Bitterroot Star - April 8, 2020

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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent

’ ! l a c o L est at

Find the latest updates and information on the COVID-19 pandemic at www.bitterrootstar.com

‘The B Volume XXXV, Number 38

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

www.bitterrootstar.com

RML is ‘all hands on deck’ working on COVID-19 virus

Coping

By Michael Howell

Ara and Marin Masar of Stevensville take advantage of some good weather to get airborne! Make sure you and your family get some fresh air and exercise every day. Do things that work for you. Breathe deeply, stretch, meditate or pray. Go for walks and work in the yard. Engage in activities you enjoy.

Just over two weeks ago, scientists working for the National Institutes of Health, of which Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton is a part, were given direction to “step down” on all operations not directly related to COVID-19 virus research. “We were told to stop all laboratory operations that weren’t mission critical. We complied,” said RML Administrator Dr. Marshall Bloom. He said that scientists at the lab stopped all laboratory work not directly related to the new disease and put their projects into hibernation. If scientists had a critical on-going study, he said, they could apply for an exemption to complete that work. Since that directive came down, according to Bloom, about fifty employees carry on the mission-critical work related to COVID-19. He said it involves a lot more people than the research scientists and their staff. It involves safety and bio-safety personnel, veterinary staff and animal care staff, as well as facility maintenance staff. “For every scientist doing

research, there are a lot of people making that research possible,” said Bloom. He said the work was being done on varying schedules and different shifts arranged to minimize the total number of people on campus at any given time. Bloom said the strategies and tactics being employed by the researchers are likely to sound familiar to a lot of people because they are the same strategies and tactics that RML scientists have used in combating other serious virus infections that have made the news, like Ebola virus and Zika virus. The lab has also been involved in the study of other coronaviruses. COVID-19 is a coronavirus, a large virus that has RNA in it rather than DNA, and it is not the first found to be able to infect people. RML scientists were already familiar with the MERSCoV coronavirus that causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and the SARS-CoV type 1 coronavirus. Another name for COVID-19 is SARS-CoV 2. The similarity in name indicates its similarity to that virus which also caused a major outbreak around

the world in the 2000s. Bloom said there are many other coronaviruses out there and that about a quarter of all the common colds are caused by a coronavirus of some type. “They are respiratory viruses, but not anything serious or deadly like the COVID-19 virus,” said Bloom. Bloom said the work on the SARS 1 virus and on the MERS virus has helped to inform the sorts of tests and strategies now being devised to use against this virus. He said that, based on their experience, investigators at RML became concerned very early on that this virus was going to turn out to be a big problem in the world. So, the initial footwork to plan research studies on what has now come to be called the COVID-19 outbreak was actually begun in early January. “Because they were attentive to the international scene and paying attention to what was coming out of China, they were able to get a pretty good head start in planning projects even before there was a single case in the United States,” said Bloom.

tions on Hamilton’s Main Street, said that he still comes down to the store and putters around. He doesn’t expect to go out of business from the closure, but he is thinking of taking out one of the emergency loans being offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to weather the storm. “We have never had to take out a loan before,” said Ford. He said the fact that it comes with the potential of being forgiven makes it attractive. As part of the $376 billion in funds made available through the CARES Act, signed into law on March 17, the Small Business Administration is sponsoring three

loan programs directly related to the COVID-19 impact relief: the Paycheck Protection Program; the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance (EIDL); and Express Bridge Loan program. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or

See RML, page 2

Efforts underway to help local Stress in the time of coronavirus businesses survive pandemic Self and community care: managing the stress of social distancing

meeting tonight I could get one.” The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has advice for managing the distress of social distancing.

Make sure you have what you need to feel safe, secure, and

comfortable.

By Michael Howell

Pandemic experts are asking us not to go to the grocery store or pharmacy for the next two weeks. Arrange for groceries, toiletries and medications to

Businesses around the nation and the state are being impacted in a serious way by the COVID19 emergency declarations and the related restrictions on public activities during shelter in place proclamations. Locally, according to Julie Foster, Executive Director of the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, the emergency is presenting a lot of problems to almost every business. Some, like Fords Department Store, have just been shut down. Alan Ford, owner of the family clothing business that has survived for genera-

See CARE, page 10

By Marnie Craig Bitterroot Valley residents are learning new ways to care for themselves and others while social distancing. Stay-at-home orders and social distancing are meant to keep us safe, but concerns for our health and the health of those we love, combined with unplanned time off from work and loss of income and the challenge of securing the food and personal items we need to survive requires a new level of self and community care. Ravalli County Alcoholics Anonymous members have risen to the challenge. Susan B. said AA members rely on being around sober people for support. Being cared for and hugged is a natural part of their meetings so being isolated is difficult, but they are staying connected. AA is still holding meetings six days a week using Zoom video conferencing and talking on the phone. Anyone with a desire to stop drinking can call the AA Hotline 833-800-8553 to get the help they need. “We have a good network and a lot of good sobriety in the valley helping to make all this happen,” she said. “If I needed a

The Bitterroot Cheer signs on the corner of Quast Lane and Lazy J Lane in Corvallis were made by Kat Hicks. Hicks wants to spread the word to people who aren’t on Facebook. “I look forward to 8 p.m. every night so I can honk my horn, howl with my neighbor’s dog and blast a fun song on my CD player,” she said. “My husband is pretty embarrassed by my enthusiasm, but he’s used to it after 35 years of marriage.” Kat Hicks photo.

See RELIEF, page 10

Downtown Hamilton. Customers are the number #1 requirement for keeping the doors open at our local businesses, but it could be awhile before streets are once again busy. HDA photo.

Changes in Montana law have extended the time allowed to file certain child sexual abuse claims, even if former deadlines have expired. We are investigating claims against individuals and institutions in Montana. If you have been abused or have information regarding and abuser,

Please Call Before May 6, 2020 Experienced Montana Sexual Abuse Attorneys Are Available To Speak With You 24/7

1-877-4ABUSE4

Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star

RML

continued According to Bloom, there are currently five different groups at work at the lab concentrating on different aspects of the virus infection. One of the groups is working with mice, hamsters and monkeys to develop an animal model to try and mimic the infection as it is seen in people in an experimental animal’s system. “Once an animal model has proven to be reliable, and reasonably reflects the disease in humans, that provides a terrific platform for testing vaccines and anti-viral medications,” said Bloom. In addition, those animal studies can be used to provide a feel for how long an individual infected will shed the virus and what bodily fluids the virus can be found in such as respiratory or gastrointestinal tract systems. “Some of that work is already under review by journals and is posted on a pre-print server and has drawn a lot of attention because of the way these nonprimate studies were done and the findings that were made,” he said. A second group is developing and testing a variety of experimental vaccines or drug treatments to prevent or treat the disease. Bloom said the vaccines and drugs were mostly developed somewhere else, “but our collaborators are relying on the expertise of our scientists to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccines and the treatments.” In addition, several different vaccines are under development here. There are vaccines currently headed into human trials, he said, but those results are not in yet and may not be as promising as hoped. Vaccines work differently and one may work better on this kind of disease than others. “The animal studies being done here are going to be critical in determining the potential response in humans and determining the proper parameters for use of the drug,” said Bloom, no matter which vaccine ends up being the best preventative or the best treatment. A third set of projects

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

involves researching how long the virus can maintain its infectivity in the air and on surfaces and in different environmental conditions. Bloom said we know it can be transmissible in air, not just through coughing but by breathing. We know it can remain viable on surfaces like metals, wood, cardboard and plastic. We are looking into the details about how long on metal, how long on wood, how long in the air. Plus, how long it can survive in feces or in other bodily fluids. This work will inform not only the transmission patterns of the virus but also will provide hospitals, clinics and other types of workplaces with the information they need, like, how long, if we have an infected person in this room, is that virus going to hang around and be infectious? A corollary to this work, Bloom said, is finding the best way to disinfect that workplace and determining what’s the best disinfectant and what’s the best way to use it. A fourth group is looking at tissue samples from infected animals to try and figure out where the virus is actually going once it gets into the lungs and how it is damaging the tissue so as to lead to such respiratory distress that we are seeing in a lot of severely ill patients. The last set of studies, he said, is looking at what set of host genes are involved in controlling the virus infection. “The expectation is going to be that some species are going to be extremely susceptible to the infection and other species are going to be resistant to it,” said Bloom. He said that pattern is likely to be determined not only by the immune responses of the animals but by a variety of other cellular systems called “restriction factors,” that is, factors that restrict the virus’ ability to grow in a particular host. “If those factors can be identified, it then becomes possible using some sort of fancy modelling and analysis to predict or identify compounds that can either enhance a protective response or reduce a deleterious response,” said Bloom.

Art, science combine to help us visualize coronvirus You might have seen those beautifully colored images of viruses and bacteria in news stories and on the covers of scientific journals – particularly the SARS-CoV-2 images (the virus that causes COVID-19) appearing everywhere. While these images play a major role in the way scientists learn to counteract pathogens and cure disease, that’s not exactly how viruses and bacteria look in our bodies. These images are “colorized” from black-and-white images much like a negative from the old days of film cameras—meaning they are digitally enhanced on a computer. At NIAID, capturing and enhancing these images takes a close collaboration of science and art. Some of you might recall learning about the parts of a cell in biology class, including mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, cell membrane, and cell nucleus. A specially trained artist can color each of those cell parts to help the scientist identify, for example, how and where a virus or bacterium enters and attacks the cell. The fact that the final image happens to resemble a piece of art is an added bonus. The two most common types of images produced by NIAID scientists on heavy-duty electron microscopes show either the surface of a sample using a scanning electron microscope, or SEM, or show what’s happening inside a sample using a transmission electron microscope, or TEM. To understand how SEM images are produced, think of how satellites map the Earth by bouncing a signal back and forth. The process of producing TEM images is like shining a bright light at an object and then collecting a picture of the shadow behind the object. For electron microscopes, the electrons emitted in a beam create the SEM map and TEM shadows. SEM images are excellent for showing where and how a virus or bacteria may enter or leave a cell. TEM images

Visual artist Austin Athman shown making progress colorizing a SARS-CoV-2 image at NIAID’s Rocky Mountain Laboratories. Photo credit: NIAID.

are used to show what the virus or bacteria do once they are inside a cell—how they manipulate the cell to reproduce and spread. The process begins with a scientist explaining their project to a microscopist so they know how to prepare a sample and what types of images may answer a specific question. Prior to sharing their virus or bacteria samples with the microscopist, the scientist “fixes,” or kills, the virus or bacteria in the sample so there is no risk of infection. To prepare a typical SEM sample of infected cells, the microscopist receives “fixed” infected or uninfected cells on a small coverslip or silicon chip that serves as a mount for the microscope. The cells are further fixed with chemicals to keep structures intact. The cells must then be dried in a way that keeps them from collapsing under the vacuum in the electron microscope. The key to a good SEM sample is preserving key structural elements scientists need to study even with the water removed. The sample then is

coated with a thin layer of metal so that the electrons don’t damage the sample during imaging. To prepare a TEM sample of chemically fixed viruses or bacteria, the microscopist can put a small droplet of suspended viruses or bacteria directly on a thin film. A chemical stain is then applied to help visualize the tiny viruses and bacteria under the TEM. Host cells that have been grown and infected with viruses or bacteria can be treated similarly to the SEM samples. Instead of completely drying the samples, the water is replaced with a dehydrating alcohol and then a liquid plastic. After samples are embedded in the plastic, they can then be sliced—like a microscopic loaf of bread—into 10,000 segments of a single millimeter. The microscopist then places a single slice of a sample on a small screen called a grid, which is about the size of a pinhead. They then navigate the grid under the microscope to locate desired regions of interest, often magnified several thousand times their original size. When

they find something of interest, the microscopist takes a digital picture of the microscope image. After discussing the importance of each element of the image with the scientist, a visual artist then begins colorizing the images to help distinguish its important elements. The artists’ job requires a deep understanding of light in order to capture the highlights and shadows that bring out the dimensions of the microscopic image. Next, the artist works with the scientist to crop the image for the best composition around a scientific focal point. Finally, they select a color palette to enhance the details and create an engaging image. These techniques were recently applied to help scientists visualize SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID19. For these images, the samples were magnified to between 30,000 and 90,000 times their actual size. You can check out NIAID’s library of downloadable, public domain novel coronavirus images on Flickr.

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If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure. They will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home.

PREVENTION IS YOUR BEST DEFENSE

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus If you are sick stay home Make sure you are washing your hands Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Avoid close contact

Learn more about COVID-19 & Stay up to date www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE RAVALLI COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION CALL 375-6650

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Bitterroot Star -- Page 3

Trout Unlimited issues Our past family experiences are helping us make it through this statement on woody debris management in the West Fork By Michael Howell

After coming under fire from a local outfitter for being “hypocritical and disingenuous” in its support of a closure of the upper West Fork to floating and having its mission as a nonprofit organization “hijacked” by wade fishermen, Bitterroot Trout Unlimited has issued an updated notice of its position. The issue has to do with the illegal cutting out of log jams in order to allow uninterrupted boat passage down the stream. According to Bitterroot Trout Unlimited President Jeremy Anderson, the outfitter claimed that the group was overreacting to a single complaint over a potential 310 Permit violation in the upper stretches of the river. “To state that only one complaint has been filed for the wood cutting somehow makes the inference that there is not a problem,” said Anderson. “One only has to go either floating or for a walk through this section to see the vast amount of illegal wood cutting that has taken place. The number of 310 violations is a very different topic than ‘complaints’. How many 310 violations are we willing to continue to accept before we do something to protect the critical habitat that these native species rely on?” Anderson said, “Threats to our cold-water fishery are never in

short supply.” He said the group’s efforts to protect the critical habitat on the West Fork for native Bull trout and Westslope Cutthroat trout are focused there for good reasons. He said prioritization of this project over others was due to its headwaters location and native species present. “Bull trout have the highest requirements in our river system for cold, clean, connected, and complex water. By protecting this area and satisfying these needs, the benefits then flow downstream improving habitat for all other species,” said Anderson. He said to that end the group had refined its position after consultation with fishery and habitat experts on what they aim to achieve on the West Fork of the Bitterroot. According to Anderson, this position is supported by Bitterroot Trout Unlimited Board of Directors, Montana Trout Unlimited, National Trout Unlimited, and Clark Fork Coalition: A major mission of Bitterroot Trout Unlimited (BRTU) is to advocate habitat protection for native trout populations, particularly threatened bull trout and west slope cutthroat trout, a species of concern. The upper seven miles of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River from Painted Rocks Dam down to Canoe Access is a critical stronghold for native fish and a priority for conservation. The permitting system

embodied in the Streambed Protection and Preservation Act or 310 Law is intended to ensure that wood removal or manipulation is allowed only after inspection, evaluation and consideration by the District Supervisors, MFWP and others. Extensive illegal cutting and manipulation of wood in the upper West Fork, as well as in other reaches of the drainage, is being done without permits or by misapplication of the emergency processes of the 310 Law. The illegal cutting is being done to allow unimpeded floating through this section of the West Fork without consideration for the potential deleterious impact on habitat and affected species. BRTU posits that this illegal cutting has the potential to negatively impact habitat in this reach and must be stopped. BRTU feels that measures must be adopted by all users to comply with the 310 Law and to stop the illegal removal or manipulation of large wood. We are working with the Bitterroot Conservation District, FWP, commercial outfitters and other stakeholders to assess the impacts of past illegal wood removal and seek solutions that are protective of fisheries habitat while balancing recreational use. We will advocate for sciencebased management of the West Fork fishery and public outreach on the importance of large wood in river systems.

Lone Rock school asks voters for general fund levy

Voters in the Lone Rock School District were surveyed this winter about their views of the school district’s needs. Based on the feedback received about priorities, the voters will be asked to vote on a tax neutral General Fund levy, which will fund deferred facilities maintenance, safety and security updates, updating curriculum materials, educational programming/enrichment, and technology updates/repairs. This levy would replace the retiring Middle School building bond in the same amount of mills. The current building bond is 21.52 mills, which generates approximately $103,855 annually. The building bond expires June 30 and the proposed General

Fund levy would start July 1. This essentially tax-neutral levy that would not raise Lone Rock School taxes. The General Fund Levy will be a mail-in ballot, due no later than May 5. Ballots will be mailed to voters the week of April 15. Background information: • The 1999 Middle School construction bond retires June 30, 2020. • This building bond is 21.52 mills (approximately $103,855 annually) • The proposed levy is for the same mill value. • The new levy will begin immediately after the retirement of this building bond so that it will not raise Lone Rock School taxes. The current Middle School

Bond (retires June 30, 2020): • 21.52 mills. • $29.05 annually per $100.000 taxable home value. • $58.10 annually per $200,000 taxable home value. • $87.15 annually per $300,000 taxable home value. The proposed levy (begins July 1, 2020): • 21.52 mills. • $29.05 annually per $100.000 taxable home value. ($2.42 per month) • $58.10 annually per $200,000 taxable home value. ($4.84 per month) • $87.15 annually per $300,000 taxable home value. ($7.26 per month)

Montana COVID-19 statistical update

As of Monday morning, April 6, there were 319 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Montana.

Total number of tests completed - 6789 Total hospitalizations - 24 Total deaths - 6

Highest number of cases by County Gallatin - 116 Yellowstone - 40 Flathead - 26 Missoula - 21 Toole - 15 Lewis & Clark - 14

As of Monday, Ravalli County has two confirmed cases. Both cases were travel originated, meaning the person came in contact with the virus through their travels, not in the valley. In both cases, the people that tested positive are in isolation, and their contacts are being quarantined.

Business & Estate Planning & Elder Law Services

JOHN MASAR Attorney 406-625-2682 115 W 3rd Street Suite 103 Stevensville jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com www.lionwoodlaw.com

Ready to help.

My mom and dad were products of the Great Depression and World War II. Even after those events, their lives were impacted by events that led to a lack of cash and extras. My mom grew up on a ranch in the Big Draw, west of Elmo. Although the ranch is now back in the hands of the Tribes, the ranch was one of the first places homesteaded on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The ranch was very remote and never had electricity on it, even in the 70’s. During the Depression, as well as before and after, Mom’s family had a big garden to feed six kids plus anyone who was

Fenceposts By Jean Schurman

passing by. They raised their own beef, chickens, and if needed, shot a deer. It was a hard life, for sure. But, they had each other, and just over the hill, about 10 miles away as the crow flies, they had cousins. Mom used to talk about riding over there to visit. The Vinson Ranch was up to the south of Big Arm. When I was younger, I would spend time at the ranch in the Big Draw and a couple of times made the trip through the woods and over the hills to the Vinson Ranch. It was quite a trip for me and I could just imagine how Mom and her brothers and sisters made the trip to see their cousins. My dad was born on the border of South Dakota and Nebraska. When he was a small boy, his family moved to Circle, Montana. They farmed there for a while but when the Depression hit, they moved west. The family lived at a few places up by Kalispell and eventually settled near Lone Pine which is north of Hot Springs, Montana. Mom and Dad met at a country dance near there and soon were married. This was during WWII when there was gas rationing and other commodities

were scarce. They lived on the ranch in the Big Draw and continued to live just as they had during the Depression. After the war, Mom and Dad, along with my brothers, moved to the Bitterroot and settled on a ranch northwest of Victor. The house didn’t have running water. (We finally got running water in 1963 when they built a new house.) I tell you all this because I think how they lived has prepared my family for this point in history. We used to joke about Mom washing tin foil and reusing it until it fell apart. Last week, I caught my daughter doing the same thing. When this whole COVID19 began, we had to quarantine because of a possible exposure. Even then, we started doing things I remembered Mom doing. Our cooking is pretty much back to basics and making meals from scratch. (It’s a good thing my daughter and her family like to cook.) I have taught my grandkids how to make popcorn using an iron skillet on the stove top. No more microwave popcorn for us. Biscuits and pancakes have become the normal breakfast meal. While many have become obsessed with watching Netflix and “The Tiger King”, we are playing games, reading, and just watching an occasional show on TV. Well, except for my granddaughter Ella, she’s kind of hooked on her phone but we pry it out of her hands and make her do things. We visit with our neighbors, over the fence. Of course, our neighbors are my son and his family so we do have lots to talk about. His young daughter is even aware of the social distancing and

tries to keep her distance. My son and his family live in a very small house so they have to find things to do to keep themselves occupied. They hold marble races every weekend, and have set up quite a course. They recently got baby chicks to add to their flock. Our dinner table talk revolves around what to plant in the garden. We have starts growing in the windows and will either have a great garden or will be taken over by cucumbers in the dining room. Right now it’s a toss up. I think my upbringing has helped in this time of social distancing. We’ve figured out we don’t have to have everything and that we don’t need to go to the store or the coffee shop every day. We are discovering again the simple pleasures of a walk, talking to each other, and even quiet time. This may not be easy, but I’m sure my grandkids will be telling their kids about the Great Quarantine of 2020. And I am glad that my mom and dad taught me how to get through things with less.

Commission solicits applications for Associate Water Judge

Chief Justice Mike McGrath has notified the Judicial Nomination Commission that the term of office for the Hon. Stephen R. Brown, Associate Water Judge, expires June 30, 2020. The Commission is now accepting applications from any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of Associate Water Judge. The application form is available electronically at https://courts.mt.gov/ courts/supreme/boards/jud_nom. Applications must be submitted electronically as well as in hard copy. The deadline for submitting applications is 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2020. The Commission will announce the names of the applicants thereafter. The public is encouraged

to contact Commission members regarding the applicants during the public comment period, which will begin Wednesday, May 6, 2020, and close Monday, June 8, 2020. The Commission will forward the names of three to five nominees to the Chief Justice for appointment after reviewing the applications, receiving public comment, and interviewing the applicants if necessary. The person appointed by the Chief Justice is subject to Senate confir-

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Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star

Bitterroot Star Editorial Board Michael Howell Victoria Howell

Opinion

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Guest Comment

Please do not kill Montanans in prisons and jails By Danny Tenenbaum, Missoula, Claire Charlo, Polson, James Reavis, Helena

Please do not kill Montanans in prisons and jails We are public defenders in Montana. Our job description say we represent people in court who can’t afford an attorney. In reality, we fight like hell to defend their constitutional rights and their human dignity. We meet our clients often in the worst moment of their lives, when the State has turned against them. Sometimes after family and friends have turned against them. Often we are the last people willing to stick up for them. That is our Constitutional duty, and we take it seriously. Our clients who are currently sitting in prisons and jail are uniquely vulnerable to coronavirus. They are often elderly. They are often sick with heart or lung disease or struggling with diabetes—the exact conditions the CDC has highlighted for increased risk of death. Many are close to finishing their sentences. The prisons and jails themselves are the worst possible place for a person to be during this pandemic. As Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton recently said, “Social distancing in a detention center just doesn’t happen.” On top of that, the facilities are often unsanitary and in need of maintenance. In the Montana State Prison, 17 inmates are now forced to share a bathroom normally split among 12, and that the showers are in disrepair. Prison and jail staff are also at risk. Most are union members

Thanks to Super 1 Foods

Dear Editor, “When I find myself in times of trouble”... Super 1 is there for me! Not long ago none of us could have foreseen the events we are dealing with today. Our local grocery stores, particularly Super 1, has been an “Anchor in the time of Storm.” We take a lot for granted in our everyday routine, so the next time you are in the store, THANK the associates who continue to spend countless hours restocking the shelves, and the managers on the ‘Front Line’ coordinating with the corporate offices in Hayden, Idaho. Needless to say, it is pretty much a “thankless job.” Express your gratitude! Special thanks to Mark and Rich in Stevensville, along with ALL the associates! Dan DePauw Stevensville

An unbelievable President

Dear Editor, Trump didn’t cause the COVID-19 pandemic. But he sure has made it worse in our country. We had plenty of warning; plenty of time to put in place a mitigation strategy which would have saved thousands of lives and billions of dollars. After all, the U.S. is the world leader in medical and scientific innovation. Instead, due to an epic failure of leadership, we squandered the time we had to prepare for the coming crisis. Our Federal government is led by a pathological narcissist who cares more about his television ratings than the health and welfare of our citizens. A man who is incapable of purposely

whose lives are now threatened because management is not budging from “business as usual.” Yellowstone County has already seen at least four reported cases of jail workers testing positive. Chief Justice McGrath of the Montana Supreme Court recently told judges that outbreaks in our prisons and jails are “only a matter of time.” We are asking local elected officials to act. Sheriffs, judges, prosecutors, and county commissioners can work together to release people who are waiting for trial in jail because they cannot afford to pay their bond. We are asking the State to act. The Governor and Parole Board can use parole, clemency, and respite to expand release opportunities and expedite release decisions for incarcerated people. This is not a partisan issue. This is an issue of basic human dignity. Missoula and Gallatin counties have begun using community supervision instead of jail to monitor people awaiting trial. The Trump administration, along with states like North Dakota and Arkansas announced plans to facilitate the release of elderly and at-risk prisoners to home confinement to slow the spread of COVID-19. Our state is at the beginning of a long-term public health crisis. We need leadership who will take action for all Montanans. Our clients are not asking for special treatment. They are not asking for a handout. They are asking to stay alive.

Letters

telling the truth. An unbelievable president. Before the epidemic exploded in this country, Trump’s constant barrage of lies convinced many people that everything was going to be fine. That he had everything under control. That fifteen cases in late February would soon go to zero. That anyone who needed a test could get a test. Lie after lie after lie. Until finally the window of opportunity closed for putting in place South Korea’s successful model of mitigation and now we’re stuck on the dismal path of Italy and Spain. Many have wondered over the past three years what it would be like if the country faced a genuine crisis while we have such a petty little self-serving person in the White House. Now we know. And it isn’t pretty. David Welch Hamilton

Manzella the best choice

Dear Editor, When 60% of the voters in Ravalli County voted against I-185, their rejection was evident. The truth is, only ONE Ravalli County Representative in the 2019 Montana House voted to protect Ravalli County taxpayers from having their taxes increased and that’s Rep. Theresa Manzella. Theresa Manzella listened to Ravalli County voters, saying no to the mega-tax-dollar giveaway to Montana hospitals. Manzella alone stood on conservative principles, fighting to protect the decision of her constituents. Why is it that 20 “reckless Republicans” usurped the majority of Montana voters who rejected Medicaid Expansion (ME), effectively telling those voters their vote didn’t count? One of these legislators, Rep. Ballance, is trying to spin her votes in favor of ME

Bitterroot Star

Office: 115 W. 3rd Street, #108 • Stevensville Mailing: P.O. Box 8 • Stevensville MT 59870 Phone: (406) 777-3928 • Fax: (406) 777-4265 Website: www.bitterrootstar.com E-mail: editor@bitterrootstar.com

by telling folks that “they [voters] don’t quite understand the issue” to know how they should’ve voted on I-185, the ME initiative. She also claims that only she clearly understood the nuances of the bill and that passage was “critical” to prevent hospitals from closing. That’s patently untrue. Finally, she states that ME passage was “necessary” because some in Montana wouldn’t survive without ME, when other options existed for about 50% of the recipients, who are able-bodied, childless adults (many not even citizens of Montana). Voters of Ravalli County clearly understood the consequences of passing ME hospital executives’ salaries have skyrocketed because of the kickbacks received from Expansion. You’ll hear these elitists try to deny the fact that one in six abortions in Montana are paid with taxpayer dollars through ME, or that 70% of sex change operations are paid by your tax dollars. Most outrageous, they are receiving ENORMOUS campaign contributions from hospital lobbyists and others who benefitted from their votes to expand Medicaid. Talk about a classic case of “quid pro quo” by self-serving legislators. In the June 2020 primary election for SD 44, there’s only one conservative choice to represent SD 44 and that’s Theresa Manzella. Theresa Manzella does what’s right for her constituents, not what benefits hospitals and their lobbyists. That’s why national and state groups recognize Theresa as a TRUE conservative leader among her peers. SD 44, and all of Ravalli County, needs Theresa Manzella in the Montana Senate in 2020. Brad Tschida HD 97 – Missoula 2019 House Majority Leader

Confused by state legislative leaders’ message

Dear Editor, Quote from legislative leaders’ letter to editor; “Montanans should rest assured that their legislative leadership is doing all they can to ensure state government continues to effectively serve them as we all do our part to stop the spread of COVID19. However, let us all remember that our greatest strengths lie in our families, businesses, and communities - not in government.” The above quote is less than one paragraph in length. Why do these leaders explain for the next 12 paragraphs the strengths of the very government programs they claim are not the answer to the COVID crisis? I propose these leaders are feeling naked standing next to their “emperor has no clothes” president while defending their no state or federal government approach regardless of documented public need. They are hoping the same Montana families, businesses and communities don’t notice these leaders are noticeably hanging out. And I don’t mean hanging out with their teenage friends at the mall. Montana’s families’, businesses’ and communities’ future are now mortgaged through a national two trillion dollar loan to themselves due in part to these leaders’ “solid fiscal stewardship.” How lucky are we to have them at the legislative helm? Reward them for their concept of effective government and your additional two trillion dollar debt in November with a no vote for their ideas, those who support them as well as the horse they rode in on. Cheers from self isolation. Archie Thomas Corvallis

Bransby Law Firm P.C.

Publishers - Michael & Victoria Howell Editors - Michael & Victoria Howell Sports Editor - Jean Schurman Advertising Sales Consultants Jean Schurman (239-4354) & Liz Cook (880-2007) Graphic Designer - Deven Monta TheBitterroot Bitterroot Star Star isispublished published weekly weekly at 115 W. 3rd, Street, Suite 108, The at 115 W. 3rd Suite 108, Stevensville,Montana. Montana.Subscriptions Subscriptions are are$40 $50 per per year year in in Ravalli RavalliCounty, Stevensville, County, $60 per out of and county, per year out of state. $50 per year out year of county, $60and out $70 of state. The Postal Service will no longer forward the Bitterroot Star. Address changes to our mailing list are made once a month and can be made by contacting the Star office at 777-3928.

Member Montana Montana Newspaper Association Member Association Member Commerce Member Bitterroot Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Member Main Street Association Member Stevensville Hamilton Downtown Association Member Downtown Association Member Hamilton Stevensville Civic Club

Has a loved one passed away recently? We Can Help FREE CONSULTATION

777-1000

Kenneth Bransby www.bransbylaw.com

515 Main Street, Stevensville, MT

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This can make the United States stronger

Dear Editor, During our “stay at home” confinement, I have been listening to the radio and TV more than usual, asking myself how long this will last and what should I be doing to prepare for the future when this is over. The reality of the near-term is becoming clearer. To contain this virus, our lives will be turned upside down for at least the next two months. What our country, our state, and our community need to do long term is not so clear. While observing the national tug of war between Washington DC and individual States over how to deal with Covid-19, I have concluded that we are witnessing the incremental breakdown of the working relationship between our local, state, and federal government that began with the Reagan inspired Republican ideology that “Government is the Problem.” The long-held Republican goal to dismantle the programs of the “New Deal” has resulted in the election of anti-government officials across the country and driven a gradual and purposeful erosion of the programs and services provided by all levels of government. States fighting over and being outbid to get the critical PPE and ventilators, inconsistent implementation of the CDC guidance, and lack of statewide resources are, I believe, a direct result of this anti-government propaganda campaign. This attack on centralized government continues and is widespread. An example in the Bitterroot is seen in the numerous Theresa Manzella campaign signs boldly proclaiming “Just Say Whoa to Runaway Government.” In recent letters to the editor, several Republican state leaders and Ravalli County legislators have praised themselves on how their party’s legislative priorities have worked to keep the state budget in a good condition capable of withstanding this near term disruption. But I fully expect that once they finish congratulating themselves, they will start blaming “the government” for any shortcomings or weaknesses revealed by battling this pandemic. It didn’t take long for them to claim in an April 1 editorial “Message from State Legislative leaders” that “our greatest strength lies in our families, businesses, and communities - not in the government.” While I agree with the importance of families, businesses and communities, our legislative leaders’ dismissal of the government is misguided. A strong government is essential in times of crisis. If the government response comes up short, we can only blame ourselves. After all, we are the government. “No regulations, lower taxes, smaller government, and more local control” may be the battle cry of the Republican Party, but sound bites don’t solve problems. The fact that we are the “United” States means there is a necessary role for the government and we need to stop vilifying it as “the enemy.” Yes, businesses can be more creative and nimble and can deliver results faster and more efficiently. And yes, churches, organizations, volunteers, and local expertise are vital in keeping the community whole. But only government has the resources, manpower, and money to respond to an event of this magnitude. Only government has the authority and ability to provide consistent guidance, coordinate conflicting approaches, and control what otherwise can easily be unorganized,

wasteful, and competitive chaos. Government is the hub that keeps all the spokes in the wheel turning on everyone’s behalf. So when this tragedy finally plays itself out, I hope we realize that each level of government has its place. I also hope we can honestly look back on what policies served us well, which ones didn’t and make adjustments where needed regardless of party affiliation. Otherwise we will have squandered this opportunity to make the “United” States stronger after this is over. Margaret Gorski Stevensville

The hoarding pandemic

Dear Editor, This letter is somewhat of a public service announcement. To all of the hoarders out there, please be advised that the supply chain is still operating. Meat, vegetables, dairy and paper goods are all still being delivered as always. The only reason there seems to be a shortage of things is people are buying way more than they need. I understand trying to limit the trips to the store, but if you bought six months of toilet paper for example, did you buy six months of food and everything else? If not, then there was no reason to clean the shelves. When people are hoarding staples, it makes people that weren’t before start doing it because they are afraid the shelves will be cleaned out the next time. In the meantime, there are people that have run out of things and they can’t find them. What we have ended up with is not a shortage in the supply, but a demand that is artificially high. As for me, the next time I run out of toilet paper I will be buying the same amount that I always have. It has to start somewhere. Paul Vosters Stevensville

Mayor, give us a break!

Dear Editor, Mr. Mayor - What is up with these constant water bill increases?! Just seven months ago it was stated in a town council meeting that the water bureau had more than enough money to operate systems and keep up infrastructure. It was then voted on to reduce the residential water bill amount by 3%. A great idea, but due to an apparent previously unknown law the reduction was not only prohibited but, instead, the fees were increased 3%! Now, I receive my current water bill and discover it is raised another approximately 2.5%. What is going on over there? These are the highest water rates in the state, if not the country! Talking about kicking the citizens when they’re down! Where is all of this money going? Not into the water system! Everybody agrees the water we get tastes like a bottle of chlorine. It’s the worst I’ve ever tasted. How about cutting it down a bit? The water isn’t that contaminated. How about giving Stevensville citizens a break for awhile during this shared crisis? Many of us are unemployed now and a moratorium on the water bills would go a long way to alleviate our financial pain. Gerald Rondo Stevensville

Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center meals

Overeaters Anon

Hamilton Senior Center is preparing meals for take out on the following schedule: Monday, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. call in to order meals for the week. Thursday, pick up between 12 noon and 1 p.m. For orders and info: 3635181.

AA meetings

Check for local meetings by calling the hotline 1-888-607-2000 or by visiting www.aa-montana. org.

Al-Anon

Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the small dining room at the Living Centre, 57 Main Street. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 239-0878.

Narcotics Anon

Narcotics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton (north entrance).

Free Indeed

Free Indeed is a faith-based addiction support group. Contact Donald Layman at 203-8579 or Pastor Jim Landis at 642-9849.

Gamblers Anon

Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church (west door), 1220 W. Main, Hamilton. For more information call 3632512.

WIC clinics

Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. Income guidelines are 1-$23,107; 2- $31,284; 3-$39,461; 4-$47,638; 5-$55,815. For each additional family member add $8,177. Call 406-802-7180 for more information or see on Facebook; www. facebook.com/Ravalli-CountyWIC.

Family Shelter

The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 239-8833.

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Street, Stevensville. Dinners are free for all ages! For more information, contact Corey at (406) 214-8708.

Senior shuttle

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Stevensville •• 777-0028 360-2661 203Main MainSt.• Stevensville

Worship at 12:0011p.m. Sunday Worship AM In this Church there shall be no outcasts. In this Church there shall be no outcasts.

Community meals Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is providing free drive-thru meals to go Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Cornerstone Bible Church, 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton.

Stevensville kindergarten registration

Stevensville Primary School is having online Kindergarten Registration for the 20/21 school year. Visit the website at stevensvilleschools.org go to the Primary school, choose the link at the bottom to register your student online.

Got jewels?

Bitter Root Humane Association would love to have them for its upcoming “2nd Time Around Jewelry Sale” being held on July 25th. Now’s a great time to sort through all your jewelry boxes and drawers and donate items that you just don’t love or appreciate like you use to. BRHA is seeking all things jewelry - precious, costume or homemade... rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, buckles and even jewelry boxes! Donations to BRHA are tax deductible and items can be brought to the shelter located at 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton during open business hours, mailed to BRHA, PO Box 57, Hamilton MT 59840 or to arrange pickup, email Mary at dogmommary@aol.com.

Free dinners to go

1.5L 4 Cyl, EcoBoost, Auto, 4x4, Remote Start, Pwr Wind/Locks/Drivers Seat, Headed Front Seats, Full Backup Camera, & More NEW 2019

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Free To-Go Soul Suppers are being served Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center parking lot at 100 Mission

The BitterRoot Bus will be running a 6:30 a.m. Shuttle for Seniors and people with compromised immune systems on Tuesdays and Thursdays until further notice. This bus will be for seniors to get to Albertsons for 7 to 9 a.m. senior shopping. Call the BitterRoot Bus at 363-7484 to schedule your ride. You must call in advance!

Victor School meal program

The Victor School is offering a free meals program for children 18 years and under through the Summer Food Service Program. For more information call (406)642-3221.

Victor Community Garden

The Victor Community Garden, a project of Sustainable Living Systems, is now open for registration. Gardening is something you can do outside in the fresh air while you are stuck at home. You get exercise and can grow our own food and pick it fresh to your table. The Victor Community Garden has forty 20’ by 20’ plots with great sun exposure surrounded by a deer proof fence. Compost, mulch, tools and have an automated watering system that waters every night is provided as well as a paid garden manager who is always happy to help new gardeners. Organic methods are required. Pollinators abound with both fruit trees and a diverse native flower garden located in the center of the gardening area. There is also an innovative composting outhouse built 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.) Currently the Victor Community Garden has many available organic plots available for $35 for a whole year of growing. All revenue goes towards maintaining the Community Garden, paying the garden manager, and helping Sustainable Living Systems, a non-profit organization focused on local sustainability. Amenities for the garden provided by Hans McPherson donating straw bales, Bitterroot Valley Log and Timber donating wood peelings for garden

Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

Event cancellations Quantum Group

The Quantum Group of the Bitterroot has stopped meetings with an indefinite restart date in view of the Coronavirus pandemic. See the website www// Quantumgb, e-mail blaise. favara@gmail or call 363-0683 for more information.

Accordion Club

Five Valley Accordion Club has cancelled its dance/jams until further notice, due to the Governor declaring a state of emergency in regards to the coronavirus. This includes the annual meeting and dinner/dance.

See’s candy sale

tact Tena Chapman, Membership Chair, at 406-381-4755. For more information, visit the Bitterroot Quilters Guild on Facebook.

Golden Agers

The Golden Age Club in Hamilton has cancelled all activities. For more information call 363-0142.

Center for Spiritual Life

All activities at the Center for Spiritual Life are cancelled until further notice.

Elks Lodge

The Elks Lodge in Hamilton is now closed due to virus concerns.

The Soroptimist Easter See’s candy sale has been cancelled. They thank you for your support and will ‘See’ you for Christmas!

Bluegrass Festival

Quilters Guild

Bitterroot Quilters Guild meetings will resume on April 22, if the general quarantine has been lifted by that date. Membership in the Guild is open to quilters from beginner through advanced; conpaths and delivered generously by Montana Firewood, Jeanie Lippert doing tractor work as needed, the Trapper Creek Job Corps helping with workdays as needed, and the property is owned by the Church of the Nazarene, who does some of the mowing. The garden is located on 5th, just west of Victor. The growing season will be kicked off on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the annual Spring

The April 18th MRBA Bluegrass Festival has been rescheduled for Sept 26th.

Newcomer Club

All Newcomer activities are cancelled until further notice. For info, call Bonnie at 716-773-6106. Garden Work Day, hopefully with the help of the Trapper Creek Job Corps if they are able. For more information on reserving plots, how to use the Community Garden, or about Sustainable Living Systems contact Jill Davies at 406-360-1751.

Read local! 777-3928

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Kola

Come see all the wonderful animals waiting for someone special like you! Bitter Root Humane Association would like to thank:

320 4th Ave PO Box 333 Victor, MT 59875

PHOTO BY BEC RITCHIE ON UNSPLASH

Call 363-5311 or visit our website at bitterroothumane.org

MONTANANS

FOR LIMITED

GOVERNMENT

Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote. ~ George Jean Nathan

Verify your voter registration at My Voter Page Montana

www.mtflg.org Paid for by: Montanans for Limited Government Kathy Kay, Treasurer PO Box 1154, Lolo, MT 59847

Hannah Whitney

(406) 642-6800

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Farming can be a high-stress occupation with unpredictable weather and volatile markets. These are just a handful of challenges farmers and ranchers face! We are here to help because we care about our communities with the following resources:

Farming can be a high-stress occupation with unpredictable weather and volatile markets. These are just a handful of challenges farmers and ranchers face! We are here to help because we care about our communities with the following resources:

FARM MEDIATION SERVICES: https://agr.mt.gov/Ag-Mediation; Kim Mangold with Montana Farmers Union is a certified moderator. Call 406.452.6406 for information.

FARM MEDIATION SERVICES: https://agr.mt.gov/Ag-Mediation; Kim Mangold with Montana Farmers Union is a certified moderator. Call 406.452.6406 for information.

MONTANA SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255

MONTANA SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION: https://farmcrisis.nfu.org/

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION: https://farmcrisis.nfu.org/

VISIT MONTANAFARMERSUNION.COM FOR MORE!

VISIT MONTANAFARMERSUNION.COM FOR MORE!

Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, April8, 2020

We're all in this together

so let's support each other!

These fine businesses are open and ready to help! FRONTIER CAFE 3954 US-93 Stevi Open for To-Go orders 9am-5pm 7 days a week 777-4228

BITTERROOT STOVES

1345 US Highway 93 N Victor Open Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm Showroom Floor is Open

Service calls available . Installations available

961-1700

TIRE RAMA

500 N 1st St, Hamilton

Still open for business!

Will pick up your vehicle in the Hamilton area! Call 363-2995 for more info

KODIAK JAX

Take Out • Delivery • Full Menu 514 Main Stevensville

MADDIMO MAKERY

309 Main Street . Stevensville 625-2652 Call or Message us on Facebook to see about our take away projects! POTTON INSURANCE AGENCY FARMERS STATE INSURANCE

WBC STEVENSVILLE

BITTERROOT BUS

We are open for business!

3956 Highway 93 N 777-1452 M-F 8-5, Sat 8-2 Our doors are open, but we are happy to take phone orders for curbside service Some orders are eligible for free scheduled local delivery (restrictions apply)

319 Main St, Hamilton Handmade Chocolates, Brittles, Easter Bunnies & More! Call in order & pick up curbside or come in. Open Mon-Sat • 10a-3pm Call if you’ll be late, we’ll wait 363-0580

KODIAK JAX II

Take Out • Delivery • Full Menu 105 S. First • Hamilton

MISSION BISTRO

Curbside Pickup • Delivery Batteries • Phone Repair and more 3920 US 93 • Stevensvile

777-5444

MASSA

We will collect your items & bring them to you. Still Delivering. If you need to come in give others 6’ of space. Our at risk employees & those not feeling well are staying home so at times we are short staffed.

1600 N 1st St, Hamilton 363-1922

7:00 AM Shuttle for Seniors & people with compromised immune systems Tuesdays & Thursdays until further notice This bus will be for SENIORS to get to Albertsons for 7-9 senior shopping Please call 363-7484 to schedule your ride. You MUST call in advance! Bitterroot Bus is still open for general rides as well!

BIG SKY CANDY

BEAR'S LAIR II

BITTERROOT WIRELESS

CORVALLIS NAPA AUTO PARTS

1001 Main St, Corvallis Open as normal for all your essential parts! Open 7 days a week Call for availability of parts 961-3031

363-5695

926-1499

500 S 1st St Hamilton Open for To-Go orders 7 Days a week! 363-3822

Open for Business as usual, 8am-5pm Mon-Fri to anyone not displaying sickness, to health challenged folks use drop box in front door for premium payments - Most other transactions may be done via phone, email or fax. Electronic payments are encouranged. 777-3626

777-0910

Take Out • Delivery • Full Menu 5493 US 93 • Florence

COFFEE CUP

Curbside Delivery Menu at www.missionbistromt.com 235 Main St. • Stevensville

777-6945

SCOTT EDMAN AGENCY FARMERS INSURANCE All your insurance needs - Just call us 210 N. 1st. Ste A • Hamilton

363-0244

BITTERROOT COMMUNITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Need a Loan? We can do that! Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Drive Thru Only Hamilton & Darby 821-3171

CJ'S DEN

Take out • Delivery • Full Menu 324 Main St. Stevensville

777-5605

WE ARE OPEN 8-4, 7 DAYS A WEEK

ACE HARDWARE

Curbside Pickup . Online Ordering . Free Delivery

777-5526 - Eastside 273-4333 - Florence

403-6491 - after hour “mishaps” www.acehardware.com

BITTERROOT STAR

Local News • Doorstep delivery Hamilton, Corvallis, Stevensville www.bitterrootstar.com

777-3928

BITTER ROOT LAUNDRY EASY CLEANERS

Bring it in, do it yourself. Or we can do it for you! Drive through window Drop Off and Pick Up Dry Cleaning • Laundry Wash, Dry, Fold WE ARE OPEN 500 Main St • Stevensville 777-7002 HOURS: 10a-8p 115 Pine St • Hamilton 363-6550 HOURS: 8a-8p

RED ROOSTER

Breakfast • Lunch • Baked Goods • Espresso Drive Thru & Take Out Open Monday-Saturday 7am-3pm 301 S 1st St • Hamilton 381-1129

Alpenstüble Inc. ‘The Bretzel Factory’

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Melissa - Silvia

BAKERY IS OPEN! PRE ORDER FROZEN:

Bretzels (bakers’ dozen) • Cheese Sticks • Bacon Cheese Sticks • Challah Rolls

Specialty Breads baked fresh on Tuesday & Wednesday

Pizza Dough • Honey Oat • Banana • Zucchini Carrot Bread • Challah Bread & Rolls

-Use oUr drive thrU window -delivery thUrs & Fri (small charge)

u

h r 11t

Ap

Ly

ru on

Drive-thtAto SALAD o BrAtz, p

Tues - Fri 9am - 5:30pm • Sat 9am - 3pm

3920 Hwy 93 N. Suite G • Stevensville • Behind Ole’s For more info call Silvia at (406) 777-9825

TEMPORARY TO-GO MENU STARTERS

Four Seed - $6.75/Loaf • Sunflower - $6.50/Loaf • Rye - $5.50/Loaf Beer Bread - $5.00/Loaf • Sourdough $4.50/Loaf • Buttermilk - $4.50/Loaf *Buy 2 Loaves, Get 3rd Loaf @ 50% off

Spring L11A-2p

CATERED TABLE

777-7090

*FRESH DAILY BREADS:

AY SATURD nch

Bitterroot Star -- Page 7

Order H o Cross B t uns for Eas ter! (frozen)

ARTICHOKE SPINACH DIP 12

served with fried tortilla chips, add crumbled bacon 13

BAKED CAPRESE BRUSCHETTA 12

toasted crostini mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, olive oil and balsamic glaze

BRIE 12

brie topped w/ carmaelized cherry compote & toasted crostini

SOUP OF THE DAY 6

SALAD

HOUSE SALAD OR CAESAR SALAD 4

large caesar 12 blackened chicken 18 grilled shrimp 20

MEDITERRANEAN SALAD 13

romaine lettuce, roma tomatoes, red onion, feta, cucumber, carrot ribbons, kalamata olives w/ champagne vinaigrette Salad Dressing lime vinaigrette / ranch / champagne vinaigrette / blue cheese / caesar / honey mustard

SMALL PLATES MAC & CHEESE 12

a generous portion of our specialty five cheese blend, orecchiette pasta, topped with bread crumbs and baked to perfection add bacon 15 andoullie 16

BACON & CHEDDAR BURGER 15

1/2 lb. certified angus beef topped with bacon and melted cheddar with garlic aioli on a toasted bun served with fries and pickled veg

SHRIMP PO BOY 14

HAPPY EASTER!

State Liquor Store & More • Mon - Sat 9am - 8pm

Check out our extensive

Wine Selection

We are Open! We Deliver! Liquor - Beer - Craft Beer - Cigars - Mixers - Ice 501 S.1st Street Hamilton (406) 363-3751

creole seasoned, cornmeal breaded and fried shrimp, garlic caper aioli, lettuce and tomato on a toasted baguette with

ENTRÉES CHICKEN

CREAMY GARLIC CHICKEN 23

pan seared Jidori chicken with a parmesan garlic cream sauce served over polenta fries

CHICKEN PARMESAN 24

breaded, pan seared, topped with mozzarella and house made marinara sauce over orecchiette pasta

PASTA BEEF STROGANOFF 23

sautéed beef, mushrooms and onions with a rich parmesan cream sauce over orecchiette pasta

ANDOIULLIE & SHRIMP PESTO PASTA 23

grilled shimp and andoullie sausage over orecchiette pasta with a creamy pesto sauce and mixed vegetables pesto pasta 18

STEAKS & CHOPS RIBEYE W/ HERBED COMPOUND BUTTER 32

grilled 13 oz. average aged hand carved certified angus beef ribeye with herbed compound butter over fried potatoes

FILET MIGNON W/COGNAC CREAM SAUCE 32

aged certified angus filet with cognac cream sauce over garlic mashed potatoes

PORK RIBEYE 26

grilled pork chop w/ caramelized cherry compote over polenta fries

MEATLOAF 24

ground angus chuck, bacon and Italian sausage blend topped with a cognac cream sauce served over garlic mashed potatoes

FISH SAUTÉED SHRIMP 25

sautéed with butter, lemon and garlic over polenta fries w/ caper aioli

HONEY CHILLI GARLIC GLAZED SALMON 26

pan seared wild caught Alaska salmon topped with a honey chilli garlic sauce over turmeric mashed potatoes

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Page 8 -- Bitterroot Star

Local artwork selected for Secret Garden Tour With flowers, fences and plowed fields, almost like a stained glass window is the painting, “Looking out from the Secret Garden” by Courtney Neuschwander; named the winner of the 2020 Bitter Root Secret Garden Tour, Call for Art. In its 6th season, the Bitter Root Secret Garden Tour has teamed up with the Ravalli County Museum. Each year five exquisite home gardens open their gates for a tour, to benefit the Ravalli County Museum. This year a Call for Art was added to the popular tour. Several artists submitted their two dimensional artwork in February. The art pieces went through two juried viewings. The Museum is delighted to announce Courtney’s work as the winner, “…despite these strange times, I am

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looking forward to telling family, friends and supporters,” exclaimed Courtney Neuschwander. Honorable Mention is “Wheelbarrow” by Steve Wilson, a local artist and teacher whose nostalgic painting offers comfort in these times. Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 18th for a sumptuous tour of five Bitter Root Valley Gardens rich with personal statements reflecting the passions and creativity of their gardeners. Now in this time of change; gardens more than ever, are poetry for our soul. Here in Montana, gardeners are prepping their fields, rows and sanctuaries. Art submissions were asked to use an artful mix of design, rich color palettes, texture, and contrast with an inspiring

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Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Care

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continued be delivered to your home. Many valley grocery stores are offering home delivery or curbside pickup. Pharmacies are also providing home delivery, mail services or curbside pickup. Each day brings change. Call for updates. Jessica Shepherd works at Burnt Fork Market in Stevensville. Her regular job is pricing coordinator, but since social distancing guidelines were established she takes orders, shops and delivers groceries to the curbside for pickup or to people’s homes. “I hope that we are run ragged filling orders to take to people so they can stay home,” she said. “I would love to have everyone here filling orders to be picked up at the curb. That would mean people are following the guidelines.” Use social media as a tool and resource. The “Bitterroot To Go” Facebook page has daily updates about special business hours, closures and deliveries offered by local restaurants, gro-

Jessica Shepherd and Dawn Smith are shopping for home delivery and curbside pickup at Burnt Fork Market in Stevensville. Pickup and delivery is available Monday through Friday. Shepherd suggests calling the store at 406-777-4663 by 10 a.m. to place orders and pay with a credit, debit or EBT card. “When we shop and deliver to the curb, people don’t have to come in,” she said. “For home delivery we leave the groceries on the doorstep.” has been suspended. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children is providing services over the phone and flexibility in purchasing WIC foods at the store. If you are 60+ call the Council on Aging to sign up for Meal on Wheels, 406-363-5690. Meal on Wheels volunteers are dropping off pre-cooked frozen meals to doorsteps. Take control. Be proactive with preventative measures like washing your hands. See the CDC’s list of preventative measures.

pre-boxed groceries: Darby Bread Box, 206 E. Tanner, 821-2081 Hamilton Haven House, 316 N. 3rd, 363-2450 Stevensville Pantry Partners, 3614 ALC Way, 777-0351 Connect with others. Reach out to people you trust. Check on someone every day, especially those who live alone. Use telephone, email, text messaging and social media. Video chat options like Skype, Google Duo and FaceTime make connecting easy. Learn the Bitterroot Cheer. Join members of the community

JaLee Montana delivers groceries to 13-year-old Jake Smith of Darby. Jake lives with his dad, brother and grandmother. Under normal circumstances he would be in school, but he is helping with spring clean up on his family’s property and training two pitbull puppies. cery stores, pharmacies and more. JaLee Montana of Darby drives to Missoula on Thursdays and Saturdays to donate plasma, so it made sense to stop at Walmart and Costco too. When social distancing was implemented, she began shopping for her grandparents and a friend with breast cancer. Last Saturday she shopped for eight people at Costco and four at Walmart. Montana was in Super One in Hamilton when people first started hoarding toilet paper. She saw a man and woman in their eighties pulling an oxygen cart and heard the man tell his wife there was no toilet paper. “I knew

Relief

where to find some so I offered to go get it for him and deliver to his house,” she said. “Out of a 12-pack he only took four rolls and shared the rest with his neighbors.” “I take precautions and wash my hands very frequently when shopping,” she said. “If someone needs help they can find me on Facebook. If someone is high-risk I’m happy to help.” Be assured if you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, you will automatically be renewed for benefits without having to reapply, and the three-month limit on SNAP benefits for the unemployed

Tasha Marie and her son Salem are howling in Hamilton during the Bitterroot Cheer. Marie organized the Bitterroot Cheer to join the nation and other countries thanking essential workers. “If we band together as a community anything is possible,” she said. Sherry Foster photo. Wear a non-medical face mask when out in public. Many local people are sewing masks. Reduce financial stress.

Rebecca Mann of Hamilton celebrates her birthday by prepping her garden beds and enjoying a beautiful spring day. Friends and family drive by and honk their birthday greetings while adhering to social distancing guidelines. "It was a fun way to have my friends wish me happy birthday from a little bit afar," she said.

If you are unemployed because of COVID-19, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry has a Resource Guide to help you apply for unemployment. If you are having trouble paying your rent or your mortgage, talk with your landlord or lender. Federal and local governments have placed limitations on evictions and residential foreclosures. Contact your utility providers, cable and internet provider to request alternative bill payment arrangements as needed. There are limits on water, heat and internet cancellations, and state agencies are extending deadlines for housing assistance recipients and applicants. Montana has increased food supplies for food pantries and food banks. If you are experiencing food insecurity, call your local food pantry for their hours. Most are offering curbside pick-up for

by stepping outside each evening at 8 p.m. to cheer, clap, howl and make noise in honor of our essential workers. Tasha Marie of Hamilton was so inspired by videos of people in New York yelling and cheering from their windows and balconies in support of the city’s essential healthcare workers she created a public Facebook group Bitterroot Cheer. The group now has over 1,600 members with people cheering from Darby to Lolo. Melody Blake of Hamilton was working at Domino’s Pizza on Saturday night when she stepped outside and heard the cheering. “I heard so many people,” she said, “I almost cried. I couldn’t participate because I was at work, but it was astounding.” Help others. Check on your neighbors, especially those living alone or in remote areas. Donate toilet paper to the Council on Aging at 310 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. Donate food, wipes, hand

through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. Lenders were supposed to begin processing loan applications as soon as April 3, 2020. The Paycheck Protection Program will be available through June 30, 2020. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan provides vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This program is for any small business with less than 500 employees (including sole proprietorships, independent contractors and self-employed persons), private non-profit organization or 501(c)(19) veterans organizations affected by COVID-19. Businesses in certain industries may have more than 500 employees if they meet the SBA’s size standards for those industries. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance funds will be made available within days of a successful application, according to the government’s website, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. The Express Bridge Loan Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on an Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan. RCEDA Director Julie Foster said that while these government programs are a good thing on the whole and she suggests that local businesses check out the options, she said, “These programs are out there, but there are people that are going to fall through the cracks in a pretty big way.” Foster said that employees making low wages because they make tips are going to find it hard to get by on unemployment payments. “If this goes on for very long there are going to be a lot of people hurting and a lot of businesses that will not be able to recover and reopen,” said Foster. She said lots of different businesses are being affected in different ways. Some are experiencing disrupted supply chains and are either unable to receive raw materials and others are having shipments delayed elsewhere or cancelled en route. “Some people are trying to stay open,” said Foster, “Restaurants are doing take-out, but most people are staying at home.” “The government is dumping a lot of money into this,” said Foster. “You can just print more money. But there’s a limit, at a certain point your money becomes worthless.” She said there was

a small window here for many small businesses to survive if they receive enough cash quick enough. “If this just lasts for a month or so and a small business was viable, with a little boost to get through this they might be able to get going again,” she said. But they also need money right away, according to Foster, and she is not so sure that the current loan programs are going that smoothly at the bank. That’s what makes the local efforts of the Hamilton Downtown Association so important, she said. According to Hamilton Downtown Association executive director Claire Kemp, recognizing the vulnerability of many local businesses to this unprecedented shutdown, a subcommittee of the association met to consider potential actions and the result was the establishment of the Hamilton Business Relief Fund. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to raise money to help the businesses stay afloat during the crisis in order for them to continue operations and bring back employees once it ends. Kemp said the site had been shared over 361 times last Friday and that the fund had already generated $9,250. Kemp said that giving the business applicants cash was an important part of the fund. She said other efforts to support local businesses, like buying a gift certificate to use in the future can, in some instances, just push the cash crunch forward to the time when all the customers come in with gift certificates. She said that by giving cash instead, the business can avoid that potential future draw back. You can learn more about the effort by going to https:// www.hamiltonbrf.com/ The website offers the location of the GoFundMe site and an application for businesses that may need assistance. In an effort to help out the Hamilton Business Relief Fund, Bitterroot Trout Unlimited has issued a Corona Bug Challenge to all fly tyers in the valley. You are invited to design and tie a fly that you think merits the name “Corona Bug.” Entries can be a dry fly, nymph, streamer, wet fly or anything in between. Entries will be accepted through midnight on Thursday, April 30. You can enter as many times as you like. The entry fee for the competition is a minimum $5.00 donation and after submitting your entry you will be directed to the Hamilton Business Relief Fund GoFund Me page to make your donation. All the entry fees go to the Hamilton Business Relief Fund. These local businesses are the life blood of our community and support the local TU chapter’s programs and fundraising. Even if you are not going to enter, you can make a donation to the Hamilton Business Relief Fund. An anonymous panel of expert tyers will select the winning entry, and the winner will be featured in Bitterroot Trout Unlimited (BRTU) E-News. Of course, there will be prizes for the top entries, including a case of Corona beer. BRTU is working with Montana TU to challenge other TU chapters in Montana to do a similar competition for their communities. When all the competitions are over, Montana TU will empanel judges to select “the best of the best.” Entry forms are available on the organization’s website at www. bitterroottu.org

soap and sanitizer to your local food banks.

Email and Text Updates and Montana’s COVID-19 Task Force.

Stay informed and updated while limiting your media exposure.

Make time to relax and unwind.

Don’t watch, read or listen to social media or news reports that make you feel anxious or distressed. Look to credible sources such as the Ravalli County COVID 19 website, the Montana Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force site, the Montana DPHHS Coronavirus COVID-19 page, the CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO: World Health Organization. Sign up for emergency alerts via text or email to get updates as soon as they are available: CDC

Do things that work for you. Breathe deeply, stretch, meditate or pray. Go for walks and work in the yard. Engage in activities you enjoy. If you work from home, maintain regular hours and take regular breaks. Do something fun after completing a difficult project or task. Take nothing for granted and be willing to go with the flow.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

The view from underneath A timely approach to underAuthor’s note: Fishing has been great lately. That’s the river report. This column from a couple of years ago might be a story worth retelling. When you do fish, go solo – wade fish and enjoy the solitude – let the magnificence of your surrounding recharge your soul. - Chuck A fellow came in to the shop a few days ago with a fish

Flyfishing with Chuck Stranahan story.

“I went out yesterday,” he started, “And fished a skwala pattern that I’ve tied for years. It has always done well for me.” So far so good. He went on: “I caught a couple of fish on it, but things seemed slow and so I tied on yours.” This is where it gets interesting. “Immediately I started catching fish - even though conditions hadn’t changed. I fished for a little while longer, and landed six nice ones in the same time it took to land the first two.” I was glad to hear that, but that’s not why I’m retelling the story. Fly tyers are obsessively inquisitive about what makes one fly produce more than another. If you’re going to put a piece of yourself into every fly you tie, you want that expression of your craftsmanship ethic to result in the best product you can create. That means the right proportions, just the right material choices (standard or UV dubbing in the body? Dyed or natural colors?) and whatnot. The goal is simple: You want your fly to outstrip the performance of the ready-made factory fly, one of millions delivered in packages from foreign countries, and dumped into bins at fly shops for commercial consumption. Home ties vs. commercial flies Those imported factory flies are good - don’t get me wrong. And that’s where a couple of glitches come in: The commercial flies are produced for maximum profits for the companies that manufacture them.

The fly designers are tempted to produce flies with maximum sales appeal. That’s where the money is. As a result we see commercial flies that look as if they were designed to catch fishermen. And let’s face it: some flies do exactly that - and not much else. You might have noticed that most home-ties are a kind of drab compared to their commercial counterparts. A certain amount of flash can actually help the fly’s fish-catching ability, but going overboard with the glitz and fad materials usually hurts more than it helps. So the home tyer (or shop tyer, in my case) tends to pare the fly down to basic essentials. The function of each element is to catch fish, and each is arrayed according to theories and formulas that are proven to work. That’s why my friend who visited the shop with his fish story turned to his pattern first - he had confidence in it; the things he put into it worked. Another look at the fly He asked what the difference in the two flies might be - what I had put into the design of my fly that he might copy. I showed him a photo my friend Gerald Baron had taken of a mature skwala female - the kind that descends to the river to lay eggs, and often gets eaten by trout. Gerry’s photo shows a female bug lying on its backside, its underbelly exposed to the camera. At the moment Gerry turned the fly over she apparently sensed that a last-ditch effort to drop her precious cargo was necessary. The bulbous egg mass she had been carrying didn’t stay attached long enough to make the photo session. Too bad - had she retained it, that photo could have wound up in the centerfold of a fly tying magazine and she’d have been famous. She evidently didn’t care about that. She was concerned about the preservation of her embryonic offspring, although she herself, as much as a bug can experience such things, probably felt doomed. Kamikaze maternalism, skwala style. And that, by itself, is amazing when you give it some serious thought. So for some amazing reasons we cannot fully comprehend the bug in the photo didn’t bear the black egg sac that skwala females are famous for - at least here on the Bitterroot. What she did show us was this: Ahead of that egg sac area we saw an abdomen that was a mottled blend of several shades of olive drab and muted orange. And ahead of that, in the head and

thoracic area, the muted orange gave way to a distinct yellow. A fish’s eye view In other words, the skwala female shows three distinct colors when viewed from underneath: the yellow and orange of the upper third or head and thorax region; the mixed greens of the abdomen; and the glistening dark mass of the egg sac

toward the very rear. That’s the color pattern a trout sees when it sees the skwala from underneath. That’s how trout view their food. When I turned my first live skwala over for a look underneath some years ago, I saw those same three colors - and I incorporated them into my skwala pattern. It still works. That’s the pattern my friend caught his fish on. Most skwala imitations don’t show that color pattern. And trout are real smart. When they see something with that same color pattern after they’ve seen and eaten a few live skwala, they eat it. And when it’s our fly that gets eaten, we get the heady feeling that we’re actually smarter than the trout - although that’s really not much to brag about, when you think about it. Another strange bit is that we humans tend to view our flies from the side, or from the top. That’s how we view things – like our own food. Very seldom do I see an angler in the shop look at a fly’s silhouette from underneath, or try to see its colors as the trout sees them. If the size, shape, silhouette, and color pattern of the fly are right, as seen from underneath, the fly will probably catch fish. It’s the view from underneath that counts. And that’s why my friend’s fish story is worth repeating. Author and flytyer Chuck Stranahan can be reached at chuck@chuck-stranahan.com or visit his fly shop at 109 E. Main in Hamilton.

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standing bark beetle outbreaks By Michael Howell When’s the best time to study a bark beetle outbreak? If you ask a scientist like Dr. Diana Six, Professor of Forest Entomology/Pathology at the University of Montana, she’s likely to say, “After it’s over.” She argues that post outbreak is one of the times we can learn the most from our forest in order to know how to manage them for the future. Unfortunately, that’s precisely when public interest in the outbreak and doing anything about it has dwindled because the outbreak has collapsed. She said when an outbreak begins to build people respond and throw money and effort into it, but when it goes down, all that stops, and everybody goes and does something else. But Six and other research scientists have stuck around after these catastrophic infestations are done and over to take a look at what was left. Her argument that the best time to study the phenomena is after its’s over, is based on the interesting results that have emerged from post outbreak studies. A severe bark beetle infestation will generally kill most of a host species, in lodgepole pine this means that 90% to 99% will not survive the attack. But what Six noticed and thought somewhat remarkable was that, no matter how complete the decimation, some trees survived, and she wondered why. Her studies have already produced some preliminary results that could help guide forest management practices and the promise of some new tools based on that knowledge for making better management decisions. The primary species of bark beetle involved in the local infestations on the Bitterroot National Forest is the mountain pine beetle, the scientific name for which is Dendroctonus ponderosae or as it translates from the Latin: ‘Ponderosa tree-destroyer’. According to Six, it is somewhat of a misnomer, however. Ponderosa pine trees are so much more resistant to pine beetle attacks than lodgepole pines. A Ponderosa pine forest creates its own park-like spacing of large, slow growing trees covered with a thick armor of heavy bark. They are also very heavy producers of sap which is used to resist and expel bark beetles that are trying to bore in. The Ponderosa is also a relatively drought resistant tree and recovers from drought quickly. Lodgepole pines, according to Six, are not able to muster the same level of defense. They grow close together in crowded stands, are faster growing, a characteristic the beetles seem to prefer, and it has a very thin bark. Neither can the Lodgepole muster the same level of sap expulsion as a big old Ponderosa can. Maybe they would be

Diana Six, Professor of Forest Entomology/Pathology at the University of Montana better named Dendroctonus Pinus contorta or ‘Lodgepole Pine treekiller.’ According to Six, bark beetle infestations begin by a few beetles feeding on the weakest trees. But once their numbers get large enough they are able to infest and “destroy” even a very healthy tree. Research has shown that when the beetles attack a tree it triggers a chemical defense on the part of the tree, and it begins to use sap combined with chemical toxins to fight the bug and push it out. The beetles, however, have a way of turning the tree’s own chemicals into an attractant for other beetles. So while they fight the tree, at the same time they manufacture a Pheromone out of the trees toxins that serves to attract nearby beetles. When enough have arrived the tree is simply overwhelmed. What can tip the overall situation in favor of the beetles are the environmental conditions, especially the key factors of temperature and moisture. When a whole forest is under stress due to drought and high temperatures it is set up for suffering a major defeat. Once an infestation begins in a lodgepole pine stand under hot, drought conditions there is not much that will stop it, according to Six, except running out of food. The infestation can readily grow to the point that it will kill pretty much every host tree on the whole forest if unchecked. That happens by either wiping out its host species or by the weather. Well, almost the whole forest, and that’s a very important point. What Six noticed, when visiting sites on several forests in which the bugs had already swept through, was that no matter how bad the decimation was, there were always a few, even if only a very few, healthy green trees left behind, and she began to wonder why. The survivor trees looked just like all the others. So why would the bugs leave them when their food supply was dwindling to such a point that their population was collapsing? All similar trees in proximity growing under the same conditions and one is spared. Six intuitively suspected that

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there was some basic difference that they couldn’t see. After some core sampling, and DNA analysis they discovered what the difference was. Oddly enough, what they found in the survivor trees that distinguishes them from their neighbors was very low levels of defense, that is they had low levels of the sap and toxins used to resist the bugs. But this low level of sap and toxins, however, leaves the beetles with less substance to manufacture their “attractant”. So while these trees are short on defenses they also don’t end up drawing a crowd. Six believes in this fashion they fall under the radar and are not mobbed by a lethal number of bugs. Two key factors involved in the conditions for a massive bark beetle infestation are temperature and moisture. Some small number of bark beetles are generally found in most of our forests all the time if you look hard enough. But when things get dry and hot the trees become stressed and the battle between these little bugs and the tree can tip in favor of the bugs and the bugs can overwhelm the tree. Climate change is exacerbating the bark beetle infestation that has recently been sweeping northward in the Rocky Mountains. Our own infestation pretty much collapsed in 2016. But across the U.S. and Canada it has killed over 70 million trees. In Canada it has jumped the Rocky Mountains and is moving inland already having made it across Alberta. Compared to past berk beetle infestations the latest one is 10 times bigger than anything we’ve seen before. With little possibility of stopping such monstrous infestations, focusing on how to manage what is left becomes crucial. The discovery of this chemically based dynamic and how it works to leave “survivors”, according to Six, could help us in our management after these outbreaks. She said this new understanding suggests that it may be important to re-plant the areas decimated by a beetle infestation with seeds from the surviving trees and not with imported trees that may not have the same genetic make-up. Six said that by developing a handheld device that could detect the chemical make-up of a living tree could help forest managers in managing stands to ensure that a certain number of “survivor” trees are left when harvesting an area. “Our forests are facing very different futures and we need to think adaptation and not just spacing and size for relieving stress we have to do more.” For more information about bark beetles you can visit Six’s web site at https://www. cfc.umt.edu/personnel/details. php?ID=1140

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FARM & GARDEN ORDER ONLINE AT moellersnursery.com OR CALL IN FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP! Bareroot trees and shrubs, Montana certified seed potatoes, asparagus roots, onion sets, bareroot raspberries. Boost composted manure. Pro-Mix potting soil. Grain-fed beef and pork and eggs. Moeller’s Nursery, 946 Eastside Hwy, Corvalis. Open daily. 9613389. BAGGED WHOLE-GRAIN livestock feed: wheat, oats, barley. Cracked 3-Way (barley, oats, wheat), new crop hay. GRAIN-FED LOCKER BEEF. Call Russ, 3601125 or 961-3528. FRESH FARM EGGS from pastured free range chickens, delivered daily to the Bitterroot Star, Stevensville. Severson’s natural grass fed ground beef (1-lb packages, $5/lb), also steaks!. Call 777-3928 for availability or just stop by Bitterroot Star at 115 W. 3rd (blue door).

BUILDINGS AUTHENTIC TIMBER FRAMED BARNS. Residential and Commercial Timber Packages. Full Service Design - Build Since 1990, (406) 581 3014 brett@bitterrootgroup.com, www.bitterroottimberframes.com

FOR SALE VAN WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN GT, 21067 miles. Lowered floor, leather, navigation, back up camera, wheel-chair accessible. We service what we sell, (406) 248-5767. 7 USED MOBILE HOMES 2010 and newer, in great shape. Call now, they won’t last long! $44,800 - Price includes delivery within 100 miles, blocked, leveled and central air conditioning. Call Jason at (406) 855-2279.

HELP WANTED

MTFWP is hiring seasonal AIS Watercraft Inspectors statewide. $13.78/hour. High School Diploma or equivalency and Valid Drivers License required. Apply online at statecareers.mt.gov. HOME CARE SERVICES is hiring caregivers and CNAs. Flexible schedule, competitive pay. Apply at 925 N. First Street in Hamilton. Call 375-8637.

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SERVICES BITTERROOT MOWER REPAIR - Mobile service and repair of lawn and garden equipment. Serving the Bitterroot Valley. Call: (406) 518-1986. PLANTING, PRUNING, TRIMMING, MOWING, shrub and tree services. Property clean up. All quick and affordable. 406-3608699.

LEGAL NOTICES

Kenneth Bransby Bransby Law Firm, P.C. 515 Main Street Stevensville, Montana 59870 Phone: (406) 777-1000 bransbylaw@gmail.com Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: LILLIE KATHRYN RICKEY, Decedent. Cause No.: DP-20-18 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 (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Co-Personal Representatives, Susan Love and Stephen Rickey, c/o Bransby Law Firm, P.C., 515 Main Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870, return receipt requested, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 11th day of March, 2020. /s/ SUSAN LOVE DATED this 16th day of March, 2020. /s/ Stephen Rickey State of Montana County of Ravalli This instrument was signed or acknowledged before me on March 11, 2020 by SUSAN LOVE. /s/ LISA RADCLIFF WALLACE NOTARY PUBLIC for the State of Montana Residing at Florence, MT My Commission Expires April 09, 2022. State of Idaho County of Canyon This instrument was signed or acknowledged before me on March 16, 2020 by STEPHEN RICKEY. /s/ Renee’ Hukill Notary Public of the State of Idaho BS 3-25, 4-1, 4-8-20. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DON P. SCOTT,

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Deceased. Also known as Don Perry Scott Cause No. DP-20-27 Dept. 2 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 said deceased 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 Judy Wall and/or Virginia Baldwin, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 17th day of March, 2020 /s/ Judy Wall Co-Personal Representative 7861 FM 2410 Belton, TX 76513 /s/ Virginia Baldwin Co-Personal Representative 89 Northwoods Trail Whitefish, MT 59937 BS 3-25, 4-1, 4-8-20. MNAXLP

tive

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

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF VINSON LOUIS MARLIN, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-29 Dept. No. 2 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 months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Barbara C. Russo, 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 19th day of March 2020. /s/ Barbara C. Russo, Personal Representative BS 3-25, 4-1, 4-8-20. MNAXLP

tive

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

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

20-Word Personal $8.50 20-Word Commercial $10.50 Each Add’l Word - 20¢ Includes Posting to Web Page

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF IRENE MARY SIMONSEN, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-28 Dept. No. 2 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 months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Barbara L. Simonsen, 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 19th day of March 2020. /s/ Barbara L. Simonsen, Personal Representative BS 3-25, 4-1, 4-8-20. MNAXLP Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES NORMAN HECKELSBERG, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-30 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Naomi J. Cheeney, 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 24th day of March 2020. /s/ Naomi J. Cheeney, Personal Representative BS 4-1, 4-8, 4-15-20. MNAXLP Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JANET MARIE RATHBURN, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-33 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 Naomi J. Cheeney, 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 30th day of March 2020. /s/ Naomi J. Cheeney, Personal Representative

BS 4-8, 4-15, 4-22-20. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD RAY BOYD, Deceased. Cause No. DP-20-31 Dept. 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 said deceased 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 Pamela L. Boyd, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON , Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 25th day of March, 2020 /s/ Pamela L. Boyd, Personal Representative P.O. Box 75 Hamilton, CO 81638 BS 4-8, 4-15, 4-22-20. MNAXLP Joseph D. Houston Kevin S. Jones Jones & Associates , PLLC Attorneys at Law 2625 Dearborn Avenue, Ste. 102A Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 541-3333 kevin@jonesmtlaw.com Attorneys for Personal Representative Kymberly Anne LaCanne MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MARALYNN LaCANNE, Deceased. Cause No. DP-20-24 Dept. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kymberly Anne LaCanne has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Deceased ADVERTISING are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jones & Associates, PLLC, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 2625 Dearborn Avenue, Ste . 102A, Missoula, MT 59804, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 23rd day of March, 2020. /s/ Kymberly Anne LaCanne, Personal Representative /s/Joseph D. Houston, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 4-8, 4-15, 4-22-20. MNAXLP NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Robert D. Broughton and Michiyo Broughton, as joint tenants, PO Box 886, Victor, MT 59875, the Beneficiary, and SEAN M. MORRIS, the Successor Trustee, under the Deed of Trust dated August 5, 2015 (referred to in this notice as the “Trust Indenture”), has elected to sell, and will sell the property described in this notice, on May 29, 2020, at 10:15 a.m. at the Ravalli County Courthouse, located at 205 Bedford St, Hamilton, MT 59840, and on the terms described in this notice, in order to satisfy the obliga-

tions described in this notice, pursuant to the terms of the Trust Indenture and the provisions of the Small Tract Financing Act, Mont. Code Ann.§ 71-1301, et. seq. DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST INDENTURE: Grantor: Robert D. Broughton and Michiyo Broughton Original Trustee: First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. Successor Trustee: Sean M. Morris, Esq. Beneficiary: Farmers State Bank Date: August 5, 2015 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY COVERED BY THE TRUST INDENTURE AND WHICH WILL BE SOLD AT THE TRUSTEE’S SALE: All of Grantor’s right, title, and interest in and to the following described real property in Ravalli County, State of Montana, together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures: all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all water, water rights and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits relating to the real property, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas, geothermal and similar matters: Lot 1, Pequeno Oso, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. The real property address is commonly known as 2259 Meridian Road, Victor MT 59875. RECORDING REFERENCE: Deed of Trust recorded on August 6, 2015, as Document No. 690480, records of Ravalli County, Montana. OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TRUST INDENTURE: Appointment of Successor Trustee, appointing Sean M. Morris as trustee in the place of First American Title Company recorded December 26, 2019, in the records of the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Ravalli County, Montana, as Document No. 738968. DEFAULT FOR WHICH THE FORECLOSURE IS MADE: The Grantor has defaulted on the terms of said Trust Indenture and the corresponding Promissory Note in that they have failed to pay the payments required thereunder when due and have failed to pay real property taxes against the real property when due. AMOUNTS OWED ON THE OBLIGATIONS SECURED BY THE TRUST INDENTURE as of January 13, 2020: Principal: $149,000.00 Interest: $9,834.81 Late Charges: $231.07 Total: $159,065.88 Interest continues to accrue. In addition, the Grantor is obligated to pay the expenses of this sale, which include the Beneficiary’s costs and expenses advanced to preserve and protect the property; real property taxes, and all penalties and interest relating to real property taxes, that may become due or are delinquent; Beneficiary’s costs and attorney fees; and the Successor Trustee’s costs and fees. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, they will be added to the obligation secured by the Trust Indenture. THE TRUSTEE’S OR BENEFICIARY’S ELECTION TO SELL THE PROPERTY TO SATISFY THE OBLIGATION: The Beneficiary has elected to sell, and has directed the Successor Trustee to sell, the above described property to satisfy the obligation. DATE, PLACE, and TIME OF SALE: Date and time of sale: May 29,

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NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Robert D. Broughton and Michiyo Broughton, PO Box 654, Corvallis, MT 59828-0654, the Beneficiary, and SEAN M. MORRIS, the Successor Trustee, under the Deed of Trust dated January 28, 2010 (referred to in this notice as the “Trust Indenture”), has elected to sell, and will sell the property described in this notice, on May 29, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ravalli County Courthouse, located at 205 Bedford St, Hamilton, MT 59840, and on the terms described in this notice, in order to satisfy the obligations described in this notice, pursuant to the terms of the Trust Indenture and the provisions of the Small Tract Financing Act, Mont. Code Ann. § 71-1-301, et. seq. DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST INDENTURE: . Grantor: Robert D. Broughton and Michiyo Broughton Original Trustee: First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. Successor Trustee: Sean M. Morris, Esq. Beneficiary: Farmers State Bank Date: January 28, 2010 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY COVERED BY THE TRUST INDENTURE AND WHICH WILL BE SOLD AT THE TRUSTEE’S SALE: All of Grantor’s right, title, and interest in and to the following described real property in Ravalli County, State of Montana, together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures: all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all water, water rights and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits relating to the reel property; including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas, geothermal and similar matters: Lot 1, Pequeno Oso, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. Together with a 30 foot road and utility easement as disclosed in Book 224 of Deeds, page 888. The real property address is commonly known as 2259 Meridian Road, Victor, MT 59875. RECORDING REFERENCE: Deed of Trust recorded on February 1, 2010, as Document No. 627446, records of Ravalli County, Montana. OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TRUST INDENTURE: Modification Agreement dated March 22, 2011, and recorded in the records of the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Ravalli County, Montana March 25, 2011, as Document No. 641532. Appointment of Successor Trustee, appointing Sean M. Morris as trustee in the place of First American Title Company recorded December 26, 2019, in the records of the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Ravalli County, Montana, as Document No. 738967. DEFAULT FOR WHICH THE FORECLOSURE IS MADE: The Grantor has defaulted on the terms of said Trust Indenture and the corresponding Promissory Note in that they have failed to pay the payments required thereunder when due

and have failed to pay real property taxes against the real property when due. AMOUNTS OWED ON THE OBLIGATIONS SECURED BY THE TRUST INDENTURE as of January 13, 2020: Principal: $130,507.16 Interest: $8,518.24 Late Charges: $491.81 Total: $139,517.21 Interest continues to accrue. In addition, the Grantor is obligated to pay the expenses of this sale, which include the Beneficiary’s costs and expenses advanced to preserve and protect the property; real property taxes, and all penalties and interest relating to real property taxes, that may become due or are delinquent; Beneficiary’s costs and attorney fees; and the Successor Trustee’s costs and fees. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, they will be added to the obligation secured by the Trust Indenture. · THE TRUSTEE’S OR BENEFICIARY’S ELECTION TO SELL THE PROPERTY TO SATISFY THE OBLIGATION: The Beneficiary has elected to sell, and has directed the Successor Trustee to sell, the above described property to satisfy the obligation. DATE, PLACE, and TIME OF SALE: Date and time of sale: May 29, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. Place: Foyer of Ravalli County Courthouse, located at 205 Bedford St, Hamilton, MT 59840 Dated this 14th day of January, 2020. /s/ Sean M. Morris, Successor Trustee Worden Thane P. C. 321 W. Broadway, Ste 300 Missoula, MT 59802-4142 (406) 721-3400 STATE OF MONTANA ) : ss. County of Missoula ) On the 14th day of January, 2020, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public for the State of Montana, personally appeared Sean M. Morris, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within Notice of Trustee’s Sale as Successor Trustee, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same as such Successor Trustee. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and notarial seal the day and year first above written. /s/ Melanie L. Miller Notary Signature Notary Public for the State of Montana residing at Missoula, MT. My Commission Expires April 18, 2021. BS 4-1, 4-8, 4-15-20. MNAXLP. PUBLIC NOTICE The Burnt Fork Water Commission will hold its first meeting of the 2020 irrigation season on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, corner of Meyer Lane and Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville. Call Jay Meyer at 407207-7808 for more information. BS 4-8, 4-22-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE Sunnyside Orchards No. 4, Block 20, Lot 8 Amended Plat Minor Subdivision. The proposal is a 5-lot minor subdivision on 10.60 acres. The subdivision is located at the corner of Three Mile Creek Road and Store Lane in Stevensville, MT. The subject property is located in the Northwest ¼ of Section 4, T9N, R19W, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. The applicant is Flying Colors Group LP and the Consultant is Jeff Smith of WGM Group. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the below meeting, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The BCC will conduct a Public Hearing to review the proposal on Monday, April 27th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Administrative Center. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. However, please note that only under select circumstances will new information be allowed into the record after the public meeting. BS 4-8, 4-22-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment

Outstanding in his field Merle Unruh

Crossword Solution

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Monday

Tuesday

Partly Cloudy

Sunny

40 / 23

47 / 30

Partly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Scattered Rain

58 / 34

60 / 38

54 / 37

50 / 33

46 / 29

Local UV Index

Detailed Local Forecast

Today we will see mostly sunny skies, high temperature of 58°, humidity of 33%. West southwest wind 2 to 5 mph. The record high temperature for today is 82° set in 1977. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight, overnight low of 34°. Light winds. The record low for 0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+ tonight is 17° set in 1973. Thursday, skies will be partly cloudy, high temperature of 60°, 0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, humidity of 40%. West southwest wind 2 to 5 mph. Thursday night, skies will be partly 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, cloudy, overnight low of 38°. Southwest wind 2 to 5 mph. 11+: Extreme Exposure

What was known as the billion dollar lightning strike?

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Sunday

Mostly Sunny

Weather Trivia

© Feature Exchange

Saturday

Rain & Snow Possible

Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This Week

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Peak Times Day AM PM Wed 12:57-2:57 1:24-3:24 Thu 1:51-3:51 2:19-4:19 Fri 2:47-4:47 3:15-5:15 Sat 3:44-5:44 4:12-6:12

Weather History April 8, 1926 - An oil depot fire set by lightning boiled over and engulfed 900 acres near San Luis Obispo, Calif. Many tornado vortices resulted from the intense heat of the fire. One such tornado traveled 1,000 yards, picked up a house, and carried it 150 feet, killing the occupants. April 9, 1947 - A tornado struck Woodward, Okla. during the late evening, killing 95 people and causing six million dollars in damage. The tornado, traveling at a speed of 68 mph, killed a total of 167 people and injured 980 others along its 221-mile path from Texas into Kansas.

NOTICE OF EXTENDED CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION Per the Governor’s Executive Order dated March 25, 2020, regular voter registration has been extended for elections being held on May 5, 2020. Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for any special purpose district elections, any school elections, and the Community College District of the Bitterroot Valley election, held on May 5, 2020, will close at 5:00 PM on April 27, 2020. *NOTE: Due to social distancing, we are trying to limit in-person contact. The Election Office will be open for in-person late voter registration starting April 28 thru May 5. However, due to social distancing recommendations, we encourage voters to check their registration status online through the “My Voter Page” at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo and submit forms ahead of time to help us limit in-person contact in our office. From now until April 27, you may still register for the election by contacting the Election Office to request a registration form by: phone (375-6550), fax (375-6554), email (elections@rc.mt.gov), mail (215 S 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840), or you can download the voter registration form at https://ravalli.us/145/Elections. Registration forms can be returned via mail, fax, email or deposit in the drive-thru drop box located at 215 S 4th Street, Hamilton. All qualified active and inactive registered electors of each district are entitled to vote in said elections.

Peak Times Day AM PM Sun 4:41-6:41 5:09-7:09 Mon 5:38-7:38 6:06-8:06 Tue 6:33-8:33 6:59-8:59

www.WhatsOurWeather.com

Sun/Moon Chart This Week Day Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue

Last 4/14

New 4/22

Sunrise 7:00 a.m. 6:58 a.m. 6:56 a.m. 6:55 a.m. 6:53 a.m. 6:51 a.m. 6:49 a.m.

Sunset Moonrise Moonset 8:16 p.m. 9:19 p.m. 7:44 a.m. 8:17 p.m. 10:41 p.m. 8:12 a.m. 8:18 p.m. Prev Day 8:43 a.m. 8:20 p.m. 12:01 a.m. 9:20 a.m. 8:21 p.m. 1:15 a.m. 10:03 a.m. 8:23 p.m. 2:21 a.m. 10:54 a.m. 8:24 p.m. 3:16 a.m. 11:51 a.m.

First 4/30

Full 5/7

Last Week's Almanac & Growing Degree Days Date 3/30 3/31 4/1 4/2 4/3 4/4 4/5

High 57 42 36 37 42 48 55

Low Normals Precip 37 54/31 0.07" 33 55/31 0.04" 25 55/31 0.12" 22 55/31 0.02" 25 55/31 0.01" 27 56/31 0.00" 31 56/32 0.01"

Farmer's Growing Degree Days Date Degree Days Date Degree Days 3/30 0 4/3 0 3/31 0 4/4 0 4/1 0 4/5 0 4/2 0 Growing degree days are calculated by taking the average temperature for the day and subtracting the base temperature (50 degrees) from the average to assess how many growing days are attained.

NOTICE OF ELECTION Notice is hereby given that the following elections will be conducted solely by mail ballot: SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTIONS Corvallis School District #1 Trustee Election Florence-Carlton School District #15-6 Trustee Election Lone Rock Elementary School District #13 Trustee & Levy Election Stevensville School District #2 Trustee Election SPECIAL PURPOSE DISTRICT ELECTIONS Florence Rural Fire District Trustee Election Ravalli County Park District No. 2 Trustee Election SPECIAL ELECTION Community College of the Bitterroot Valley Election (Creation/Levy/Trustee) Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters in the districts on April 17, 2020, and must be returned to the County Election Administrator, Ravalli County Administrative Building, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana 59840, no later than 8:00 PM on May 5, 2020. All electors, as defined in Title 13, who reside in the District, are eligible to vote in the elections. Electors in the Florence Rural Fire District are eligible to vote regardless of voter registration as long as they are a holder of title to lands within the District and who present proof of interest in such land to the County Election Administrator.

Special purpose district elections, school elections, and the Community College District of the Bitterroot Valley election are being conducted solely by mail ballot. Ballots will automatically be mailed to Active Electors only. If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot. If you need a replacement ballot, forms can be found on our website at https://ravalli.us/145/Elections.

Early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots will be held on May 4, 2020, at approximately 9:30 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Public is welcome to observe; however, due to COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations, we will limit the number of observers.

If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the Ravalli County Election Office.

Beginning at approximately 9:00 AM on Election Day, May 5, 2020, ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8:00 PM.

Dated this 2nd day of April, 2020 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

on a floodplain permit application for a proposed project within the Regulated Flood Hazard Area of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Mr. John Cook and Ms. Suzanne Sevalstad. The proposed project will replace an existing shop with a new 68 foot x 36 foot shop adjacent the applicant’s house. The project is located at 227 Bell Xing, Stevensville, in Section 21, T8N, R20W, Ravalli County. Information regarding this application is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt.gov) and must be received by Wednesday April 22nd, 2020 at 5:00 pm. (Reference Application # FA-20-03). BS 4-8-20. MNAXLP

Answer: In 1977, lightning hit a New York City power line, causing a 24hour black-out.

2020, at 10:15 a.m. Place: Foyer of Ravalli County Courthouse, located at 205 Bedford St, Hamilton, MT 59840 Dated this 14th day of January, 2020. /s/ Sean M. Morris, Successor Trustee Worden Thane P.C. 321 W. Broadway, Ste 300 Missoula, MT 59802-4142 (406) 721-3400 STATE OF MONTANA ) : ss. County of Missoula ) On the 14th day of January, 2020, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public for the State of Montana, personally appeared Sean M. Morris, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within Notice of Trustee’s Sale as Successor Trustee, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same as such Successor Trustee. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and notarial seal the day and year first above written. (SEAL) /s/ Melanie L. Miller Notary Signature Notary Public for the State of Montana residing at Missoula, MT. My Commission Expires April 18, 2021. BS 4-1, 4-8, 4-15-20. MNAXLP

Independently validated by Quality Service Certification, Inc.

Dated this 2nd day of April, 2020 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550 __________________________________________________________________________________ Display Ad Publish April 8, 15 & 22, 2020 Size: 2 columns wide x 7” long (format to fit) Bill: Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder 215 South 4th Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 Please verify publication with an affidavit – Thank you!

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Page 14--Bitterroot Star

Obituaries Michael Charles Ralls September 27, 1943 - March 27, 2020 Mike Ralls, age 76 of Stevensville, Montana, entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, March 27, 2020, doing what he always loved to do, which was farm. Mike was born in Hailey, Idaho on September 27, 1943, to Pat and Jessie Ralls. At age 7, the Ralls family moved to the Bitterroot Valley to make their permanent home. When Mike was 13 years old, his beloved mom Jessie, passed on to be with the Lord, and in later years, Mike was blessed with his stepmother, Eunice Ralls. On July 14, 1962, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Mary Delores Pfau and they celebrated 57 years together. She was the love of his life early on, which was evidenced in that they waited at the coil heater every morning for each other before class started. They proceeded to buy a piece of land in 1972 to move their forever home onto and made a beautiful life together which overflows with the love of four children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The love and honor that “grandpa” had for his family was evident in his person. All his grandchildren have very special memories of their grandpa, in that he was there to enjoy and celebrate every special occasion, including band events, rodeo, sporting events, and award ceremonies. He beamed as he held every new grandbaby that was born. He raised his family in such a way, that his grown kids and grandkids learned what family really means. He taught us how to love, to support one another, to celebrate life together and pull together in times of struggle. He taught us how to enjoy the present, and prepare for the future. To laugh, to enjoy, to rest, and most of all… to love. His example will be forever engrained in our

hearts, as we are so completely blessed with the legacy he left in us, as it will carry on from generation to generation. Mike was an avid fisherman, hunter and all-around outdoorsman. He rode deep in the back country of the East Fork, of the Black Tail on hunting excursions, and fished in Orofino and George Town Lake, among others. These were the times the stories of old were told. A cowboy at heart, in which evidence of his cowboy days and the days of breaking in his colts, are seen in his tack room. He was a farmer for years, plowing and planting fields and gardens, and raising livestock including cattle, horses and sheep. When harvest time came, you could find him in the meat room processing meat, or the garden digging potatoes, or the smoke house smoking his catch. Mike loved family gatherings, holidays, and entertaining. He was an amazing cook, especially when it came to the meat. If he wasn’t smoking, frying, or cutting the meat… he was playing pinochle. There has been many a laugh, in friendly competition of the game, as he partnered up with family members and friends over snacks and good conversation. Anytime was pinochle time!

Riley Kristine Lewis Mike Ralls never met a stranger. He loved to visit folks and made them feel like they had known him for years. He had a heart of love and concern for neighbors and community, and was quick to lend a helping hand when needed. Occupations included Washington Construction, Hamilton Pack, and Ravalli County Road Department, where he retired at the age of 62. After retirement, he volunteered for Pantry Partners Food Bank, which he was a part of for 14 years. He was also part of an endless list of other community events and fundraisers. Mike is preceded in death by his father and mother, Pat and Jessie Ralls; stepmother, Eunice Ralls; father and mother in-law, George and Rose Pfau; sister and brother in-law, Mary and Chuck Gillingham; and brother in-law, Jack Pfau. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ralls; son Mark Ralls (Cheryl); son Randy Ralls, granddaughter Rebecca Ralls, great grandchildren Liam and Bridger Graybeal; son Steve Ralls (Donna), grandson Ben Ralls (Ariel), great grandchildren Saylah, Raegan, and Hiedi Ralls; granddaughter Sarah Peterson (Karsten), great grandchildren Maverick and Hayes Peterson; daughter Michelle Hash (Wayne), grandson Kyle Hash; brother Vic Ralls (Bev); brothers in-law Jim Pfau (Pat), George Pfau, sisters in-law Linda Pfau, Geraldine Hill; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins that dearly loved him. A memorial service honoring Mike’s life will be announced at a later date, due to COVID19. In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to Shriners Hospital and/or St. Jude Hospital. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Riley Kristine Lewis, 30, joined her sister in heaven March 29, 2020, in Yuma, Arizona, after succumbing to injuries occurred during an automobile accident. She was born February 8, 1990, in Hamilton, Montana. Riley’s passion from the first time she could walk was horses. She received her first pair of boots at the age of 3 and a half years old, and lived in them, wearing them every day until they no longer fit. As the youngest of four children, Riley was packed around by her older sister Erica, who was basically her second mother. Riley attended school in Darby through the third grade until her family moved to Stevensville, where she attended both Corvallis and Hamilton. Her sports were barrel racing and spending as much time as possible with horses. She traveled around the Pacific Northwest competing with her mother, Elaine, in barrel racing, on their horses, Okie and Cowboy. She also loved reading, drawing and doing artistic projects. Riley and her first love, Ben Leavell, were inseparable for over 10 years. This love brought their son, Colin Lewis (12), into this world. From that moment, her son became Riley’s main focus. She stayed at home and cared for Colin, while utilizing any spare time she could come across to continue her passion in training horses. She was proud to have Colin continue in her footsteps while riding Okie and that he found success in winning at many

Death Notices Neil R. Olsson

Hamilton - Neil R. Olsson, 65, passed away in the morning, Wednesday, April 01, 2020, at his home in Hamilton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

John E. Foust

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Hamilton - John E. Foust, 78, the Bitterroot will miss and remember a wonderful person, humorous story teller, extraordinary fly tyer, professional guide and excellent fisherman, along with numerous attributes. John passed away due to lung cancer, early in the morning, Monday, April 6, 2020, at the family home in Hamilton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com.

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local events. She engulfed herself in the kitchen where she found joy in baking for anyone who would eat her own creations of love formed into cakes, cookies and other treats. In her past few years, she would spend many hours at her Grandma Gus’, exercising horses and enjoying the view of the Bitterroot Mountains while sitting at the picnic table with her family. Riley’s heart was always with her family, but like the mustangs of old she could not be tamed or tied down. She traveled all over the United States in her last few years, from California to Florida and everywhere in between. She has come to her final resting place at the Riverside Cemetery, where she will be with her sister Erica. Riley is survived by her

son Colin Lewis, parents Wade Lewis, and Elaine Lewis (Stoney Neufang), all of Victor , MT; her brothers Joseph Lewis, Michael and Angela Lewis and her nieces Adrienne and Charlotte, all of Jacksonville, Florida. Riley also left behind many other loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held, Monday, April 13, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. at the Riverside Cemetery in Hamilton. Visitation will be at Daly Leach Funeral Home from 12 noon to 2 p.m. The funeral home will allow 10 visitors to be in the chapel at a time. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to a college fund set up for Colin Lewis at US Bank, 1265 N. First St., Hamilton, MT.

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Anderson memorial postponed

Stevensville - The memorial celebration for Ronnie (Hughes) Anderson that was scheduled for April 25, 2020 has been postponed and will be rescheduled for sometime this fall. The new day and time will be announced by Whitesitt Funeral Home. The celebration will be held at the same location, 5C Arena and Event Center, 224 Rusty Spur Way, Corvallis MT 59828 (formerly the Sapphire Arena off of the Eastside Highway). Obituary Information There is no charge for publishing death notices in the Bitterroot Star. The cost for publishing obituaries in the Star is $20 which includes a photo. The best way to submit obituaries and photos is by email to: editor@bitterrootstar.com. For more information contact Victoria at 777-3928.

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