful feeder birds that can visit your yard. Unfortunately, each year they seem to be less and less abundant. Twenty years ago, they were very common in our yard in both spring and fall with a few throughout the summer and winter. Now I don’t get them every year, and when I do I just get a few, rather than 20 to 30 at a time as in the past. Long term studies show the decline to be 33% per decade across the West. The cause is not well defned, but maybe due to loss of habitat or cyclic with spruce budworm outbreaks or lack thereof. The male featured with this article was photographed in my yard on May 5, 2012. There were two males and a female at my feeder for four hours that day. In 2015, I moved into town and have found that I see more Evening Grosbeaks in the spring, than I did living in the country. I still see few in the fall or winter. The best way to attract them to

your yard is with black sunfower seed in a platform feeder three to fve feet of the ground. If you do attract them, you will fnd they are erratic. One day you will have ten, the next day none, and again the next day 15 to 20.

Evening Grosbeaks are in the Finch family of which there are ffteen species in seven genuses in Montana.

Legals continued

be received by April 3rd, 2024 at 5:00 pm. (Reference Application #FA-22-26). BS 3-20-24.

OG-24-03-078

LEGAL NOTICE

OG-24-03-081

LEGAL

The

The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on foodplain application FA-23-29 for work proposed within the FEMA regulated foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Michael Steven Jones. The project is proposing to construct a

be removed. The project site is located at 78 Crystal Lane, Stevensville, MT in Section 05, Township 8 North, Range 20 West, Ravalli

County. Detailed information regarding this application is available for review 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 April 3rd, 2024 (Reference Application #FA-23-29). BS 3-20-24.

CALL FOR BIDS St. Johnswort Inventory Description of work: Inventory of St. Johnswort in Ravalli County The Ravalli County Weed District will be accepting bids for Inventorying of all St. Johnswort in Ravalli County. Known infestation areas will be given to the contractor as a starting point. Multiple forms and education materials will be provided to be given to landowners. Once inventory is completed, the contractor will work with Ravalli County Weed District and the Bitterroot National Forest to help develop a plan of action for treatment. Sealed bids must include the following information in the standard format provided with the contract packet.

Evening Grosbeaks are closely related to Pine Grosbeaks and the rare Brambling. However, the three species do not look alike.

Evening Grosbeaks are distinctive with a massive head and beak. In fight the wings are relatively short for the size of the body and show white wing-patches. They are sexually-dimorphic with the male showing a bright mustard-yellow belly, large white wing patch on black wings, and a black tail. The head is dark with a yellow to olive gray bill. A yellow supercilium or eyebrow is conspicuous. Females are slate gray with a black bar through the eye. The white on the wing is less solid than on the

male, giving the female an overall drab appearance. Both sexes are bulky in general appearance.

All vocalizations are either a loud shrill, or explosive, whistled “Peeer” that allows them to often be heard before they are seen.

Evening Grosbeaks are found year around west of the Continental Divide and Canadian populations winter in eastern Montana. They thrive in mature, open canopy mixed coniferous forest of spruce, fr and pine. Their occurrence is irruptive and irregular and based on food supplies, mostly insect larvae and seeds. I have found they occur at feeders most often in spring and fall migration but can occur all year long if you are fortunate. I have not seen one yet this year.

If you fnd them at your feeder, you are fortunate and you should make sure other members of your household see them, as they are a rare treat. Good luck and good birding on this rather uncommon Western Montana feeder bird.

RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF

educate landowners and collect important data. Also to work directly with the Ravalli County Weed District and the Bitterroot National Forest in developing a plan of treatment action once all data is collected.

Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 3-20, 3-27-24.

Naomi J. Cheeney

CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Personal Representative MONTANA TWEN-

TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT,

Evening Grosbeak. Photo by Gary Swant.

All estimates are based on the current year’s taxable value with no increase, as required by state law. If the District’s taxable value increases as expected, the mill and taxpayer cost increases will be less than presented here. These estimates are preliminary and changes are expected before the final budgets are set in August.

This notice must also document the District’s expected use of its Build Reserve and associated funding. This year, the District Expects to use those proceeds to partially fund deferred maintenance and replacement of safety and security systems as well as school safety operational costs.

This notice requirement is an estimate only. None of the budget changes have officially been adopted for the 2024-2025 school year. Action will not be taken on these items until the final Budgets are approved.

*Values are rounded to the nearest dollar.

Dated this 12th day of March 2024.

NOTICE OF FILING DEADLINE

Notice is hereby given that Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 5 PM, is the final date for filing an oath of candidacy for trustee for the Bitterroot Valley Community College District Election to be held on Tuesday, the 7th day of May, 2024.

Oath of candidacy forms can be obtained from the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder’s Office located at 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, Montana, or from the Ravalli County Elections website at https://www.ravalli.us/145/Elections. No filing fee is required.

The Bitterroot Valley Community College District Election will be held on May 7, 2024 for district trustees who are not elected by acclamation.

Dated this 13th day of March, 2024

Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

As an essential part of its budgeting process, the Stevensville Board of Trustees is authorized by law to impose levies to support its budget. The Stevensville Board of Trustees estimates the following increases/decreases in revenues and mills for the funds noted below for the next school fiscal year beginning July 1 , 2024, using certified taxable valuations from the current school fiscal year as provided to the district:

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Notice

Publish: March 20, 2024

Bill: Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder 215 South 4th Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840

Please verify publication with an affidavit – Thank you!

All estimates are based on the current year’s taxable value with no increase, as required by state law. If the District’s taxable value increases as expected, the mill and taxpayer cost increases will be less than presented here. These estimates are preliminary and changes are expected before the final budgets are set in August.

This notice must also document the District’s expected use of its Build Reserve and associated funding. This year, the District Expects to use those proceeds to partially fund deferred maintenance and replacement of safety and security systems as well as school safety operational costs.

This notice requirement is an estimate only. None of the budget changes have officially been adopted for the 2024-2025 school year. Action will not be taken on these items until the final Budgets are approved.

*Values are rounded to the nearest dollar

Dated this 12th day of March 2024.

Please

ST. PATRICK’S: Celtic Society and Mansion celebrate Irish heritage

Continued from page 1

Since attending his frst tasting, Cody has become a collector himself, and loves to talk about spirits, especially Irish whiskey. According to Cody, Irish whiskey is a diferent breed, and difers from its cousin, Scotch, in a few key ways. For those seasoned in tasting spirits, they may often recognize an Irish by the common notes of buttery, baked sugar cookie, freshly cut apples, and most notably a sweet creamy fnish. According to Cody, this is by design. A technical aspect unique to Irish whiskeys is that they are triple distilled, using copper pot stills. The process takes a single run, unlike many more modern column stills. The redistilling produces the recognizably easy drinking spirit that Cody is fond of. This seems apropos, for thoughts of sad Irish tales and tears come to mind, with images of washing those sorrows away with a good creamy Irish dram.

During the tasting last Saturday, eight representations were showcased, including Green Spot, Blue Spot, Red Spot, Red Breast 15, Writers Tears

Japanese Cask, Middleton Very Rare, Cooley Rare and Paddy’s. To sweeten the experience, a very rare and expensive ofering from Bushmills was also brought for participants to explore. Cody explained that this was a good choice, as the distillery that produced it is the oldest ofcial distillery in Ireland, having been established in 1608.

Of all the Irish he drinks, one of Cody’s top favorites is Yellow Spot, and though he loves his Irish whiskeys, Cody says he can always appreciate a good scotch. When comparing the two, Cody described the Irish process as requiring a spirit to be aged only three years, while scotch must sit in a barrel for fve. Part of this stems from the climate, as the colder northern climate in Scotland necessitates a longer time required to reach a proper age. This often leads scotch to very high age statements. Because of this, and the fact that Irish is slightly less strict on the requirements, regarding where the barrel comes from, Cody and others predict the sales of Irish whiskey will overtake those of scotch world-wide by 2030. Both of these elements can also mean that Irish is often much more afordable than good

scotch.

When speaking on the merits of aging whiskey, Cody explained that many people think the mash bill, or recipe, for the whiskey most strongly afects the taste. However, according to Cody, “all of it comes down to the barrel.” Cody also prefers his whiskey at “cask strength,” which is close to how it came out of the barrel and a higher alcohol by volume content. Most whiskeys may come of the shelf at 40%, which is the minimum legal requirement to be a whiskey. Cody believes, at those higher concentrations, there is more favor to unravel. A person can always add water, explained Cody, but it cannot be taken away.

The tasting also used Glencairn whiskey tasting glasses. When asked why they use these specialized glasses, Cody said, “The way it’s futed, it’s a true tasting glass. It concentrates the aroma up to the nose.” The glasses also allow, with their particular shape, the rolling of the glass to allow oxygen into the whiskey and the ethanol to evaporate, leaving the pour at the height of taste.

When asked about training one’s palate to pick up on all the notes, Cody walked through the process. A taster looks at the color, then rotates the glass to coat it on the inside. When set to stand, the “legs,” or droplets form and run down the inside. The speed of these legs showcases how “oily” the whiskey is and tells how it will coat the inside of the mouth. According to Cody, whiskey is best enjoyed around room temperature, to maximize favor, and will always taste diferent to every person as everyone’s palate is unique.

Following a host, or tasting with other participants, helps put words to the tastes we all experience. Creating that “taste vocabulary” is a good place to start when developing a good palate. It also helps to do what the participants did last weekend and try to taste several side-by-side to compare them, and to do so during an ofcial tasting.

“Drinking whiskey should not be to get drunk. If so, then you are drinking the wrong stuf. It should be for the appreciation of the whiskey. Some people work their whole lives to make that whiskey drinkable,” said Cody. He then spoke of the process that gets that bottle to the customer, including

the growers of the grains, the coopers that make the barrels, the malting of the grains, the distilling and even the tasters that ensure a consistent product of quality is produced and sold. For him, that work and culture is what drew him to whiskey. “I was just enthralled by the history,” said Cody.

Participants of the tastings hosted by the Bitterroot Celtic Society can look forward to learning much more, as each bottle and whiskey ofering brings forth a host of history. The Saturday participants bought tickets online through the mansion, ahead of time. For those interested in attending one of these tastings, there are several done during the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering over the summer. These are limited by attendance, to make sure all participants can taste all the oferings. With last year’s games drawing over 7,500 people over the two days, Cody recommends participants get their tickets early.

Tickets will be $45, and there will be around 30 seats available. The tasting will be the Saturday and Sunday of the games in August. The event this last Saturday was hosted at the Daly Mansion, and charcuterie boards with foods paired with the featured whiskeys were provided by Seppi’s European Market and Deli. For more information on the Daly Mansion and the other events they host there, interested parties can visit the website, dalymansion.org.

As for the Bitterroot Celtic Society, according to organization president, Laura Reichart, “it’s not just about the games.” She said they host events like this tasting, history programs and much more. For more information on the Bitterroot Celtic Society and the games, parties can visit bcgg.org.

A Glencairn glass set in front of a host of Irish whiskey representations in the Daly Mansion. Photo by John Dowd.