Bitterroot Star - April 5, 2023

CANCER: Friends/family host event, help local fight cancer

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and support a gal that was born and raised in Stevensville,” said Sutherlin. Meyer and Sutherlin have known each other since first grade. Sutherlin explained, “She just needs support. If it was someone else’s daughter, they would be the first to come out and support something like this.”

With medical bills already high, Meyer said insurance does not cover holistic remedies. “I’m used to putting things like this on and not used to asking for help,” explained Meyer. “I’m pretty independent, but I’ve just been humbled by the amount of support.” She said she is so moved by all the community support and “I’m planning on making a full comeback!”

even though she also explained that her prognosis is murky.

Meyer graduated high school from Stevensville, and lives with her family on their family ranch in the valley. She also owns Diamond D Ranch Insurance and is active in the community. “This is what small town America is all about, Just taking care of each other. I feel very blessed by all the support from the community,” said Meyer.

More information on the Ride with Mary fundraiser, and how to donate, can be found by contacting Sutherlin at (406) 544-0043 or by emailing her at laceysutherlin@gmail. com.

The Real Rare Earth STOP

Mary Meyer with her horse. Photo courtesy Lacey Sutherlin.

BLUEGRASS: Rockies association festival to return

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kitchen, and she and her crew will be serving up chili, soup and desserts, all for a modest fee.

More good news this year – Conroy said one of the association’s members gave a big donation, so all MRBA members will get in for free. Admission is just $5 for non members, and there’s no charge for kids under 12.

Reyna Redman founded the Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association in 1998. Mike and Tari have been members ever since. They started holding the festival in 2000 and it’s been held yearly since then, except for the Covid years of 2020 and 2021. Conroy said MRBA has just under 200 members, who gather regularly for music jams and campouts. This is the only fundraiser for the group.

The Neely Center is located at 150 S. A Street, two blocks west of the gas station in Victor.

For more information contact Mike Conroy at 406-821-3777 or visit mtbluegrass.com or on Facebook at montana rockies bluegrass association.

“It should be a fun day,” says Conroy. The music is always great and “everybody really loved this venue last year,” he said. “It has a more intimate feel.”

LANDOWNERS: Fight to keep public access off their land

Continued from page 1 argued in federal district court that it was too late to file the lawsuit because the law contains a 12-year statute of limitations starting from the time that a person knew or should have known that a prohibited action was being permitted. A District Court Judge decided in favor of the government and dismissed the case for being in violation of the statute of limitations. That decision was appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals where it was upheld. The recent U.S. Supreme Court order in the case reverses those decisions and the case has been sent back to District Court for a full hear-

ing.

The only question addressed by the Supreme Court in this case was whether or not the statute of limitations is a “jurisdictional” limitation, in which case the court has no jurisdiction to consider the case beyond that deadline, or whether it is a “claims processing rule” in which case the deadline may be extended for “valid reasons.”

The issue of whether a time bar in the law is “subject-matter jurisdictional” or a “non-jurisdictional claims processing rule” has been an issue in other cases recently. Twice previously, in Corp. v. United States and United

Regina Redman, Dallas Olson and Reyna Redman, performing at a previous MRBA bluegrass festival. Photo courtesy of Mike Conroy.

The last of the ‘Old Breed’

by Sean Malcom

Recently, I had the honor of spending two afternoons with Richard Nelson, a local United States Marine Corps veteran who celebrated his 100th birthday last month. Nelson is one of the original “Old Breed” having served with the First Marine Division from 1943 until 1945 in the Pacific theater during World War II.

The opportunity to spend time with Nelson came to me as a rare privilege, as I too served with the division, albeit 65 years after Nelson had.

At 100 years old, Nelson’s recollection of his time during the battles at Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and Okinawa has faded. The many awards and citations which have been framed and hung around his living room, along with the shadow box which encases his medals, rank and unit patches, help to provide a glimpse into Nelson’s past.

The one thing that stood out to me, as well as what seemed to be most important to him, was a large hardcover book simply titled “The Old Breed.” Published in 1949, the book, with an olive drab cover adorned with the First Marine Division symbol, contains a complete history of the division’s actions during World War II. It comes complete with photographs, sketches, award citations and a highly detailed timeline of the division’s actions, week by week. “That book helps,” Nelson said, tapping the side of his head. “It helps to fill in the gaps.”

Born in 1923, Nelson grew up in Chicago, Illinois at the height of The Great Depression. His father passed away when Nelson was two years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his seven siblings.

“With two beds and eight kids, I slept on the floor a lot,” Nelson said. “You were always hungry. You woke up hungry. You went to bed hungry back then.” He recalls selling newspapers for ten cents outside of apartment buildings, working at a tobacco shop and receiving donated food just to get by.

canal. “I was young. I was only 19. But we were good buddies. They took me right in.”

Nelson was assigned to 3rd Battalion 11th Marine Regiment, an artillery

made me a Corporal, then I got to tell everybody else what to do.” From a young age, Nelson had a gift for math. At just 20 years old, he was promoted to Corporal and charged with leading

enemy fire, fighting their way over twisted, covered trails to provide heavy-weapons fire for the assault infantry troops.”

Following a brief occupation of New Britain, Nelson returned to Australia before re-boarding a United States Navy ship en route to the island of Peleliu. “Peleliu was the worst one,” he said. The National Museum of the Marine Corps called The Battle of Peleliu, “the bitterest battle of the war for the Marines.” The history of the battle is deeply engrained in First Marine Division lore, to this day. In a little over two months, 1,300 Marines of the division were killed, as well as over 5,000 wounded.

The enemy was only part of the problem, though, as Nelson noted. “We were always looking for water,” he said. “It was hot all the time. You couldn’t drink it fast enough.” The Marines were faced with supply line issues during the battle, as well as blistering summer heat. On many occasions, water sources were poisoned by retreating Japanese forces.

Nelson suffered through bouts of malaria, as well a jungle rot on his hands and feet.

“I saw more dead people as a kid than anybody should have to,” Nelson said, pointing toward the names of the Marines killed in action that fill the last 20 pages of the book.

After two months of fighting, The Battle of Peleliu ended in November 1944. Nelson returned to Australia once again before sailing to Okinawa, Japan. The Battle of Okinawa was the last major ground operation of World War II. The battle inflicted 50,000 U.S. casualties and roughly 110,000 Japanese and Okinawan dead. It was the last combat Nelson saw before returning to the United States in 1945.

Nelson returned to the Chicago area after the war and went to work with the Illinois Bell phone company installing switchboards. Soon after, he met his wife of 69 years, Audrey. They settled in Elgin, Illinois and raised four children.

unit within the division whose role was to provide fire support for the entire division. Nelson was assigned

other Marines in combat.

Nelson and the First Marine Division took part in The Battle of Cape Gloucester on the island of New Britain, New Guinea from December, 1943 until January, 1944. It rained continuously for 26 days. Nelson recalled, after seeing a photograph in the book of a jeep stuck in a rutted out muddy road, “the rain just never let up.”

Nelson retired from Illinois Bell in 1986 and moved to a cabin south of Stevensville, where he lives today. Nelson’s wife Audrey has since passed. Most of his days are now spent with his children, sitting in a recliner in front of a recently converted gas fireplace. His advanced age makes it difficult for him to split wood and load the old stove, which he had done until a few years ago.

At 19, just over a year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Nelson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. “Originally, I wanted to join up with the Air Force,” he laughed. “But they weren’t taking anybody.”

Nelson arrived in San Diego, California for boot camp a few weeks later. This was followed by advanced training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, before sailing to Melbourne, Australia in December, 1943 to join up with the rest of the First Marine Division. The division had recently finished fighting on the island of Guadalcanal earlier that year. “All those guys were older than me,” Nelson said, referring to the Marines that had fought on the island of Guadal-

as a forward observer, which entailed using a radio to direct artillery fire onto targets from the front line. His first combat experience was on the island of Cape Gloucester, three weeks after joining the rest of the division in Australia.

“I’d find the enemy, do the math, then tell the guns where to shoot,” he said. “It was easy for me, then they

A United States Navy Unit Citation hangs on the wall next to Nelson’s fireplace, summarizing his unit’s actions on Cape Gloucester. It states: “Tortured by tropical insects, torrential rain and never-ending sniper fire, …officers and men worked as an indomitable team under raking

I asked Nelson what he thought the most important thing in life was. “Honesty,” he was quick to respond, “A lot of people are full of bologna. You have to try your best to be honest as much as you can.” As I finished looking through the book and the medals that filled Nelson’s shadow box, I asked him what he was most proud of regarding all of it. He looked up toward the kitchen, where his two sons were having coffee, and said, “Just being able to have such a nice family.”

The Old Breed: A moniker given to Marines that have served in the First Marine Division, from its inception in 1943 to the present time. Richard Nelson holds a book by the same name as he sits by his fireplace. Photo by Sean Malcom.

Published in 1949, the book The Old Breed, adorned with the First Marine Division symbol, contains a complete history of the division’s actions during World War II. Photo by Sean Malcom.

By John Dowd

There are so many lessons to learn in life that a person could probably live a thousand times before even covering half of what there is to know. Recently, I learned that a good and dear friend of mine passed away. Ted was an older gentleman, 85, who died of cancer. He was deeply into the outdoors and had more knowledge than 10 men. The world is lesser without him. After hearing of his passing, it got me thinking about what he had taught me and all the questions I wish I had asked. I have often heard older people say, “If I could only pour everything I know into your head.” I wish it worked this way.

Skills passing on

great gun builders and a mountain man at heart. He is not alone, having witnessed days of a great American wild that is today a far cry from its former glory.

As the trees come down, animals disappear and civilization spreads, it becomes more and more important to appreciate the world as it was. The value in nature, and more importantly, the value in the experience of an old man, should be things weighed heavier than gold.

by John Dowd

It seems that my generation is getting to a stage where many of the great generations are passing away. As they do, their knowledge and connections to the older ways of life are passing away with them. Ted had done it all, hunted big game, hiked many miles and saw a wilderness that my generation will never know. He was one of the last

With modern mechanization, plastics and computers, the way the world works has changed in a very short amount of time. Life has been made easier, faster and more convenient, which are all good things. However, in its wake, the “future” has left conventional techniques fading with fewer and fewer people keeping those traditions alive. Skills are being lost, trades are being abandoned and ancient crafts are dying out and going away with the few people who still do them. In today’s world, these are disappearing at a faster rate than ever before as the world of wood and metal gives way to the world of digital and composite.

Our ancestors lived and died through great wars, built grand empires, traversed western

expanses, persevered through debilitating hardships and helped shape the world as it is today. They have seen a thing of two, know a thing or two, and it should be important to cherish those thoughts and experiences. Most importantly of all, those words they take to their graves should be held in enough esteem to shape our lives today. I have found that learning these things can give perspective on how things are today and they give me a compass to follow when making decisions in my life. It should also be said that one day we could need to know those

things again. I implore anyone who knows any older person to sit down with them, sooner rather than later, and take the time to talk. As young people, we have a lot of time, and their time is short. Take the time to learn a craft, a hobby or a skill from them that is uncommon today. These things, in my experience, bring wholesomeness and completeness to a person’s life. I firmly believe that a person should in some way work with their hands. As they say, it is so important to work with one’s hands that “that’s why God gave us two of them.”

Ted Hodlund 1937-2022.

Two common sense constitutional referenda under consideration

There’s been a lot of talk recently about some of the proposed constitutional referendums at the legislature this session, so I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about a couple of them, and why they’re so important. Each of these bills are required to garner 100 votes across both chambers to make it on to the ballot, a difficult threshold to meet. They are proposing changes to our state constitution that are commonsense solutions to problems we are facing. Mental health is something that needs a lot of work here in Montana, particularly with regards to the suicide epidemic that we are facing. The other bill would help to simplify our redistricting process and bring it in line with the spirit of the state constitution by removing partisan politics from the process.

Hertz talks lowering taxes in Montana

by Sen. Greg Hertz

boundaries every 10 years following the U.S. Census.

SB 534 proposes three common sense clarifications to Montana’s nonpartisan redistricting commission: legislative districts must comply with the U.S. Constitution, the division of cities, towns, counties, and communities of interest must be as minimal as possible, and partisan political data cannot be the basis for the commission’s decisions.

by Jason Ellsworth

Senate Bill 563, sponsored by Senate Pro Tempore Ken Bogner, R-Miles City, would propose a constitutional amendment to the voters of Montana to amend Article XII of the Montana Constitution. If approved by voters, the constitutional referendum would establish the Montana Mental Health Trust Fund, generating interest to fund mental health programs off the principal allocated by the Legislature and requiring a supermajority vote for the fund to be used for any purpose other than mental health.

Senate Bill 534, sponsored by Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, would propose a constitutional amendment to the voters of Montana to amend Article V, Section 14 of the Montana Constitution that governs the nonpartisan redistricting commission’s requirement to draw legislative district

Talk of these constitutional amendments has been fairly heated, and opponents have argued that we are trying to fundamentally change the constitution. The true purpose is to try to propose potential solutions to some of the issues we are facing in the state and then let the voters decide. Particularly where mental health is concerned, we have to try something new to get this suicide epidemic under control. Up till now none of our efforts have been successful in combatting this terrible problem we’re facing. We also need to get the politics out of redistricting, as our current constitution intended, especially at a time where politics has become so polarizing. These decisions would ultimately be up to the voters if these referendums make it to ballot, and I believe Montanans should have that opportunity to decide.

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

The 2023 Montana legislature began its legislative session with an unprecedented surplus, mainly due to the over-collection of state taxes from Montana taxpayers. Since this is ultimately taxpayers’ money, I - along with other conservatives in the legislature - were determined to return money to Montana taxpayers and to reduce your taxes in the future.

Tax relief has long been an objective of mine, like in the 2021 session when I passed a bill that effectively moved Montana’s standard deduction from $5,000 for a single person and $10,000 for a married couple to beginning in 2024 to $14,000 for a single person and $28,000 for a married couple. This change eliminated taxes for almost 100,000 low-income taxpayers in Montana and benefits all taxpayers with taxable income above the standard deduction. This change could result in savings of $600 for married taxpayers making $50,000 per year or more compared to what they may pay on their 2023 income.

This year we passed a bill to move the top marginal rate from 6.5% to 5.9% - this bracket starts at $20,500 of taxable income for single individuals and $41,000 for married couples, so anyone making $20,500/$41,000 or higher will benefit. Since taxes are paid as a percentage of your income, the more you make, the more you will save due to this tax rate reduction. This bill also raised the earned income tax credit from 3% of the federal amount to 10%. This may result in a refundable credit of $275 or more for low-income taxpayers with children.

I also passed Senate Bill 124, which will increase taxes on large, out of state corporations doing business in Montana who have very few employees or property in Montana.

Large corporations like Amazon will now be required to pay their fair share of taxes in Montana. This will result in a state revenue increase of up to $17 million per year and save taxes for Montana based corporations that also do business in other states.

I, along with our GOP super majorities, passed legislation this year so that Montana resident taxpayers will receive a tax rebate of up to $1,250 for a single taxpayer and $2,500 per couple for married taxpayers. The rebate is equal to what you paid but cannot exceed the $1250/$2,500 amounts.

Also, a property tax rebate of up to $500 will be coming to Montana resident taxpayers for taxes paid on their principal residence. No second homes or investment property are eligible for these rebates. Resident taxpayers may claim these rebates for both 2023 and 2024, resulting in property tax savings of up to $1,000.

Even with all these rebates and tax reductions, our legislature still has up to $1.5 billion to address many other issues in Montana. We have accomplished a great deal this session to lessen Montanans’ tax burden and plan to build on those successes in the final month of the 2023 legislative session.

Senator Greg Hertz Chair for the Senate Taxation Committee in Polson, MT.

Douglas C. Daughenbaugh

with honors. He had earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star and the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with Device (1960-). He was discharged from the United States Navy Reserve in 1969.

After completion of the police academy, Doug began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in 1969 and retired in 1976, due to injuries sustained in a crash, while pursuing a suspect in a high-speed car chase. The family will miss the stories from his service in L.A. Doug also served as a deputy for the Pine Mountain Sheriff’s Department in California, as well as the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department in Hamilton.

training and flight hours to become a private pilot, he did not pursue becoming licensed.

Doug and Barbara owned and operated the Bitterroot School of Cosmetology in Hamilton for 20+ years. The school was an integral part of Hamilton and enrolled cosmetology students from near and far. The school produced hundreds of stylists over the years. Many of those stylists are successful local business owners today. The school provided affordable salon services to thousands of patrons for over two decades. They also owned Dahl’s in Great Falls, MT and the Bitterroot School of Cosmetology North in Missoula, MT.

With great sorrow, the Daughenbaugh family announces the peaceful passing of Douglas, our beloved and devoted husband, father, brother, grandpa, uncle and cousin on February 18, 2023. Knowing the time was near, the family traveled from near and far to fill the house in Corvallis with love, laughter, song, stories and prayer. He continued to tell stories and make us laugh. The way he passed is the way he lived: he fought hard.

Doug was born to Jerald and Bonnie Bishop Daughenbaugh on October 12, 1946, in Alhambra, California. He was welcomed by his big sister Sharon. Judy and Linda arrived later and completed the family of six.

Doug graduated from Van Nuys High School in Southern California in 1964. While approaching First Lutheran kindergarten on his first day of school, he convinced his mother to let go of his hand and he made a mad dash out of the school yard. When asked why he did that, he replied, “I’d been home with Mama for 5 years and I wanted to stay there.” This was not an isolated event. At one point they had to lock the fire exits to keep the young scholar contained. He continued to escape and chose to hide in a car on one occasion. He was not discovered until the owner of the car returned home and found him laying down on her rear floorboards. But alas, Doug settled into student life. He enjoyed his days in metal, electronics and wood shop. He also played the trumpet. While in high school, he worked as a carpenter apprentice, which included concrete, framing and roofing. He was a receiving clerk at the UCLA library as well.

Doug enlisted with the Navy in 1963 while finishing his senior year in high school. He completed the course of instruction for Reserve Seaman in 1964. He served during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Stoddard-566 as a Stationary Engineer and Fireman Apprentice. In 1967 he was released from active duty

Doug moved his family to Hamilton, MT in 1977. At that time, he purchased 10 acres and left the city life behind. His parents and other family members soon followed and moved to Montana as well. With all his might, blood, sweat and tears, he jumped into the Montana way of life and created an amazing home for his family. The property soon became home to many farm animals, a pond which hosted a local fishing derby, a massive garden that kept the children busy pulling weeds and a pet skunk named Flower. Whether it was a pig roast with a black powder muzzleloader shooting competition or a potluck with wonderful friends and once-in-a-lifetime neighbors, the memories created would quickly fill an Encyclopedia Britannica set.

Doug was an avid outdoorsman. He hiked hundreds of miles while hunting throughout Montana, Colorado, Arizona, California, Utah and Idaho with his sons. In the summer of 1980, he and four others completed a two-week primitive trek on foot from Hamilton, MT to Idaho through the Bitterroot Selway Wilderness. The group prepared for months; making their clothing from buckskins and only taking what early Mountain Men would have had on hand. Doug enjoyed traveling to rendezvous and sharing with his family the Mountain Man lifestyle.

Doug married Barbara J. Barlow on May 31, 1994 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. They enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling together; Mexico and Las Vegas being two of their favorite destinations. Doug had a love for motorcycles and belonged to several different clubs during his life. Doug and Barbara spent many weekends riding their Harley throughout Montana and in the Carolinas. Their home in Corvallis hosted family gatherings, holiday traditions, poker parties, volleyball games, Easter egg hunts and barbeques fit for a king. He was the storyteller extraordinaire; you would be hard pressed to find someone who could tell a better one. Whether the subject was grizzly bears or Bigfoot, he could make a grown man second guess sleeping in a tent after the fireside tales were complete for the evening.

Doug had a successful career at Turner Engineering and Cooper Firearms in Stevensville, MT. He was adept at writing programs for the CNC machine and navigating government contracts. Doug owned Wildfire Water Tenders in Corvallis and fought fires locally and nationwide. Although he had enough

Elizabeth K. Chilcote

Hamilton - Elizabeth K. Chilcote (Chase), 80, of Hamilton passed away after her 42-day battle with COVID-19. She departed peacefully on March 14, 2023, surrounded by family and love in Hamilton, Montana at her residence in the Sapphire Lutheran Homes. She was born October 27, 1942, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the daughter of Adelle and Allen Chase.

Elizabeth was raised in Jefferson City, and attended High School and Junior College there. She started Nursing school in Springfield, MO, and transferred to Deaconess Nursing school in St Louis, in 1964 to marry Wayne S. Chilcote Jr., M.D. They Moved to Hinsdale, Illinois in 1965, to Lombard, Illinois in 1966, and to Warrenville, Illinois in 1971 where they stayed until 1991 when they moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. After 6 years in the high desert, they moved again, to Hamilton, Montana, where they settled and they called home for over 26 years.

Elizabeth was very active in Ravalli County serving as a volunteer with the Red Cross for many years as a dispatcher for Montana and Idaho, and as a dispatcher supervisor for 2 years. Elizabeth also volunteered with the Bitterroot Amateur Radio Club serving as President in 2012. Elizabeth enjoyed Quilting, reading Science Fiction, and tending her greenhouse.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband Wayne of Hamilton; son Hawk and wife Melissa of Hamilton, two daughters Gina Cox of Kansas City, Missouri, and Gwendolyn and spouse Raye of Butte, Montana, six grandchildren, three step-grandchil-

dren, and two great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life services are postponed at the request of the family acknowledging the cause of death, COVID-19, and to help keep all her friends and family safe. Consideration is being given for an outdoor gathering in warmer weather. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Ravalli County Search and Rescue ( Rcsar.org ) or your local volunteer Fire Department.

The following poem flowed through and was written down by Elizabeth’s daughter Gwendolyn the night Elizabeth passed.

The night my mother died the heavens rejoiced with their most cherished and beautiful creation, snow. For SHE was coming home.

The night my mother died the waters still flowed where the ducks and geese were playing joyfully in the nighttime falling snow. As if they were lifting HER to flight when SHE finally spread HER wings, to carry Herself home.

The night my mother died the deer all sat together in silence, silent as the snow, for one of their own was now going home.

The night my mother died even three red-winged blackbirds were singing in the nighttime falling snow, among the silent deer, and the joyful ducks and geese. They had been watching from the trees outside HER window for days looking in on HER as SHE lay, waiting for HER to finally take flight.

The night my mother died.

A wildly brilliant, generous, hardworking, brave and humorous man, he was the original Jack of all trades and master of ALL. We already miss the luxury of having immediate access to his wealth of wisdom. His love and legacy will live on forever through his children, grandchildren and all the souls he touched while on Earth.

Douglas was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Bonnie, and his sister, Sharon Hennessey. He is survived by his wife Barbara J. Daughenbaugh, daughter Chandra Daughenbaugh-Sloan, son Craig Daughenbaugh and Carrie Daughenbaugh, son Jason Daughenbaugh and wife Casey Daughenbaugh, son Austin Daughenbaugh, daughter Ronnie Daughenbaugh-Bumgarner and husband Dean Bumgarner, daughter September Searles; sisters, Judy (Bob) Raymond and Linda Simmons; grandsons Jordan Palm, Hayden Daughenbaugh, Carsen Daughenbaugh, Daus Daughenbaugh, Seven Sloan, Bennett Sloan, Bodie Bumgarner, Jeremy Bumgarner, Michael Bumgarner, Hunter Bumgarner, Xachery Searles, Xian Searles, Xander Searles, Michael Stanford and Ramsey Hunting; granddaughters, Alexandria Stanford, Madison Hunting, Preslie Bumgarner, Danica Daughenbaugh, Bridget Palm, Victoria Bumgarner, Shelby Bumgarner, Kyona Bumgarner, Cassie Bumgarner; great grandsons Brayden Stanford, Finnley Stanford, Noah Palm, Arlow Bumgarner, Knox Bumgarner, Greyson Bumgarner, Phoenix Bumgarner, Asher Bumgarner, Bridger Bumgarner, Chase Bumgarner, Lucas Bumgarner; great granddaughters Willa Hunting, Ezra Bumgarner, Amara Bumgarner.

Services for Douglas will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Hamilton, MT on April 10th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Paul Anderson officiating. The family invites all to join them as they celebrate Doug’s remarkable life. A luncheon to follow for fellowship. If so inclined, please jot down and bring with you a memory or story about Doug that the family can add to their scrapbook. If you cannot attend the service, please mail your memoirs to: Chandra Sloan P.O. Box 182, Corvallis, MT 59828.

For additional information or to send condolences to the family, please visit brothersmortuary.com or call 406-640-4700. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Douglas and his family. Cheers to you, Daddy. We know you are enjoying your reward of a life well lived.

Raymond Nelson

Victor – Ray Nelson, 86, passed away Friday, March 24, 2023 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. He was born May 29, 1936 in Kimball,

Nebraska to George Washington Nelson and Margaret (Droemus) Nelson. He later graduated from Kimball High School. Ray married Mary Alice (McNall) Nelson on August 20, 1997. In life Ray worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and being apart of the Stevensville American Legion Post #94. Ray is survived by his wife; daughter Pam; stepdaughter Sherry; stepsons Ron and Mark; 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Ray will be held at Whitesitt Funeral Home on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. The reception will follow at the Frontier Café. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Home WitH mountain VieW For Sell

FSBO: 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 living rooms, 2 bonus rooms w/closets, storage room, 2 car garage, fenced yard, $339,000 in Deer Lodge.

Call 907-982-1865 for more information

Our Savior, affiliated with the Lutheran Church––

Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, south of Stevensville off the Eastside Highway. Proceeding past Burnt Fork Market and beyond Burnt Fork Veterinary Clinic, then through the curve, turn east onto Pine Hollow Road. Cross the tracks and the canal, and Our Savior will be on your left, marked by three crosses.

North Valley Public Library events

Science Squad –

Wednesday, Apr 5 at 4pm

Explore the universe, both micro and macro, and learn the science mysteries behind the natural word.

Expect fun activities with Legos®, paper planes, food, and more. Children will soon be formulating their own hypotheses, experiments, and documentation in order to participate in a grade-free science fair at the end of the summer. Please register as this program fills quickly and we need to know how many supplies to have on hand. Concepts taught are geared towards ages 8-12, but younger scientists/siblings 6-7 welcome. Parents/ caregivers must register themselves as well as each child attending.

Knit & Crochet Club –Thursday, Apr 6 at 12pm join us for this informal knit and crochet club. Bring your work-in- progress, problem piece, or brand-new pattern and enjoy your craft with other knit and crocheters. There will be no presenter or expert teacher but rather a cozy place to gather, tea, and a community of yarn artists like yourself. All experience levels welcome! Registration required.

DIY Custom Travel (and more!) Notebook – Thursday, Apr 6 at 6pm

Create the ultimate notebook for any purpose. Also called a Midori journal, this endlessly customizable notebook and journal system is perfect for keeping notes, ideas, photos, tiny treasures, and more, organized and handy in one beautiful notebook. Registration required.

St. Francis of Assisi Holy Week

schedule

Holy Thursday: Thursday, April 6, 7pm

Good Friday: Friday, April 7, 12:10pm Stations of the Cross 5pm

Holy Saturday: Saturday, April 8, 8pm

Easter: Sunday, April 9, 9:30am

St. Philip Benizi Holy Week schedule

Holy Thursday: Thursday, April 6, 5pm

Good Friday: Friday, April 7, noon

Easter: Sunday, April 9, 11:15am

Call 363-5311

Stevi Garden Club

On Wednesday, April 5, at 1 p.m. the Stevensville Garden Club will meet at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main Street, in the Community Room. The program titled ‘Irises - Kinds, Uses & Culture’ will be presented by Missoula Garden Club and Iris Society member Gary Clark.

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, April 7 at 12 noon at The Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Lowell Hochhalter, President/CEO of The LifeGuard Group. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Brews for Books on Tap for Library

The NVPL Foundation will hold several upcoming Brews for Books pint night fundraisers in Stevensville to benefit the North Valley Public Library.

The first event is planned for April 7, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Tin Can Bar & Draft Room, 207 Main St. Next will be April 18, 6 to 8 p.m., at Wildwood Brewery, 4018 U.S. Hwy. 93 North. More events will follow.

During each pint night, a portion of the sales proceeds will go to the Stevensville library. Find more information on the NVPL Foundation’s Facebook page or the library website.

Rotary Club

On Monday, April 10, Rotary speaker will be Corvallis School District administrators. Rotary is an international service organization of over one million members that focuses its service and financial support on public health. Rotary meets Mondays at noon at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. Guests and prospectives members are welcome.

Florence Civic Club

The Florence Civic Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, April 10 at 12 noon at the Florence Fire Hall, 234 Holloway Lane, just uphill from the traffic light. The club is seeking new members. Join if you are interested in contributing your time, ideas, and energy to keep Florence a beautiful, thriving, and caring community. For more information call Kim Maclay at 406-529-4863 and/or visit the Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/florencecivicclub/

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.

Emergency Preparedness classes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry is a 1 year old German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd mix. He is here because of landlord issues. Loves to play with other dogs and gets very hyper and excitable when he has the chance.

Cats are an unknown but this sweet boy gets along with most creatures he meets.

is hosting free monthly Emergency Preparedness classes. They are held at 7pm at the Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: April

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

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. Given the current rather spooky snowpack and very low streamflows - low 300’s cfs at Bell Crossing and less than 200 CFS at Darby, this will be an important presentation. Jason’s talk will begin at 7 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.

CPR class

The Three Mile Community Center is offering a CPR class on Saturday April 29th at 9 AM. 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 406-777-3710 before 4-21.

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, 2023

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.

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.

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.

Reserve the NVPL Community Room

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

Star Calendar Policy

The Bitterroot Star will run Calendar items for non-profit organizations free

of charge. Deadline for each

Wednesday’s paper is each Monday at 12 noon. Submit your item by email to: editor@ bitterrootstar.com. For more information contact Victoria at 406-777-3928.

Soroptimist Easter candy sale

See’s candy is back for Easter. The red trailer is open from 11am to 5pm, Monday through Friday; 11am to 4pm on Saturday; now to April 8th, unless the candy is sold out prior to that date. Due to pending construction at our previous location, the trailer is parked in front of Direct Source, 210 N. 1st, Hamilton, between Flower Happy and the Bitterroot General Store on the east side of Hwy 93. There is something for everyone with prices starting at a $1.00 for lollipops. While shopping for See’s Easter, enter a raffle with a chance of winning a $57.00 chocolate filled See’s Easter Basket. The winner will be drawn on Saturday, April 8 th or sooner if the candy is sold out. Help the Easter Bunny, help yourself, and help your community all at one time! All proceeds from the Soroptimist See’s candy sales benefit numerous organizations and people in the Bitterroot Valley.

Detailed Local Forecast

Today we will see mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of snow showers, high temperature of 44°, humidity of 42%. West southwest wind 2 to 10 mph. The record high temperature for today is 78° set in 1960. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight with an overnight near record low of 22°. South southwest wind 6 to 10 mph. The wind chill for tonight could reach 15°. The record low for tonight is 20° set in 1936. Thursday, skies will be mostly cloudy with a high of 51°, humidity of 50%.

Based on average yearly snowfall, what is the snowiest location in the U.S.?

inches

April 5, 1955 - The Northern Rockies and the Northern High Plains were in the midst of a four day storm which produced 52 inches of snow at Lead, located in the Black Hills of western South Dakota.

April 6, 1987 - Rain and melting snow caused flooding from New England to Ohio. Flooding in the Merrimack Valley of Massachusetts was the worst in 50 years, causing 42 million dollars in damage.

Sports

Opening day in Stevensville

statewide, it looked like Stevensville wasn’t going to be able to field a team because of a lack of funds. The local community stepped in and stepped up and raised roughly $30,000 in 2 weeks to fill in the gap. All these factors converged on Friday in Stevensville at their first home game. Local American Legion #94 helped with the opening ceremonies, and baseball in Stevensville was underway.

A field of dreams became a reality in Stevensville on Friday, March 31st as the Jackets played their first ever home baseball game. Over the last number of years former Stevens-

ville athletic director Chance Edman helped spearhead the push for high school baseball becoming an official high school sport in Montana. But after the baseball was approved

In the actual game, Stevensville played East Helena and won 13-6. Stevensville dug themselves into a deep hole to start the game, giving up 4 runs in the first inning to trail 0-4, but the Jackets quickly added 3 first inning runs to close the gap. Stevensville’s starting pitcher Drake Springer settled down

after the first inning and only allowed one more run the rest of the game. Evan Montague stepped in to pitch the last three innings and got the save and had 7 strikeouts. The score was tied 5-5 going into the 4th inning, but the Jackets scored 8 runs in the next three innings to roll to the victory. At the plate, Jeffery Berryman went 2 for 5 and had 3 RBI’s, Drake Springer went 2 for 3 and had 4 runs, and Cole Germane went 2 for 3 with 1 RBI.

The opening ceremonies for Stevensville’s first home baseball game on Friday, March 31st. The American Legion helped commemorate the historic event. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Corvallis Track Impromptu Invite

Spring weather strikes again. Frenchtown planned to host a track meet on Saturday, April 1st, but they canceled it early in the week because of the weather, so Corvallis stepped in and promptly held an Impromptu Invite in Corvallis on Friday, March 31. The Bitterroot Valley track teams from Darby, Corvallis, Florence, Hamilton, and Stevensville were joined by Dillon, Gallatin, and, if you can believe it, Waimea High School from Waimea, Hawaii, who must have made the trip to Montana in an attempt to escape the harsh weather conditions of their home state.

In the girls team results, Hamilton took 1st, Corvallis took 2nd, Stevensville took 5th, Florence took 6th, and Darby finished in 8th. On the boys

side, Hamilton finished 2nd, Corvallis finished 3rd, Florence took 5th, Stevensville took 6th, and Darby finished 7th.

Individually, the following Bitterroot Valley boys won their events, Stevenville’s Brogan Gard, 100M (11.86), Florence’s Kyler Harris, 3200M (10:46), Hamilton’s Andrew Burrows won both the Shot Put (56-01.5) and Discus (152-05), Florence’s Quinn Lue, High Jump (5-10), and Hamilton’s Taylor Searle, Pole Vault (14-01).

The following Bitterroot Valley girls won their events, Corvallis’s Farah Wyche, 100M (13.25), Stevensville’s Claire Hutchison 200M (26.96), Corvallis’s Autumn Benson 3200M (13:20.77), Corvallis’s Olivia Lewis won both the 100m Hurdles (16.94) and 300m Hurdles (45.89), Hamilton’s 4x400 relay team of Madi Nelson, Ayslin Jessop, Emilee Searle, and Jenna Ellis, Hamilton’s Emilee Searle, High Jump (5-01), Hamilton’s Chesnee Lawerence, Pole

Florence girls softball begin title defense

The Florence girl’s softball team began their State Championship title defense as they hosted Three Forks on Friday, March 31st and Plains on Saturday, April 1st. The Lady Falcons are coming off back to back Class B/C State Championships, winning the title in 2021 and 2022. Overall, the program has won 12 total state softball titles. Florence’s Maurice Craun is in his fourth year as head coach - he has been in and around the program since their first state title and knows what it takes to win.

“We are very lucky here in Florence,” said Craun when asked about the program’s success. “We have great facilities, I have a great coaching staff, we have great community support, and we have excellent support from the school’s administration.”

“We also have a good feeder program that gets young girls interested in softball and allows them to have fun playing softball. The whole communi-

ty works together to build the program,” said Craun. “And it helps that we have had a lot of great athletes that have played softball over the years.” This year’s team looks poised to follow in the footsteps of former squads.

“Every year is a different story with a different group of girls and a different dynamic. Team unity is always very important to a team’s success. Seniors Rylee Yeoman and Maddie Potter have been great leaders for us so far this year. We have a lot of great athletes and great softball players on this team.”

On Friday, March 31st Florence hosted Three Forks in their season opening double hitter. In the first game Florence won 17-2. Florence’s pitcher Autumn Sutton got the win and had 5 strikeouts.

Olivia Coulter went 4 for 4 and had 2 RBI’s and Ava Philbrick went 2-3 and had 2 RBI’s. In the second game, Florence won 11-5. Rylee Yeoman got the win and had 8 strikeouts.

Taylor Pyette went 3 for 4 and had 2 RBI’s and Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s.

Then on Saturday, after a brief snow squall, Florence hosted Plains in another double hitter. Florence won the first game 11-6. Kenzy Pickering got the win and Autumn Sutton got the save. Hailey Sutton went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI’s and Taylor Pyette went

2 for 2 with 3 RBI’s. In the second game Florence won 16-4. Rylee Yeoman got the win and Autumn Sutton got the save. Olivia Coulter went 2 for 5 and Rylee Yeoman had 3 RBI’s.

Vault (9-0).

Stevensville’s Drake Springer delivers a pitch in Stevensville’s home opener against East Helena on Friday, March 31st. Springer also went 2 for 3 from the plate and scored 4 runs in Stevensville’s 13-6 victory. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Relay teams passing the baton in the 4x100m relay. After Frenchtown cancelled their track meet, Corvallis filled the void with an Impromptu Invite on Friday, March 31st. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence’s Rylee Yeoman trying to turn a double play in their game against Plains. The Lady Falcons went 4-0 over the weekend to start their defense of last year’s State Championship. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence’s Taylor Pyette flashes a smile after hitting a triple in the Lady Falcon’s 11-6 victory over Plains in Florence on Saturday, April 1st. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence’s Kenzy Pickering pitching against Plains on Saturday, April 1st. Pickering got the win in the Lady Falcon’s 11-6 victory. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Robert H. Sangster

California interests, and they bought a ranch with a crooked old farmhouse and a big barn in Stevensville. There, they raised cattle, hay, and children, and served in their church and community. They taught their children to work, to play and to “stop dummin’ around” or “a rock will fall on you.” Their children never did know who George Krankershank was, but any time Bob needed to refer to someone by name, either to make a point, to tell a story, or if someone’s name escaped him, George Krankershank filled the void.

Bob loved to serve, and he served wherever he was asked to serve. He served as a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a Scouter, a Seminary teacher, a youth leader, and in October of 1979, he was called to serve as the Stake President of the newly established Stevensville Stake of the church.

Very shortly thereafter, he lost his wife, Norma, to cancer.

Thankfully, in time, he met and married Sandra Mortensen, who brought three children along with her to the marriage. Rick (Alisa) Brinkerhoff, Dawn (Bruce) Boyd, and Keith (Terry Lynn) Sangster, filled their home and rounded out their family. Together, Bob and Sandy raised children and cattle, traveled the world, and continued to serve.

his sister, Vickie Martinez, a granddaughter, Brooke Sangster, and son-in-law, Roger Bardsley.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stevensville Montana Stake center, located at 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road in Stevensville, Mt. The family invites you to a reception at 10:00 a.m. at the church, prior to the service. Interment will be at the Victor, MT cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Death Notices

Walter Mercer

Stevensville - Walter Mercer, 98, passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Whitesitt Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Carole J. Bowman

Robert H. Sangster, 89, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2023, surrounded by loved ones on both sides of the veil. He was a longtime resident of Stevensville, and his influence will long be remembered. He was a rancher, electrical contractor, was elected to the school board twice, and served in leadership positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. His folksy “Sangsterisms” will long be remembered, along with his work ethic, sense of duty, and love for his family and God. He was a “put your shoulder to the wheel” kind of man, but much of his service is largely unknown to all but himself. Many were the nights when he came home late, having been thawing pipes for neighbors, repairing water heaters for those in need, and quietly “getting done” whatever needed doing.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Norma Gilliland, on June 19, 1952. They were sealed in the St. George temple on October 14, 1952. They are the parents of five children: Scott (Brenda) Sangster, Glenda (Roger) Bardsley, Greg (Sherri) Sangster, Julie (Eric) Visser, and Adam (Andrea) Sangster. Bob had a successful electrical contracting business in California, but after several hunting trips to Montana, he and Norma decided to sell their

As their three children grew and left the nest, Bob and Sandy decided to serve a full-time mission for the Church. When asked where they would like to go, they said they didn’t care – wherever the Lord needed them, they were ready and willing to go.

And go they did – off to Armenia for 18 months. Just as they were preparing to return home, they received another call to serve as Mission Leaders of the Armenia Mission – for another 2 year period. After returning home from Armenia, a third mission followed, this one a service mission in Hawaii, where they served for one year at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Bob and Sandy continued to work hard, raising cattle and taking care of the ranch. Eventually they bought a second home in Arizona and became “snow birds.” Bob continued to “get it done”, whether in Arizona or Montana, working, serving, coaching grandchildren from the bleachers, and being the neighborhood handyman. He is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. As Sandy says, “There will never be another one like him.”

Bob is survived by his wife, Sandy, their children and spouses, 38 grandchildren, and 55 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry George Sangster and Madge Louise Waymire,

Hamilton - Carole J. Bowman, 82, passed away in the morning, Saturday, March 25, 2023, with family at her bedside, at the Discovery Care Centre in Hamilton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com.

Arthur Lealtad

Stevensville - Arthur “Art” Lealtad, 94, formery of Missoula and Lincoln, Montana, passed away in the morning, Saturday, March 25, 2023, with his caregiver Kathryn by his side at the Living Centre in Stevensville. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com.

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Holy

Holy Thursday: Thursday, April 6, 5:00 pm

Good Friday: Friday, April 7, noon service

Easter: Sunday, April 9, 11:15 am

Finally – Gary’s “reliable” skwala hatch is on

“The skwala hatch on the Bitterroot is the most reliable big stonefly hatch in the state,” Gary LaFontaine told me.

We were taking a break from the usual mayhem of crowded aisles, noise, eager anglers with a barrage of questions and stories of their own at a Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show in late January. There was a lull between customers and we had time to talk. Gary was helping in my booth and we answered, as best we could, questions about the year’s coming skwala hatch.

“If you’re trying to predict salmon flies on the Madison for example,” Gary went on, “the dates will be all over the map and you’ll get good fishing about one year in four – and on the off year, there won’t be much of a hatch to fish at all.”

by Chuck Stranahan

He was right. Gary LaFontaine was a writer and offbeat fly designer whose early book, Caddis- flies, gave us a fresh look and effective approaches to fishing this important order of insects. His later works included The Dry Fly – New Angles in which he distilled years of research, some with rod and reel, some with scuba gear, observing the behavior of aquatic insects, and the trout’s reaction to them. His writings broke new ground and will still make a better angler and fly tyer out of anybody who has not read them.

He died tragically of Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS while still in his fifties. His books were best sellers, his seminars and demonstrations at fly fishing clubs and sportsmen’s shows were always a hit, and he is regarded as one of the most influential angling writers of the past fifty years.

He was also a dear friend. Gary’s former career was in education, as was mine. We shared a common interest in kids – teaching them, encouraging them, doing what’s best for them. His daughter Heather, a gifted fly tyer in her own right, worked in my shop during her college days at UM.

We could talk at length about such things as light refraction and reflectivity as related to natural insects and the materials we used to imitate them. At times it seemed that he and I were the only two people in our group of friends who could talk shop. Our intense conversation often brought a raft of good-natured kidding from them – they accused us of being crazy.

Gary wasn’t the butt of anybody else’s joke for long – her had a sharp sense of humor of his own. There was plenty of laughter over pre-show breakfasts and late dinners on the show circuit.

We were serious, though, that afternoon at the show when we discussed the skwala hatch. I had come up with an effective skwala pattern, one that embodied a combination of Gary’s theories and mine, but which came about too late for inclusion in one of Gary’s books. That was typical. Later, the Brindle ‘Chute was another near-miss.

About that time Gary introduced me to a young writer, fresh out of college, who was looking for work in the fly fishing field. I liked him and offered him a job on the spot – working behind the counter in my shop, writing fishing reports and gathering material for books of his own, and guiding.

Greg Thomas went on to write and edit for top fly fishing magazines over the next thirty years, and to author a series of books including the Flyfisher’s Bible Montana, and Clark Fork River Journal.

Greg eventually wrote a double-page spread article for Fly Fisherman magazine featuring the skwala pattern that missed out in LaFontaine’s books. It’s still my go-to skwala pattern.

This year has to be conceded as one of Gary LaFontaine’s off-years for the skwala hatch. It came on late, sputtered and stalled, and after a day or two of decent dry fly fishing, gets put off again by a flurry of stormy weather.

“Even in an off-year,” Gary concluded in our conversation at the sportsmen’s show, “you’ll get some good fishing. If there’s a cold, snowy spring, it’ll come late.”

In late-hatch years like this one, you’ll have to work for your fish and while they might be fewer, they’ll also be bigger and worth working for. There are some big fish being taken now by anglers who get out there and stay with it. If you haven’t already, you might want to join them. It may go slow, or maybe that big brown you’ve waited for all your life will take your very next cast…

Chuck’s Skwala – the fly that missed LaFontaine’s book. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Local Author talks memoirs and religion

by John Dowd

When most of us look back on our lives, we tend to think either about regrets or happy memories. When

sneaking off with her son to Vancouver, Washington. This is where Guest’s grandparents lived. He spoke about his grandparents as “the salt of the earth,” and the many lessons he

president of the Haitian people and, during the time Guest and his family lived there, imposed curfews, closed schools and incited violence in the streets. Running a children’s orphanage at the time, Guest and his family retreated back into the United States. They ended up in Stevensville with almost nothing about 35 years ago, and Guest worked numerous jobs to make it. According to Guest, a vision of a light over the Bitterroot Valley hinted to him that this is where they were meant to go. With the tales of Rosco, Haiti and many others like them, Guest shares stories of troubles and lessons, chronologically working through his life. According to him, the stories started as tales for his kids to tell them about his life and childhood. After friends and family read them, they encouraged him to create a book. “I have been told I write in a way that makes it interesting,”

said Guest. “I was overwhelmed by the response to the book,” he added, talking about his book’s reception. Guest’s book,The Vault: Memoirs of a C Minus Christian, can be found on Amazon and through local bookstores.

speaking about his past, local author Robert Guest looks at everything the same, within a vault of memories. As he says in his new book, The Vault, he tells the interesting tale of his memoirs, from the perspective of referring to himself as a C minus christian.

He came to that title with inspiration from Johnny Cash and said, “I’m going to stick with it because I know myself.” Throughout the book, Guest writes on his varied life, from childhood to adulthood, about challenges and adventures. He does so with humor, religious insight and some poetry thrown in. His book talks about how religion changed and affected his life. “That’s where the notion of the vault comes from,” said Guest. To him, there are memories of things he did that he was not proud of. Because he believes he had trouble living up to the values of a good christian, he compares memories to things stored away. His book starts as a metaphor comparing those memories and where he keeps them to items stored in a vault. With memories of life spoken of as items stored in boxes, there are ones he is less proud of that are hidden away, under dusty cloths.

In his book, Guest explained that he never did well in school and believed further education to be impossible. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and had a rough upbringing with his parents separating and his mom eventually

learned from them. He tells the story of his grandmother’s rooster Rosco, with whom at ten-years-old Guest had troubles with. The rooster, according to Guest, was a bully and so one day he struck the rooster out of anger and thought he had killed it. Feeling so bad, he retreated into the raspberry bushes. After a couple hours, “I didn’t want to live this horrible life of a refugee anymore,” said guest. So, to his surprise, when going to the house to tell of his ill deeds he found that the roster had just ben lain unconscious. Never holding a lifelong career, Guest jumped around parts of Canada, the U.S. and Haiti. He talks about how the time he lived in the latter was during the reign of Jean-Claude Duvalier. Duvalier was a self proposed

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The Vault: Memoirs of a C Minus Chrsitian, Guest’s book, is available through Amazon.com. Photo by John Dowd.

Robert Guest stands for a photograph. Excited about his first book, Guest says he may have aspirations for more to come. Photo by John Dowd.

Booked for the season

“The Stable Boy of Auschwitz” by Henry Oster and Dexter Fordc.2023, Grand Central $13.99

244 pages

One way or another, you’ll get by. That’s the thing about you: you’re resourceful. You’ll always figure out a way to survive, to work around a problem, to slap on a bandage and keep moving. You never fail to find a way, and in the new book “The Stable Boy of Auschwitz” by Henry Oster and Dexter Ford, that will save your life.

For many years, Dexter Ford was a patient at Dr. Henry Oster’s optometry office and eventually, Oster “became a friend.” One day, Ford noticed a faded blue tattoo on Oster’s forearm and when he asked about it, Oster told him a story...

Heinz Adolph Oster was an only child, and he and his parents lived in relative affluence in the German city of Cologne. His father was a respected war hero but when Hitler came to power, it mattered not: the Osters were Jewish.

On his first day of school, young Oster was a victim of Nazi violence; not long afterward, his family lost their home and Oster’s father was “forced into slave labor.” When he was twelve years old, Oster’s family was sent to a ghetto in Poland to live a two-room flat with almost two dozen other people. Because he could speak German – a rarity among Polish Jews –young Oster survived by being a Nazi messenger, a “runner.”

“The Lodz ghetto,” he says, “was essentially a waiting room for death.”

It was where Jews were

held before being sent to Buchenwald, Auschwitz, or Treblinka. It was where

and his mother were sent to Auschwitz, where they were separated and he watched her

Oster’s father died, his corpse left outside to be carted off.

In August of 1944, Oster

being dragged to her death. In the camp barracks there, he learned to take life-or-

death risks to live. He found kindness in slivers between horrors, and a camp assignment that briefly soothed his soul...

That historical novel

by Terry Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

you’ve been reading? Put it away and don’t bother bringing the bookmark that’s in it. You won’t need it. “The Stable Boy of Auschwitz” is true, and it’s too riveting to put down. If you ever thought that little things are insignificant, here’s a story to read. Author Dexter Ford shares Henry Oster’s tale of close-calls, near-misses, fortuitousness, and small graces that gave Oster enough succor to survive that which was “inconceivable.” They begin with a brief-but-thorough history of how Nazism rose and the Holocaust started, and that’s chilling – partly because we know, and we know what’s to come.

Fear and dread is everywhere on those pages but it’s tempered, surprisingly, by the audacity of Oster-as-a-boy. Despite the horror that Osteras-adult relays, deep senses of resignedness, hope, and resourcefulness are embedded strongly in this tale, right through to the crushing, terrible relief that is its ending.

Absolutely, hand this to your teenager to read, and if you’ve got an Anne Frank or an Elie Wiesel book nearby, add “The Stable Boy of Auschwitz” to that pile. Indeed, this is not a book to pass by.

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Legal Notices

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Stephanie

J. Trollope, Stephanie J. Trollope, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-23-67

Dept. 2 NOTICE OF HEARING

ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Stephanie J. Trollope to Stephanie J. Shelton. The hearing will be on April 13, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 3rd day of March, 2023.

Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court

BY: Barbara Beavers Deputy Clerk of Court BS 3-15, 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 Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GREGORY P. TABISH, Deceased. Case No.: DP-23-27 Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

Claims must either be mailed to MaDonna Tabish, the Personal Representative, 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 14th day of March, 2023. /s/ MaDonna Tabish, Personal Representative BS 3-22, 3-29, 4-5-23.

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

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 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Rashelle Brushia, Notice is now given, that, pursuant to the provisions of MC 70-6601, et seq, and the contract you signed, the contents of your storage unit number 1 is now subject to operator’s lien. Unless the accruing balance is paid in full before noon Friday, April 7, 2023 the contents will be sold at MT93STORAGE, Victor, MT 59875, at 2pm Saturday, April 8, 2023. BS 3-29-23.

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.

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

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Bill reintroduced to expand outdoor recreation

U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) reintroduced the “Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2023.” This bill would expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking and other wildlife-dependent activities in America.

“As a lifelong sportsman, I grew up hunting, fishing and backpacking and it’s a family tradition that I’ll pass down to my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. It’s all part of our Montana way of life,” Daines said. “This bipartisan bill will strengthen Montana’s outdoor recreation economy and open up more space for families and sportsmen to enjoy local wildlife for generations to come.”

“For years, this program has rewarded Colorado’s family farmers and ranchers for their efforts to improve wildlife habitat, provide new opportunities for sportsmen and women, and expand recreation options for Coloradans. I fought to expand funding for this program in the last Farm Bill, and I’ll continue to

work to prioritize voluntary, successful programs like this one as we begin work on the 2023 Farm Bill,” Bennet said.

“As an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, some of my greatest memories are hunting and fishing with my kids. I fully support and am proud to introduce the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive program that encourages Kansans to open their land for the public to enjoy the great outdoors. Increased access to these outdoor recreational activities is good for our children and our shared American values,” Marshall said.

The “Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act” would reauthorize and strengthen the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) by increasing funding from $50 million to $150 million over 5 years. The VPA-HIP provides competitive grants to states and tribal governments to be used to incentivize private landowners to voluntarily open their lands for public use while upholding private prop-

erty rights. These grants have helped facilitate the opening of 60,000 acres for hunting and increased public access in Montana.

During the 2018 Farm Bill discussion, Senator Daines, Senator Bennet, and then-Represenative Marshall introduced and successfully included their reauthorization bill.

Statements of Support:

“Lack of access is the largest barrier to hunter and angler participation, and the USDA’s Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program is the single best federal tool to increase recreational access on private lands. We applaud Senators Daines, Bennet, and Marshall for their leadership on the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act and look forward to working with Congress to expand hunting and fishing opportunities for all Americans.” – Whit Fosburgh, President and CEO, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

“Since 2008, the Voluntary Public Access & Habitat In-

centive Program has provided one of the most vital funding sources for state fish and wildlife agencies to increase public access to private lands for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation. New investments in VPA-HIP would be witnessed many times over across America for rural economies and wildlife conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever want to thank Senators Daines, Bennet, and Marshall for their bipartisan support for this very successful program.” –Marilyn Vetter, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s president and CEO.

“The success of VPA-HIP is entirely dependent on the generosity of private landowners who recognize the importance of access for hunting and fishing by voluntarily opening up their lands to the public, and sportsmen and women are grateful for this.

CSF thanks Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Member Senator Daines for introducing this important legislation that recognizes the value and demand from

private landowners and sportsmen and women for VPA-HIP.” – Jeff Crane, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation President and CEO

“The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies commends Senator Daines, Bennett, and Marshall for introducing the Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2023. This bill supports funding the program at $150 million allowing expanded access for hunters and anglers across the country. If passed, this program would not only help outdoorsmen and women, but also local economies. The Voluntary Public Access program has shown to have an average of $8 return to the economy for every $1 invested. We extend our full support of this legislation and hope to see its successful incorporation into the 2023 Farm Bill.”- Tim McCoy, Vice-Chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Agriculture Conservation Committee, and Director of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

2023 Montana Junior Duck Stamp Program contest results

On Thursday, March 30, 2023, student art entries for the 2023 Montana State Junior Duck Stamp Contest from across Montana were judged at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in Stevensville. The Junior Duck Stamp Program is a dynamic arts and science curriculum designed to teach youth about waterfowl and the habitat that they depend on. In addition to an original art entry, each student is encouraged to create a conservation message that explains what they have learned about wetlands, conservation, waterfowl, and wildlife. The artwork and conservation message are considered a visual “term paper” of what students have learned about waterfowl and wetlands.

Twenty three native species of North American waterfowl were depicted across the 64 entries. A panel of judges selected the entry of Hunter Reynolds of Eureka as the “Best of Show”. Reynold’s acrylic painting depicts a pair of Redhead ducks in their natural habitat. Reynold’s entry has been forwarded for further competition against the 49 other Best of Show entries from each state. One of the 50 Best of Show entries will be selected as the National Junior Duck Stamp Program winner, officially printed as a stamp representing the Junior Duck Stamp Program. The judging for the 2023 National Junior Duck Stamp contest will occur at the National Conservation Training Center on April 21, 2023.

Montana First Place finishers are: Grades K-3 – Luke Van Orden (Eureka), Karsyn Drylie (Eureka), Everett Ellingson (Stevensville); Grades 4-6 – Hunter Reynolds (Eureka), Bryson

Traina (Eureka), Emilie Housen (Eureka); Grades 7-9 – Judah Montplaisir (Billings), Aly Meester (Rexford),

Bebb (Plains), Lillian Agin (Stevensville).

Third Place finishers are: Grades

Montplaisir (Billings), Amelia Bunyak (Lolo), Saylah Ralls (Stevensville), Raegan Ralls (Stevensville), Jaxan Henry (Florence), Bela Bernauer (Victor), Ruby Nielson (Corvallis), Lazarus Piazza (Stevensville), Zipporah Piazza (Stevensville), Otto Schoenleben (Stevensville), Jaxon Bradford (Stevensville), Jack Buckingham (Stevensville), Preston Chilcote (Stevensville), Arayah Goldsburg (Stevensville), Megan-Rose Hammermeister (Stevensville), Kaleb Hawkey (Stevensville), Abram Kelly (Stevensville), Kya Kelso (Stevensville), Ben Medink (Stevensville), Truman Snider (Stevensville), Ryder Umhey (Stevensville), Grace Ruggiero (Florence); Grades 4-6 – Avery Bunyak (Lolo), Abigail Bunyak (Lolo), Juliette Mapledoram (Florence), Blake Bales (Corvallis), Brynn Kelly (Corvallis), Ada Bernauer (Victor), Zechariah Piazza (Stevensville); Grades 7-9 – William Mapledoram (Florence), Sarah Anderson (Plains).

Jasmine Agin (Stevensville); Grades 10-12 – Lina Sturman (Saint Ignatius), Sophia Leggat (Plains), Piper Bergstrom (Plains)

Second Place finishers are: Grades K-3 – Kingston Santos (Florence), Lyla Cooper (Stevensville), Hannah Montplaisir (Billings); Grades 4-6 –Adyn Spafford (Stevensville), Makenna Montplaisir (Billings), Emmit Phelps (Stevensville); Grades 7-9 –Jada Spafford (Stevensville), Elennor

K-3 - Eleanona Ellingson (Stevensville), Michael McGuire (Stevensville), Luke Spafford (Stevensville); Grades 4-6 – Callie Anderson (Corvallis), Abram Hoffer (Stevensville), McKenzie Bently (Florence); Grades 7-9 – Brynn Henry (Florence), Jaedyn Fortune (Florence) and Cayleigh Bently (Florence).

Honorable Mentions included: K-3 – Seeley Phelps (Stevensville), Helena Phelps (Stevensville), Timmy

The conservation message that was selected to represent Montana is, “Conservation is the painting of life that we preserve in a museum of the world” by Hunter Reynolds of Eureka. Awards will be mailed or delivered to students in April. Again, the Refuge congratulates and appreciates the efforts of all that make this program a success.

The Refuge would like to congratulate and thank all of the artists for the research, time, effort, and talent put into their entries and we thank all of the parents, teachers, administrators, and mentors for their support, encouragement, and mentoring of their students.

Exciting week concludes at montana public radio

Montana Public Radio raised nearly $456,000 in listener pledges as the annual spring fundraiser concluded this week.

At the end of the on-air drive on Monday morning at 9am, the tally reached $455,827 for the celebration event that raised nearly 87-percent of the $525,000 goal. There were a total of 2810 listener pledges during the onair fundraiser, which ran from March 27-April 3.

“Thanks again for supporting your local, listener-powered Montana Public Radio,” said Anne Hosler, MTPR’s development director. “We’re so grateful for your contributions.”

“You’ve put your trust in MTPR to create hand-picked music and news you can trust every day,” said Ray Ekness, director of the University of Montana Broadcast Media Center. “To repay that trust, I guarantee we will work hard to continue the service you love.”

The drive included the popular “Pet Playoffs,” where dogs outnumbered cats for the third straight year winning 426 to 406. The friendly pet competition also included many pledges for chickens, parakeets, guinea pigs, ducks, horses, goats and more.

Other highlights included a live musical performance from The Basement Boys, the annual MTPR Saturday Night Dance Party, a StoryCorps Missoula special, challenges from

MTPR friends, and more.

“We love creating great radio for our MTPR listeners,” said Michael Marsolek, MTPR program director. “Thanks for the outpouring of support from our valued listeners.”

MTPR needs to raise $2.125 million –75 percent of the station’s total operating budget –from listeners, sponsors and events during its fundraising year. Listeners can continue to contribute online at mtpr.org or via the mail if they missed making their pledge of support last week.

Montana Public Radio is a public service of the University of Montana and broadcasts on 89.1 Missoula (KUFM), 91.5 Missoula, city (K218AI), 91.9 Hamilton (KUFN), 89.5 Polson (KPJH), 90.1 Kalispell, Whitefish, North Valley (KUKL), 90.5 Libby (KUFL), 91.7 Kalispell, city (K219BN), 101.3 Swan Lake (K267BJ), 91.3 Butte (KAPC), 91.7 Helena (KUHM), 90.9 and 91.7 Dillon (KDWG and KUMW), 88.1 Thompson Falls (KTFZ), 89.7 Eureka (KEUK), and 89.9 Great Falls (KGPR).

Learn more at http://mtpr.org.

Hunter Reynolds acrylic painting depicts a pair of Redhead ducks in their natural habitat.

Photo Courtesy Ray Ekness.

Bitterroot Valley Job Fair returning

by John Dowd

Closing the chapter on a long absence, the Bitterroot Valley will be holding a job fair. After hearing a lot of community interest in bringing one back, several community members including DeLynn Gardner, with the Job Service out of Missoula, decided to bring it back. “With it, we can hopefully provide the help that employers are

desperately in need of,” said Gardner about the fair. Gardner worked for the Job Service that used to be located in the Bitterroot Valley, and knows the community well.

Crossword Puzzle

The Missoula Job Service is partnering with the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce to put the event on. Jodi Mitchell, Director of the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are very happy to be involved in something like this. The excitement through employers has been uplifting, as has been the support from the community.”

According to Mitchell, when asked about the need for employees, she said “All of these employers are seeking employ-

ees right now,” about the employers that will attend the fair. So far, there are nearly 90 reserved spots, and possibly more by the date of the event. Of the reserved places, the majority of them are employers, however, there will be some educational entities and community resources for interested employees.

“It’s important to know that there are positions open at all levels, from entry to skilled,” added Mitchell. She mentioned that participants should come well dressed and with their resumes as there are chances for on the spot interviews.

According to Mitchell, “a lot of people moving into the valley are bringing their businesses with them,” and so there are more employers looking than ever before. For those looking for employment, she explained that this fair is a great opportunity to see what else is available,

AGAIN’ IS NOW GLOBAL IS

and to do so in a single afternoon, “saving a lot of time and being very efficient,” said Mitchell. “It’s easier to walk the event center than the streets,” added Gardner.

The event will be held Tuesday, April 11, at the Ravalli Fair Grounds State Bank Event Center, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Veterans will have an opportunity to arrive early, between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Participants should register at the door, and thanks to sponsorships from Bitterroot Health, GSK and Accelerate Montana, there is no entry fee.

For more information on the job fair, or other events related to the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce, interested parties can visit bitterrootchamber.com. More information on the fair can also be found by reaching out to Gardner through her email dgardner@mt.gov, or by calling her at (406) 560-1689. Employers can still sign up for the event, and can do so by contacting either Mitchell or Gardner.