Bitterroot Star - April 12, 2023

MT may require insurers to cover monitoring devices for diabetes

By Keely Larson | KHN-UM Legislative News Service

In between sets of tumbling warmups, Adrienne Prashar crossed the gym to where she had stashed her diabetes supplies and tested her blood sugar. Prashar, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes the day before her 13th birthday, said tumbling usually drops her blood sugar levels.

Prashar, now 14, did a finger stick, saw her blood sugar was 127, and went back to the mat. For most people with diabetes, the target range is about 80-130, and up to 180 two hours after meals.

Prashar doesn’t have to check her blood sugar often. She wears a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, that gives her blood glucose readings on her phone every five minutes. When she’s feeling differently than her CGM is showing, as on that March day at the gym, she checks her level by doing a finger stick.

But most of the time, she simply glances at her phone to see whether her numbers are trending low or high, which beats repeatedly pricking her finger, she said. “I would hate it so much,” Prashar said. “It’s such a pain and it’s harder to see trends.”

Montana lawmakers are considering a bill that would require insurance companies to cover CGMs for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Multiple studies and experts back up the effectiveness of the devices, showing better blood test results, fewer long-term complications, and a reduction in health care costs.

House Bill 758 has broad support from lawmakers, but it faces opposition from insurance companies and some providers. That opposition focuses on the cost, whether a CGM is medically necessary at all stages of diabe-

tes, and the possibility that CGM manufacturers will raise their prices if there is an insurance mandate.

CGMs can be worn on the legs, stomach, or arms, and they stay in place with an adhesive patch. A thin tube goes under the skin and measures blood glucose levels from tissue fluid. The data is transmitted via Bluetooth to a phone or similar device. Instead of a finger prick, which provides a reading for a single point in time, a CGM gives the wearer a continuous stream of data.

According to GoodRx Health, CGMs can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 each year out-ofpocket.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, the state’s largest insurer, estimates the bill, if passed, would cost the organization nearly $5 million a year, spokesperson John Doran said.

CGMs aren’t medically necessary in all circumstances, Doran said, and medical necessity should be determined through a partnership between provider and payer. But Doran said that he understands there are instances in which a CGM may be necessary and that Blue Cross already covers CGMs in those cases.

“These things are a convenience,” Doran said. “They provide you real-time information and there is some benefit to a person’s lifestyle to these monitors.”

Lawmakers in several states are considering bills to regulate coverage of CGMs, and Illinois’ governor signed one such bill into law last year. A study published in the Journal of Diabetes

Science and Technology in 2022 says about 30 million Americans have diabetes, a condition in which a person’s body can’t make enough insulin (as in Type 1) or use it effectively (as in Type 2). By 2030, the study estimated, 55 million people in the U.S. will have diabetes, with total medical and societal costs of more than $622 billion — a 53% increase from 2015. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 78,000 Montanans have been diagnosed with diabetes. Various studies, diabetes educators, and health care providers say that CGMs can help people with diabetes reduce their A1C levels, a common measure of blood sugar levels used in diabetes management. Proper management can reduce complications from diabetes — like retinopathy, heart attack, and nerve damage — that lead to higher costs in the health care system through emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Studies show CGMs can greatly benefit people with Type 1 diabetes. There are also promising results for people with Type 2 diabetes, the more prevalent of the two types, but the research is limited compared with that on Type 1.

Dr. Brian Robinson, an endocrinologist at St. Peter’s Health in Helena, said supplies for people

See DIABETES, page 4

Back Country Horsemen 50th Anniversary Convention-50 Years of Service!

In 1972 four horsemen sat around a campfire in the middle of the Bob Marshall Wilderness discussing the Forest Service’s plan to eliminate stock from the Bob Marshall Wilderness. They decided the best way to counteract this proposal, was to start an organization of like-minded individuals to protect stock access to the back country.

In the spring of 1973, these men, along with the help of their families and friends, started the Back Country Horsemen in the Flathead Valley of Montana. The organization has now spread to 212 chapters throughout the US.

Our Purpose:

-To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America's back country, road-less back country and wilderness areas.

-To work to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use.

-To assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource.

-To educate, encourage and solicit active participation by the general public in the wise and sustaining use of the back country resource by horses and people commensurate with our heritage.

-To foster and encourage the formation of new state back country horsemen organizations.

-To seek out opportunities to enhance existing areas of recreation for stock users.

In 2022, the Back Country Horsemen Chapters of Montana volunteered over 19,000 hrs, worked on over 2000 trail miles, and put in over 1800 stock days, in addition to many other volunteer efforts totaling over a million dollars value in volunteer donations of time, effort, equipment etc.

Come and join the Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen at our next meeting at 6:00 p.m., April 13 at the Hamilton Forest Service Office, where we will discuss the 50th Anniversary Convention and confirm plans for upcoming trail projects and youth education days. Refreshments will be served.

(Please come in the backdoor)

For additional information, Please contact Kathy Hundley @ 406-363-8230

SNOW: NRCS on winter snowpack going into spring

Continued from page 1

amounts in the 90th percentile of their 1991-2020 dataset. Additionally, Short Creek SNOTEL in the Gravelly Mountains, Highwood Station Snow Course in the Highwood Mountains, Tie Creek SNOTEL in the Bighorn Mountains, and Cole Canyon SNOTEL in the Bear Lodge Mountains have their highest April 1 snowpack on record.

“Mountain snowpack peak season is upon us and conditions are on track across most of the state except in northwest Montana which is generally lacking snow,” said Larson. The snowpack usually peaks in early May at upper elevations and April at lower mountain elevations. Much of the lower mountain elevation snowpack east of the divide has already reached normal peak levels, particularly in central Montana and southern mountains of Gallatin, Madison, and Beaverhead counties where some SNOTEL stations have already exceeded their normal snow water equivalent peak by several inches. Elsewhere upper elevations are still generally two to three inches below normal peak levels. In those locations,

normal precipitation during April will be necessary in order to reach normal

furthest northwest part of Montana in order to reach typical peak levels this

itation and the resulting snowpack. Streamflow forecasts have increased from last month in the regions that received above normal March precipitation. “Due to the exceptional snowpack in southern Beaverhead, Madison, and Gallatin counties, streamflow forecasts range from about 120% to 180% of normal. In that region, many of those forecasts are the highest or second highest in 10 years and comparable to 2018 and 2014,” said Larson. Streamflow forecasts are within 10% of normal in northern Wyoming. West of the divide, streamflow forecasts are highest in the southern Mission Mountain region and the Upper Clark Fork River basin at about 110-130% of normal. Streamflow forecasts in the northern Kootenai and northern Flathead River basin are at about 70-90% of normal.

peak snow water equivalent values at an ideal time. Well above normal April precipitation will be required in the

year. April 1 streamflow forecasts are in line with current water year precip-

A full report of conditions on April 1 can be found in the monthly Water Supply Outlook Report available on the Montana Snow Survey website. In addition, real-time snow survey data can be found at nrcs.usda.gov/montana. Click on Montana Snow Survey Program.

BITTERROOT: Lifelong local says flower may vanish

to consume some when they came into the valley. However, they got sick from the bitterness and lack of understanding of how to process the plant.

Stroud is concerned about the future of the bitterroot plant as a native species. He explained that, as the area becomes overdeveloped and many people overgraze their animals, the habitat of the bitterroot is becoming threatened. He also believes that the diminishing presence of predators like foxes and coyotes is leading to higher populations of pest animals like moles and ground squirrels. Unimpeded, these animals, which eat the bitterroot, are decimating its numbers.

The bitterroot is a shallow growing plant that resembles a succulent when not in bloom. Stroud said it tends to grow protected under tall grass and sagebrush, which is also disappearing from the area as land is cleared for development and agriculture. All of these issues, according to Stroud, threaten the

bobp@windermere.com

plant’s existence in the valley. He believes it could disappear completely in the Bitterroot valley within only a few generations. “I’m hoping that people will help save the bitterroot,” said Stroud about why he is doing this talk.

Stroud is working to educate people about the importance of the bitterroot, not only in the valley, but in all of the West where the plant grows native. He is so involved with it that many have given him the moniker, “Johnny Bitterroot Seed.”

For more information on the bitterroot, the valley or the talk, interested parties can reach out to Stroud at (406) 777-5054.

Photo courtesy Natural Resources Conservation Service.

John Stroud looks over years of photos nd memorabilia from his pursuit to protect and save the bitterroot flower. Photo by John Dowd.

DIABETES: Montana expanding coverage of glucose monitors, but some argue that not all people need them

Continued from page 2

with Type 1 diabetes are generally covered by insurance. When he considers recommending a glucose monitor for a patient, he said, the decision is driven by insurance rules that are informed by the American Diabetes Association’s standards of care.

“My patients are better because of CGMs, there’s no doubt about that,” Robinson said. But he noted the science doesn’t yet support his opinion that CGMs should be given to everyone with diabetes, no matter what.

Not all physicians, especially in endocrinology, agree that a person with Type 2 diabetes needs a continuous glucose monitor, Robinson said. But if a person needs a shot each day to manage diabetes, he said, that patient should have access to a CGM.

Lisa Ranes, manager of the diabetes, endocrinology, and metabolism center at Billings Clinic, said the benefits of a CGM are the same for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Many studies have shown that CGMs are just as effective for patients on lower quantities of insulin, like some people with Type 2 diabetes, as for people with Type 1 diabetes, who rely on insulin throughout the day.

“It gives patients that complete picture to help them make the decisions on what they need to do to keep their blood sugar safe,” Ranes said, giving examples like upping the frequency or dose of insulin, having some food, or exercising.

For people with Type 2 diabetes, Ranes said, CGMs could be helpful in early diagnosis. Type 2 diabetes is progressive, Ranes said, so the sooner it is under control, the better.

When Cass Mitchell, 76, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes over 30 years ago, her doctor told her that people with Type 2 diabetes don’t live long because they have a hard time managing their care.

Mitchell, who lives in Helena, warmed to finger pricks. But test strips were expensive, about $1 each at the time, she said.

About 10 years ago, she got a CGM. Mitchell went from testing maybe twice a day to looking at her blood sugar on an app 20 to 25 times each day. She said she’s more in tune with her diabetes and uses her device’s time-in-range reports — showing how often blood glucose stays within a set range — to make lifestyle changes.

Mitchell has lowered her A1C from around 11% to 7%. According to the ADA, the target for most adults with diabetes is less than 7%.

Mitchell’s device is covered under Medicare and supplemental insurance and would remain so with the passage of HB 758. She said if she had to pay outof-pocket

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she wouldn’t be able to afford her CGM and that she was excited about the potential of the bill to give more people access to CGMs.

Dr. Hayley Miller, medical director of Mountain States Diabetes in Missoula, initially thought HB 758 sounded good, but now she isn’t so sure. She thinks the biggest risk of the bill passing is that prices for CGMs go up.

“It seems like I’m against it, but it really is, when insurance gets involved everything gets tricky,” Miller said.

Emma Peterson, a former diabetes educator for St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings and Providence Endocrinology in Missoula, said most people working in diabetes care think everyone diagnosed should just have a continuous glucose monitor.

“At the end of the day, both forms of diabetes and all the other many forms of diabetes have the same complications and still face the same struggles of trying to keep blood sugars in range,” Peterson said.

Keely Larson is the KHN fellow for the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Newspaper Association, and Kaiser Health News. Larson is a graduate student in environmental and natural resources journalism at the University of Montana.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

Turkey hunting the old way

by John Dowd

One of my favorite spring hunts, by far, is for bear. However, I have a new spring in my step with my plans for turkey hunting in 2023. Having been a big proponent of black powder hunting, I finally got my hands on a flintlock smoothbore. The bulk of my experience hunting with traditional smoke poles has been with the rifled variety for big game, but I have always had an inkling to do it even more traditionally.

by John Dowd

In the days of the mountain men, many natives and trappers alike would more than likely have carried a simple rifle-less gun for versatility, instead of what most people today associate with them after watching “Jeremiah Johnson” and other films. The guns of the frontierspeople of the day would likely have been flintlocks too, opposed to percussion as it is easier to fashion a new flint in the backcountry than a copper fulminate cap. Plus, being a smoothbore meant that a person could fire both full-sized round balls as well as a variety of shot sizes for smaller game. That versatility meant that a hunter could take a shot at whatever game he wanted to bring home, without destroying all the meat.

What I ended up with is a reproduction Northwest trade gun. These were originally installed with a flintlock mechanism, which would slowly be replaced by percussion by as late as the 1970s. Even up until then, they were produced with the flint ignition. Trade guns were manufactured in numerous countries for well over 200 years, starting in the mid to early 1700’s. It is interesting to note that

in later production years, these were produced in percussion, and were still meant to utilize black powder, up to as late as the 1920’s. These were all produced with a trademark brass serpent inlaid into the wood on the opposite side of the lock to act as the side plate.

There are many theories behind the origin of this addition, but for many Native American tribes there is no confusion over the reason they preferred it. In the culture of the Nootka, among others of the Pacific Northwest, as well as tribes in the East, thunder and lightning were applied to two fearsome entities in their mythology. The great thunder bird, and the legendary haietlik. As the natives feared the sound more than they understood the function of the gun, the original American peoples associated the thunder immediately with the bird. The flash and quick deadliness seemed laterally connected with the Thunderbird’s sworn ally, and weapon both: the massive serpent beings known as the haietlik. The tongues of these creatures were said to invoke the power of lightning, and

together the two ancient mythological beings would hunt whales with their power. In seeing these deadly thundering and smoke-throwing tools, it is no surprise that the native Americans considered guns to be weapons connected with the gods. And so, their use was widespread, and Natives for some time would only buy guns with the serpent side plateBecause they were cheap, natives weren’t the only ones to use the trade guns. Their use was so widespread and prolonged that it is no stretch of the imagination to believe that these were used on lots of gobblers. In my heart, besides with a bow, there seems scarcely another way to better approach the feeling of primal and early American “frontierism” than to take a turkey with a flintlock. With the turkey having been proposed, in myth, as the national symbol in place

of the bald eagle, and also being a key element in the country’s founding holiday, Thanksgiving, it has a real place in American history. This is especially true when paired with the flintlock.

My loads are going to be about 70 to 80 grains of 2F real black powder, and about one and a half times that same measurement of #4 shot. That gives me roughly 105 to 110 grains of shot. I have been patterning the gun and it seems to like this kind of load out to 25 yards. My plan is to aim for a headshot, like turkey hunting with a regular shotgun. However, I believe the shot may drop at that distance, so I am prepared for a body shot.

The humble turkey is surprisingly difficult to take in any situation, but with a flintlock I imagine I will really have to make that one shot I get count.

A friend of mine, Wesley Sink, shooting his flintlock rifle. Photo by John Dowd

Expanding reliable internet access

We’ve had another busy week at the legislature, and one of the things I wanted to talk about is the work that we’ve been doing with broadband internet access. We have a number of bills this session that deal with providing broadband internet access, but Senate Bill 531 specifically will do great things for Montana. Expanding telehealth access for some of our most underserved communities will be a huge first step. It’ll also give Montanans more opportunities to find work as more and more businesses turn to remote work.

of us don’t have a doctor right around the corner. As a result, people often don’t get the care they need because of the inconvenience. SB 531 would remove the obstacle of seeing health care providers.

by Jason Ellsworth

One thing Montanans have been very clear on is the need for better broadband internet and service connectivity. We’ve been working hard at the legislature to make some progress on that front. Senator Dan Salomon R-Ronan has been working tirelessly on SB 531. SB 531 helps to expand broadband access across the state. This is particularly critical for rural Montanans. For a long time, it has been hard for a lot of Montanans to receive quality internet access, but SB 531 is finally going to make it possible for remote locations to get connected.

Getting access to all Montanans is important because of all the opportunities that come with better internet access. This provides many people with a chance to receive telehealth appointments. That’s clearly become more common since the days of COVID. Giving people a chance to get the health care they need is something that everyone should be able to receive. Montana is a big state and a lot

Another reason SB 531 is a huge improvement for our state is because this will provide people with work opportunities. Another change since COVID has been the dramatic increase of working remotely. Having reliable internet access means that for many Montanans they’ll have more chances to find work now. SB 531 would help Montanans get to work, by making sure more opportunities is available across the state.

Getting better broadband access across the state is extremely important to us at the legislature, which is why I’ve signed on as a cosponsor of SB 531. Expanding broadband around the state will provide all Montanans with services and opportunities that haven’t been available to everyone for a long time. This bill is a huge step forward to providing everyone with better access, particularly our underserved communities.

In my column week, I look forward to updating you on the work we’re doing this session to address housing. We’ve made a lot of progress on policy to expand the availability of affordable, attainable housing, and we’ve got more work to do before the end of the legislative session.

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

Stop the war on public schools

by Edie McClafferty

I have been a Montana State Legislator since 2009 and a public-school teacher since 2004. In past sessions, legislators of both parties have come together to keep public dollars in our public schools. We have defeated bills bringing private corporate charter schools to Montana. We’ve said ‘no’ to bills inserting the legislature in between parents and their local schools. And we’ve resisted bills trying to dictate statewide curriculum. This session feels different.

Never before have I heard so many bills that bash public education. Legislators must remember that our local teachers, in our local schools, are hearing and feeling your attacks. And they hurt. They hurt because they do not reflect the realities of our great local schools.

In this war on public schools, we have been accused of overstepping our boundaries and telling parents how to raise their children. We have been accused of not wanting parents in our schools and blocking them from meetings. Why are we letting national politics break apart the relationships between our parents and our teachers?

We have been told that there is a need for more transparency. Teachers would need to submit every PowerPoint, lesson plan, and every worksheet for approval from the parents of every student in our classes. What other profession requires that level of micromanagement? Why are those who want to push their own agenda trying to control our classrooms? If you want to know what I am teaching and how I am teaching, come to my class and join me. Learn what I am doing instead of just speculating. My door, and the door of every Montana teacher, is open any time you want to stop by.

I know some of those who are trying to push their agenda prefer us not to teach anything that may include the word “sex.” But let’s face it, folks,

when we teach biology, we talk about the reproductive systems. Should we not be teaching this? Imagine a world where we did not teach science because someone may learn where babies come from.

To all those who want to bash our teachers, I have to say: Stop this war on our public schools.

We teach because we enjoy working with and helping your children. We dedicate our lives to helping others learn so they may be successful and have a productive life. We teach because we have a lot to offer our students. We teach because we care. Please don’t label all teachers as bad because of one bad experience or story you heard. There is a bad apple in every profession. Because one doctor makes the wrong diagnosis, that doesn’t mean all doctors are bad. Because one lawyer cannot win a case, that doesn’t mean that all lawyers are bad. Let’s face it, it’s easier to label everyone when trying to push your own agenda.

To every Montana parent, I want you to know: You are and have always been part of your child’s education. Don’t let special interests create a wedge between you and your local school. Teachers and parents here in Montana are on the same side, building the best future for our children.

Fortunately, I still believe firmly that these attacks on teachers ring hollow to Montana families. We all recognize this outrage machine for what it is: misinformation being peddled by political operatives who want to drive a wedge behind Montana families and teachers.

Finally, I want to say thank you to all the teachers out there, each and every one of you. You really are appreciated.

Edie McClafferty represents Senate District 38.

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Obituaries

James A. “Jim” Biddle

Jim Biddle, age 80, passed away on April 5, 2023. Jim was known throughout town as the town greeter. He would walk through town waving at everyone, whenever he talked to someone he’d always say “You’re looking good”, with his right hand raised in salute. He had a way of making everyone feel special. He was a gentle soul who spent his days walking, everywhere, for miles, always smiling, always waving, and telling everyone “You’re looking good.” He loved sitting on the bench in front of Valley Drug eating his ice cream or eating M&Ms.

From his family; George, his brother, and his niece, Tawnya we would like to thank Deborah,

Charles William “Bill” Scholl Jr.

Written by Bill Scholl & per his final wishes: Charles William “Bill” Scholl, Jr., passed away March 23, 2023. Bill was born February 21, 1955 in Portsmouth, Virginia.

He worked for 28 years as a firefighter and was easily recognized by the huge cup of coffee in his hand, big smile and bounce in his step that earned him the nickname “Tigger”. Bill started his adventures in public service originally as a police explorer in Jacksonville, Florida. He then found his love of the fire service as a volunteer and upon high school graduation in 1973, he attended the Florida Fire College and began his career in Brevard County, Florida. He became an EMT then a paramedic and rose in the ranks to lieutenant. While working for the fire service, he also remained active with the local volunteer fire departments, was regularly seen “scholling” (the term began because Bill would jump calls to be there and help) and earned the nicknames “Ricochet”, “Taz”, “Bouncin’ Billy”, “Wild Bill” and “Winky”. Regularly, Bill was known to be active with several paid and volunteer fire agencies and was a paramedic for Harbour City Volunteer Ambulance. During his career, Bill strived to become educated in as many aspects of emergency services as possible. He trained and graduated from the Florida Fire College as a Smoke Diver. He became a rescue diver and trained in high angle rescue and confined space entry. Bill became educated in hazmat and was instrumental in developing the Brevard County Fire Rescue Hazmat response. He was also trained in shipboard fire fighting. In his time off, Bill was seen all over Brevard County and the State of Florida in his personally stocked “quick response vehicle” (his pickup truck) with his radios and pager responding to assist emergency crews any way needed or manning volunteer trucks. Throughout his career,

Bill shared his knowledge by training other providers in all aspects of fire and emergency medical services always with his quick wit, big smile and HUGE cup of coffee.

October 19, 1999, Bill was injured while on duty and this was the beginning of a new type of adventure in Bill’s life from a seated position (in a fire engine red wheelchair).

Bill returned to college at Brevard Community College then the University of Montana to get his degree, excelling in calculus. He was easily identified on campus and in the community with that same big smile and quick wit and always in the company of his service dog. Zeb, then Astro and then Gordon accompanied Bill everywhere and brought smiles to all his fellow students on campus and folks in the communities as they sped by. Bill continued his public service by actively supporting and contributing to the Ravalli County Sheriff Department, S.A.F.E. In the Bitterroot, and donating to the local schools.

Bill always talked about his love of the mountains from his childhood in Virginia so in 2005, he began his life in the Bitterroot Valley, Montana. People asked which is better, living near the ocean or in the mountains; Bill always responded he had the best of both, first the Space Coast in Florida then the Bitterroot Valley in Montana. He spent time raising chickens, gardening, bird watching, playing music on his various stringed instruments, exploring US history, wood working, attending classes, barbecuing and practicing at the shooting ranges.

Bill is survived by his soulmate, ever present friend, companion and wife of over 30 years, Katie

Thomas L. Stecher

Thomas Stecher, age 85, of Stevensville, MT passed away March 12 in Helena MT with family by his side. He was predeceased by his wife, Sandra. His survivors include daughters Vickee Kincaid, Tamara Argyle (Jack), Jennifer Hilgenkamp (Dan), and Melanie Stecher as well as nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren and his sister, Camille Darr.

Tom was born in Cody, Wyoming and grew up in Lander, WY where he enjoyed sports, rodeo and working alongside his dad at Safeway and the meat packing plant. He lived in Wyoming his entire life until moving to Stevensville in 1994 with Sandra.

Amal, and everyone at the Living Center, and everyone in town who opened their hearts and cared enough to keep him safe. We also want to thank Valley Drug for his ice cream, Napa for his daily treats, and Cenex for his M&Ms. We especially want to thank Chief Sosa and the entire Stevensville Police Department, as well as the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department for seeing Jim walking to far from home and caring enough to see him home safely. We are so appreciative for all of you. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Margaret Green

Victor - Margaret Green, 89, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2023 at her home in Victor. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary Parish. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com along with a full obituary.

Janice M. ‘Jan’ Graham Darby - Janice M. “Jan” Graham, 67, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023, near Hamilton. Her husband is recovering at the Bitterroot Health Hospital. A memorial service celebrating Jan’s life will be announced in the

near future. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Paula Koone

Conner - Paula Koone, 67, passed away in the afternoon, Sunday, April 2, 2023, with her husband holding her hand, after an extended stay in the ICU at the St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Mary E. Hicks

Corvallis - Mary E. Hicks, 93, passed away in the afternoon, Saturday, April 1, 2023, in the ICU at Bitter-

Scholl, Gordon (his last service dog), many close friends and estranged family. He is predeceased by several friends, his son, mother and father.

“Everyone dies alone but if you mean something to someone, if you help someone or love someone, if even a single person remembers you then maybe you never really die at all...”

A memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Parish. In leu of flowers donations may be made to Paws with a Cause (4646 Division, Wayland, MI 49348 https://www.pawswithacause.org ).

He had a long career with Safeway and was a store manager in Casper when he retired in 1992 to enjoy camping, fishing, and outdoor fun with his family and friends. He and Sandra spent many winters as snowbirds in Arizona where they met many wonderful friends to travel with in their RV.

As Tom did not wish to have services, the family will honor him and Sandra privately at a later date. Contributions in memory of Tom can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or a charity of your choosing.

root Health with her son and his wife by her side. She will be transferred in a casket to W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home to be laid to rest next to her husband at the Calvary Gardens Mausoleum in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Paul S. Stephens Hamilton - Paul S. Stephens, 72, passed away in the afternoon, Friday, March 31, 2023, at the family home with his wife and daughter by his side. Paul was a retired Utah Law Enforcement officer with service in the Police Department, Sheriff’s Department and

the Highway Patrol. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

E. Glenn Larson Missoula - E. Glenn Larson, 97, passed away while sleeping, in the morning, Sunday, April 9, 2023, at The Village Senior Residence in Missoula. A memorial service at the Blessed Trinity Catholic Church will be announced as soon as arrangements are made. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Kiwanis Kiwanis meets every Wednesday at 12 noon at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton.

Amateur Radio Club

The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club meets the 3rd Monday of every month starting at 7:00 PM in the back room of BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Contact AE7OF@arrl.net or visit our web page at W7FTX.org. Come early and enjoy fellowship and a meal.

John Birch Society

The John Birch Society Ravalli County Chapter meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at 330 3rd Avenue, Victor. For info contact Terri, 406-880-2492.

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.

TOPS

TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Thursday morning at Kootenai Creek Village, 43 Club House Way, Stevensville. Guests are welcome, including men. Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:10 a.m.; meeting follows until 10:30. A program on sensible eating and weight loss is presented every week along with incentives for weight loss. TOPS is an affordable non profit weight loss support group. For more information call Diana Griffin at 406-5310785.

Ravalli Dems South County

Join South Ravalli County Democrats for coffee, tea and meet new people twice a month in Hamilton at 10-11 a.m. on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at River Street Dance Theater, 241 N. 2nd. All welcome. Check for any changes at ravdems.com/ newsletter or on Facebook.

Ravalli Dems North County

Join North Ravalli County Democrats for “Burgers and Beer” on Thursday evenings from 4 to 6 at The Backyard Taphouse, 281 Rodeo Drive, off the Eastside Hwy in Florence. This is a rather regular event on Thursdays, BUT not on May 4th. Check online at ravdems.com/newsletter for any changes and other information or on Facebook. All welcome.

Lone Rock Park Board

The Lone Rock Park Board will meet Wednesday, April 12th at 7:30 p.m. at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road, Stevensville. Public welcome.

BRHA board meeting

The Bitter Root Humane Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 12 at 5:00 pm in the BRHA Community Room, 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. The public is welcome to attend, seating is limited.

SCF grants available Stevensville Community Foundation is accepting applications from April 1st to April 15th for the Spring Grant period. Contact 406777-3696 for more information.

Audubon Bitterroot Audubon’s April meeting will feature “The Land of the Horse People,” a presentation on Mongolian history, culture, and present-day happenings

by Hamilton

resident Jan Bullock. Jan spent several weeks in Mongolia living with a traditional Mongolian family, working at a summer camp for children and traveling via horseback on an eleven day pack trip. She visited the oldest monastery in Mongolia and went to see the Przewalski’s horses. She will present photos from her trip and will bring traditional Mongolian art and clothing to show us. She’s planning on returning to Mongolia in September.

Join Bitterroot Audubon for this fascinating travelog at an in-person meeting.

Jan’s program is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17 at the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene’s Neely Center, 150 South A Street Victor. Note that it is not at the church itself but at their Neely Center, in the gym. The gym door is on the south side of the building.

St. Mary’s Mission opening day

The Opening Day Celebration for Historic St. Mary’s Mission will be on Tuesday, April 18. Doors will open at 11 a.m. followed by a flag raising ceremony by the Stevensville FFA Chapter at 11:30 am. Chapel bell ringing by Harry Rice, Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Severson in the historic St. Mary’s Chapel at noon, followed by refreshments served at the Visitor Center. Visit St. Historic Mary’s Mission and Museum at 315 Charlos Street in Stevensville and learn about “Montana’s First Best Place.” Guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday from April 18-October 14, 2023. For more information, call 406.777-5734 or visit saintmarysmission.org

Brews for Books

A Brews for Books fundraiser to benefit the North Valley Public Library will be held April 18, 6 to 8 p.m., at Wildwood Brewery, 4018 U.S. Hwy. 93 North, and May 9, 6 to 8 p.m., at Blacksmith Brewing Company, 114 Main St., both in Stevensville. Brews for Books is organized and staffed by the all-volunteer NVPL Foundation, which raises funds for the library. Find more information on the foundation’s Facebook page or the library website.

CPR class

The Three Mile Community Center is offering a CPR class on Saturday April 29th at 9 a.m. This class will be taught by Missoula Emergency Services. The fee for just wanting to learn or refresh on CPR is $25.00; if you need to renew your certification it’s $35.00. To sign up for the class call 406-544-4994 or 406-7773710 before 4-21.

RCEDA

The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will be holding its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 19, beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the RCEDA Conference Room. The meeting is open to the public.

Trout Unlimited

The April 20 BRTU meeting will feature a presentation by MFWP Fisheries Biologist Jason Lindstrom. Jason will provide a status report on the fishery, habitat conditions, and present results from last year’s studies. He will also review the updated Hoot Owl program, and discuss relevant results from the 2023 Legislature as they affect fisheries.

Jason’s talk will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 20 at the Hamilton Elks Club, 203 State Street.

The public is invited to attend and there is no charge for admission. Plan on coming down early for personality adjustment because starting at 6:15, the Elks will be serving their excellent grilled brats and beer. The brats are

steamed in beer before being grilled and then served with fried onions and sauerkraut. Just $10 for a brat and a beer.

If you would like additional information, contact BRTU Chapter President Dave Ward or Marshall Bloom.

Bitterroot Health volunteer training

Make 2023 a year to remember with volunteer experiences to benefit our community.

Volunteer introduction/ training meeting on Monday, April 24. Two sessions – noon or 5 p.m. in the Blodgett Conference room at Daly Hospital.

Bitterroot Health Foundation is actively recruiting volunteers to assist with enriching, heart-warming opportunities to serve their neighbors. Join the Auxiliary and connect with other like-minded men and women who give for the greater good.

Talents are needed for hospitality services in the hospital at the welcome desk, gift shop, during blood drives and throughout various departments to help them improve patient experience.

Bitterroot Health Hospice provides specialized training for volunteers to enhance the tender process of end-of-life care and emotional support for family members.

The Foundation is dependent on dozens of volunteers each year to assist with fundraising events and initiatives including annual golf tournaments, 5K, Gala, Festival of Trees, and more. Find the perfect place for your talents to thrive and make the most of the new year. Commitments can be weekly, monthly or one-time. We’ll find the perfect fit for you. For more information, contact the Volunteer Coordinator for Bitterroot Health via email at thessleynguyen@ bitterroothealth.org to to discuss current opportunities.

Corvallis Sewer District

Corvallis County Sewer District monthly meeting will be April 25th at 6:30 p.m. at 234 Brothers Way.

Baby Remembrance Service

You are invited to a special all-faith memorial service on Sunday, April 30th at 3 p.m. at St Francis 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton, honoring babies who died during pregnancy or infancy. It is important to honor the life of

a baby who has left handprints deep in our hearts, never to be forgotten. Open to everyone. Reception to follow in the Pastoral Life Center.

Pro-Life Bitterroot

Pro-Life Bitterroot will meet Tuesday, May 2nd at 6 p.m. at Kodiak Jax, 6th and Main, in Stevensville. For more information call (406) 407-1254.

Victor Community Garden

Victor Community Garden is now taking registrations for gardeners and volunteers.

Gardeners - Come join in the fun of growing your own food. Grow fresh, healthy vegetables of which you know how they were grown. The garden is located on 5th Avenue just west of town. The community garden offers 20’ x 20’ plots with great sun exposure surrounded by a deer proof fence. They provide compost, mulch, tools and have an automated watering system that waters every night and a paid garden manager who is always happy to help new gardeners. They require organic methods and the annual fee for a plot is $35 for the year/ season.

Pollinators abound with both fruit trees and a diverse native flower garden located in the center of the gardening area. There is a shaded picnic area and an innovative composting outhouse that they built, designed by water systems designer Roger DeHaan, with nearly all of the materials donated by local building supply businesses. (That compost is not for use in the garden, however.)

The garden was started in 2011 when Sustainable Living Systems received grant funds and formed an agreement with the Bitterroot Church of the Nazarene to develop one acre of their pasture land for a community garden. A well was dug, a deer proof fence built, and an automated sprinkler system was installed. The garden was opened for business in April of 2012.

Volunteers - to celebrate Earth Day, and to make a contribution to the health of the earth by cultivating soil health, come join us at our annual spring Work Day where we work together to get the garden ready for the season, digging out grass roots in the paths, and loosening the soil in the plots. This will be on Saturday, April 22, starting at 10 am and going until we give out. Bring a digging tool, some

food and water and dress for variable weather conditions.

To reserve a plot give Jill a call 406-360-1751 or go to this page: https://sls. bitterrootcag.org/victor-community-garden/ and click on the link at the bottom.

Montana Women for God Family Country Guest speakers Senator Theresa Manzella featuring Linda Lanier. Event will be Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Darby clubhouse. (406) 821-2193.

Ravalli County Democratic Party Convention May 4

The Ravalli County Democratic Party Central Committee is holding their bi-annual convention

Thursday May 4 at Victor Park at 5:00 PM. It’s a potluck so all you Ravalli County Democrats, bring a dish, bring a beverage, or just bring yourself! The purpose of the convention is to elect our Executive Committee who works on behalf of all Ravalli County Democrats to carry on the business of the party.

If you are fed up with the insanity of the current political happenings, if you want more of a voice in

the State Legislature and in the County, it’s time to get involved! Democracy is not a spectator sport.

It relies on you to speak up and roll up your sleeves.

Please join us on May 4 to help us do the hard work of fighting for everyday Montanans to ensure this is a state where we can ALL succeed and prosper. For questions contact linda.schmitt@ravdems. com or margaret.gorski@ ravdems.com.

Crossword Puzzle

The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary

Detailed Local Forecast

Today we will see mostly cloudy skies with a 45% chance of scattered snow, high temperature of 45°, humidity of 37%. West wind 5 to 10 mph. Snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. The record high temperature for today is 80° set in 1913. Expect mostly cloudy skies tonight with a 30% chance of isolated snow, overnight low of 27°. West northwest wind 6 to 10 mph. The wind chill for tonight could reach 22°. The record low for tonight is 18° set in 1997.

Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This Week

How can snow keep you warm? ?

Answer: If you are trapped in a blizzard, a snow cave can insulate you from the cold.

Weather History

April 12, 1989 - Twenty-two cities in the south central and eastern United States reported record low temperatures for the date, including Elkins, W.Va. with a low of 15 degrees and Baton Rouge, La. with a reading of 37 degrees.

April 13, 1986 - A major spring storm quickly intensified, bringing blizzard conditions to much of the Northern Plains region. Up to 18 inches of snow was reported in North Dakota. In South Dakota, winds gusting to 90 mph whipped snow into drifts 15 feet high.

Peak Times Day AM PM Wed6:05-8:056:36-8:36 Thu7:07-9:077:36-9:36 Fri8:06-10:068:34-10:34 Sat9:01-11:019:27-11:27

Peak Times Day AM PM Sun9:53-11:5310:18-12:18 Mon10:42-12:42-Tue11:07-1:0711:30-1:30 www.WhatsOurWeather.com

Sun/Moon Chart This Week

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

From Montana to the Masters

Shane

Masters Par 3 contest on Wednesday, April 5th. Lowry, from Ireland, finished tied for 16th at the Masters Tournament which ended on Sunday, April 9th.

Corvallis and Hamilton split tennis matches

On Thursday, April 6th, Hamilton hosted Corvallis in boys and girls tennis. For the boys, Hamilton won four matches and Corvallis won three matches. For the girls, Corvallis won four matches and Hamilton won three.

The boys’ single match results:

Andy Purcell (Hamilton) defeated Ryan Hutchinson (Corvallis) 4-6, 7-5 (10-4)

Colin Hanley (Hamilton) defeated Aaron Powell (Corvallis) 6-3, 6-4

Alain Mendizabal (Hamilton) defeated Jackson Chaves (Corvallis) 6-1, 7-6 (10-8)

Braden Gaegar (Corvallis) defeated Jacob Rollins (Hamilton) 6-2, 6-1

The boys’ doubles match results:

Chance Jessop / Grant Wilcox (Corvallis) defeated Dawson Berglund / Jonah Wilhelm (Hamilton) 6-2, 6-0

Emmett Allsop / Brannon Fehr (Corvallis) defeated Finn Dufresne / Jason Chaplain (Hamilton) 6-3, 6-4

Daniel Simmerman / Kaden

Corvallis

Corvallis baseball got in the win column in Florence on Tuesday, April 4th, with a 3-0 victory against the Falcons. Corvallis pitchers Mason Anderson and Nick Pierce combined to allow only 3 hits for the game. On offense, Corvallis’s Justus Brickley scored 3 runs, and Charlie Chavez and Bobby Truc each had an RBI. Then on Saturday, April 8th, Corvallis hosted East Helena and won, 15-0, in 4 innings. Corvallis pitcher Harley Fogel struck out 5 batters and didn’t allow a hit in the win. On offense, both Mason Anderson and Bryce Cooper each had 4 RBI’s.

Hamilton Hamilton traveled to East Helena on Tuesday, April 4th, and won, 14-4, in 5 innings. Hamilton’s Conner Ekin got the win and had 5 strikeouts. Liam O’Connell went 3 for 3 and scored 3 runs, and Emerson Widmer also went 3 for 3 and had an RBI. Then on Thursday, April 6th, they hosted Dillon and lost, 7-8, taking their first

Carroll (Hamilton) defeated Christian Gividen / Tucker Freeman (Corvallis) 6-4, 6-0

The girls’ single match results:

Janessa Chaplain (Hamilton) defeated Dakota Powell (Corvallis) 4-6, 6-2 (11-9)

Ciara Hanley (Hamilton) defeated

Mackenzie Gross (Corvallis) 6-4, 6-0

Alana Watt (Corvallis) defeated

Sofia Lewanski (Hamilton) 6-4, 6-2

Avan Wilcox (Corvallis) defeated Charlie Holmes (Hamilton) 6-4, 6-3

Doubles

Jayde Venema / Brecklyn Jessop (Corvallis) defeated Emma Hollingsworth / Gwen Wolfe (Hamilton) 6-3,

6-2 Kristen Jessop / Sam Geroy (Hamilton) defeated Olivia Lawson / Johanna Muscheid (Corvallis) 2-6, 6-3, (10-4)

Addy Williams / Anika Allred (Corvallis) defeated Anna Twardoski / Alexis Kaul (Hamilton) 7-5, 6-4

Going to the Augusta National Golf Course to witness the Masters tournament is at the top of the bucket list for any golf fan. I have always wanted to see this course and this tournament as a sports fan in general and a golf fan specifically. I was fortunate to travel to Augusta, Georgia last week and go to Augusta National on Wednesday, April 5th to watch the practice rounds and Par 3 contest at the Masters.

The golf course is much more hilly than it appears on television.

For example, on the finishing 18th hole, from the tee box the players walk down a gully, then straight uphill to the green. The course itself is in immaculate condition - the fairways are in better condition than the greens of most courses you will ever play.

The crowds are massive with an average of 40,000 fans per day, basically the whole population of the Bitterroot Valley walking around an 18-hole golf course. But the management at Augusta National could give a masterclass in crowd control. There are manned queues everywhere - the gates, the bathrooms, the pro shop, the concessions. At each, you’ll find workers enforcing line etiquette with words of kindness. Of the thousands of workers, each one smiles, makes eye contact, and greets you with cheerful Southern small talk. On your way to the bathroom, there is someone there to make a joke and point you in the right direction.

If you stop and listen, you will hear birds chirping and insects humming. And if you pay close enough attention, you will see microphones squirreling

up trees to capture this sound. On Wednesday, players play practice rounds, then around noon most, but not all, play in the annual Par 3 contest. The Par 3 contest is an informal competition where the golfers get a chance to play and relax before the intense competition starting the following day on the first day of the tournament. The golfers are often joined by their families who walk the course with them - kids take putts, caddies take tee shots, wives caddie for husbands, and players can even be seen carrying their own clubs. We camped between the 8th and 9th holes and witnessed four of the five hole-in-ones of the afternoon, including two by Seamus Powers on both the 8th and 9th holes.

It’s a chance to see a human side of the golfers who generally act like ma-

loss of the season. Hamilton’s Jackson Jessop went 2 for 3, scored 2 runs and had 2 RBI’s, Atticus Southwell went 2 for 4 and also had 2 RBI’s.

Stevensville

On Friday, April 7th, Stevensville hosted Florence and lost, 3-13. Stevensville’s Jeffrey Berryman and Connor Lenahan each hit a double in the loss.

Florence Florence baseball had a busy week, playing three games. On Tuesday, April 4th, they lost, 0-3, against Corvallis. Then on Friday they traveled to Stevensville and won, 13-3. Florence’s Brodie Hinsdale went 2 for 3, scored 3 runs and had 2 RBI’s, and Patrick Duchien and Gabe Philbrick each had 2 RBI’s. Florence’s Trapper Oster had 4 strikeouts and got the win. Then on Saturday, April 8th, they hosted Whitefish and lost, 2-7. For Florence, Jake Roth went 2 for 3, scored a run, and had an RBI.

Corvallis

The Corvallis girls opened their season with a 9-6 victory on Thursday, April 6th, in Corvallis against Dillon. Kaitlin McCartney and Emma Cashell both went 3 for 4 and Jadyn Greenwood had 2 RBI’s. Corvallis’s pitcher Sydney Wolsky got the win. On Saturday, April 8th, Corvallis traveled to East Helena and lost, 7-13. Sydney Wolsky went 2 for 3 and scored 3 runs in the loss.

Stevensville

The Stevensville girls opened their season with a 8-5 win against Butte Central in Stevensville on Tuesday, April 4th. Three was the lucky number for Stevensville’s Sophie Berning as she went 3 for 3, scored 3 runs and had 3 RBI’s. Maddy Davids went 2 for 4 and had 2 RBI’s. Stevi Pitcher Jaden

chines in front of the cameras and on the course during a tournament where the winner is awarded $3.24 million. Behind all the spectacle and pomp and tradition of such a tournament, maybe the highlight of it all was to see these players encourage a child, or hug a wife, or laugh with a caddie. It’s then you realize that when all is stripped away, we all have more in common then we might have thought.

A once in a lifetime opportunity indeed. In the end, John Rahm of Spain won the tournament.

Fisher got the win. Then on Thursday, April 6th, they hosted power Frenchtown and lost, 11-25, in a slugfest. The Lady ‘Jackets were unable to contain Frenchtown’s potent offense, but were able to produce some offense of their own. Sophie Berning led the way, going 4 for 5 with 3 RBI’s. Lilly Newsom and Kaytie Weiss each added 2 RBI’s.

Florence

The Florence girls remained undefeated with a 14-4 victory over Manhattan on Thursday, April 6th, in Florence. Maggie Schneiter went 3 for 3 and scored 4 runs. Rylee Yeoman, Lily Bender, and Taylor Pyette each had 2 RBI’s. Florence’s pitcher, Autumn Sutton, went the distance and got the win.

Jon Rahm hitting a shot into the 15th green at the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Rahm, from Spain, won the tournament by 4 strokes. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Russell Henley helps his kids on the green at the Par 3 contest at the Augusta National Golf Club on Wednesday, April 5th. Henley, from Georgia, finished tied for 4th at the Masters Tournament. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Jon Rahm carrying his clubs during the Masters Par 3 contest on Wednesday, April 5th. Rahn went on to win the Masters on Sunday, April 9th. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Lowry carries his daughter during the

Photo by Scott Sacry. by Scott Sacry

Big Brother

Ever lived with a Big Brother? If so, I hope he was a good one, not a controlling one. A “good” one would let you play, fail, learn, grow and be yourself. A controlling one, on the other hand, would likely be constantly breathing down your neck. Restricting your abilities. Preventing adventures. Stunting your abilities. All this CONTROL, of course, is done for your own good, you know, to keep you “safe”.

Youngsters in these types of controlling relationships, know in their heart that this is not how things should be. Their spirit yearns for the freedom they were born with. Yet, they settle in, compromising to keep the peace. They learn to ignore the yearning. Soon they become complacent. Convincing themselves that this is “just the way things are”.

This controlling “Big Brother” relationship is EXACTLY the relationship you in Ravalli County are experiencing right now. In fact, It has been “JUST THE WAY THINGS ARE” for so long, complacent has become compliant.

Your Big Brother is, of course, THE STATE. You see, your county form of government allows the state to turn your American concept of freedom, “if there’s not a law that says I can’t, I CAN” into a tyrannical reality of “If there’s not a law that says you can, YOU CAN’T.” SORRY, but it’s for your own good. Just ask Big Brother.

EVERYTHING is impacted, from law enforcement and the power of your County Commissioners to your local elections. (Today “The State” does not allow your county to inspect local elections.)

Today, it’s “Mother-May-I?

Soon, you will have the once-every-10-year-opportunity to choose to stay under the thumb of Big-Brother, or accept the power and responsibility you were born with and your Forefathers fought for you to maintain. Your independence will not come easy. Expect all the friends of BIG BROTHER to come against you, trying to convince you that YOU’RE not capable and don’t deserve to be FREE!

Doug Bohn Victor

Our school board arrogant?

Is there evidence that our Stevensville School Board is a bit above accepting input and scrutiny? What follows is not intended as an attack upon any member of the school staff or the School Board. I am wondering about what may be being taught, about school safety, about the nature of the budget, what’s in the library, are the basics of math, reading, writing, and civics (whatever that is now called) being given priority?

The issue is BACK TO BASICS and SECURITY. Simply put, many of us are concerned. We want to assure that our school budgets and resources are supporting a curriculum dedicated to teaching the BASICS and SECURITY. Surely we don’t want a curriculum devoted to WOKE ideas such as Critical Race Theory, equity, victimhood, or gender confusion. The actions and governing philosophy of the School Board will determine what course the Stevensville schools will follow. Surely this is of concern to all of us, not just the dedicated achievers with an agenda and the parents of current students.

There are several candidates for the Board in the forthcoming May 2nd election. The Bitterroot Star can be counted upon to provide interviews with each candidate. This is a vital service but can’t expose those inner convictions that govern the approach to issues. That takes some exposure to debate and queries from varied concerned citizens.Some kind of public forum is needed.

Back to arrogance. The last time the Stevensville school held an election the school asked me to conduct a public forum. What an honor! It was a real shock when I was directed to not allow questions from the attendees. Apparently the Board did not want to hear your concerns or suggestions. Arrogance? Lack of transparency? Something to hide? Meanwhile the Board at Lone Rock encouraged questions when I conducted a similar forum at their request.

There has been little interest in school safety. This is hard to understand at a time when school invasions are happening. As I write this, my TV is devoted to covering the school massacre at the Nashville Christian school. Does anyone actually think this can’t happen here? We prepare for fires and they are not common. Why not prepare for the shooter? The Sheriff has recently surveyed the school’s security. He found that the present security ranges from minimal part time to non-existent.

Recently, Elsie Arntzen, the elected head of the Office of Public Instruction, visited our school. She took questions and sought to explain various current school issues. Nearly 70 folks attended and there were certainly many questions asked. She spoke in the school gym and we had to search for a microphone for this lady to be heard. Only about one half of the School Board attended, but they did hold a board meeting immediately following her visit. Essentially, she was ignored. It appeared to be a deliberate snub. It was as if her visit didn’t matter. I guess the only use for the Office of Public Instruction is to write checks.

The rules for conduct at a Board meeting are rather fascinating. They allow someone to speak for 3 minutes before a meeting.They don’t have to listen.

There, I got this off my chest. In summary, this community has recently provided a marvelous physical

campus. Now let’s be concerned about what is going on within those walls that are hard for us to individually penetrate. We must trust the School Board. We need wisdom, dedication to the basics, and above all the guts to either defend or create a learning experience that prepares our youth to compete and contribute. Time is of the essence. Perhaps some community organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, Masons, American Legion could accept the challenge and arrange a community forum to immediately follow the Bitterroot Star publication of interviews. The old adage is still applicable–you will get the kind of School Board you deserve.

Ed Sperry Stevensville

Concerned

Were you aware of and follow the enormous China balloon that recently crossed our country??? Don’t know how you could have missed it if you ever turned a radio or TV on, but let me review what happened. This enormous Chinese balloon flying at 60,000+ feet came down across Alaska and Canada, slowly moved over Montana, and then on down across the U.S. “heartland” until we shot it down off the coast of North Carolina.

A lot of unanswered questions as I write this:

1. Why did we let this happen?

Biden spokesmen contend that there was concern for the safety of persons/ buildings on the ground, so waited until after it was over water before shooting it down. This is nonsense in my opinion as we could have shot it down over unpopulated areas of Alaska or sparsely populated areas of Montana.

2. Or, once we observed that it was maneuverable, why didn’t we confront the Chinese and demand they “fly” this away from our country?

3. What was the “real” objective(s) behind this incident. “Talking heads” are arguing that this is much concern about nothing. Hmm, I disagree. They, the Chinese, have gathered important information on our high-level decision-making process and times. They surely have also accumulated high-

er-resolution photography of the area flown over, and enormous amounts of “signal intelligence” associated with our military/civilian communications.

4. Why weren’t we, common citizens, not told about this until it was visually spotted over Billings??? What else is going on that we haven’t been told about?

5. Have you considered that this might be a “Trojan Horse” type scenario where the Chinese want us to consider that these balloons are harmless, but to then use one or more during an attack on us by carrying a nuclear weapon and/or a laser to hit our missiles as they come out of their silos???

Has the reader recognized that China is our greatest threat and that we have many reasons to be worried about their dominance in world affairs and influence over our country??? Here are a few of my observations/ opinions:

1. Economic domination over us through their control of pharmaceuticals, semi- conductors and rare minerals. If you haven’t heard about these concerns, you need to do your own investigation.

2. Using university research grant funding to steal our intellectual ideas and discoveries.

3. Threatening/testing us on the world stage through participating in partnerships with our other adversaries, or threatening us with proposals about their intent to take Taiwan.

4. Buying up real estate in our country, especially farm land.

5. Participating in other activities oriented toward harming us individually and/or economically. Prime example is their supplying the chemicals needed to create Fentanyl to Mexican drug cartels.

Folks, we need to be concerned; very concerned!

Jerry Esmay Stevensville

Tying a great skwala dry fly pattern

Every fly tyer in the valley probably has at least one favorite skwala pattern, the result of careful experimentation over the years, or maybe out of the wild experiments and bad ideas that have been abandoned to a scrap heap that would probably fill a room. The inspired patterns that came out of the weekly Bitterroot Brewery fly tying sessions over the past couple of decades would probably come close – and some of those flies begged the question: Just how much glitzy here-today-gone-tomorrow fad- dish fly tying material can you strap onto a hook?

But hey – we all had fun con- tributing to that pile. For some, I suspect, the camaraderie and cold beers for inspiration were more fun than the fishing. If the results didn’t work, it’s back to the vise.

by Chuck Stranahan

So we still experiment. If there were one pattern that worked well every time it was thrown in the water, it would reduce the excitement and anticipation of going fishing to a predictable monotony that would spoil our fun.

Observation is the key

My own best skwala patterns came when I had plenty of time to fish, walk the banks, turn over lots of rocks, shake the streamside willows, and just sit and watch. The flies that resulted from all that sitting and watching still produce.

I watched the nymphs migrate to shore, and then saw their unusual habit of hiding under streamside rocks until they hatched as adults. Other big stoneflies, salmonflies and golden stones, crawl out onto warm rocks, sit in the sun for a few minutes, pop through the wing cases on their backs, and crawl out.

Skwalas take longer to do this, and the newly emerged adults are more fragile than their later-season cousins. The females are weak flyers, and the semi-wingless males don’t fly at all.

The egg-bearing females are most important to the trout. Their flying efforts are feeble at best – a weak flutter that continues after they hit the water. The trout notice.

More than once I’ve captured and tossed mature skwalas into the path of feeding fish. The trout let most of the injured, dead-looking naturals drift by. But when a “live” one with fluttering wings hits the

water, it doesn’t last long before it is eaten. Putting it all into practice

If you’re setting out to tie the ultimate skwala, you might try to incorporate these things:

One, size and silhouette are critical. Keep it sparse. Those hefty, gaudy patterns have a short window of effectiveness when conditions are near-perfect, but fizzle the rest of the time. Try to avoid overdressed, bulky foam-bodied flies that look more like a toy battleship than a living insect. Use enough foam to keep the fly afloat. Skwalas are skinny bugs.

Two, the fly’s body color and shape can be make or break factors – especially when the trout have seen plenty of imitations floating by. The more successful patterns have body colors that bounce light around the way a natural insect does. A natural skwala female has a near-black egg sac to the rear, an abdomen that might range from willow green to a darker brown-olive, and distinctive yellowish armor in the thorax.

Three, a wing that appears to flutter will get you more trout than one that doesn’t. Like I said, trout

like to eat “live” bugs. The ultimate skwala pattern will have a fluttering sparse wing of hair, CDC, or maybe some UV reflective fiber. Skwala wings, all stonefly wings for that matter, are UV reflective.

Four, the importance of a black foam egg sac is over-emphasized in local angling folklore. Foam is OK; but try a sparkle dubbing material or peacock herl instead.

My best skwala pattern has a peacock herl egg sac. The multicolored dark glisten of wet peacock herl looks more natural than black foam ever could.

My concession to black foam occurs when there is no hackle to hold the fly afloat and the black foam egg sac is the visible extension of a foam underbody. I use the same dubbing over the foam that I do for my “old” skwala pattern – and the dubbing has UV multicolored and reflective elements.

I use white, not the standard black, rubberlegs on my alternate foam version. They provide some wiggle in the water, complete the silhouette of the fly, and the white rubberlegs are also UV reflective. If you’re not a fly tyer, look for those things in the flies you buy.

A good skwala pattern: just enough foam, slender multicolor body, fluttering wing, white legs. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

paymentsof$13.89per$1,000financed.Someexceptionsapply.Termssubjecttochange.Offersexpire06/30/2023.Thismaterialisfordescriptivepurposesonly.Kubotadisclaimsallrepresentationsandwarranties,expressorimplied,oranyliabilityfromtheuseofthismaterial.Formore information,seeDealerorgotoKubotaUSA.com.Example:0%Down,0%A.P.R.financingforupto60monthsonpurchasesofselectnewKubotaBX238 $0Down,0%A.P.R.financingforupto36monthsorcustomerinstantrebatesof$500areavailableonpurchasesofnewKubotaRTV-XG850&RTV-1100CSeriesequipmentfromparticipatingdealer’sin-stockinventory.PromotionalrateavailabletoqualifiedpurchasersthroughKubota CreditCorporation,U.S.A.subjecttocreditapproval.Example:36monthlypaymentsof$27.78per$1,000financed.$500rebateisnotavailablewith0%A.P.R.orotherpromotionalfinancing.Someexceptionsapply.Offersexpire03/31/23.Termssubjecttochange.Thismaterialisfor descriptivepurposesonly.Kubotadisclaimsallrepresentationsandwarranties,expressorimplied,oranyliabilityfromtheuseofthismaterial.Forcompletewarrant,disclaimer,safety,incentiveofferandproductinformation,consultyourDealerorKubotaUSA.com.

Booked for the season

“Beacons in the Darkness” by Dave Hoekstra c.2022, Agate Publishing

$18.99

287 pages

“American Deadline: Reporting from Four News-Starved Towns in the Trump Era” by Greg Glassner, Charles Richardson, Sandra Sanchez, and Jason Togyer c.2023, Columbia University Press

$30.00

301 pages

The thump hits your porch or mailbox, right on time.

Your newspaper is there when you want it, accompanying your coffee at breakfast, sitting by your sandwich at lunch, or as a part of your post-supper relaxation. It’s also where you need it: at school board meetings, common council sessions, and high school sports. If those aren’t reasons enough, these books tell you why you should support your local newspaper...

It’s no secret that newspapers struggle today, as they have since long before the pandemic. Years ago, large corporations gobbled up small newspapers and gutted their staffs; newsrooms were decimated by consolidation and buyouts. In “Beacons in the Darkness” (Agate Publishing, $18.99), author Dave Hoekstra says that family-owned papers and independent publishers were sent “racing to the exit sign” and as advertising fell and page-counts were slashed, some areas were left entirely without a newspaper.

This, Hoekstra indicates, is a problem for small towns.

“The quality of the life of the community,” he says, “can be directly affected by the level of involvement by

the newspaper.”

Locally-owned newspapers “embed themselves into community.” They hold the history of people and the things they care about, they

flexibility. Today’s newspapers may go all-digital, or print-digital hybrid. They set up pop-up newsstands. Some assume non-profit status. Others reach for community

they need to know.

This is particularly important, according to Greg Glassner, Charles Richardson, Sandra Sanchez, and Jason Togyer, in this time of politi-

by Terry Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

lost their newspapers during the pandemic, and how this vanishing is a problem for everyone.

Without a local newspaper – the kind that reports not just on big stories but also about local people and events – there’s often a void left that diminishes important conversations about essential issues. It’s easy, with no local newspaper, for people to become unaware of that which they need to know.

That’s especially dangerous when it comes to national news. Community newspapers, thrive on reliability and reader trust. Without a newspaper in town, too many people may come to rely on unreliable sources for their news.

The four towns that serve as sets for this book are in the south and east; two lost their local newspapers entirely and two had vastly diminished staffs. This book, the stories of which made up an “experiment” in reporting, show how cities and towns suffered when several large news events happened and there was no one to record them.

serve as watchdogs for local government, dig for stories that need daylight, and they employ your neighbors.

To do this, they need

involvement, and then keep doing what they do best: serve as the voice of the towns they’re in, and help to keep people informed on issues

cal partisanship and division.

In their new book, “American Deadline” (Columbia University Press, $30.00), they tell the tales of four towns that

Like any good feature story, these books are worth reading because they serve to remind readers why their parents and grandparents supported local news. If you care about your community, it’s time you do, too.

LOOKING FOR APARTMENT MANAGER for low income senior apartment complex in Hamilton Mt., experience preferred but willing to train the right person. This is a part time position 25 hours per week, must take LIHTC training course paid for by company and MUST pass the test to continue employment. If interested please email resume with references to manager@ willowcourtmt.com

2-4 MORNINGS (with a possibility for more) per week help needed getting an older handicapped gentleman up for the day. Weekly shower also. Located in Corvallis. Please call Karen at 508.320.4088.

HELP WANTED -

Tire Truck Operator At Our Opheim Location. Fulltime, Wage DOE. Farm/ Ranch Store Hand with light duty shop work At Our Peerless Location Fulltime, Wage DOE. Family Health Insurance, dental, 401K, long term disability, holiday pay, vacation and sick leave package. Also Need Seasonal Drivers With CDL For Local Fertilizer Deliveries in Richland, Scobey and Plentywood Areas. PRO Co-op, Tanner Trower 406-487-2612.

Ecogeek LLC dba Complexly LLC, an employer operating in Missoula, Montana, with offices in Missoula County, Montana, has an opening for a Digital Media Worker.

Duties include:

Assemble raw footage into a continuous whole according to scripts or the instructions of directors and producer first cut that matches the script notes. Mix sound and insert into video for seamless transitions and dialogue using editing software such as Adobe Premier and Final Cut Pro. Review footage and determine best takes. Set up and operate computer editing systems, electronic titling systems, and digital video effects units. Trim and reassemble segments in logical sequences to present coherent stories. Cut shot sequences to make cuts as seamless as possible. Review assembled footage to determine necessary corrections. Manipulate sound and graphics. Program graphic effects. Review and mark up scripts to determine audio and visual effects to complete videos. Mark frames to designate sounds. Record or obtain necessary sounds. Screen videos for feedback. Confer with a Producer about layout/editing approaches to increase entertainment value. Develop post-production models for videos. Collaborate with a

Producer on selecting music and developing production scores. Minimum Requirements: Applicants must have 6 months experience in the above listed job duties and a US Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. Qualified applicants, mail resumes to: Complexly LLC; Attn: Kylie Hannas, HR Business Partner; P.O. Box 8147; Missoula, MT 59807

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.

HORSE TRIMMING. 30+ years experience. (406) 363-8956.

SPRING ON THE WORK! Licensed residential electrician at your service. We also offer raw goat milk, and baby goats for sale. Call 406880-5996, email forsakenranch@icloud.com or visit facebook forsakenranchandelectric.

RENTAL IN STEVENSVILLE: 1 BDRM. APT. FULLY FURNISHED, utilities, trash included. Additional combo couch/ double bed. Separate office space. Photos upon request. Streaming setup. Small pets ok, no smoking. $1200.00 (406) 550-1289.

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Legal Notices

Kyle J. Workman State Bar No. 65442127

Workman Law, PLLC

P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840

T: (406) 802-2198

kyle@workmanlawmt.com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JANET SUE TUCKER, Deceased.

Probate No. 2020-26

Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

Claims must either be mailed to WILMA K. SHEPHERD, Personal Representative, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59240, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

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

DATED this 7th day of March, 2023.

/s/ Wilma K. Shepherd

WORKMAN LAW, PLLC

By: Kyle J. Workman Attorney for Personal Representative BS 3-22, 3-29, 4-5-23.

Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET FRINZELY MARTIN, Deceased.

Case No.: DP-23-32

Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

Claims must either be mailed to Eric Duane Martin and Tomie Martin, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 23rd day of March, 2023.

/s/ Eric Duane Martin, Co-Personal Representative /s/ Tomie Martin, Co-Personal Representative BS 3-29, 4-5, 4-12-23.

Lori A. Harshbarger HARSHBARGER LAW

FIRM

above-entitled Court. DATED this 23rd day of March, 2023. /s/ Juli Jo Kelly ℅ Harshbarger Law Firm P.O. Box 445

Twin Bridges, MT 59754 /s/ Della K. Ehlke ℅ Harshbarger Law Firm

P.O. Box 445

Twin Bridges, MT 59754 BS 3-29, 4-5, 4-12-23.

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

Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS L. STECHER, Deceased. Case No.: DP-23-31 Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

Claims must either be mailed to Tamara Argyle and Jennifer Hilgenkamp, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 23rd day of March, 2023.

/s/ Tamara Argyle, Co-Personal Representative /s/ Jennifer Hilgenkamp, Co-Personal Representative BS 3-29, 4-5, 4-12-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, April 13th, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

NOTICE IS HERE BY

GIVEN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, April 13th, 2023, 6:00 p.m. at their regularly scheduled meeting held at Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870 for the purpose of considering amendments to the Town of Stevensville FY 21-22, FY2223 Budgets. Comments to be considered may be given orally at the hearing, submitted in writing via email to jenelle@townofstevensville. com<mailto:jenelle@townofstevensville.com> or US mail to Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 p.m. on April 13, 2023.

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

Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 3-29, 4-5-23.

Eileen Gail Nelson, Petitioner. Cause No.:Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-23-62

Dept. 2

NOTICE OF HEARING

ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Brittany Eileen Gail Nelson, to Brittany Eileen Gail Stump. the hearing will be on May 11, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 6th day of April, 2023.

Bill Nelon, Attorney for Petitioner. BS 4-12, 4-19, 4-26, 4-3-23.

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Dawson V. Rice Thornton, Dawson V. Rice Thornton, Petitioner. Cause No.:Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-23-48

Dept. 2

NOTICE OF HEARING

ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Dawson Vincent Rice Thornton, to Dawson Vincent Rice. the hearing will be on May 10, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 29th day of March, 2023. Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court

BY: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk of Court BS 4-12, 4-19, 4-26, 4-3-23.

John S. Masar

LionWood Law, PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 625-2682 jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com

Attorney for Personal

Representative

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JEAN ANNABELLE IRVIN, Deceased

Probate No.: DP-23-34

Dept. No.: 2 JENNIFER B. LINT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

be the office of the Ravalli County Election Administrator, Ravalli County Administrative Building, 215 S 4th St, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana, which will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Ballots must be received by the County Election Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be counted. All ballots will be tallied in the election room of the Ravalli County Election Administrator located in the Courthouse at 205 Bedford Street, in Hamilton, on May 2, 2023 in accordance with Montana law with the preliminary results, if known, expected to be released after 8:00 p.m. on that day.

A qualified voter who will be absent from the District during the time the election is being conducted may:

(a) vote in person in the office of the Ravalli County Election Administrator as soon as the ballots are available and until noon on May 1, 2023; or

(b) make a written request prior to noon on May 1, 2023, signed by the applicant and addressed to the office of the Ravalli County Election Administrator, that the ballot be mailed to an address other than that which appears on the registration records. All ballots to be mailed will be mailed on April 14, 2023.

An elector may obtain a replacement ballot if their ballot is destroyed, spoiled, lost, or not received by the elector by personally appearing at the office of the Ravalli County Election Administrator and by:

(a) signing an affidavit form stating the reason for the request for replacement; and

(b) if the reason given for replacement is “spoiled ballot,” by returning the spoiled ballot to the office of the Ravalli County Election Administrator.

review at HamiltonZoningUpdate.com.

The purpose of these public hearings is to consider and take public comment on the proposed zoning text amendments.

The Hamilton Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on this matter on

Monday, May 1, 2023 at 5:30 PM at Hamilton City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, 2nd Floor, Hamilton, MT.

The Hamilton City Council will hold public hearings on this matter on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 7:00 PM, and Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM, during its regular meetings at Hamilton City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, 2nd Floor, Hamilton, MT.

The public may attend and make comment in person, or on the Internet / by phone through the conferencing platform Zoom. Detailed instructions are available at www.cityofhamilton.net, or by contacting mrud@cityofhamilton.net or cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.

Comments prior to the Zoning Commission hearing may be submitted to the Planning Department at mrud@ cityofhamilton.net. Comments after the Zoning Commission hearing may be submitted to the City Clerk at cityclerk@ cityofhamilton.net. Comments for the Planning Department or City Clerk may also be mailed or delivered in person to 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. Related materials are available at www.HamiltonZoningUpdate.com, www.cityofhamilton.net, or by contacting the Planning Department at (406)363-2101.

BS 4-12, 4-19-23.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTION

ballot at the county election office. The county election office is located at: 215 S. 4th Street STE C Hamilton, MT 59840

DATED this 12th day of April, 2023 /s/ Shelley O’Leary, District Clerk. BS 4-12-23

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Dawson V. Rice Thornton, Dawson V. Rice Thornton, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-23-48 Dept. 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Dawson Vincent Rice Thornton to Dawson Vincent Rice. The hearing will be on May 10, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County. DATED this 29th day of March, 2023. Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court BY: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk of Court BS 4-12, 4-19, 4-26, 5-3-23.

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

P.O. Box 445

204 S. Main St Twin Bridges, MT 59754 Tel: (406) 684-5001

Fax: (406) 684-5116

Email: lori@harshbargerlawfirm.com office@harshbargerlawfirm.com

Attorney for Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF DONALD K. KNUDSEN, Deceased.

Probate No. DP-23-29

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Personal Representatives of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Juli Jo Kelly and Della K. Ehlke, the Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, ℅ HARSHBARGER LAW FIRM, P.O. Box 445, Twin Bridges MT 59754 or filed with the Clerk of the

Tara Lee Hill Attorney at Law P.O. Box 211 Lambert, MT 59243 (406) 433-2094 Attorney for the Personal Repreentative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF David Lowell Kemp, Deseased.

Probate No. DP-23-12

Dept. No.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Personal Representatives of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Kevin Rasmussen, the personal Representative, return recipt requested, at 565o Homer Davis Road, Shepart, MT 59079, or filed with the Clark of the above court. DATED this 9th day of January, 2023.

/s/ Kevin Rasmussen

Personal representative of the Estate David Lowell Kemp, Deceased. BS 4-5, 4-12,4-19-23

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of

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 months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to DAVID B. IRVIN, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o LionWood Law, PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 6th day of April, 2023

/s/ DAVID B. IRVIN

Personal Representative

c/o LionWood Law, PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870

LionWood Law, PLLC /s/ John S. Masar Attorney for Personal Representative BS 4-12, 4-19, 4-26-23.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTION of Stevensville School District No. 2, Ravalli County, Montana for the Election of two (2) trustees to be elected for a three (3) year term for the Stevensville Elementary/High school district, a one (1) year term for the Stevensville Elementary/High school district. The election will be conducted solely by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible qualified electors in the District on April 14, 2023, and must be returned by each voter, to the Ravalli County Election Administrator’s Office by mail or in person to the Ravalli County Election Administrator, Ravalli County, 215 S 4th St, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana 59840, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), weekdays (exclusive of holidays), April 16, 2023 through May 2, 2023, or between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, May 2, 2023.

On Election Day, May 2, 2023, the only places for deposit of voted ballots will

Ballots may be returned in person at the place of deposit listed above, or returned by mail. If returning by mail, please use the then-prevailing first-class-postage price or one Forever Stamp. Postmark date does not apply; ballots returned by mail must be received by the 8:00 p.m. Election Day deadline to be counted. Please note, all electors, as defined in MCA 20-20-301, are those who reside within the Elementary District and are registered to vote by the close of registration on April 3, 2023.

For electors who miss the close of registration deadline, late registration is available through the office of the County Election Administrator until noon on May 1, 2023, and will resume on Election Day, May 2, 2023, from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

The following candidates are running for the Elementary/ High School District position of trustee on the Stevensville School Board for a three-year term.

Sean Lenahan

Ben Meyer Dan Mullan

The following candidates are running for the Elementary/ High School District position of trustee on the Stevensville School Board for a one-year term.

Stacy Kampka Kristopher M McKoy

William F. Schiele, Business Manager/Clerk Dated on April 7, 2023 BS 4-12-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE HAMILTON ZONING COMMISSION AND BEFORE THE HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL

Zoning Request 202302 - A proposal by the City of Hamilton to amend all sections of the text of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hamilton Municipal Code. Amendments under consideration would reorganize Title 17 chapters and sections, provide for zoning administrator interpretation of proposed land uses not listed in allowed use tables; revise review criteria for Conditional Use Permits, Variances, and Special Use Permits; codify requirements for records of decision; clarify the role and recommendations of the Planning Board; revise Special Use Permit application procedures; revise development application requirements; revise and provide for common public notice requirements for land use public hearings; and provide processes for which parties may propose certain land use requests. Detailed information is available for

Victor School District No. 7, Ravalli County, Montana will be holding an election for the consideration of the following issue:

Two (2) Trustees to be elected for a three (3) year term

The election will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 by mail ballot. There will be an Expressvote (electronic ballot marking device) available at the Ravalli County Election Office. Ballots may be returned to the following locations, at the following times:

Ravalli County Election Office

215 S 4th Street STE C Hamilton, MT 59840

Prior to Election Day - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

On Election Day - 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Florence-Carlton School Administration Building 5602 Old US Highway 93 Florence, MT 59833

On Election Day - 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Corvallis School District Office 1151 Eastside Hwy Corvallis, MT 59828

A qualified registered elector who will be absent from the district during the time the election is being conducted may 1) vote in the election administrators office as soon as the ballots are available and until noon the day before the election; b) complete an Application for Absentee Ballot to request a ballot be mailed to an address other than the address that appears on the voter registration card.

If you miss this regular registration deadline (30 days prior to the election), you may still late register and receive a

DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com Attorney for Defendant IN THE JUSTICE COURT OF RAVALLI COUNTY, STATE OF MONTANA Tamara L. Valenzano, Plaintiff Vs. Pigman Commercial Rentals, LLS, Defendant Pigman Commercial Rentals, LLC, a Montana Corporation, Counter-Plaintiff Vs. Tamara L. Valenzano, Counter-Defendant.

Cause No.: CV-2022-885 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE OF SALE

To be sold at public sale on the 22nd day of April, 2023 at 9:00 A.M., at 141 Belmont Avenue, Hamilton,

David T. Markette of Markette & Chouinard, P.C. do hereby certify that I did on the 3rd day of April, 2023, cause a copy of NOTICE OF SALE to be served by placing a copy of the same in the U.S. Mail, postage affixed, to the following address: Tamara Valenzano 707 State Street Hamilton MT 59840 /s/ Loma Jane Glenn Legal Assistant to David T. Markette BS 4-12, 4-19-23.