Bitterroot Star - March 8, 2023

Thank You!

Members of the Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association would like to thank the following for making our Annual Fundraiser the most successful we’ve ever had. RCFWA is a local sportsman’s organization and members use the money raised at our event for projects in the Bitterroot Valley. We are an all-volunteer organization and purchase items for our event locally if we can. We appreciate the continued support year afer year to not only the attendees, the many local businesses that donate, but to those who jumped in and helped at the last minute when a little extra help was needed. Tank you, Maggie Weber & Teresa Roberts.

Sponsor Table Buyers: Almgren & Friends, Bingham & Associates, Bitterroot Trout Farm, Donaldson Bros. & Snowy Mtn. Rife, Exit Realty, High Country Carpentry, J.A. Rentals, Jeremy Shields, Lithia Toyota of Missoula, Mark Oswald, Russ Reed Trucking, Weber & Vanorio, CPA’s.

Tose who made it all happen: Mast Auction Service, Crave Catering & Cakes, Rainbow Bar, Montana Picks & Blades, Chateau Montelena, Rachel & Anabelle, Larry, Peggy & Donna and the RCFWA members who helped with the entire event.

To the Following People and Businesses for cash or items for the live and silent auctions. Tank You! Please support the many area businesses who donate to so many organizations in the valley.

• Rod & Becky Knutson (who were inadvertently missed in our program)

• 3 Brothers African Hunting Safari

• All American Trophy

• Alpine Signs

• Artistic Impressions

• Asmus Jewelers

• B.J.’s

• Big Cat Cafe

• Bitter Root Brewing

• Bitter Root Drug

• Bitterroot Ducks Unlimited

• Bitterroot Fish Hatchery

• Bitterroot Furniture

• Bitterroot River Inn

• Bitterroot Stoves

• Bitterroot Trading Post

• BJ’s Restaurant

• Blacksmith Brewery

• Blue Joint

• Cabela’s

• Carl McCormick

• Cheryl Dooley

• Choice Aviation

• Classis Custom Outdoor Signs

• Corvallis Drug

• Cowgirl Corner

• Cowpoke Ranch Supply

• Cranmore Agency

• Cynthie Fisher

• D.J.’s Electric

• Dairy Queen

• Darby Distribution

• Darby Flair

• Darby Wine & Spirits

• Dennis Pitman

• Don Patterson

• Double H Custom Hats

• Electric Beach & Hair Studio

• Evan’s Ace Hardware

• Firehouse Archery

• First Security Bank

• Fords Department Store

• Freestone Fly Shop

• Gene Wensel

• Grenfell Garage

• Hamilton Floral

• Hamilton Pack

• Hamilton Super 1

• Hamilton Tire Rama

• Hamilton Wine & Liquor

• Iron Horse Gym

• J.S. Ironworks

• Jan Varner

• Jane Lambert

• Jerry Wessels / Les Schwab Tire

• Joe’s Studio

• John Adza

• Kodiak Jax II

• Kosaka Family

• Lolo Cr. Steakhouse

• Mr. T’s

• Mary Lemons CPA

• Massa Home Center

• Melanie Lavallee

• Mike & Trish Foster

• Mike & Nyla Shaw

• Mike Tompson

• Mission Bistro

• Montana Westgate Realty

• Montana Wildlife Federation

• Te Morgan’s

• MPG Ranch

• Murdoch’s Ranch Supply

• Nancy Menezes

• Nap’s Grill

• Norco

• North American Foods

• Old West Candy Store

• ONX Maps

• Osburn Irrigation

• People’s Market

• Pete & Sharon Berube

• Pragnell Pottery

• Rainbow Bar

• Rainbow’s End Natural Foods

• Red Rooster

• Robbins on Main

• Rodger Free

• Rooster Ridge

• Russ Reed Logging

• Rusty Bloomers

• Salon 21

• Scheels

• Spice of Life

• Steve Wilson

• Te Cofee Cup

• Te Paper Clip

• Tim’s Cleaner Carpets & Restoration

• Tractor Supply

• Trail West Bank

• Triple Creek

• Valley Cycle Shop

• Victor Liquor

• Valley Irrigation

• Wes Plettenberg

• Wiren Sheep Co.

Added thank you to those the purchased tickets for the Snowy Mountain Rife. #255 was the winning number.

MINE: Company proposes to mine Sheep Creek

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Government announced on January 12th, 2023, that a Swedish Stateowned mining company had discovered Europe’s largest deposit of rare earths, with an average grade of 0.18% TREO. The Sheep Creek deposit, as mentioned, has an average grade of nearly 9% TREO.

The Sheep Creek, Montana, property under claim by US Critical Materials totals seven (7) square miles. The project area is located on Bitterroot National Forest land up the West Fork, an hour from Darby, and is accessible by paved roads for 40 miles and then an additional 4 miles along all-weather gravel roads. US Critical Materials holds 223 lode claims on 4,700 acres. More than 50 carbonatite dikes have been identified in the prospect area.

Critical Materials executive director Harvey Kaye told MINING. com that in addition to high grades, the underground data shows a low thorium level — below 500 parts per million, which will negate the need for a Nuclear Regulatory Commission permit, likely speeding up the overall permitting process and will make extraction and processing easier, faster, and less damaging to the environment.

“What we believe is the differentiator between Sheep Creek and the other players is that these deposits are not 600 feet under the ground, but are more easily obtainable,” Kaye said. “We have the ability to bring these online, we believe, a lot faster than most that talk 10 years, when the reality is that all the American automotive compa -

nies, the Department of Defense, [and] renewable energy sources need these products now.”

Critical Materials president Hedrick said the pre-resource-stage deposit is valued at a “conservative” $43 billion. He added that the company’s geologists found 50 carbonatites over 800 acres, and they believe there is a “continuous source” underground that

ties it all together. He pointed out that the rare earths at Sheep Creek support the production of Samarium Cobalt — alternative rare earth magnets used in aerospace, automotive and military applications such as sidewinder missiles, and added that if cobalt production comes online in Montana the results could be a “marriage made in heaven.”

“As we drill in different areas over the 50 carbonatites, hopefully it is continuous, because there is some similarities between all of the carbonatites, ancylites, primarily, the main mineral…in some of the minor elements change on trend from northwest to the southeast… other elements, like gallium goes down, but then niobium goes up – but the rare earths are staying pretty much the same,” Hedrick said.

“That’s all a good indicator, and that there’s so many … it’s not a small area, but it’s a lot of carbonatites for 800 acres,” Hedrick said. “It’s showing that there is probably a similar source for all of these – and that’s what we’ll be going out there to prove.”

The company expanded the project area in October 2022 joining with Critical Materials Corp. and US Critical Materials Corp through US Rare Elements Corporation, the joint venture entity and added 169 new claims covering about 3,400 acres to the project for a combined total of 4,500 acres. In addition to expanding the number of claims, the partners have commenced detailed mapping, rock, soil and stream sediment sampling of the historic and new claims. Geophysical and permitting work are also currently underway.

Credit: US Critical Minerals.

US Critical Materials Corp Adit #1 portal. Credit: US Critical Minerals. US Critical Mineral’s Crowley Adit #3 at Sheep Creek, Montana, showing banded carbonatite exposed near the top of the right rib. Credit: US Critical Minerals.

Target practice: a cure for stress

Some weeks are just stressful. Even when there is not really a lot to do, most aspects of life seem to be moving along cleanly and life seems generally devoid of stressors, sometimes one cannot help but just feel overwhelmed with life. I believe that is a pretty regular sensation for the average person. There seem to be those days, and those weeks, that just get ahead of us and wear us down. Maybe we do not realize that is actually the side effect of weeks prior, or maybe it is a break in the chaos in which a person lets go of the controls and just feels those emotions that have stacked up.

Regardless of the reason, I have found that when I get into a slump, the best way to reset my mind is just to stop and do something productive outside of everyday life. For me, that is target practice, especially

by John Dowd

with a handgun. There are so many variables that weigh into that round contacting the target at the right place that even a bad day makes a bad shot. With a handgun, a person is limited to only two points of contact with the weapon, as opposed to four like with a rifle or shotgun. With a handgun, small things like even the way the trigger is pulled have significant effects down range. There is generally a shorter sight radius, the sights are further from the eye, innately less accurate ammunition is being used compared to rifle ammunition and many more aspects play into the challenge of pistol shooting. On top of all that, it seems that I always shoot the best when I feel good. Therefore, it seems natural for the reader to ask, “then why shoot on a bad day?”

Presents:

There seem to be two conclusions I can draw from practice on a bad day. One conclusion being that, on a day that is just irreparably bad, I will end up wasting a lot of ammo through frustration, which is not cheap in today’s world. The other is the one I like to stick to most of the time: that there is no better time to practice than under duress. The reality of anything is, anyone can do something when all the conditions are right and they are confident; i.e. anyone can do something when it is easy to do. It takes a committed person, with lots of training under stress, self control, patience, “stick-

to-itiveness” and potential to do something when the circumstances are challenging.

In life, when things seem their hardest, when the weather is the worst, when the competition so great and the stakes so high, those are the moments when doing a thing matters the most. This is true whether simply trying to become a better shot, or when life deals something that really matters in the world. I feel like these challenging times are when things to be done are most worth doing. It also happens, that when I think like that, It never fails that my aim becomes a little bit more true.

Victor Adult Education Spring 2023

Bitterroot Community Band:

The Bitterroot Community Band is still accepting new members! Any community member with band experience looking to get back into playing is invited to join us. Instruments can be rented through Victor School for $65. All questions can be directed to Amber Greymorning greymorning@victor.k12.mt.us

Meets: (Thursdays) Ongoing 7:00 p.m.-8:00 pm. Rehearsals will be held in the Music Room.

Cost: $25.00

First Aid & CPR:

This First Aid and CPR training and certifcation class covers infant, child and adult CPR/AED. Room Z

Instructor: Heart of the Valley CPR, Kristy Gaul

Meets: (Tuesday) April 18th 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Max of 10. Cost $25.00

Design Your Own Hanging Basket:

Visit the Victor School greenhouse anytime between the hours of 3pm - 6pm and use your creative ability to design your own foral hanging basket. We will provide a 12” white basket, soil, and annual plugs (small plants). You can grow the basket in our greenhouse until after the last frost of the year.

Cost is $30 and covers all the supplies needed. Sign up for both the hanging basket class and the Patio Planter class and only pay $25 per class.

Instructor: Cassy Worthington (406)531-2560

Meets: Friday March 31st 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Design your Own Patio Planter:

Visit the Victor School Greenhouse anytime between the hours of 4pm-7pm and use your creative ability to design your own foral patio Planter. We will provide a 13.5” Patio planter, soil, and annual plugs (small plants). Bring your mom and do a fun Mothers Day activity together or plant one for her as a gift. You can take the planter home or leave it in the greenhouse until the last frost of the year.

Cost is $30 and covers all the supplies needed. Sign up for both the Hanging Basket class and the Patio Planter class and only pay $25 per class.

Instructor: Cassy Worthington (406)531-2560

Meets: Friday May 12th 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Pottery Class: For beginners and intermediate students. Class includes instruction on wheel throwing & handbuilding, glazing & other decorative techniques. Projects will be demonstrated but students are free to work on their own independent projects if they choose. Classes held at Kelly Price Studio (2329 Betty Lane, Victor) Max 6 students per class.

Instructor: Kelly Price. Two classes offered.

Meets: (Thursday evenings 6:30-8:30 p.m.) First session March 30th–April 27th . Second session May 4th –June 5th Cost: $60.00 per student. Includes clay, glazes and fring fees.

Scrappy Applique: Students will learn Shannon Brinkley’s Scrappy Applique technique. Scrappy Applique is a fun, fast, and easy raw edge applique technique. This technique allows for so many creative possibilities! You will take scraps of fabric and create a beautiful quilt. Each project is unique and allows for a lot of creative expression. At the end of the workshop, you will have a nearly completed project. This class is perfect for beginner quilters as well as more advanced students interested in learning this rawedge applique technique. Students are required to purchase a Scrappy Applique pattern. You can purchase print patterns at: https://406quilts.com/shop or you can purchase online Digital Patterns at: https://shannon-brinkley.mykajabi.com/quilts?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fshannon-brinkley.mykajabi. com%2Fa%2F2147519672%2FNP9FyYTr as a download. Email me at if you have questions. A list of materials will be available at the front offce when you sign up for the class.

Instructor: Laurie Wildey.

Meets: (TUES &WED) March 14th,15th, 21st and 22nd.

Cost: $20.00

Ladies Night Basketball Open Gym:

Intermediate skill levels enjoy a work out and friendly competition.

Instructor: Bonnie Taylor.

Meets: (Tuesdays) March 14th -May 30th, 7:00-9:00 pm.

Cost: $5 a session or $20 for the season.

Intermediate Mix Media Painting: Bring your own brushes, paint-thinner in a wide mouth jar with lid and palate (if you have one). Paint and other supplies are provided. Class will be held in the Art Room.

Instructor: Steve Wilson

Meets: (THURS, FRI & SAT) April 13th and April 14th 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and April 15th 9:00 a.m. – Noon. Max of 12.

Cost: $35.00

Co-Ed Volleyball (Advanced):

This Class is intense and intended for those who have played a lot of volleyball. This is a very competitive group of players. Max 12. Gym

Instructor: Amber Kay

Meets: (FRI), beginning March 7th -May 5th. 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Co-Ed Basketball:

Cost: $25.00

This class is intended for those who would like to have fun and play some competitive basketball. Gym Instructor: Canyon Parks.

Meets: (SUNDAYS) March 12th -April 30th 6:00-8:00 pm. Open enrollment Cost: $5.00 per night or $20.00 per session

Shake it up, Baby!

Enhanced parenting through music and motion. Learn how to engage with your little one through music and movement while supercharging your baby’s early brain development!

The class is open to adult care-givers and the babies they care for ages 0 - 3years. 1 adult per child. In this class you will build an entire repertoire of songs, games and activities to do with your child. You will learn how to musically engage your baby at all developmental ages. You will be taught how to modify all the songs and games to match your baby’s developmental milestones as they learn and grow. Class will be held in the Victor School music room. Feel free to bring a baby tummy time blanket. Your enrollment fee earns you access to all classes and a take-home packet of all the songs and games learned in class.

Instructor: Amber Greymorning greymorning@victor.k12.mt.us

Meets: (Saturdays) March 18-May 20 11-11:40 a.m. Max of 10 adults.

Cost: $25

For more information about instructors you can visit our web-site at www.victor.k12.mt.us To sign up for a class, please call 642-3221.

BUDGET: Stevi Schools’ more than half a million dollar shortfall

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person’s duties and still provide students what they need.”

The other aspect challenging the budget, said Thenis, is the recent high absence rate among students. This is leading to reductions due to the enrollment average, which determines the funding schools receive. Each school determines their annual ANB, or Average Number Belong-

ing, from their attendance rate. This number is used by a school to collect funding from federal and state agencies. Thenis explained that another challenge resulting from the pandemic for many schools is attendance. According to him, since schools were more fexible on attendance during the pandemic, many students have gotten used to this laissez-faire ap-

proach to attendance.

Thenis says this is going to require some “habit adjustment” from school systems and teachers. “It is defnitely something we are working hard to fx.” He explained that the lack of attendance is more than just a problem for school funding. “School is hard enough, and when you’re missing bits and pieces it becomes

more challenging,” said Thenis. “Gaps in understanding of a topic contributes to being overwhelmed and can lead to dropouts,” bringing the situation full circle back to students not wanting to attend. To combat these issues, Thenis said that Principal Eric Larson and Assistant Principal Angie Armour, at Stevensville High School, have a plan.

ABSENCE: Stevi High School campaigns for better attendance

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coming to school every day. These videos were judged by local businesses and prizes were given out. Then all the videos were watched in classrooms.

Another efort has been sending out information home to parents. A letter was sent that talked about the campaign. The letter also asked about barriers faced by families in getting students to school so Stevensville High could address those challenges. For the month of March, the school is hosting a “March Madness” event, in which they are trying to get local police and frefghters involved. This will include

$100

Buy

a weekly drawing for the best attendance, which will lead to prizes.

Businesses who have donated and supported this campaign so far are

Romeo’s Italian Kitchen, Peacock Floral, Stevensville State Farm Insurance, Stevensville Parent Teacher Club, Stevensville Booster Club, Kodiak Jax, Super 1 Foods, Valley Drug & Variety, Trapper Peak Cofee and Cenex.

According to Larson, a popular voted prize has been a front parking spot. “We want students to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves,” said Larson. Classes are also encouraged to have friendly competition between themselves in attendance. For this, another popular prize has been to “pie” the school resource ofcer.

Armour explained that they want to make school a fun place that students want to be. Another plan is to create systems that carry on to following years, ofering more rewards for high student attendance. Hopefully, these systems will promote good attendance year after year.

is accepting applications for Trooper positions

For

Closing

For more information on getting involved with Stevensville Schools, call 406-777-5481

Principal Eric Larson (left) and Angie Armour (right) stand at either side of the Stevensville High School Attendance Matters campaign’s frst weekly drawing winner for perfect attendance last week, senior Daniel Braun (center). Photo courtesy Angie Armour.

The legislative session is halfway done

This week we reached our transmittal break, marking the halfway point of the 68th Legislature. Probably the most-discussed legislation so far is our tax relief package, which we refer to as the “8 pack.” We’ve also passed a number of technology-focused privacy bills, dozens upon dozens of red tape relief bills, and several bills to improve the integrity of our elections.

The “8 pack” tax relief package includes two bills providing one-time income and property tax rebates to Montanans, two bills providing permanent tax relief to individuals, two bills permanently reducing taxes on Montana businesses, one bill paying off the state’s debt, and one bill investing in road and bridge infrastructure to prevent future tax increases. Altogether, the bills add up to $1 billion in tax relief, making this the largest tax cut in Montana history.

Rapp grants available

On the topic of election integrity, we’ve advanced a bill that would double the number of precincts and elections that receive a post-election audit. Another bill would remove the exemption that prevents counties that don’t use counting machines from performing audits. A third bill would prohibit state and local governments from using outside money to conduct elections. Many more election security bills have advanced as well.

by Jason Ellsworth

Several bills from Senate Republicans protecting Montanans’ right to privacy have been advancing through the legislative process. Banning the state from using continuous facial recognition surveillance technology drew bipartisan support in the Senate. The Genetic Information Privacy Act would require companies that work with genetic information to be transparent about the usage of that information.

The Consumer Data Privacy Act requires companies to obtain consent prior to gathering or using Montanans’ electronic data and gives Montanans the right to have their data deleted.

The Legislature has been working in partnership with Governor Gianforte to help get government off the backs of hardworking Montanans. In total, 185 Red Tape Relief bills have been introduced this session, with 12 having been signed by the Governor already and another 41 headed to his desk for his signature. Another 104 have already passed their first chamber. These bills cover a variety of regulatory areas, but one thing they have in common is that they make it easier for people to live, work, and recreate in Montana.

The halfway point of the legislative session is a good time to reflect on what’s been accomplished. Although I’ve only highlighted a few areas that we have been working in, we have and will continue to deliver on the promises that we’ve campaigned on. Securing our elections, protecting our privacy, reducing regulations, and providing financial relief to Montanans are just a few examples of us keeping those promises.

Jason Ellsworth represents Senate District 43 in the Bitterroot Valley and is the President of the Montana Senate.

The Rapp Family Foundation is beginning its 32nd year of supporting non-proft organizations in Ravalli County. All organizations that have an IRS 501(c)3 letter qualify. Churches are automatically considered 501(c)3 charities, as long as they meet the criteria required by the IRS and continually ad-

here to 501(c)3 requirements. Public Schools tax-exempt status under 501(c)3 is not required in order for such organizations to qualify for private foundation grants. Government entities are also eligible to apply.

The Regular Quarterly Grant has a maximum of $5,000. Qualifed organizations may request

an application by going to rappfamilyfoundation. org or emailing rappffapp2014@gmail.com.

The deadline for applications is March 10, 2023. Application questions for 2023 have changed so be sure the application you submit is # 02152023. If you have questions email rappfapp2014@ gmail.com.

Fort Owen State Park to reopen

Fort Owen State Park near Stevensville opens for the season on March 1, 2023. The park is open 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.

Fort Owen ofers a unique piece of history as the original site of Montana’s frst Catholic Church. In 1850 John Owen transformed the mission

into a trading post for all peoples. Fort Owen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and allows visitors to explore historic buildings including the original East Barracks. For more information on Fort Owen State Park, visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/fort-owen.

Farmers State Bank Scholarship application deadline

The deadline for scholarship applications from Farmers State Bank is Wednesday, March 15, 2023. A $10,000 Scholarship is available to a qualifying student in Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor, Stevensville, Florence, Missoula, Helena and Kalispell – nine scholarships total. Don’t delay! Access the application requirements and apply online today at farmersEbank.com/scholarship.

The awards are for $2,500 each and renewable for up to three years, for a total of $10,000 per student. Preference will be given to high school seniors with a 2.5 to 3.5 grade point average, who are active in school and

community activities and plan to attend an accredited two- or four-year college, university or technical-vocational school full-time in the upcoming academic year.

To ensure impartiality, this program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship/ tuition assistance. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin. For more information and scholarship eligibility requirements, visit www. farmersebank.com/scholarship.

Everyone meet Sheena!

Sheena is a beautiful 2 year old lab cross. She is looking for a home where she can burn of some energy but cuddle up on a couch at the end of the day. She loves attention and needs a family who can be patient with her. Her adoption fees have been paid.

Rosalie Florence Recore

It is with great sadness that the Recore family announces the passing of Rosalie Florence (Tkaczyk) Recore of Stevensville, Montana on February 28, 2023. She was born in Whately on Oct. 25,1939 to John A. and Helen (Waryasz) Tkaczyk. Growing up in South Deerfeld, she was a 1957 graduate of Frontier Regional High School where she met the love of her life, Bob Recore. They married on September 20,1958 and spent all of their married life in South Deerfeld and Conway until Bob’s passing in 2011. After Bob’s passing, Rosie moved to Stevensville, Montana to be near her son, John.

She was employed by the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, where she became the frst women groundskeeper, her responsibilities included the elaborate fower gardens at the Chancellor’s residence. After retirement she worked at the Conway Transfer Station, where she established the “Conway Mall”, which is a free general store for Conway residents, where clothing, household goods and other donated items are repurposed.

After moving to Montana, Rosie became very active in her adopted community, becoming a key volunteer at the Pantry Partners Food Bank, she also volunteered at the Senior Center and for several annual community events. She especially enjoyed the view of the mountains in all directions from her home and the abundant wildlife in the Lee Metcalf

Carol Agnes Spang

Stevensville - Carol Agnes Spang, 80 of Stevensville, MT, passed away in her sleep on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 at home, as was her wish.

She was born July 19, 1942 in Waterbury, CT to Cora Bell Ashe and later adopted by Elmer Rosenthal after he married Cora.

She is survived by four brothers: Bill Lauer and Bob Rosenthal of Hamilton, Ken Rosenthal of Langley, Washington, Skip Rosenthal of Stevensville, and two sisters, Beverly Rosenthal of Bend, Oregon and Dee Dee Ashe of Lake Havasu, Arizona. She is preceded in death by her sister, Donna Rosenthal.

Carol has four daughters, Cathy Spang of Stevensville, Judith Hutchinson of Coolidge, AZ, Roberta Taylor of Henderson, NV and Donna Renfro of Joshua Tree, CA.

She was blessed with eight grandchildren and 11 great grandkids.

Carol worked many jobs with her last employment as an Electronics Inspector for General Dynamics in Pomona, CA for over 10 years.

She was married to Ralph D. Willcox for 32 years before his death in 1993. She married again in 2002 to Raymond F. Spang. They resided in Stevensville with Raymond passing in 2014.

Carol enjoyed bowling, crocheting, sewing, bingo, and her favorite large root beer foats. She is remembered by all as a very sweet person.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the Riverside Cemetery in Stevensville. Condolences and memories may

be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Barbara McLaughlin

Victor - Barbara McLaughlin, 92, passed away Monday, February 27, 2023 at her home in Victor.

Barbara was born on July 31, 1930 in Denver, CO to Gilbert and Katherine Gordanier. She was a high school graduate.

Barbara was married to Richard McLaughlin on May 12, 1950 in Denver. She was the Head Administrator at the Denver Federal Center for 35 years, retiring in 1986. After a few years of leisure, she went to work for Public Service of Colorado, handling special delinquent accounts due to medical bills. She retired again in 2000.

Barbara enjoyed reading books and going to painting classes. She moved to Victor in 2003 after her house was built. She enjoyed doing all of the landscaping around the house and really enjoyed the outdoors. Barbara was a member of the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene and participated in many of the church’s activities. She especially enjoyed organizing the children’s Christmas boxes for many years. This was one of her greatest joys! She

Patricia J. Dunham

Stevensville - Patricia J. Dunham, 100 years and 6 months exactly, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at the Living Center in Stevensville.

She was born September 1, 1922 in Hanford, CA to Joseph S. and Etta Matilda (Hamilton) Costa. She graduated from high school. Patricia was married to Lloyd B. Dunham on November 6, 1952.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Shawn Tipps, her husband, Lloyd Dunham, a son David Dunham and a brother, Jay Costa. Survivors include her two daughters, Patti Tipps and Debi Hamel; her grandchildren, Patty Jo, Debbie Jo, Denny, Joey and Jason; twelve great-grandchildren; great-grandchildren; seven granddogs.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Whitesitt Funeral Home. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Wildlife Refuge. All the neighborhood kids will miss Rosie’s baked goods and the neighborhood dogs will miss their “cookie” stop.

Rosie was a fearless spitfre of a woman. She met life (and death), on her own terms.

Rosie leaves behind three sons and their spouses. John and Barbara of Victor, MT, Jimmy and Stephanie of Conway, MA, Wally and Kat of Rindge, NH. In addition she is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Rose and her husband Ed of Conway, 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Death Notices

Amanda O. Randall

Victor - Amanda O. Randall, 80, passed away in the afternoon, Sunday, February 26, 2023, at the family home in Victor. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Doris M. Hervilla

Hamilton - Doris M. Hervilla, 93, passed away in the morning, Friday, February 24, 2023 at the Bee Hive Homes in Hamilton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Masayo Lutz Hamilton - Masayo Lutz, 88, passed away in the evening, Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Bitterroot Health Hospital in Hamilton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Gary Thomas Duncan Missoula - Gary Thomas Duncan, 45, died from a gunshot wound by Missoula Law Enforcement in the afternoon, Saturday, February 18, 2023, after an incident at the Clinton Market in Clinton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Lynette M. Cox

Missoula - Lynette M. Cox, 77, passed away in the afternoon, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, in the ambulance while enroute to St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com

Thomas Charles Cratty

Victor - Thomas Charles “Tom” Cratty, 69, of Victor, MT, passed away Friday, March 3rd, 2023 at St Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

was also a member of the Joy Club.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, a son Daniel and a daughter, Katherine. Survivors include a son David and his wife Debbie of Bozeman, MT; a daughter, Susan of Victor; two granddaughters, one grandson, and fve great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene in early May and will be announced. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Crossword Puzzle

Go, Lady Broncs!

The Hamilton girls are the #2 seed in the west and play Billings Central, the east’s #3 seed, on March 9th at 3:30 p.m. in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman. Billings Central is 18-3 on the year and is one of the strongest teams in the state.

Hamilton head coach Boone Nelson said, “Billings Central is a great team. They lost seven seniors last year from a team that took 2nd at state, but they reloaded and are just as strong this year.” Nelson continued, “They’re very similar to us and play a lot like we do. They’re smaller, play an up-tempo game, are very athletic, attack on ofense and play a pressure defense to create turnovers.”

There are 12 days from the end of divisionals until the state tournament begins, and the Lady Broncs have been using their time wisely. “There’s a long time between divisionals and state, so we want to be efcient in our practices. We do what we need to do and get in and out. We’ll do a tight ninety minute practice to stay fresh instead of a grinding two-hour practice,” said Nelson.

Injuries have impacted the Hamilton girls this year, but Nelson feels good going into state. “We’re getting healthier. I won’t say we’re 100% healthy but all the bodies are back. We’re using these two weeks to challenge our team to practice hard. We had a fantastic divisional tournament and I’m proud of how our girls competed and adapted, and we want that to spill over into state.”

When asked about the keys to success at state, Nelson said, “We’re going to have to execute at a high level in all aspects of the game, but defense and rebounding are key for us. Central has a high power ofense, so we need to get stops and get rebounds so we can transition and get our shots up.”

Nelson is proud of seniors Layne Kearns, Taryn Searle, and Lexi Brenneman. “They have had a lot of success in their high school careers, but they haven’t won a game on Thursday at state and they want to change that this year. They are very motivated and hungry to get it done at state. All the teams in the tournament are strong,” continued Nelson. “Any one of the teams can make a run if they get hot. It’s going to be exciting.”

Go, Broncs!

The Hamilton boys are the #4 seed from the west and play Lewistown, the east’s #1 seed, on March 9th at 8:00 p.m. in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman. The Hamilton boys lost to Lewistown in the frst round of the state tournament last year. Lewistown has been the #1 ranked Class A team in the state all year and hasn’t lost a game since losing the State Championship game to Butte Central last March.

Hamilton’s coach Travis Blome said of Lewistown, “They are one of the best teams in the state. They have two great players in Brown and Robinson, and their supporting cast is excellent. They’re big and physical, and both their inside and outside games are exceptional. They’ve only lost two games in the last two years, so it’s going to be a challenge for us.”

Blome knows all the teams at state are going to be tough, and the message to the team has been, “to be successful we need to maximize our strengths and control our efort - everyone needs to play their role, give max efort and execute. In the Lewsitown game we need to rebound well and limit second chance points. But overall, at this time of the season we need to play our game and control all the little things. If we do that, we will give ourselves a chance against any team.”

Hamilton lost two close, 50/50 games in Divisionals, but Blome was happy with his team’s response. “I’m super proud of the kids, especially after losing to Frenchtown (in the divisional semifnals). We had to play the next morning and the kids could have had a let down, but they took care of business against Browning. I’m proud of our bounce back.”

Overall, Blome is extremely proud of his team this season. “We have a strong team top to bottom and I’m proud of the way the kids put the team frst and put their egos aside. Our seniors (Max Cianfone, Eli Taylor, Asher Magness, and Liam O’Connell) have provided great leadership and we will miss them all. It’s going to be a little bittersweet losing these kids next year.”

Community Medical Center announces new cardiovascular building

Community Medical Center (CMC), part of Lifepoint Health, is pleased to announce the investment of $17.9 million dollars to build a new cardiovascular center. The project, which includes a new 19,015 square foot expansion and renovation of the current heart and vascular center, is slated to break ground this fall and will take approximately two years to

complete. “This is truly an exciting time for Community Medical Center and the entire region we serve. This project ensures patients in Missoula and the surrounding areas have greater access to timely cardiac interventions. The new building and growth of our cardiovascular service line is a demonstration of our commitment to expanding access to services and invest-

ing in new technology and capabilities to meet the needs of our growing community. “ said Bob Gomes, Chief Executive Ofcer of CMC. The new, expanded center will be located adjacent to the current heart and vascular center on the Community Medical Center campus of South Ave. It will include a distinct non-invasive cardiovascular diagnostic testing

SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry And Services

Proudly serving South West Montana 505 Main Street in Deer Lodge

Open Monday - Friday 10-5 • 406-846-4777

Double K Ranch

Tuesday-Saturday

Deli phone: 406-493-0306

Calendar continued

scientists/siblings 6-7 welcome. Parents/caregivers must register themselves as well as each child attending.

Step One to Beekeeping - Thurs, Mar. 9 at 6:30pm

Are you considering taking up beekeeping? Curious about honeybees and hives?

Take the frst step on your beekeeping journey by attending this special presentation by Tim Meyer, VP of Beekeepers of the Bitterroot. He will discuss the basics of bee biology and hive life, explain what equipment you must have and what can wait, and describe how to best prepare for your role as beekeeper. Zoom option available. Registration required.

Lenten Fish Fry

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

Emergency Preparedness classes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly Emergency Preparedness classes. They are held at 7pm at the

Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: March 9:

“Cooking that Wheat—Recipes and samples of great tasting food that maybe you hadn’t considered; April 13:

“Alternative Cooking Methods (Apple Box & Wonder Cookers) and Fire starters (assembling them). You can attend any or all classes. Classes typically run 60-90 minutes. Call 513-312-5494 with questions.

Bitterroot Womens’ Newcomers Club

Are you new to the Bitterroot Valley? Perhaps you are recently retired? Or you have been living in the valley for quite some time but would like to meet new and interesting women? If so, the Bitterroot Womens’ Newcomers Club is for you! You are welcome to attend their next meeting on Thursday, March 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon at the First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Rd., Hamilton. After a short business meeting, the program will include a presentation by Stephanie Sipes from the Bitterroot Land Trust. Come and join this great group of women!

Rotary Club

On Monday, March 10, Rotary speaker/Performer will be Trisha Fein, Violinist. Rotary is an international service organization of over one million members that focuses its service and fnancial support on public health. Rotary meets Mondays at noon at BJs restaurant. Guests and

prospective members are welcome,

Square dance classes

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

‘Gilligan’s Island, The Musical’

This is a family-friendly musical based on the popular 60’s TV show. Seven shipwrecked castaways explore their island home with help from Gilligan and the Skipper. This comedy is flled with wacky slapstick antics and showcases the “Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle” from the TV show, plus 18 original songs. Music and lyrics are by Hope and Larence Juber; based on the book by Sherwood and Lloyd J. Schwartz. The show runs: March 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12, 19, 26 at 2:00 p.m.

This show is likely to sell out quickly, so be sure to make your reservations early!

Accordion jam

Come enjoy the music and dancing to good accordion music on Sunday, March 12th,

area, space for two cardiac catheterization labs, ten new exam rooms and expanded physician ofce and clinical support areas. It will house most of the services ofered by Billings Clinic Heart and Vascular, a partnership between Billings Clinic and Community Medical Center to provide full-time interventional and clinical cardiology services, including 24/7 STEMI coverage, electrophysiology and cardiac ultrasound services.

Community Medical Center is the only hospital in Western Montana that is an Accredited Chest Pain Center by the American College of Cardiology. CMC’s Cardiologists provide interventional & non-invasive heart and vascular care to patients in Missoula. They also provide preventive care and management of chronic heart conditions from satellite locations in Deer Lodge, Polson, Ronan, Superior & Stevensville. “This new, modern facility will not only ensure we can address the growing need for cardiovascular services

and technologies in our communities, it also helps us to attract top physicians to our program to serve the heart care needs of our patients and our community,” said Billings Clinic Heart and Vascular interventional cardiologist, Dr. Douglas Waldo. “At Community Medical Center, our mission is making communities healthier. Part of that mission is providing increased access to healthcare technologies to the communities we serve. In addition to the announcement of our new cardiovascular center, we are excited about our expanded and remodeled Emergency Department, which is set to open this summer. Along with these facility expansions, we are also expanding our services and hiring new physicians and support staf,” said Community Medical Center CEO, Bob Gomes. “We are proud to be part of this community and want to ensure we not only meet the current needs of Montanans, but also to ensure we are well placed to meet the future demand.”

The Big Hole Valley Association of Wisdom and Jackson MT

would like to thank everyone for their support of the 2023 SkiJoring Event in Wisdom.

Thanks

• To the 40 volunteers that help put on the race

• To the competitors that create the excitement and to the spectators that make it all worthwhile

• And a special thanks to our Bitterrrot Valley Sponsors who make this race possible

Bitterroot Brewing Co. Hamilton Horstman Construction, LLC Inside Out Handyman LLC

Nicole Jones/ Engel & Volkers Western Frontier

Shayna Rupp/Engel & Volkers Western Frontier

The Big Hole Valley SkiJoring is an annual event and fundraiser to beneft our community and beyond and takes place every last weekend in February; go to www.bigholevalley.com for information.

1-4 pm at the Senior Center of Missoula. 705 S. Higgins. $7 at the door (no refreshments available so bring your own). Help keep this organization alive!

Community Game Night

The Three Mile Community Center will be hosting a family game night on Friday, March 17th from 6 to 9 p.m. at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. There will be board games, card games, indoor cornhole and many more. No charge, just come have an evening of fun with your family and friends. Call 406544-4994 or 360-3385 for more info.

Chili cook-of beneft for Stevi PD

The Stevensville Police Department will hold its 2nd annual Chili Cookof and Fundraiser on Saturday, March 18 from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center, 333 Charlos, Stevensville. Funds raised will go towards ongoing equipment needs of the department, continuing education and to give back to the community. There will be a rafe, a silent and live auction, and music by Joan Zen. There is a $25.00 fee to enter the chili competition; entry forms are available online at www.townofstevensville.com on the Police page, or can be picked up at Town Hall or the Police Department during regular business hours. (Cash or check only please.) The cost to attend the event is $5.00 at the door (cash) and includes a bowl of chili, a side and a nonalcoholic drink. There will be a cash bar with beer and wine.

Introduction to Defensive Handguns for Women

March 18 & April 8 2023

This 2 day course is for women with little or no experience with handguns, who may be frightened of handguns or who are considering acquiring a handgun. The 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 will be discussed.The class will be held at the Whittecar Range on Blodgett View Road and is limited to 10 participants. For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or Jim at 3608392.Successful completion of this two day course meets the education requirements for application to the state for a concealed carry permit.

Corvallis Civic Club

The Corvallis Civic Club will meet on Monday,

March 20, at 7:00 pm in the Corvallis High School Library. In addition to discussion of ongoing Civic Club projects, there will be a brief presentation by Corvallis School Board members about the proposed school levy. All are welcome to attend and help the club continue its mission of supporting projects that beneft the Corvallis community. Come and be part of making our community the best it can be.

Tax-Aide program

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will be offering free tax return services to all ages in Stevensville this year. To schedule an appointment call the Senior Center (406)777-5681 between 10 a.m. and noon on Monday, Wednesday or Friday only.

Reserve the NVPL Community Room

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

Star Calendar Policy

The Bitterroot Star will run Calendar items for non-proft organizations free of charge. Deadline for each Wednesday’s paper is each Monday at 12 noon. Submit your item by email to: editor@ bitterrootstar.com. For more information contact Victoria at 406-777-3928.

While we wait for the skwala hatch

The skwala stonefy, that big #8 olive-brown bug that stirs the Bitterroot’s trout out of their winter lethargy, isn’t here yet. Some years it shows in early March, but not this year. There are other fshable hatches that show before the skwala does. The skwala is third in succession behind the frst group of early stonefies, the #18 and #20 capnea family.

Next come the #12 and #14 stonefies that can vary from a sooty gray to a decidedly dark brown-olive. I’d be content to call them little brown stones and little gray stones and let it go at that; the most numerous gray ones appear to be nemoura, and that’s what they’re all called locally.

by Chuck Stranahan

So far one of my river sleuths reports seeing two of the little #18 black ones and no surface takes in their vicinity. So, we fsh nymphs.

Skwala (and other) nymphs

A popular method is to throw a #8 dark-colored rubber legs for the skwala, cast after cast, maybe tied below a foam buoy that somehow resembles a skwala adult. Easy way to detect strikes, but for the most part the dry fy is wishful thinking.

My own choice for a second fy would be a smaller food-form nymph tied of the back of the bigger one. The usual suspects, a Hare’s Ear or Pheasant Tail in #14 will resemble much of what’s out there, and until the bigger skwala stonefy nymphs are staged along the banks and ready to migrate ashore, the smaller fy will catch

more fsh. The bigger one might get taken on the next cast – and if it doesn’t, it gets the little fy down where it might be taken.

I fsh the bigger nymph on a 3X tippet, and drop to a 4X or 5X to tie of the smaller fy.

Double nymph rigs

You have a choice of methods here: The conventional way is to knot the lighter leader of the bend of the #8 nymph with a clinch knot, and about two feet behind that, tie on the smaller fy.

I prefer something diferent: I’ll go down through the eye of the big fy with 3X material, and knot a 2’ section of 4X to that with a three or four turn surgeon’s knot. The fy isn’t knotted on – it slides up and down the leader. I’ll tie the small fy of the end of the 4X.

Result: The bigger fy rides free on the leader, moves naturally in the current and produces more strikes. Rigging up is simpler and only involves two knots instead of three. The system is surprisingly tangle-free.

You can fsh this rig as-is from shore as you comb the likely water at various depths, or add a bobber wherever conditions indicate.

If you’re foating, strap on a bobber three feet up from the bigger fy, chuck ‘em and duck ‘em.

GROW WITH US!

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

COME SEE WHAT THE EXCITEMENT IS ABOUT!

More spring housecleaning

Speaking for myself, I’m waiting for warmer weather before I fsh. For now I have a vest to go through. I’m not among the fy fshers who have made the transition to the sling pack. I’ve tried, and no thanks.

I fnd the pack distributes weight unevenly, something I’m achingly aware of by day’s end. I can’t grab my net easily when I need it, and swinging the whole pack around to the front is a pain every time I have to change fies or replace a tippet.

Back to the vest.

Orienting the vest

First comes hardware: I’m right-handed, so the tools hang on the left side, out of the way. I don’t want dangling doodads tangling my line while I’m casting. When

I change fies my rod is clamped under my right upper arm, which makes an easy reach to the left with my right hand to grab a clipper or hook hone.

That’s also where I want my gel foatant, hanging upside-down in its holder. The powder foatant that rejuvenates a drowned dry fy stays in the small pocket below.

The workhorse fy box also gets stored in the big left-hand pocket. The back-up fy boxes get stored on the right side.

In the upper pockets on each side I’ll store tippet material, spare tapered leaders, indicators and weight.

That puts what I use most where I can get at it, easily and efciently. The rest can be stored around those essentials.

The idea is to keep it simple, convenient, and have fun out there.

*(Includes gas stipend if you live 25 or more miles from the facility)

It won’t be long before we’re fshing Skwala imitations

WEST: Holster maker draws inspiration from the past

continued from page 1

Bachman, going so far as to even try to fnd leather processed in ways similar to original pieces. He commented that leather today is far inferior to that of the time. He has observed that, as cattle are slaughtered younger today, the leather has less time to age, mature and form as tight a grain as leather that was made in the late 19th century. Back then cattle were often slaughtered when much older. He tries to get every detail reproduced that he can in his fnished product, and would love a chance to work leather just as it was at the time.

After some time, a gun writer did a story about one of his holsters in American Hand Gunner Magazine. In the article the writer mentioned that Bachman had a catalogue, which he did not yet. “I got over 500 requests in three weeks!” Bachman said. So, he made the catalogue.

Since then, Bachman has done well. He makes most of his sales online and attends at least two gun shows a year. He does one show in

Colorado and one in Wyoming, along with other local ones when he can. He usually ships fve to eight orders a week and works in his shop full-time, cranking out pieces. He has over 500 patterns just in holsters and makes everything else from saddle bags to ammunition pouches. He says he provides lots of variety, and specifcally wanted to mention that he does numerous concealed, and feld carry pieces. His business is located in Florence and his products can be viewed on his website, www. oldwestreproductions. com. He can also be contacted by phone at (406) 273-2615.

paymentsof$13.89per$1,000fnanced.Someexceptionsapply.Termssubjecttochange.Ofersexpire06/30/2023.Tismaterialisfordescriptivepurposesonly.Kubotadisclaimsallrepresentationsandwarranties,expressorimplied,oranyliabilityfromtheuseofthismaterial.Formore information,seeDealerorgotoKubotaUSA.com.Example:0%Down,0%A.P.R.fnancingforupto60monthsonpurchasesofselectnewKubotaBX238 $0Down,0%A.P.R.fnancingforupto36monthsorcustomerinstantrebatesof$500areavailableonpurchasesofnewKubotaRTV-XG850&RTV-1100CSeriesequipmentfromparticipatingdealer’sin-stockinventory.PromotionalrateavailabletoqualifedpurchasersthroughKubota CreditCorporation,U.S.A.subjecttocreditapproval.Example:36monthlypaymentsof$27.78per$1,000fnanced.$500rebateisnotavailablewith0%A.P.R.orotherpromotionalfnancing.Someexceptionsapply.Ofersexpire03/31/23.Termssubjecttochange.Tismaterialisfor descriptivepurposesonly.Kubotadisclaimsallrepresentationsandwarranties,expressorimplied,oranyliabilityfromtheuseofthismaterial.Forcompletewarrant,disclaimer,safety,incentiveoferandproductinformation,consultyourDealerorKubotaUSA.com.

Photo

Rick Bachman works on tooling a holster-to-be.

Photo by John Dowd.

Loads of Dignity: more than just clean laundry

by Nathan Boddy

Some people are able to take hard situations, and turn them into something new and wonderful. One such person is Stefani Jackson, who several years ago lost a job in healthcare following her own medical complications. The turn of events did not stop her, however, and Jackson took the opportunity to ask herself the very real questions about what she really needed out of life.

“I needed a purpose,” she says about the realization, and thereupon set out to fnd a way to provide a lift in the dignity and self worth of others. Recalling her own youth while growing up in a motorhome and doing laundry in a horse trough, Jackson had another realization about what simple cleanliness could do for others in need. While she says that she is no grant writer, she began the process and was successful in securing a community grant through Walmart.

It was 2019 when she started the non-proft, Loads of Dignity, which provides a free way for homeless and low-income people to wash and dry clothes at the Fast n Flufy laundromat in Hamilton. Participants schedule a date to do their wash by contacting Loads of Dignity, and arriving at the laundromat on the scheduled appointment day. In addition to the wash, participants can be provided with a hygiene bag of goods, shower vouchers and a children’s bag with activity items.

Jackson says that people using

the Loads of Dignity service remain completely anonymous while at the laundromat, needing only to provide their frst name at the counter in order to receive detergent and get access to a

a nonjudgemental, social setting. Having clean clothes and a way to maintain good hygiene goes a long way toward helping them feel accepted.

To illustrate her point, Jackson

report. “He said, ‘I don’t smell,’” says Jackson, “‘and they want to play with me.’”

She also shares the story of watching two young boys rush into the Laundromat bathroom with their favorite pairs of pajamas, fresh from the dryer, in order to put them on while clean and warm.

Unfortunately, there are still many area residents who are need of such services, and those numbers have increased since the recent changes in MERA (Montana Emergency Rental Assistance), which provided rent and utility assistance to Montanans in need following the Covid pandemic. Jackson anticipates many more in need of her assistance and reported that she’d received seven new families applying in the hours before speaking with the Bitterroot Star.

Chapter One Bookstore in downtown Hamilton is hosting a fundraiser and serving as a collection point for Loads of Dignity throughout the month of March. In addition to fnancial support (which is always welcome) Loads of Dignity can always make use of items such as toothpaste, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, fruit snacks, juice boxes, puzzles and more.

machine.

“When they walk away from that desk, nobody in that laundromat knows that they are (using our service.) It’s important to me.” Jackson says that she sees how important it is for people to feel as though they are in

tells the heartbreaking story of a chance encounter with a small boy whose family had turned to Loads of Dignity for help with their laundry. The boy excitedly whispered to Stefani that he had new friends, which was something that he seemed anxious to

When asked if it feels as though she was successful in fnding her purpose, Jackson doesn’t pause. “It does, because I followed my passion and I found my purpose. My passion is people, and self worth and dignity.”

To learn more, visit https://www. loadsofdignity.com or https://www. facebook.com/lodignity.

Local Council on Aging joins March for Meals celebration

The Ravalli County Council on Aging announced today that it will be participating in the 21st annual March for Meals, a month-long, nationwide celebration of Meals on Wheels. Our senior neighbors who rely on this essential service to remain healthy and independent at home, now even more so amid a lingering pandemic and high infation.

“In 2021, the council provided 28,193 meals to the clients of Ravalli County,” said Cathy Orr,

Executive Director of RCCOA. “In 2022, that number grew and continues to grow as the number of seniors in the Bitterroot continues to climb. There’s still so much we must do to ensure everyone in need of our vital lifeline can beneft from being well-nourished and more connected to our community through this challenging time and beyond.”

The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day in March of 1972 when

President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. This critical support and federal funding has fueled the growth of the Meals on Wheels network for more than 50 years.

During the month, community-based Meals on

See MEALS, page 20

Stefani Jackson stands near her Loads of Dignity display at Chapter One Bookstore in Hamilton. Chapter One will be hosting a fundraiser for the area non-proft for the month of March.

Photo by Nathan Boddy.

1-866-585-6456.

LIVING ESTATE SALE–

WALK BACK IN TIME!

110 Pine St., Stevi. 3/10 - 10 to 2, 3/11 - 10 to 2, 3-11 - 10 to 1 (most items free). Complete household full of everything, but this sale is a conundrum! Many of the well used items are from years back, however there are treasures to be found. Plus there are 50+ gumball/candy machines!

Many items are not priced, so bargains will be made at checkout. Bring boxes, bags and trucks, but don’t wear white! The candy machines plus furniture, tools, lawn mower, snow blower, etc. are in the garage. NO earlies - CASH.

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

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

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

APT. FOR RENT. Fully furnished 1br. 1bath also double bed/couch. New appliances. All utilities paid. Security and damage dep. req. No pets, no smokers. $1600.00 per month. 208-827-3101

NORTH VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY in Stevensville is hiring a Library Assistant (Part-Time). Great opportunity for the right local candidate if you love books, libraries, HELPING PEOPLE and have EXCELLENT COMPUTER SKILLS. Please visit the careers page on our website for complete details and how to apply.

WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE for moms and babies in Montana?

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies-MT is hiring an Executive Director. Learn more at www.hmhb-mt.org

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

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

Corrine Campbell, Physical Therapy/ Myofascial Release, 406-777-2679. Elizabeth Harper-Schurman, Counseling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy. 406-3042517. 5501 Hwy 93N, Ste. 101, Florence, MT. SNOW SHOVELING AND SNOW PLOWING. 406-207-1793.

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

NOTICE OF FILING FOR TRUSTEE CANDIDATES:

Lone Rock School District# 13 is looking to fll two (2) Trustee positions each for a 3-year term. If interested in being part of a board that has a focus on high quality education, please fle by March 23, 2023 by 4:00pm with the Business Manager/ Clerk at Lone Rock School –(406) 777-3314. Forms can be found on the school website. BS 2-15, 3-15-23.

TANKO LAW OFFICE BRIAN C. TANKO, ESQ. Montana Bar No. 5194 392 - 1st Avenue East North Kalispell MT 59901 Tel: (406) 257-3711

Fax: (406) 257-3722

Email: btanko@tanko.law. com Web: www.tankolaw.com

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

HOWARD F. RECHT

District Court Judge

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

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

DATED this 9th day of September, 2022.

/s/ Barton J. Adams, Personal Representative

Submitted by: TANKO LAW OFFICE /s/ Brian C. Tanko, Esq.

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6:00 pm

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 9, 2023, 6:00 pm at their regularly scheduled meeting held at 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870 for the purpose of fnal plat review of Burnt Fork Estates Phase 1. Comments to be considered may be given orally at the hearing, submitted in writing via email to jenelle@townofstevensville.com or mail to the Town Clerk, PO Box 30,

Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 pm on March 9, 2023. Questions, comments or more information can be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk at 406-777-5271.

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

REQUEST FOR PRO-

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

February 17, 2023

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

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

Training and employment, as well as contracting opportunities are presented in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Opportunity Portal at https://hudapps.hud.gov/OpportunityPortal/ [hudapps.hud. gov]. Prospective trainees, employees, and contractors of HUD-assisted projects are encouraged to utilize this resource to identify opportunities. In addition, contractors are encouraged to register on HUD’s Section 3 Business Registry at https://portalapps. hud.gov/Sec3BusReg/BReg-

istry/SearchBusiness [portalapps.hud.gov] if they meet HUD’s requirements for a Section 3 Business Concern. Registrants will receive targeted outreach for opportunities pertaining to assisted projects that are covered by Section 3. CDBG regulations governing the grant also require that opportunities for contracting will be extended to minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged (“DBE/MBE/WBE”) businesses. DBE/MBE/WBE frms are encouraged to register on Montana’s DBE Registry at https://www.mdt. mt.gov/business/contracting/ civil/dbe.shtml. Registrants will receive targeted outreach for opportunities pertaining to assisted projects that are covered by DBE/MBE/WBE.

The full RFP is available from the Hamilton City Clerk’s Ofce and on the City of Hamilton website at www. cityofhamilton.net.

Proposals shall be emailed to the Hamilton City Clerk at cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net by the proposal due date. For alternative delivery methods please contact the City Clerk. Responses must be received by the City Clerk’s Ofce no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 10, 2023. Late responses will not be accepted and any response received after the due date and time will be returned unopened.

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

Publish:

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

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

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

Cause No.: DV-23-51

Dept. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING

ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Sarah Lavonne Sargent to Sarah Lavonne Gingerich-Sargent.. The hearing will be on March 29, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County. DATED this 15th day of February, 2023.

Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court

BY: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk of Court BS 2-22, 3-1, 3-8, 3-1523.

LEGAL NOTICE

Guardianship Hearing –Chavez

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In the Matter of Guardianship of Mahalani A Aina Artemis Chavez, Duane Dee and Leeann Lynn Dufresne, Petitioners Case No. DG-23-10

NOTICE OF GUARDIANSHIP HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the guardianship hearing will be held on March 23, 2023 at 1:30 pm in Ravalli County District Court #2, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton.

Jennifer B. Lint District Court Judge BS 3-1, 3-8, 3-15-23.

David T. Markette

Dustin M. Chouinard

Megan S. Winderl 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 ELLYN PALMER JONES, Deceased. Probate No. DP -23-15 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 after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to DOUGLAS W. SMITH, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct.

DATED this 17th day of February, 2023.

/s/ Douglas W. Smith MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC

By: David T. Markette, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 3-8, 3-15, 3-22-23.

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

Telephone: 406-721-8896

Telefax: 406-541-8037

Email: craig@bjornsonlaw. com

Attorneys for Brenna

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

Dept. No.: 2 Cause No.: DP-23-16

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed 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 BRENNA SWINGER, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 24th day of February 2023.

/s/ Brenna Swinger

Personal Representative Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC By: Craig Mungas

Attorneys for Brenna Swinger, Personal Representative BS 3-8, 3-15, 3-22-23.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

If you have any questions, contact LaNette Moore at (406) 363.7484.

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

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

BS 3-8-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) will hold a public hearing March 15, 2023 beginning at 3:30 p.m. in the RCEDA Conference Room, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, MT. The RCEDA Board of Commissioners will consider adopting a resolution authorizing participation in the Board of Investments of the State of Montana short Term Investment Pool (STIP) and authorizing the execution and delivery of documents related thereto. at this time will take public comment, will be taken and considered. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. Written comments on establishing the Resolution may be submitted to Julie Foster, RCEDA Executive Director, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Suite A, Hamilton, MT 59840 or julie@rceda.org. For further information, call the RCEDA at 406-375-9416. BS 3-1, 3-8-23.

Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060

Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representatives 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to DANIEL JACOB MOAK, 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 23rd day of February, 2023. /s/ Daniel Jacob Moak, Personal Representative BS 3-8,3-15, 3-22-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE HAMILTON ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Request #2023-01, 221 Lyndale Avenue – Applicants Travis Zollinger and Ari Watt, represented by Sherry Shipley of All Access Montana Realty, Inc. and with authorization of property owner Mission Gorge Develop Co. as represented by Kari Beckley, request to use the subject property for a CNC [computerized numerical control] machining business. This request falls under Sections 17.74.040(A) and 17.68.040(N) of the Hamilton Municipal Code, which allow “Manufacturing and production (…with light industrial)” subject to a public hearing and approval of a CUP. The property is a developed lot located at 221 Lyndale Avenue, identifed by Ravalli County Tax ID # 607000 and legally described as Lot 3-A, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 999, being a portion of Lots 1, 2, 3 and 4, Block 44, Calumet Addition, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

The purpose of this public hearing is to take comment on and consider the proposed conditional use.

The Hamilton Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on this matter Monday, March 27, 2023 at 5:30 PM at City Hall, 223 South 2 nd Street, 2 nd Floor, Hamilton, MT. The public may attend and make comment in person, or on the Internet / by phone through Zoom. Instructions are available at www.cityofhamilton.net or by contacting mrud@cityofhamilton.net.

Written comments may be emailed to the Planning Department at mrud@ cityofhamilton.net, or mailed or hand delivered to 223 South 2 nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. Application and related materials are available by contacting the Planning Department. BS 3-8, 3-15-23.

FLOODPLAIN PERMIT APPLICATION – QUINTIN APEDAILE

The City of Hamilton Public Works Department invites public comment on foodplain permit application #2023-001 for work within the foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant requests permission to build a 180-foot-long riprap and willow cutting bank stabilization project.

The applicant is Quintin Apedaile for the location known as the Fox Residence at 1 Riverbend Court, Hamilton, MT and legally described as Parcel B of Certifcate of Survey #724300-R, SW ¼, Section 25, Township 6 North, Range 21 West, Ravalli County. Information regarding this application is available from the City of Hamilton Public Works Department by calling (406)363-6717 or emailing dpw@cityofhamilton.net

and

Dogs in Hamilton parks need to be on leashes

by Nathan Boddy

Amy Fox, Hamilton Director of Parks and Urban Forestry, says that she can sympathize with people who don’t want to keep their dog on a leash while walking them in the city parks. “I understand why people want to let their dogs of leash,” she says. “Dogs like to run.” Still, Fox is caught felding numerous ongoing complaints from both park users and adjacent neighbors about the tremendous lack of attention that many dog owners give to one very straightforward law in the City of Hamilton: Dogs in the city parks, (except

the dog park at the west end of New York Avenue) must be on leashes. “I understand that the dog park is not the same as taking your dog for a hike of leash,” she explains, but adds that having dogs leashed is the law. And while many people do keep their dogs on leashes, so many fail to follow this rather mild seeming regulation, that newly worded signs have been installed at park entrances so that people can more easily report violations directly to The Hamilton Police Department. Having those numbers would allow the Police Department to make valuable decisions about how to allocate time and eforts of the town’s Code Enforcement Ofcer. Fox knows that most people may be hesitant to make a report, even to a non-emergency number for the Police Department. “It’s annoying, but maybe not something that rises to the level of pulling a police ofcer from something of higher importance to come and cite somebody for having their dog of a leash.” But, Fox hopes that park users will consider the reasons for keeping their dogs on leashes that go beyond a potential citation. For example, in parks that are as highly frequented by wildlife as are

Steve Powell and Skalkaho Bend Parks, of-leash dogs can have an enormously negative impact. Of course, even people have an impact on the wildlife in the park, but people, for the most part, don’t sprint of the trail after birds and other animals, which is illegal under state law. Water quality, safety of park visitors (including other dogs), and the simple fact that some people just don’t want to be approached by dogs are all factors. Additionally, leashed dogs are less likely to leave behind excrement without the notice of their owners. “I feel like we provide plenty of bags,” says Fox, but adds that the Parks Department does not hold responsibility for picking up dog droppings, and wouldn’t want people to get the impression that the job has been taken care of.

One of Fox’s most pressing concerns involves the legal transfer agreements that the city used when incorporating Steve Powell and Skalkaho Bend Parks into its holdings. Those transfer agreements stipulated that the city’s park management plan on parks (including dogs being on leash) would be followed. She fears that, if landowners or other entities had reason to doubt that the City of Hamilton would uphold the transfer agreements

as stipulated, people may be hesitant to enter into agreements that result in increased city park space.

Ultimately, dog owners can be faced with tough decisions, especially during winter months when other trailheads or public space can be hard to reach. Those realities, especially combined with what Fox says can be somewhat of a “social license,” that people adopt with their own dogs when seeing other dogs of leash, has led to a very high number of people who ignore the town’s leash laws. However, with new signage, and improved access to the Hamilton Police Department’s Code Enforcement Ofcer, perhaps the leash-option will get more attention.

One of many signs in River Park, instructing park users to keep dogs on leash. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

The signboard at the Kiwanis entrance to River Park pleas for park users to keep dogs on leash. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

by Caven Wade UM Legislative News Service

At the half-way mark of the 2023 Montana Legislature, three House bills that would dictate how public schools in the state handle religion, prayer and sex education just barely made it to the deadline to stay alive.

Rep. Greg Kmetz, R-Miles City, is sponsoring House Bill 744, which would allow students and teachers to openly discuss religious beliefs. The bill passed out of the House Education Committee 9-4, and passed a fnal vote in the House 69-29 on the last day for general bills to be passed to their second house.

Friday, March 3 was day 45 of the 90-day session and also the transmittal deadline. Any general bills that did not pass to their second house – from the House of Representatives to the Senate or vice versa – are considered dead. House Bill 745, which deals with religious texts and prayer in schools and House Bill 502, which clarifes earlier legislation requiring parental notifcation of sex ed materials, also both passed the House on mostly party-line votes, with Republicans for and Democrats against.

Rep. Scot Kerns, R-Great Falls, spoke in favor of HB 744, saying the frst

amendment heavily infuenced the bill by making sure that Congress has no impact on the rights of an establishment of religion or preventing a person’s ability to exercise religion.

“We have to be careful, how those run in confict or are actually applied. So for a student, and that’s what this bill talks about, the student may – that is their free exercise of religion,” Kerns said.

Kerns also said the bill is written in a way that makes sure teachers aren’t initiating conversations with students on religion or forcing religion in a public institution. “It’s the ability for a student to actually freely exercise their religion, and that’s what this bill actually does,” Kerns said. Rep. Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, spoke against the bill during the House debate, saying that it would have a negative impact on tribal schools and native students.

“All the students in my tribe here in Montana is excluded from this because we don’t have a religion. It’s a way of life,” Windy Boy said. HB 744 goes hand in hand with Kmetz’s other bill, HB 745, which would allow students to read religious books during free-reading times and for self-selected reading requirements. “This is just a bill that gives freedom. It gives freedom to teachers, it gives freedom to students,” Kmetz said The bill would also expand the ability to pray on school grounds or at school-sanctioned events. It would allow the school day to start with a prayer, but maintains that no one can be forced into participating in the prayer or religious practices.

HB 745 passed out of the House Education Committee on a 9-4 vote, and passed the full House 67-31.

Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen Preparing for Summer Season

Winter is fnally winding down. Te days are getting longer and some of our horses are starting to shed a little bit. Tings are still pretty icy here in the Bitterroot Valley though, so hitting the trails is still on the back burner for most of us. Now is a good time to bring tack in by the fre and start to clean things up and look for any wear and tear and make repairs. It’s a time to refect on last season’s adventures and projects, and begin to set goals for this year’s plans and bucket lists.

Te Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country

Horsemen are making plans for trail maintenance projects coming up this summer. We’re also excited about several upcoming youth education programs, where we help to teach horse and mule packing skills and Light on the Land conservation etiquette. We’ll be teaming up with the Forest Service and other like minded conservation groups, as we work hard to give back and move forward in ways that will help sustain and make a positive impact on our beautiful Bitterroot Valley recreation area.

Come join us for refreshments and conversation at our next meeting, 6:00 p.m. on Tursday, March 9th at the Forest Service Ofce in Hamilton. Enter through the back door.

For additional information please contact: Kathy Hundley @ 406-363-8230

Rep. Eric Matthews, D-Bozeman, a teacher, spoke against the bill.

By Caven Wade and Elinor Smith UM Legislative News Service

Lawmakers Adjourn For Mid-Session Break After Marathon Voting

The Montana Legislature is fnished for the frst half of its 90-day session. At about 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3, the House of Representatives adjourned after a three-day, almost-48 hour series of foor sessions. The House passed 180 bills between Wednesday and Friday. The Senate adjourned at 11 the night before, after almost 24 hours of voting over the span of two days. According to the Legislature’s database, the Senate advanced 119 bills in that time, covering topics ranging from education to wildlife management.

Bills introduced and passed in the Senate will now move onto the House and vice versa. This week is the transmittal deadline -- meaning any general bill that hasn’t passed through its frst house yet is just as well dead. Lawmakers will now spend the second half of the session voting and discussing the general bills that made that deadline and all of the bills that include using state money, including House Bill 2, which will decide Montana’s budget for the next two years.

Issues like parental rights, abortion access, the housing crisis and taxation have taken center stage this session, with a supermajority of Republicans holding the reins. Lawmakers have also debated issues relating to healthcare and the expansion of the trades in Montana.

The Republican triple-threat –holding the majority of both Legislative houses and the governor’s ofce – isn’t the only thing that’s unprecedented this session -- the state is currently sitting on a $2.5 billion surplus. Republican Speaker of the House Matt Regier said at a press conference after the House adjourned that members of his party are particularly happy about the success of bills that reduce taxes and restrict abortion. “This historic tax relief package is on its way to our governor’s desk. Putting money back in Montanans’ pockets will help create more jobs and grow the local economy. Montana sent the Republican

supermajority to Helena this session, and we are delivering to our constituents the income and property tax rebates that they deserve,” Regier said.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte has called the tax package one of the largest cuts in Montana history. It would lower Montanans’ income taxes from 6.7% to 5.9% and give Montana homeowners property tax breaks. It would also include increasing business equipment tax breaks.

Meanwhile, leaders in the Democratic party criticized the tax cuts, saying they wouldn’t help working Montanans, only rich Montanans.

House Minority leader Kim Abbott also said putting some of the $2.5 billion surplus into the state’s investments could not only give money back to Montanans now, but pave a way for Montana to pay for its future. “We have a generational opportunity right now to invest in real problems in our communities, in childcare, afordable housing and things that we’re hearing from businesses every day, from families every day that are real issues in their communities and, for permanent property tax relief, which the GOP refuses to consider seriously,” Abbott said. Debates over how the state will use the surplus are likely to take up a large chunk of the second half of this legislative session, which will reconvene on Thursday, March 9 after a short break.

Lawmakers Table Bill That Would Have Moved Large Chunk of the State’s Surplus to LongTerm Investment

The Senate Local Government Committee tabled a bill on a party-line vote that would have moved $2 billion of the state’s surplus into the coal severance tax trust fund. Sen. Ryan Lynch, D-Butte, sponsored Senate Bill 346, which would have taken 80% of the state’s surplus and set it aside in the state controlled trust fund that would accrue interest over time. “It’s a very simple bill, and it builds on the legacy that has been laid out before us by a number of diferent folks that have sat in your seats, and my seat,” Lynch said.

The state’s more than $2 billion surplus, and where it should go, has been a dominating debate in the frst half of the 2023 Legislative session. The interest rate on the coal endowment trust lies at about 3-3.5% which currently generates around $35 million every year, with it currently sitting at around $1 billion. The addition of $2 billion could generate close to an additional $80 million a year in interest.

Lynch said right now there’s an abundance of money, and that the state constitution lays out the ability for this money to be moved from the general fund into this trust so that the money can fow steadily and touch every part of Montana. “I think as we save money, really you could put this in the category of a long-term property tax reduction, when you start talking about infra-

HALF: Bills adressing school policies advance BILLS: Roundup continued

continued from page 19

He said everything that the bill outlines is already being practiced in schools, and students are already allowed to pray based on their religions.

He said the issue he had with the bill is it specifcally describing the Bible as appropriate religious text to read in classrooms. “If this is really about religion, why do we need to call out the Bible? Why are we not listing the Bible and the Quran, and whatever religious texts are there?” Matthews said. “If we are trying to be impartial, adding that makes it feel very partial to me.”

Rep. Naarah Hastings, R-Billings, said she is in favor of the bill though she agreed with Matthews. She said she’s never had an experience of being discriminated against in a classroom, and believes that all kids should have the ability to openly display and read their respected religious texts.

The House also passed a bill that would expand previous legislation on informing parents about upcoming teaching material or events that address sexual education. Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, R-Billings, is sponsoring HB 502, which would create a 48-hour to 10-day notice period for public schools to notify parents about any upcoming material, instruction, or school-related event that deals with informing children about sexuality.

“That’s a policy that the school sets and I don’t want to impose on that, but I would encourage these school districts to work very closely with the parents and set a policy that works

both for the teachers and the parents,” Seekins-Crowe said. “Parents would have that ability then to opt their children out of that education if they so choose.”

The bill is an expansion of Senate Bill 99 from 2021, which established the clause that parents must be notifed when their children are going to be taught about sexuality in public schools across the state. Seekins-Crowe said one problem from the previous legislation was that it did not establish when exactly parents were supposed to be notifed on the upcoming material. “There were school districts that were basically sending out a notice at the very beginning of the year, and some of them were sending out notices daily if there was a story with two raccoons holding hands,” Seekins-Crowe said.

The fnal vote on the bill landed on almost a party line with all but one Republican voting yes and all but one Democrat voting no.

All three bills will now move to the Senate, where it will be debated after the Legislature reconvenes on March 9.

Caven Wade is a student reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. He can be reached at caven. wade@umontana.edu.

MEALS: Local council launches monthlong celebration of Meals on Wheels

continued from page 15

Wheels programs from across the country will join forces for the annual awareness campaign to celebrate this successful public-private partnership and garner the resources needed to reach every senior in need of a nutritious meal, friendly visit and safety check. “We have more than 300 clients in Ravalli County who receive meals every week,” Danny Groshong, Nutrition Supervisor for RCCOA, noted. “The US Census in 2022 announced that 16.9% of people in the U.S. are over the age

of 65, while in Ravalli County, that number is 26.7%, so we have more people in need with less resources to access.”

Ravalli County Council on Aging helps people age with dignity. They want to give seniors the opportunity for independence and to remain in their homes for as long as possible. For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute or speak out for the seniors in your area this March and every day, visit www. ravalliccoa.org.

continued from page 19

structure and water, regional waters, when you talk about jobs and economic development,” Lynch said.

Sen. Dan Bartel, R-Lewistown, was a supporter of the bill and said that he wants to see another option being left out there for the legislators when it comes to balancing the budget and what to do with the surplus. “We need to put this option in our toolbox to address the revenue surplus that seems to be growing every day,” Bartel said. “I just think this would be great and I think it would be a great opportunity to put money in for the future generations.”

There were no opponents at the bill’s hearing, but the committee raised several concerns about the impact this would have on other legislation currently going through, specifically the tax cut proposals. “Budgets are about decisions and options, certainly I think that with the tax cuts that have already gone through there’s enough room in the general fund balance for this to go,” Lynch said.

The Montana Legislature has a constitutional requirement to provide a balanced budget each session.

Bill Would Mandate Insurance Companies to Cover Blood-Sugar Monitoring Devices

A bill that has passed the House of Representatives 84-14 would require insurance companies to provide plans and coverages for people with diabetes who need glucose monitoring supplies. Rep. Fiona Nave, R-Columbus, is sponsoring House Bill 758, which would create a mandate that insurance companies must provide coverage on all glucose monitoring supplies if they are recommended by a healthcare professional. “I was so excited to hear all of the discussion a couple bills ago about not doing insurance mandates, so I want to tell you upfront: Yeah this is an insurance mandate, but it’s a little bit diferent, I hope,” Nave said.

Nave is a diabetic herself and said that it is extremely important that individuals with diabetes have the resources that allow them to monitor their blood-sugar throughout the day. Glucose monitoring devices are small and they directly attach to a person’s skin where they continuously monitor the blood-sugar level of individuals throughout the day and report when it either reaches levels that are too high

or low. “The problem here that I am trying to solve is that a lot of insurance companies will cover this, Medicare will cover it as long as you are testing four times a day and have to have insulin before you eat,” Nave said. “Well if I can test continuously before I get to that point maybe I won’t need to have that much insulin, and maybe I won’t need to test that many times a day.” Nave said the bill isn’t about making insurance companies pay, but making it more cost-friendly for individuals who struggle with diabetes daily. The bill gained wide bi-partisan support on both votes in the full House. It also came out of the House Business and Labor Committee on a 19-0 vote on Feb. 28.

Bill That Would Add Date-Rape Drugs to Assault List Passes House

A bill that would update the laws dealing with drugs being administered to someone without consent few through the House of Representatives with bi-partisan support. Rep. Alice Buckley, D-Bozeman, is sponsoring House Bill 457, which would add in a clause about the use of “date-rape” drugs to the defnition of assault in Montana law. “Let’s keep our citizens hydrated and safe, without getting into trouble,” Buckley said.

The bill would establish that on the frst ofense the use of these drugs without consent could lead to a maximum fne of $600 and jail sentence that wouldn’t exceed 6 months. The bill frst passed second reading 96-4 in the House on Feb. 28, where it was then sent back to the House Appropriations Committee. The bill was then amended and a defnition was removed from the bill that isn’t currently clarifed in the state’s law. The bill arrived for second reading for the second time on March. 2 where it was unanimously passed 100-0. It passed a third and fnal time in the House on a 98-0 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate.

Caven Wade and Elinor Smith are student reporters with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation.

Local students to address climate science for the Bitterroot Valley

Bitterroot Climate Action Group (BCAG) is excited to showcase Hamilton High School (HHS)’s Envirothon Team on Wednesday, March 15, from 7:00-8:15 pm in the high school library, as a runup to the state Envirothon competition. HHS’s two Envirothon teams will give poster presentations of their fndings on the challenge question “How will persistent drought afect the Bitterroot Valley and what should we do about it?” The students will have had limited time to research and prepare their presentations, per the Envirothon rules. This will be a showcase of the team progress, a “trial run,”

before competing at the state Envirothon competition. HHS’s Envirothon Teams have won the state championship for the last two years, and in 2022 the two HHS teams took both 1st and 2nd place. HHS Science teacher and Envirothon coach Marie Antonioli feels optimistic that the 2023 team has a good chance to win at the state level again this year. The Envirothon competition nationwide in 2023 focuses on “challenge questions” around climat science. In recognition of the teams’ hard

work, BCAG will donate $1,000 to support team travel to the state and, hopefully, the national competitions. The national competition will be held in New Brunswick, Canada. Bitterroot Climate Action Group is a nonproft, nonpartisan alliance of local people taking action to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change in the Bitterroot Valley, acting with respect and civility to all.

For more information contact: Peter Reynolds, Chair, Bitterroot Climate Action Group, chair@bitterrootcag.org.

For the frst time in over two years, average diesel prices in the U.S. today will fall below their year-ago levels according to GasBuddy, the leading

fuel savings platform saving North American drivers the most money on fuel. Diesel prices have declined nearly $1.50 per gallon since reaching record-levels last spring and now stand at an average of $4.35 per gallon, the lowest level since the days immediately after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“Diesel’s decline has been astounding - we’ve seen improvements in fundamentals over the last few months with diesel prices down nearly $1 per gallon in the last 100 days, thanks in part due to the Fed raising interest rates, throttling back the economy, as well as Mother Nature reducing consumption through a mild winter and curbing consumption of diesel’s cousin, heating oil,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Coming out

of winter, we’ll continue to see diesel prices decline. Barring an unexpected disruption or escalation in global events, diesel prices this summer could be $2 per gallon lower than last summer, which is certainly good news for the economy and transportation sectors stung by the previous high costs of diesel fuel.”

Diesel by the numbers:

• 7 states where diesel prices average below $4 per gallon: OK, TX, KS, WI, MO, IA, AR

• Most common diesel prices in the U.S., in order: $3.99, $4.09, $3.89, $4.29, $4.19

• $3.62/gal: the average of the lowest priced 10% of stations in the U.S.

• $5.82/gal: the peak in the national average price of diesel hit in 2022

• 78 cents: the amount of decline to average diesel prices in the last 90 days

According to GasBuddy, retail diesel prices are likely to continue falling as demand continues to ease and winter heating oil consumption declines.

As long as central banks continue to raise interest rates to cool of previously overheated economies, there will be continued downward pressure

through most of the spring and summer, even as gasoline prices are likely to rise during that timeframe.

GasBuddy covers this topic in episode 3 of its podcast “Over a Barrel” here: bit.ly/overabarrelshow

About GasBuddy

GasBuddy is the leading fuel savings platform providing North American drivers with the most ways to save money on gas. GasBuddy has delivered more than $3.5 billion in cumulative savings to its users through providing real-time gas price information at 150,000+ stations, ofering cash back rewards on purchases with brand partners, and through the Pay with GasBuddy™ payments card that ofers cents-of per gallon at virtually all gas stations across the US. As one of the most highly-rated apps in the history of the App Store, GasBuddy has been downloaded over 100 million times. Acquired by PDI Technologies in 2021, GasBuddy’s publishing and software businesses enable the world’s leading fuel, convenience, QSR and CPG companies to shorten the distance between the fueling public and their brands. For more information, visit www.gasbuddy.com.

Booked for the season

“Storm Watch” by C.J. Box

c.2023, Putnam

$29.00

353 pages

You just can’t see it. There’s something in the way, bad weather, a roadblock, a geographical shape that blocks your view, something physical. You can’t see it. Or you can’t see because you’re unfamiliar, dubious, uninformed, or you just plain don’t want to see it. But as in the new novel “Storm Watch” by C.J. Box, you really need to watch out.

For the frst time since he’d moved to Saddlestring, Wyoming, Game Warden Joe Pickett hated the winter weather.

Snow hadn’t bothered him much before but when he got a call about a wounded elk cow that needed to be put down up on the Double Diamond Ranch, he eyed his easy-chair and wished he were anywhere else. A snowstorm was coming over the Big Horn Mountains, but it was Joe’s responsibility to see to that elk.

He tracked the animal a fair ways before he found her, and the source of a whooshing sound that echoed loudly through the valley.

Someone had erected a small shed there, crammed with large fans that screamed like airplanes on tarmac. Hanging from a window was the bottom half of a man who’d been shoved head-frst into those fans. But when deputies went to retrieve what was

by Terry Schichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

going to “stand down.” Yep, things were going to change in this country, starting in Saddlestring, Wyoming...

So, have you followed the news much lately? Maybe brushed up on your current events? You’ll need ‘em before you tackle “Storm Watch.”

left of the guy, there was no blood, no

body. And Joe was told to keep the whole thing under wraps.

Just north of Joe Pickett’s new house, Nate Romanowski plowed his driveway with a modifed 1948 Dodge so that fellow falconer and friend, Geronimo Jones, could get to Nate’s compound safely. Jones was

on his way with a business proposal but the frst person up the driveway was a stranger with a diferent kind of ofer.

Jason Demo invited Nate to a meeting to talk about how “coastal elites” see folks in the West, and how his group, The Keystoners, weren’t

Take that as a bit of a warning: author C.J. Box ripped newspaper headlines pages one through six to craft this very fne thriller, and you’ll be happier and have a better understanding of this tale if you’re at least a little bit in the know. Like Box’s last couple novels, this one brushes against the edges of the newest technology and the bad guys get savvier. It should be noted that they’re also more violent, angrier, but more purposeful than you might fnd in a usual thriller; the outlaws inside “Storm Watch,” aren’t madmen, which is a bit unsettling and can remain so for awhile, long after the semi-clif-hanging ending of this book.

Still, fans of western thrillers won’t want to be without this novel on the table next to their easy-chairs. Just brush up on your current events frst, is all, know what’s going on in the world, and yeah, “Storm Watch.” You could see it.

Posting Date March 6, 2023

Joe Pickett.

Photo by Dave Neligh.

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