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

’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B ‘The

Volume XXXVI, Number 43

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

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Emma’s House creates safe space for children by Victoria Howell

benefactor Jim Olson bought the house and Emma’s House rented from him. Forensic interviews could be done there. It opened in September 2006. “Since then, we’ve really grown,” says Widmer. “We hired trained professionals, then added a medical clinic for forensic exams. A few years later, we added a mental health component for kids that have reported child abuse. This is very specialized training from a provider that has experience. We started looking at what’s needed in our community and what can we as Emma’s House do.” The program continued to grow, adding more staff. They looked at future sustainability started talking about buying a building. In 2016, they purchased building known as The Carriage House at 310 N. 4th in Hamilton and are now operating out of that. The board has now turned its attention to growing Emma’s House’s mental health program. “We now offer specialized trauma treatment right here,” says Widmer. “Kids don’t have to go all over town or to Missoula to get that specialized care.” Widmer is proud of the ways they have been innovative, and attributes that to their ability to fundraise as a private non-profit, and because we are a non profit and also “the really supportive community so we can think outside the box a little bit.” Canine Companions for Independence donated the dog Twyla, Labrador. She sits on the kids’ laps when they are interviewed. It’s the kids’ choice whether to have her there, but most of the kids are excited to have her there. The kids learn the commands and she sits with them on the sofa while they’re being interviewed. “We’ve really noticed a huge difference in kids feeling more relaxed and comfortable,” says Widmer, who is Twyla’s “person.” She provides “a little bit of levity too,” says Widmer, “when she starts snoring” during one of these difficult interviews. If kids return to work with the counselor, they have the option of having Twyla there as well. She is recognized by

Val Widmer, Executive Director of Emma’s House Children’s Advocacy Center in Hamilton and a licensed clinical social worker, has been on the job for 15 years. Emma’s House opened as a facility in 2006. “We’ve been around now for quite a while,” said Widmer. “I was working for the Sheriff’s Office at the time as a victim’s advocate, “ said Widmer. “I was in graduate school and I noticed that a lot of the investigations that involved child victims, particularly of sexual abuse, we just really did not have the right training and resources in our community to help those kids and families.” “In school I had access to my peers and professors and research, so I started looking around to see how other communities were responding to this. Specifically, how we could make things better in the way that these cases are investigated. At the time, kids were having to disclose nine different times to nine different people in the system about the traumatic event that happened to them. There had to be a better way.” A small group was formed by people who worked in the criminal justice system, Sheriff’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, SAFE, Child and Family Services, and the hospital. Several of people who were involved since the very beginning are still involved – e.g. County Attorney Bill Fulbright, Pete Clarkson from the Sheriff’s Office who now works at Emma’s House as an advocate, and Julie Telfer, a counselor who is still involved. “We decided we can do better in Ravalli County,” recalls Widmer “We applied for a National Children’s Alliance grant – we were awarded $50,000 to get started in creating a Children’s Advocacy Center, which streamlines the process so the kids are interviewed only one time. These child-friendly techniques enable the professionals to get the specific information needed by using methods that cause less trauma to the child. The group started looking around to find a place to locate the center. They found a little cottage on N. 2nd and local Val Widmer, Executive Director of Emma’s House Children’s Advocacy Center in Hamilton, with Emma’s House service dog Twyla, who has been with the program for five years. Photo courtesy of Emma’s House.

See EMMA’S HOUSE, page 13

Hamilton, Stevi mayors file for reelection by Michael Howell Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf did not hesitate one second to file as a candidate in the upcoming elections. He hopes desperately to maintain the position. He believes that he has done a good job and would like nothing more than to have the chance to continue serving the public in the same caring fashion that he serves the residents at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, where he works full time as Activities Director. Farrenkopf said that in his first term as mayor a lot has been accomplished. Some of the

had been initiated under the direction of the previous mayor, Jerry Steele. One was the new Justice Center project involving the renovation of the old Armory building on Main and 10th. It now houses the police department, the city court and the city attorney’s office. Farrenkopf took over the project just at the point that the contractors were being hired and then shepherded the project through the building phase. A second project inherited from Steele and then carried projects were inherited, he said. They were projects that

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See FARRENKOPF, page 12

by Victoria Howell Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey has filed for re-election. He filed on the first day. Dewey acknowledges he’s been through a lot during the past three years, including a failed – but close – attempt to recall him, a complete turnover of council members, and a turnover of staff members. And a pandemic. “Perhaps our biggest work is behind us,” says Dewey. “We are building consistency in our government. We’ve eliminated the

controversy, contention and infighting that plagued us

up until last November. Now we’ve been able to focus on projects. And the council has improved its communication with the administration.” Some of the brick-andmortar projects that are slated for this year include improvements on 3rd Street and 5th Streets to address pedestrian safety and parking issues. The council has also approved some renovations at Father Ravalli Park as well as the well-publicized splash pad project at Lewis & Clark Park. “We’ve also upgraded a lot of our equipment,” said Dewey. “We intentionally prioritized capital See DEWEY, page 12

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Fatal climbing accident Ravalli County Sheriff-Coroner Steve Holton said Ravalli County Search and Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office responded to a fatal climbing accident near Sugarloaf Peak over the weekend. During the afternoon of May 8th, a group of climbers were descending the mountain when temperatures dropped significantly, causing the ice to harden. Winds increased covering the trail with loose soft snow and making climbing conditions severe. 55-year-old Bryan Louis Kercher slipped, causing him to slide approximately 1000 feet down a steep slope before striking a large boulder and sustaining fatal injuries. The climbing party used an InReach emergency beacon to summon emergency services. Ravalli County Search and Rescue responded that evening, but because of the conditions

and darkness were not able to reach the scene until the following morning. The victim was recovered on May 9th with the assistance of a Two Bear Air helicopter and Search and Rescue volunteers. Ravalli County SAR and the RCSO extend their condolences to Mr. Kercher’s family and friends during this tragic time. Sheriff Holton also thanked Two Bear Air and the volunteers of Search and Rescue for their expertise and assistance in the recovery. The climbing party in RCSAR and the RCSO encourage everyone to be aware of and plan for rapidly changing weather and dangerous conditions as people start to recreate in the mountains this spring, and to carry an emergency beacon to summon help as the climbers in this situation were able to.

County COVID-19 update Ravalli County Public Health is reporting 23 new cases for the week of May 3rd through May 7th. The Public Health Department had 33 open cases as of last Friday. Public Health staff continue to provide education and support for those cases and their close contacts. Close contact quarantine instructions can be found on the county website at https://ravalli.us/631/ Corona-Virus-COVID-19. The instructions have been updated to reflect CDC’s reduced quarantine options. A reminder that anyone diagnosed with COVID in the last 90 days or individuals fully immunized do not need to quarantine. Public Health continues to offer Pfizer and Moderna at its Annex location on the corner of 3rd and State Street in Hamilton. Johnson

& Johnson is available at the main clinic on Bedford on Thursday. Vaccine appointments are available for anyone 16 and older for Pfizer and 18 and older for Johnson & Johnson. Public Health is no longer taking “notice of intent” registration. If you have already registered and have not gotten a call to schedule, Public Health requests that you call the office to make an appointment, 375-6672. Additional local vaccine providers can be found at https://www. vaccines.gov/. Public Health will begin to offer adult and childhood vaccines by appointment only on Wednesdays beginning June 2, 2021. Public Health is also fitting children under 18 for bike/skate helmets through the Skull Savers program. Walk-ins are welcome.

Barricaded suicide name released Granite County Sheriff-Coroner Scott Dunkerson and Ravalli County SheriffCoroner Steve Holton identified 35-yearold Matthew Robert Long as the barricaded suspect who was ultimately located deceased in his Corvallis home last week. The Granite County Sheriff’s Office and Hamilton Police Department are investigating the death. The preliminary cause and manner of Long’s death appear to that of a suicide by gunshot. The results of that investigation will be provided to Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fulbright for a coroner’s inquest at a later

date. Anaconda-Deer Lodge civilian Coroner Jessie Bilquist-Jette has agreed to conduct the Coroner’s Inquest when the investigation is complete. Long was barricaded within his Corvallis home for 58 hours last week in a standoff with the Sheriff’s Department before apparently taking his own life and that of his dog. Sheriff Holton thanks the Granite County Sheriff’s Office, Anaconda-Deer Lodge Coroner Jessie Bilquist-Jette and Hamilton Police Chief Ryan Oster for their assistance in this case.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 3

Dean Vance

Ramona and Family wish to sincerely thank relatives, friends, and neighbors for their words of comfort, flowers, cards, food, and support during our sad loss of Dean. We are grateful for your kindness. He will be missed.

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 4

Opinion Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Editorial Letters Support needed for bill critical to local journalism’s future

Fairness is not a partisan issue. Fairness is the goal of the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act currently being considered in the United States Congress. The bill has bipartisan support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. H.R. 1735 / S.673 is critically important to protecting the future of high-quality, local journalism in Montana and across our nation. Support is growing for the legislation, yet much more needs to be done before it can become law. This bill would make negotiations for fair compensation possible between publishers of news content and those who monetize the online distribution of that work. Facebook and Google are the two primary online platforms that take news stories created by local newspapers, radio and television newsrooms and distribute that content to their large online audiences. Those two social media platforms pay little to nothing for the content created by local news organizations. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act -- also known as the “Safe Harbor bill” -- would simply create a four-year window for news organizations to collectively negotiate fair prices for the content they create under a safe harbor from federal anti-trust laws. Existing laws make it difficult for news publishers -- especially small, local and regional publishers -- to obtain fair compensation from the giant online platforms for the use of their news content. The name of the bill is not hyperbole. As more readers move to digital platforms to find local news, it is vitally important that news organizations footing the bill to create the content be fairly compensated for its distribution. Journalism -- especially local journalism -- is more important than ever. Readership is rising even as revenue generated by those readers is falling. This bill would help local news publishers negotiate with the dominant tech platforms fair prices for the stories they create. Recent experiences in Australia and Europe demonstrate that other countries recognize the disparity in bargaining power between news publishers and Facebook and Google and are moving toward a new compensation model for publishers, one that ensures equitable terms are offered to all publishers and that platforms participate in good faith. The revenue shared by the online giants in exchange for the news stories that drives their traffic would help pay the salaries of local journalists who keep Montana communities from becoming news deserts. Across the United States, more than 2,000 local newspapers have closed their doors since 2004. That is

less safe, not more safe. Must we wait for the first teacher to get shot dead in the classroom by an unbalanced or irate student before good, common sense is restored? Regents, make the right decision now. No guns in the classroom! Robert D. Walsh, Ph.D. Professor, Bitterroot College/ UM

National politics and Montana politics

2,000 communities with little or no reporting about local governments, businesses, community happenings and sports. With no local journalism, communities suffer. Now is the time to act before it is too late and even more communities across our nation become news deserts. It is important for the three members of our Montana congressional delegation to support this bill and acknowledge the essential role of journalism in a functioning democracy. Please join us and our colleagues at the 84 weekly and daily newspapers across Montana urging Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Matt Rosendale to support the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act.

Letters ‘Where do you get your news?’

Months ago, when my husband was called for possible jury duty and found himself being interviewed with about 30 other people during jury selection, this was the question that stuck in his mind, because it turned out that almost none of the other people there paid any attention to the news, or if they did, they watched Fox on television. Reading the responses of Frank Navotny and Helen and Marc Sabin to my letter of April 28th called “Aristocracy or democracy,” I probably feel about the same way: Clearly these people don’t care very much about understanding the issues basic to this country. In this case I think it’s because they are too old and white and male and patriarchal, or they have allowed conspiracy

theorists and selective truth-tellers to hi-jack their brains because it’s more comfortable and entertaining than searching out what’s really going on. I have tried to respond point by point, but it’s an empty exercise because I don’t think anyone is listening, and it takes up too much space for a letter to the editor. Frank would like to go back to the 1950s, when men like him were in charge and there was no internet and life was so much simpler and more straightforward. Helen and Marc pretend to care what I think, but their letter is so full of cloying condescension and misinformation that they are clearly not open to discussion or much else. So where do YOU stand? Where do YOU get YOUR news? Do YOU care? The point of my original letter was that we can choose a government that serves the corporations and wealthy people who buy into politicians’ campaigns, or we can choose a government that tries to serve all of us, endeavoring to level the playingfield so that we can all pursue our individual happiness. Mitch McConnell, leader of the Republicans in the US Senate since 2007, said two days ago that “Onehundred percent of our focus is on stopping this new administration.” The White House, in contrast, replied, “100% of our focus is on delivering relief to the American people, and getting the pandemic under control, and putting people back to work.” Our Montana is one of the first four states to pass new voter suppression laws. The Republican Party is about power, not people, and our former president is an unprecedented threat to our Constitution and elected government, the basic premise of this country. If you are able, think about it. Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Hamilton

No guns in the classroom!

Higher education in Montana is heading for Dodge City before Wyatt Earp got there. MUS Regents, come to the rescue! Regarding the proposal of HB 102 to extend the right to carry concealed weapons to students attending classes at MUS colleges and universities, the MUS Board of Regents must firmly reject any such proposal. For the safety of all, guns on campus must continue to be banned. As a professor teaching in the Bitterroot College/UM program in Hamilton, I am very concerned about the implications of HB 102. If college students are legally permitted to carry concealed weapons in the classroom, it will be logical to assume that any or all of my students are carrying concealed weapons. In that case, I should be capable of defending myself while in the classroom. Perhaps I should carry my 357 Magnum on my hip and keep an AK-47 on my desk at the ready, and procure a Kevlar vest so that it will be clear to my students that I am ready, willing, and able to defend myself from any attack in my classroom. Good grief! What a sad state-of-affairs that will be for higher education in the great state of Montana! The right to bear arms is not absolute or universal. If the law can prohibit guns in buildings owned by the federal government and other select places, guns can also be rightfully and logically banned in all educational facilities. By creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear in the classroom, HB 102 undermines the goals of higher education and makes students and teachers in Montana

Here’s the present situation, at the national level. Last December the Gallup Poll found that about 41% of the USA identified themselves as Independents, with 31% identifying as Democrats, with 25% identifying themselves as Republicans. And from what I gather, about 70% of Republicans now look back at the 2020 Federal Election, and believe that wrongful, even criminal, actions led to the 2020 Federal Election defeat of Donald Trump. What’s been going on, across recent years? In 2007-8, FED deregulation plus lack of regulation triggered forces that crashed the dollar. The FED enabled low interest loans to buy stocks on the margin further inflating a bubble economy. An economy mishandled by the Federal favored wealth class unable to contain market exuberance for stock market linked profits. After two decades of worming its way into New York, and Washington D.C., the Putin-Oligarch-Crime network got actively involved in well documented attacks on Hillary Rodham Clinton, committed espionage, and employed information warfare, against targeted classes of likely voters, even Registered voters, for the 2016 Presidential election. Of course undertaxed Robert Mercer wealth evidently employed Russian agents to disseminate propaganda that would help elect Donald Trump. Who got along well with Putin who shut down health clinics for women, oppressed non hetero people, and was tight with an Orthodox clergy. Since 1980 tax cuts have enlarged and emboldened the swelling USA wealth class, where billionaires like Robert Mercer finance divisive issues like abortion. Note that the Federal government favored American wealth class, did not push back on Putin-OligarchCrime interferences in our 2016 Presidential Election, or when new President Trump surprised us by secretly inviting the Russian Prime Minister, and Russian Ambassador to the USA, into the oval room of our White House. Where our President announced that he had just fired the head of the FBI, and disclosed the top secret location of a secret agent of the USA. Then in 2017, the Federal supported wealth class received record breakng massive cuts in Federal income taxes courtesy of the Republican party and the Trump administration. Wealthy Americans received hundreds of millions of US continued on next page

Bitterroot Star staff Jesse Mullen is the Publisher

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Information about your Bitterroot Star Bitterroot Star promise We strive to cover all the news and entertainment important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. Our entire staff takes part in deciding what appears in these pages and all content is locally generated. If you have a story idea or want some event publicized contact any of the people you see here. Call us 406-777-3928. Printing information The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co.. Periodicals postage paid at the United States Post Office in Stevensville, MT 59870. The SSP’s advertising and editorial content deadlines are Fridays at 5 p.m. Our View/Letters Star editorials frequently appear at the top of this page and are written from the position of the newspaper, usually with the influence of several people, and in the hope that they will carry the weight of our decades of leadership. The personal columns and letters appearing elsewhere on this page, and others, represent the opinions of single individuals and do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes and encourages your letter to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication; letters should be 600 words or less and may be edited. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specific, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. A signature, address and telephone number (for verification, not publication) are required. We will not publish letters that are libelous or scurrilous in nature. Letters of thanks are offered at a reduced price in our display ads. Member 2016 Member 2021

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

Letters dollars from the PPP program, but often failed to put that money into required jobs and wages for working class people. From what I have gathered, the USA wealth class did not work against the Trump Administration radical foreign policy failures with North Korea, and Iran, nor the Trump trade policy with China, that got so costly the Federal Treasury paid some $28 billion dollars to American farmers harmed by Trump foreign trade policy. Of course, Charles Koch got his man Marc Short installed as head of legislative affairs for the Trump administration. Of course, on three different occasions, wealthy individuals in the Federal Society effectively told President Trump whom to appoint to the Supreme Court. Of course, multi billionaire Charles Koch spent six figure sums to promote to Senators, each of the three Trump nominees to SCOTUS. Of course the Koch brothers have long worked to successfully influence even re-educate many State legislatures. In 2020 the Trump administration looked at Covid-19 but grossly

neglected American public health also the American economy. Considering that Covid-19 caused the ongoing to now loss of 8.4 million jobs, and the recent death toll in India, suggests that Covid-19 must not be a hoax. Right now in 2021 the American wealth class seems comfortable with a base of populist voters loyal to Donald Trump. So far that Federally favored wealth class is comfortable with aggresive GOP actions to make it harder to vote for Democratic candidates in Florida, Georgia, Texas, and Arizona. Georgia GOP wants the GOP controlled Legislature to have authority to remove “uncooperative” elected County Elections Administrators. MT GOP Legislators have long sought to take some authority away from elected County election administrators. The Republican party is the dominate political party in Montana. MT GOP Legislators voted on nuclear energy, marijuana, and Northwestern Energy, bills against the stated interest of voters. Our Governor signed into Law

Senate Bill 358 that takes away phosphorus and nitrogen pollution levels in public waters that supports jobs within the $7 billion outdoor recreation business in Montana. Governor Gianforte has signed House Bill 121 with his amendment requiring county commissioners to vote on, and approve actions taken by elected county Officials to establish public health measures to mitigate the effects of a pandemic like COVID-19. Here in Montana, new GOP backed Law takes away from the authority of fast growing Bozeman and Kalispell to continue to require some new worker affordable housing as an integral part of new subdivisions. As if the State has radical new power, and the predicted consequences of shortage of workers are grossly neglected. As if big brothers in the central party can disregard local political expression and decide what’s best for Montana, with a State Law that will likely take job

opportunities away from Kalispell also Bozeman. Meanwhile new GOP backed Law takes away procedures made available by the Bullock administration, for a Montana trans person to have an all important MT driver’s license, that indicates the gender of the person. No more of that, although there are maybe few if any Medical Doctors in Montana who are practiced with what is being labeled as gender affirmation exploratory surgery, radical new MT Law imposes a likely impossible burden that a trans person must have gender affirmation surgery to indicate gender on a MT drivers license. Sure looks to me that a decade of work by ALEC, AFP, and the Koch brothers has re-educated some MT legislators, forced divisive laws about abortion, and forced cuts to human

services provided by Montana. If one is looking for conspiratorial influences in Montana. Look in the direction of Charles Koch, ALEC, AFP, Club for Growth, Richard Uihlein, also the Wilks brothers, the second largest landowners in Montana. Let them have their way, and Montana values will get polluted by values in Arizona and Georgia. Where apparently plutocracy gave way to autocracy, which is now showing signs of kakistocracy. Why did one of our Senators look for election conspiracy in Arizona also Georgia? Perhaps to act in the interest of conservative voters. What are the conservative purposes of the tax cuts the MT GOP has given to the wealth class of Montana? Bob Williams Stevensville

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Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 7

Project 59870 wins Chamber’s community asset award For a young organization, Project 59870 has managed to accomplish a lot. And that didn’t go unnoticed by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, which has selected Project 59870 for its Community Asset Award. Project 59870, known as “P5” among its five board members, was formed in 2019 as a companion to the Stevensville Civic Club. The venerable Civic Club has an IRS tax designation as a 501(c)(4). That means that donations to the club are not tax-deductible in the way that donations to a typical charity are. Project 59870 was a way to address that issue. The name was coined by former board member Maureen Wali, who also designed the Project 59870 logo. Of course, the name refers to the Stevensville zip code and is a recognition that projects of interest to the organization can be generated from anywhere in the greater Stevensville area, not just within the town of Stevensville. “Project 59870 recognizes that Stevensville as a community is bigger than just the town,” said Joan Prather, board member. Coincidentally, Project 59870 was just getting organized when the Stevensville Main Street Association folded. So, they were able to step in and hold a holiday gala. They donated the money raised from that event to the Stevensville Sharing Tree, an organization that provides new clothing and gifts to families in need at the holidays. Then COVID-19 hit. Many businesses in Stevensville were too small to qualify for CARES Act funding, so Project 59870 stepped up and organized a Stevensville Business Relief Fund, based loosely on the Hamilton Business Relief Fund that was created by the Hamilton Downtown Association. Businesses and

individuals that had the ability donated to the fund so that the businesses that were hurting could apply for help through the relief fund. In all, twelve businesses received funding. This year, the Stevensville Civic Club identified a splash pad at Lewis & Clark Park as a worthy project that they would facilitate. The received approval from the Stevensville town council to move forward. Project 59870 agreed to do the fundraising for this major installation which has a price tag of approximately $145,000. Fundraising is in full swing and $76,000 has been raised so far. Project 59870 board members are Cheryl Burgmeier, Jaime Devlin, Brandon Dewey, Victoria Howell and Joan Prather. Each board member brings a unique perspective to the organization. Burgmeier is active in Stevensville’s American Legion and Auxiliary. Devlin represents the business community. Dewey is currently the mayor of Stevensville and represents local government. Prather ran the non-profit Stevensville Main Street Association for many years and recently served as Stevensville Civic Club president. Howell is the editor of the Bitterroot Star. Project 59870 will be honored along with other Chamber award winners at the annual banquet which will be held May 22nd in Hamilton. For ticket information contact the Chamber office at 363-2400. Project 59870 board, l to r: Brandon Dewey, Jaime Devlin, Cheryl Burgmeier, Victoria Howell and Joan Prather. Behind them is the future site of the Splash Pad at Lewis & Clark Park. Photo by Bobby Sonsteng.

Expanded unemployment benefits out, return-to-work bonuses in With Montana employers hurting for workers, the governor says the state will end federally subsidized $300-a-week expanded unemployment benefits in favor of a one-time $1,200 bonus for Montanans who re-enter the workforce by Eric Dietrich Montana Free Press Citing Montana’s “severe workforce shortage,” Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte said Tuesday the state will be the first in the nation to end enhanced COVID-19 pandemic unemployment benefits, replacing them with a $1,200 bonus for unemployed workers who return to work.

“Montana is open for business again, but I hear from too many employers throughout our state who can’t find workers. Nearly every sector in our economy faces a labor shortage,” Gianforte said in a statement. “Incentives matter, and the vast expansion of federal unemployment benefits is now doing more harm than good. We need to incentivize Montanans to reenter the workforce.” The state unemployment insurance program, funded mostly by employer contributions, offers partial salary replacement to workers who are laid off or have had their hours cut. Over the course of the pandemic, Montana had used federal money to increase weekly payments and relaxed some rules around the program. The state has extended eligibility to selfemployed workers, let workers stay on unemployment rolls beyond 13 weeks and exempted beneficiaries from being required to actively seek new work. Funding included in the American Rescue Plan Act passed in March had been slated to provide people claiming unemployment in Montana with an extra $300 a week beyond their standard benefits through early September. Gianforte said Montana will instead return its unemployment insurance system to its pre-pandemic rules and benefit levels June 27. Rather than expanded unemployment benefits, the state will offer the $1,200 return-to-work payments using flexible funding from

the rescue plan act. House Bill 632, which the Legislature used as a mechanism to formally allocate Montana’s more than $2 billion in stimulus money, was signed into law by Gianforte last week. An Economic Transformation and Stabilization and Workforce Development Advisory Commission created by the bill met for the first time Tuesday morning, endorsing a $15 million allocation for the Return-to-Work Bonus Initiative. The bill specifies that the economic commission and other advisory groups will make recommendations to the governor, who has formal authority to spend the money based on the Legislature’s broad allocations. Department of Labor Workforce Services Division Administrator Scott Eychner said at Tuesday’s meeting that workers who are currently on the unemployment rolls will be eligible for the one-time $1,200 payment after completing four weeks at a new job. The $15 million allocation, enough

to provide the bonuses to 12,500 workers, will be available through the end of October on a first-come-firstserved basis. The intent, Eychner said, is for the money to help workers address barriers like childcare access or lack of reliable transportation that may be keeping them from rejoining the workforce. “We believe that this money would in some sense, maybe not wholly, but in large part, would go to help resolve some of those issues,” he said. The economic advisory commission includes members of Gianforte’s administration as well as Republican and Democratic lawmakers. The group endorsed the return-to-work program unanimously, though House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, protested that she hadn’t been given enough time to fully consider the proposal. “I think I like it,” Abbott said. The economic advisory commission discussion didn’t reference the governor’s decision to bring the pandemic unemployment benefits to an end, which was announced later Tuesday. Abbott said following the announcement that she hadn’t been aware the other decision was pending. “I’m worried about what this means for people who are still depending on these benefits as we come out of the pandemic,” Abbott said.

“I am frustrated that I voted on something without understanding the whole context of the vote,” she added. Republic Sen. Steve Daines applauded Gianforte’s announcement in a statement. “Across Montana we’re seeing small businesses put up ‘help wanted’ or ‘now hiring’ signs. We’re even seeing some Montana small businesses close because they can’t find enough workers to fill openings,” Daines said. “Montanans can safely return to work and small businesses throughout Montana have plenty of job openings.” A spokesman for Sen. Jon Tester said in an email Tuesday that the Democratic senator also supports ending Montana’s pandemicexpanded unemployment benefits. “What works for Montana might not work for every state but the American Rescue Plan has been successful in quickly putting our economy back on the path to full recovery, so Senator Tester supports discontinuing the enhanced pandemic unemployment program earlier than originally planned,” said Tester press secretary Roy Loewenstein. Tester’s office also applauded the back-to-work initiative Tuesday, saying he is “proud to have secured these funds through the American Rescue Plan that are being used today to support Montanans who are ready to return to work.” There are now more weekly job postings than there were before the pandemic, the labor department said in a brochure explaining the shift in benefits, and the state unemployment rate is nearly back to pre-pandemic lows at 3.8%. “Today, the biggest threat to Montana’s economy isn’t the virus — it’s a critical labor shortage affecting nearly every industry,” the department said.

Summer streamflows in some rivers could be below average due to dry spring Following on the heels of a March which yielded well below average mountain and valley precipitation, April delivered the same pattern of dryness with monthly temperatures once again vacillating from well above average to well below average during the month. “April yielded a little bit of everything in the temperature department. The month began with record warmth at mountain locations, which transitioned the low elevation snowpack to melt by the end of the first week,” said Lucas Zukiewicz, water supply specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana. Although temperatures moderated during the second week of the month, prolonging the snowpack at mid and high elevations, low elevations continued their release of snow water during the month. As of May 1, nineteen low-elevation SNOTEL sites across Montana have melted out, which is slightly more measurement locations than normal for this date. “The low-

, and even mid-elevation, snowpack melt is most notable in southwest Montana where some measurement locations have melted out two to three weeks ahead of schedule,” said Zukiewicz. The mid- and high-elevation snowpack in the state began the transition to melt during the last week of the April, when temperatures once again rose to above seasonal normal. “The temperatures at the end of April and beginning of May were the tipping point for the snowpack at the mid and high elevations,” said Zukiewicz. “As of now, all elevations are melting at a pretty good clip. Now that the bulk of mountain snowpack reservoir is pouring out of mountain locations, rivers and streams will begin their big seasonal increases in flows.” This year, both the peaks in Montana’s rivers and the overall volume of runoff are likely to be impacted by the weather experienced during March and April. “Since

the low elevation snowpack has melted out across the state, and the mid and high elevations didn’t add the expected amount of water to the snowpack during April, the resulting seasonal volumes for the remainder of the runoff season are forecasted to be below what was expected on April 1,” said Zukiewicz. Streamflow forecasts issued by NRCS on May 1 indicate that while March and April yielded below normal precipitation, near to slightly below average streamflows are still possible for many of Montana’s rivers. “October and February saved snowmelt driven runoff in these basins. Without those two months of above normal snowfall, we would be facing the prospect of below normal runoff across the state,” said Zukiewicz. For one area of the state, which didn’t receive the boost to mountain snowpack in the year and was already experiencing impacts from the lack of precipitation spanning back to last summer, the lack of March and April

precipitation has made it more likely that streamflows will be below average to well below average this summer. “Southwest Montana has been persistently dry since last summer and flows in the tributaries to the Jefferson River basin look to be well below normal for overall volumes this spring and summer. Water users in this area, and downstream on the Missouri, should be aware of this possibility, especially if May and June precipitation fails to materialize,” said Zukiewicz. The final Water Supply Outlook Report of 2021 will be posted during the first week of June and will summarize May weather patterns, and how that might impact the remainder of runoff this year. A full report of conditions for May 1 can be found in the monthly Water Supply Outlook Report available on the Montana Snow Survey website. In addition, real-time snow survey data can be found at https://www.nrcs.usda.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 8

Wednesday, May April 12, 28, 2021 Wednesday,

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Obituary

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Mona M. Sanfillippo Florence - Mona M. Sanfillippo, 95, of Florence passed away Sunday, April 25, 2021, at her home in Florence, surrounded by her nieces and grandniece in loving care. She was born in Elizabeth, NJ on November 14, 1921 to the late Annie Patrick Wyber and Andrew Wyber. Mona grew up in New jersey and enjoyed dancing, singing and fashion. She was married with Anthony Sanfillippo in 1961. Tony joined the Navy and they lived in Anchorage, AK as well as San Diego CA, before retiring in NJ. Mona was a beautician and her skills provided her an independence that defined her vivid personality and accomplishments life-long. Mona and Tony enjoyed a lively group of friends in a variety of Navy-related social groups during their younger years. Mona remained close with her parents throughout their lives, and also cared for her husband Tony through his final illness. She planned long and carefully to be able to join her sister Anna’s family

in Montana, and in 2010 she moved to Florence. She was an entertaining storyteller and had a lavish appreciation of good food and a party.

Mona is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Isabel Bidwell and Anna Dunne and her spouse Tony. She is survived by brother-in-law Peter Dunne of Florence, cousin Andrew McGhie (Ann) of Wilmington, DE, as well as the families of her sisters’ children, living locally in Florence and Missoula, as well as in NJ, FL and VT. Mona and her family were supported by the services of Frontier Hospice at the end of her life. Whitesitt Funeral Home has assisted her family with cremation and her ashes will be interred in a private family ceremony at Florence-Carleton Cemetery, in Florence. Mona’s family requests memorials be made to the children’s advocacy agency Bitterroot CASA, 217 North 3rd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840; https://www. bitterrootcasa.org/ Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Josephine Ann (JoAnn) Catalano Josephine Ann (JoAnn) Catalano, 80, of Florence, AZ, passed away January 27, 2021, at Banner Del E Webb Hospital in Sun City West, AZ. She was born January 7, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Josephine Burke. JoAnn met and married her best friend, Phil Catalano on November 7, 1959 in Round Lake, Illinois. They lived there and had two children, Thomas and Russell. In 1974, they packed up, sold their home, rented a U-Haul and started west with no home, no friends and no job. They fell in love with the Missoula area and lived there for two years before moving to the Bitterroot Valley. JoAnn lived there for six years after Phil’s death in August 2011 and then moved to Florence, Arizona where they had a condo. JoAnn worked at the Ravalli County Health Department for several years. She loved life and enjoyed playing cards, traveling, going to the casinos and hanging out with all her friends in her community. She spent time serving on the

Social Committee at the Vista Hermosa Homeowners Association as well as being involved in their annual elections. She was a very giving and generous lady who loved her family and also had a very deep

Death Notices Kay J. Carver

Shelby - Kay J. Carver, 71, passed away in the afternoon, Wednesday, May 05, 2021, at the St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory are honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Patricia A. ‘Patti’ Weeda

Folsom, California - Patricia A. “Patti” Weeda, 82, formerly of Hamilton passed away in the morning, Thursday, May 6, 2021, at her home in Folsom, California. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory are honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Susan A. ‘Sue’ Akey

Corvallis - Susan A. “Sue” Akey, 75, passed away in the morning, Thursday, May 6, 2021, at her home. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory are honored to care for the family.

love for our Lord and his church. JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband Phil, mother Josephine Grubb, father Joseph Burke, stepfather Albert Grubb, brother Albert Grubb , and grandson Matthew Heiland. Survivors include her two sons, Thomas (Kelly) Catalano, of Christopher, IL, and Russell Catalano of Missoula, MT; grandchildren, Maranda Catalano, Philip Catalano, Kameran (Emily) Catalano, Jeremy (Kasi) Sullivan, and Nick (Sammi) Sullivan; great grandchildren, Kyden Catalano, Lee, Cody and Elliotte Sullivan and her special friend, Don Hammer. A funeral mass and celebration of life service was held at St. Mary’s Mission Parish in Stevensville, MT on May 8, 2021. The family suggests memorials may be made in JoAnn’s name to Saint Mary’s Mission Parish, 333 Charlos St., Stevensville, MT 59870. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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

Carl A. Martin

Florence - Carl A. Martin, 82, passed away Saturday, May 1 at his home in Florence surrounded by family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Gay Fisher Blize

Missoula - Gay Fisher Blize, 78, passed away in the morning, Monday, May 10, 2021, at the St. Patrick Hospital. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory are honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Roberta M. Siewart

The inurnment for Roberta M. Siewert will take place 2 PM, Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Scholarship fund in care of Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Ln, Hamilton, MT 59840. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Serving the Bitterroot Valley in the areas of tax law, business and estate planning, and real estate property law.

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

Bitterroot Star -- Page 9

Grants awarded to benefit Darby

Local organizations receive funding from Darby Town Endowment Fund The Montana Community Foundation, Inc. (MCF) is pleased to award $8,400 in grants to benefit three organizations in Darby. Grants were made from the Darby Town Endowment Fund, established at MCF by Richard and Barbara Ackerman in 1999 and enhanced through generous contributions from community members. Grant requests were reviewed by the Darby Town Endowment Fund Committee. Awardees include: • $6,100 to the Darby Community Public Library toward the funding of the HVAC system • $1,000 to Sapphire Health to purchase books for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ravalli County • $1,300 to the Town of Darby Parks and Recreation Committee to purchase signage to identify parks in Darby “The Darby Town Endowment Fund Committee is pleased to award grants to these wonderful organizations,” says Barbara Ackerman. “We feel honored to be able to support our local community in this way. We are also very fortunate to have the following members on the committee: Juli Winthers, Ron Birkle, Terri Mountford and Steve Mandala.” To support the Darby Town Endowment Fund, donate online at mtcf.org/local-cfs/darby-town-endowment-fund or mail your check to Montana Community Foundation, PO Box 1145, Helena, MT 59624-1145. Please write “Darby Town Endowment” in the memo line.

St. Pat’s Hospital recognized for top quality Providence St. Patrick Hospital received an “A” grade in the spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a national distinction recognizing St. Patrick Hospital’s achievements protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. This is the eighth consecutive “A” for the hospital. The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization committed to health care quality and safety. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F” grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is the only hospital ratings program based exclusively on hospitals’ prevention of medical errors and other harms to patients in their care. In addition to the hospital’s Leapfrog “A” grade, it also received an eighth consecutive 5-Star rating from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which scores hospitals on quality, patient outcomes, patient and community engagement and financial efficiency. Overall, 4,685 hospitals received a rating from CMS. St. Patrick Hospital was one of only 13.56 percent that got a perfect fivestar rating. “I’m extremely proud of the work our caregivers do at Providence St. Patrick Hospital to ensure patient safety and the highest quality care,” said Joyce Dombrouski, Chief Executive, Providence Montana. “Especially during the challenges of last year, our commitment never wavered to provide the best care for those we serve.” “An ‘A’ safety grade is an elite designation that your community should be proud of,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “The past year has been extraordinarily difficult for hospitals, but Providence St. Patrick Hospital shows us it is possible to keep a laser focus on patients and their safety, no matter what it takes.” The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 27 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,700 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peerreviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public. To see St. Patrick Hospital’s full grade details and access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org. People can check out CMS hospital ratings at the Hospital Compare consumer website at www. medicare.gov/hospitalcompare.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 10

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Gamblers Anon

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

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.Call 406-802-7180 for more information.

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.

Three Mile Coffee Montana Emergency Rental Assistance

406.841.2840

ONLINE Teacher Certification The ONLINE format makes this one-of-a-kind teaching program accessible from wherever you are. Designed for current teachers seeking career advancement and individuals with non-teaching degrees interested in becoming a teacher. S E C O N D A RY E D U C AT I O N P H Y S I C A L E D U C AT I O N & H E A LT H K- 1 2 S P E C I A L E D U C AT I O N K- 1 2 E A R LY C H I L D H O O D E D U C AT I O N P R E K- G R A D E 3 TEACHER LIBRARIAN B U S I N E S S & C O M P U T E R A P P L I C AT I O N S

(406) 683-7537 | TEACHER.CERT@UMWESTERN.EDU

Are you struggling to pay for child care right now due to the added burdens of the pandemic or a reduction of working hours? You may qualify for child care assistance through the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship! Contact Child Care Resources today to see if you qualify at 406-728-6446. Or, visit us online at childcareresources. org.

Divorce Care

Divorce Care is a free class/support group for those needing support, hope, and healing during and after divorce. Divorce Care meets at Hamilton Assembly of God every Wednesday evening at 6:30 starting February 3 through April 29. Anyone can join at any time. Please see Divorcecare.org for more information.

Starting Saturday March 6th through Saturday May 29th. At the Florence Carlton Community Church 20075 Old Hwy 93 South (White Building between the 2 churches) Call Deborah Foley for more info 208-240-4313.

Victor Senior Center

406

Big Horn Resort | Billings, MT

A TIME TO GATHER AND LEARN FROM THE BEST!

Poisonous and invasive plants • Calf mortality • Cattlefax Virtual fencing • Good grazing • Carbon Credit Program • Feral swine ARS Fort Keogh • Working Lands Internship Program • Brucellosis Drought management • Endangered Species Act Cattle and methane emissions “30 x 30” Executive Order Potential Impacts by Karen Budd-Falen AND MORE! Meeting Registration and Room Reservation information at: dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/cardd/rangeland-resource-program If questions or to register over the phone, call (406) 566-2218.

Rangelands… so much more than grass!

The Bitter Root Humane Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 12th, 2021, at 5:00 pm in the meeting room at Bouilla restaurant, 111 S. 3rd Street, Hamilton, MT. The public is welcome to attend, but seating is limited and all entering are asked to wear masks due to the continuing cases of COVID 19 in our community.

RCEDA

Bitterroot Audubon

BitterRodders Car Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st in Hamilton. Everyone welcome. For more information call 961-3136.

Grief Support Group

LIVESTOCK FORUM

Humane Assn. board meeting

BitterRodders Cars

Soul Suppers in Stevensville Served Every Wednesday! Free home cooked carry out meals with a message served every Wed.evening at 6 p.m. 101 Church St. Stevensville. For more information, contact Corey at 406) 214-8708.

RANGELAND AND

tion. The garden has forty 20’ x 20’ plots with great sun exposure surrounded by a deer proof fence. Compost, mulch, and tools are provided along with an automated watering system that waters every night and 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. The fee for a plot is $35 for the whole season (year). The garden is located on 5th, just west of Victor. For more information on reserving plots, how to use the Community Garden, or about Sustainable Living Systems contact Jill Davies at 406-360-1751.

Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For information call Colleen at 777-3710.

Soul Suppers

May 25 & 26

The Victor Community Garden is now open for registra-

The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority Finance Committee will meet Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at 2:15 p.m. A meeting of the RCEDA Board will follow at 3:00 p.m. These meetings will take place at the RCEDA Conference Room located at 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. Both meetings are open to the public.

Child care help AFFORDABLE | ACCESSIBLE | COMPREHENSIVE

Garden

Now serving meals at the Center Monday Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 am. You can still order and pickup meals to go on Monday from 11:00 am to 11:30 am. Meals served at the Center Mon, Wed,Fri at 11:30 am Bridge every Tuesday @ 1:00pm Bingo every Tuesday @ 6:00 pm starting May 4. Pokeno 2nd and 4th Friday @ 1:00 For info or to volunteer call 642-3320.

Hamilton Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

We are up and running again. New location. We meet 3rd Monday of the month. At 1:00 pm. We will be meeting at the Corvallis United Methodist Church (youth center) to the east of the church. Located on the corner of Corvallis Cemetery Rd. and Eastside Heat. Big white church. Any questions please call me. Ginny Wigen, coordinator HPDSG. 406-544-9186.

Victor Community

Bitterroot Audubon’s May meeting will feature a Zoom presentation on the Bitterroot Climate Action Group (BCAG) by Hillery Daily and Kit Tilly, two of the founding members. BCAG is a local group of Ravalli County citizens concerned about climate change. In 2019, it arose from the humble origin of 5 people sitting in a living room discussing impacts of the climate crisis to over 120 members and over 200 people on their mailing list. Hillery and Kit will discuss BCAG past and present educational presentations, projects, successes, partnerships, as well as the goals and plans for the future. Recent accomplishments include holding meetings and programs on Zoom, assisting the City of Hamilton with a grant for the first Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Ravalli County and developing an amazing, comprehensive document entitled “Climate Resiliency in the Bitterroot Valley: A Science Primer for Ravalli County” which will be provided to local government with the goal of improving climate sustainability in planning and procurement. This Bitterroot Audubon program will occur via Zoom on Monday, May 17 at 7:00 PM. Please register in advance for the program at: https://us02web. zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtcupqDwtE9zm_nvLQXfl9BAm5n1qXxVp After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Sons of Norway

Bitterrootdalen Lodge, Sons of Norway, will hold a brunch observing Norway’s Constitution Day, on the 16th of May, from 10AM to 1 PM, at the Ravalli Fun Center, 300 Skeels, in Hamilton. The menu will include: ham, bacon, pancakes, eggs and orange juice for $7.50, children under 2 are free. There will also be games and information. The celebration observes the day in 1805 when Norway broke away from Danish rule, though it then was under Swedish rule until 1905. The public is invited and is welcome.

Lone Rock Park Board

Lone Rock Park Meeting 7:30 Wednesday 5-12 1064 3 Mile Creek Road, public welcome.

North Valley Public Library board meeting

The North Valley Public Library Board of Trustees will hold their regular board meeting on Wednesday, May 19 at 3 p.m. in the Community Room of the Library. Face masks and social distancing required. Meeting Agendas are posted the Friday before the meeting. More information can be found on their website at northvalleylibrary.org/ board--information.

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Main St. Stevensville • 777-0028

Worship at 11:00 a.m. In this Church there shall be no outcasts.

BEAR Summer Camp

June 15 @ 9:00 AM - June 15 @ 5:00 PM Rising 6th-9th graders in the Bitterroot Valley! BEAR Summer Camp is open for registration - please call/text (406) 209-9901 or email caity. johnson@bearmt.org to find out more and sign up today. Full and partial scholarships are available.

St. Mary’s Mission Saturday Series

On May 15 at 11 a.m. the Saturday Series presentation will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Richard Stone will lead the walk with stories written in stone. Learn more about the Salish Indian Burial Grounds and pioneer families of the late 1800’s. Visit the grave site of Father Anthony Ravalli. Lyn Graves will teach how to do head stone rubbings. Celebrate “Montana’s First Best Place.” St. Mary’s Village was settled 48 years before Statehood!!! This year Historic St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville celebrates 180 years since the founding in 1841. To recognize this significant anniversary in Montana’s history we are hosting the Saturday Series. You will hear more in-depth history of early Montana; facts and information not included on a tour. Location: 315 Charlos Street, Stevensville ~ 406-7775734 No reservations needed. Dress for the weather, bring a lawn chair if needed. Historic St. Mary’s Mission is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for guided tours.

North Valley Public Library events

Register on the Library’s Online Event Calendar, via the website, to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge or Rubber Duck Reading Club, May 24-August 7. Keep reading all summer and earn amazing prizes! Ages 0-18.

Crafty Friday! – Friday, May 14, 4 pm Each week, come for a low key craft and chill time at the library. Do the craft, your homework, or just read, it’s up to you. Physical distancing will be observed and masks are required. Ages 12-18. Registration is strongly suggested, sign up on the Library’s website. Space is limited.

Upcoming Events

Virtual Visit with children’s author Josh Funk! – Saturday, June 5, 10:30 am Join beloved children’s author Josh Funk, by Zoom, for read alouds and a fun Q & A session! Josh Funk is known for his Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast book series, Patience & Fortitude series, Pirasaurs, and many more. Please register on the Library’s Events Calendar, via the website, and a Zoom Meeting Link & Passcode will be emailed to you. Visit Mr. Funk’s website to learn more,https:// www.joshfunkbooks.com/. All ages + families.

Summer Maker Kits for Kids – 2nd & 4th weeks of each month starting in June

Register every other week for a different science experiment, art/craft project, or a maker activity. Please register for each week you wish to receive a kit on the Library’s Events Calendar, via the website. Pick up your kits on Mondays or Tuesdays during the Library’s open hours. Kits will be tailored for age groups ranging from 2-11.

Teen Workshop, Marble Paper Journals – June 11 & 18, 2 pm4:30 pm

For the first session, learn how to marble paper, a cool technique that involves floating paint on top of water and then transferring to paper. The second session uses the paper made in the first session to cover and make your own journal. Please register on the Library’s Events Calendar, via the website. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Ages 12-18. Join additional Teen Workshops on July 9, 16, & 23 to create Zine/Manga and August 13 & 20 to design and 3D print

RPG Mini Figurines.

spectrUM Summer of Science at the Library – Thursdays, June 17, July 8, & August 19, 10:30 am12:30 pm

The University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area and the Bitterroot STEAM Advisory Group have teamed up with libraries and community organizations throughout the Bitterroot to share exhibits and activities that explore problem solving all summer long. How can you be a problem solver? Stop by North Valley Public Library on Thursdays June 17, July 8, & August 19 from 10:30 am-12:30 pm for free, hands-on activities and exhibits. Registration is REQUIRED. Sign up on the Library’s events calendar, via the website, stop by the Library, or give us a call at 406-7775061. We thank you in advance for also following social distancing guidelines when attending events. All ages.

Other Ongoing Programs & Happenings Book Bundles Need help deciding what to read next!? Have a library youth specialist custom-curate a selection of items for you! Get a pile of books from our collection that we think you’ll love. Let us know your favorite types of books and our experts will create a bundle just for you. Bundles include up to 5 items and will be ready within two to three days. We will notify you when they are ready for pickup at North Valley Public Library. Register for yours on the Kids’ Zone page of the Library’s website. This service will be offered for the foreseeable future for ages 0-18.

Amazon Fire 7 Kids’ Editions

The library now has two Amazon Fire 7 Kids’ Edition tablets for adults to check out for your kids! You need an internet connection to use Amazon FreeTime Unlimited. If you don’t have internet, check out one of our hotspots to go along with it. Amazon FreeTime gives your kids access to over 20,000 apps, games, books, videos, audiobooks, and educational content from PBS Kids, Nickelodeon, Disney, and more. They are set up for kids ages 3-12. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street Stevensville, MT. The library thanks you for keeping all Montanans safe by practicing social distancing, wearing a face covering, and washing your hands. For more information visit northvalleylibrary.org, on Facebook or Instagram, or give us a call at 406.777.5061.

Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation Hosts Virtual 5K

The race supports those in Montana living with cystic fibrosis. Members of the public are invited to participate in the Run for Cody Virtual 5K, taking place this Memorial Day Weekend. Would-be racers can register online today at givebutter.com/ runforcody5k and participate in the event any time between Friday, May 28th and Monday, May 31st. The race is hosted by and benefits the Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation (CDBF), a Montana based non-profit providing services to the state’s cystic fibrosis community. Race registrations are $35 and include a free t-shirt. The Run for Cody Virtual 5K is an opportunity for racers to walk, jog, or run in support of those in Montana touched by cystic fibrosis. Every registration fee and additional donation supports CDBF and their mission to provide emotional and financial support to those living with cystic fibrosis in Montana. The run takes place at the end of May’s Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month and celebrates the expansion of CDBF’s programs to serve everyone in Montana living with cystic fibrosis. These programs include financial assistance for medicalrelated expenses, scholarships for recreation and fitness activities, and an annual retreat for the mothers of children with cystic fibrosis. Prior to this year, the medical assistance program was only available to seven of Montana’s fifty-six counties. Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes an excess of thick, sticky mucus to develop in various organs such as the lungs and pancreas. Mucus build-up in the lungs can cause difficulty breathing and dramatically increase the likelihood of infection, inflammation and other complications. In the pancreas, this build-up impedes with the proper digestion of the nutrients in food. For more information about cystic fibrosis and the Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation, visit www.breathinisbelievin.org or call (406) 539-7612.

Armed Forces Day May 15th

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page11

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 12

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Farrenkopf and Dewey: A tale of two mayors Farrenkopf

Dewey

continued from page 1 to completion was the building of the Skate Park at Claudia Driscoll Park on 10th street. Then came the acquisition of Skalkaho Bend Park, another big project. “All of these things are really big assets for the community,” said Farrenkopf. Another thing that Steele was working on when he left office was the Hamilton Urban Renewal District. Farrenkopf said the creation of that district, which he helped carry through to completion, was really going to help businesses in the area. Under Farrenkopf’s administration the City has also undertaken a major cooperative effort with the county in establishing a Targeted Economic Develop District on the north end of town. It is a big project involving the extension of the city’s wastewater treatment system into the county. Then there were some big infrastructure projects including the 3rd.Street water project followed by the Big Corral Road project. “We replaced a lot of decrepit old water lines in that project,” said Farrenkopf. A third big infrastructure project which involved county participation was the make-over of Fairgrounds Road. That project is nearing completion. Farrenkopf said that the city was working hard right now toward building a new fire station and hoped to begin construction by next year. “I love being mayor,” said Farrenkopf, “and I hope to be reelected in the worst way to see that fire station built to completion. It’s such a pressing need for the community.” Farrenkopf said that he was especially proud of his work on the city fireworks display, which he took on as sort of a “pet project” after being elected. Since taking it on he has managed to fund the fireworks display entirely on donations and is not using taxpayer money at all for the community fireworks display. He said putting together the private funding for the fireworks show was not hard because of the strong support he got from businesses and individuals in the community. He said they now have a very healthy fund going into this summer. “Not only have we been able to increase the budget and make the displays larger, we have created a special account that the city manages,” said Farrenkopf. “It has a significant amount of money in it that ensures the displays will continue.” He said money is raised annually for the fund. Besides the many projects that he has had the opportunity to manage, Farrenkopf said that he is also proud of the positive relationships that have been established during his tenure. He said that he was especially proud of the positive relationship that now exists between the city and the county and the many joint projects that they have undertaken together from sharing wellness programs for city and county staff to sharing in the development of the Targeted Economic Development District, and other projects. Our relationship with the county is very important,” he said. “The city is in the county and the county is in the city. We need to work very

closely with them.” He said the same holds true for the school district and that the city had a great working relationship with Superintendent Tom Korst. Farrenkopf said that the city also works closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the Hamilton Downtown Association and the Downtown Hamilton Business District. He said they have also worked closely with many agencies and organizations and businesses in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, including working with Western Montana Mental Health Clinic, Rocky Mountain Laboratory and Ravalli County Economic Development Authority as well as with local businesses and individuals. Farrenkopf said that working closely with department heads in the city was also something he was very proud of. He holds meetings with all the department heads jointly each month to review activities together. He said a lot of what the departments do overlaps and these meetings help foster communication and enable a more coordinated response to public needs. He said the level of communication is really high. He said he met with individual department heads weekly and discussed what they were doing and what his expectations are. “I believe I have a very strong relationship with staff,” he said. Farrenkopf said that he was very lucky to have such an engaged city council and that he was working very well with them. He said there is frequent communication, and everyone is staying up to speed with what everyone else is thinking. He said they were able to make a smooth transition between departing City Judge Mike Reardon and the new judge, Brian Archibald. “We also did some re-positioning in the Planning Department and new city manager, Matthew Rorhbach, has been a great addition. The city is getting a lot done in planning and zoning,” he said. Farrenkopf was also proud of the budgets his administration has produced over the last three years. He said the latest is effective and allows for needed projects. “It allows us to live within our means and it allows us to operate the city in a really responsible way,” he said. Farrenkopf said that he also believes that the mayor needs to have a very close relationship with the whole community. “I feel that I do,” he said. He said he’s been able to support a lot of non-profits by attending their events or by participating directly as an emcee, an auctioneer, or a bingo caller or by getting dunked into a tank of water or showing up in a costume or making some sort of proclamation, or guest appearance and/or speech. “I feel like I have really strengthened the bonds between the mayor and the community,” he said. Last year he was recognized by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce as a Community Asset in the annual chamber banquet awards. “That, to me, was so affirming,” he said. “That, to me, was saying, yes, you are being effective in the community, yes, you do care about the community New 2021 Ford you serve Ranger XLT Truck and people recognize your efforts.” MSRP $38,185 “I work extremely 2.3L EcoBoost Engine with Auto Start-Stop Technology, Ten-Speed Automatic Transmission, 4x4, Auto Air, Sport Appearance, Trailer Tow and Much More 1.9% APC/OAC up to 36 Mo or hard as $2500 Factory Rebate, Ford Manufacturer Rebate and Incentive Program the mayor, not just in a business capacity, New 2021 Ford Transit but as an Connect Commercial ambassador XL Cargo Van to the city Commercial-Truck to make sure that the people know, 2.0L 4-Cylinder Engine, Front Wheel Drive, Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Power Mirrors, Cruise Control, Air Conditioning, Dual Sliding Doors, Reverse Sensing, Backup Camera, Pre-Colliyes, the sion Assist with Automatic Braking and more. Come check this one out or take it for a test drive mayor cares today! Please call for Current Factory and Ford Credit Rebates or Lease Options. Ford Manufacturer Rebate and Incentive Program. about his community, he has bought

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continued from page 1 in, he is making sure that these organizations have the resources that they need, that they have an opportunity to blossom in this city and to extend their mission even further. It is just so important to do that,” he said. Farrenkopf has a fulltime job at Sapphire Lutheran Homes while the job as mayor is a part-time position. “I work late hours and a lot of weekends as mayor,” said Farrenkopf matter-of-factly. “Serving my residents at Sapphire Lutheran Homes is extremely important to me and serving my community as mayor is also extremely important,” he said. “And I see no reason to change the way I’m working for either one. If I am re-elected, as I hope I will be, my plan is to just keep my foot on the gas pedal and work really hard to make Hamilton the best place that it can be. I just want to be the kind of person that can help inspire collective improvement in our community. I feel we are making a lot of headway.” He compared his tenure as mayor to that of a captain taking charge of a large ship. “It takes time to turn it,” he said. “You get the right people in place, the right projects lined up and slowly turn the ship and then try and maintain course. If I get another chance at another term, I hope to just continue on this course making Hamilton a great place to live, to work and to visit.” “So please give me another chance!” said Farrenkopf. “Vote for me in the upcoming election. I want to be humble, but I also want people to know that I am up to the challenges and I am determined to work hard and continue to do the best job I can for the city.” Besides running a nursing home and being mayor, Farrenkopf is also a published poet. Here is a sample of his work from “These Poems Need Homes: Father & Son Fishing Adventures” A Fish Tale “Okay, Son, we’ve got one!” he said with a grin. He handed me the pole, “Now reel it in!” I remember this from fishing with my dad, and remember the fun, as a boy, I had.

improvement funds to replace a backhoe and bobcat, we purchased a new miniexcavator and we replaced two police cars.” “Our whole focus is on an improved level of service,” said Dewey. He said that some people in the community have suggested that he’s “bankrupting” the town with reckless spending. That’s just plain wrong, according to Dewey. “We have cut waste, and redirected money to improve services.” He points to the police department as another accomplishment during his tenure. “We’ve moved the police department to a new location, providing more accessibility by the public, and we’ve increased police personnel from two to four officers.” The newly hired police chief, Max Sosa, was expected to start this Monday. Dewey also said he’s worked hard to increase government accountability. The council meetings and some board meetings are live streamed. Town staff is in the process of uploading as many of the town documents as possible onto the website, including contracts, codes, ordinances and resolutions, etc. Everything will be available to the public automatically. “We’re trying to restore trust in city hall in Stevensville,” says Dewey, “and let people know we really do have the public’s trust in mind.” The council recently adopted a Strategic Plan that emphasizes the importance of a common vision and good communication between the legislative and executive branches of government and all the departments. “We’re working on changing the culture at city hall,” said Dewey. “We’re still in the middle of it. It’s still very fragile.” In terms of fiscal accountability, Dewey says the reserves in the general fund have been restored to 30-40%, a healthy amount. “That’s taking COVID into consideration. We didn’t have to pull from reserves to get through the pandemic. We

were able to seek out and manage CARES relief funds without affecting the general fund.” Dewey said that although the town lost some staff over the last three years, he’s proud of the current administrative staff. “They are very capable and professional,” he said. “Unfortunately, some have left but we’ve been able to replace them with competent, forwardthinking people.” “I hope we have put all the negativity behind us,” said Dewey. “When I was elected in 2017, my hope was that I could outlast that negativity. There’s been a lot of sacrifice, a lot of harm and damage done. But now we’re at a place where we can only improve. We’re better today than we were on the first day of my tenure, even with the dips and darkness. No more focus on who has power in city hall – that’s silly. We’re looking forward. Together.” Dewey sees the fact that he’s a hometown boy as a plus. “I didn’t come from somewhere else,” he said. “All my experience has been here and I’ve learned something from everyone here. These shared values are the foundation of this community. Everything we’re doing is based on what Stevensville means as a community.” Dewey added, “It’s all about balance – where is the balance between varying opinions. I believe in a greater Stevensville – that’s what kept me in it is the idea that I make decisions on behalf of the community every day. I have to live with the impact of that for a long, long time. Me and my family plan to be here a long time. So I give a lot of attention to the impact of what I do. I want to enjoy the results of my decision making.” The 30-year-old Dewey is Stevensville’s 34th mayor. Dewey did the math recently and found that if he serves through December of 2021, the average time served by a Stevensville mayor is 2-1/2 years. “I’ve already beat the average,” says Dewey.

Crossword Puzzle

We would wade the creeks, Dad casting with the pole, and reeling in the fish was my humble role. It wasn’t long, though, ‘til I had my own rod, but still next to Dad, we two peas in a pod. We fished the mountain’s creeks and the valley’s streams. At age fourteen, we took the trip of my dreams. It was an overnight trip fishing for trout. We camped on the bank and watched the stars come out. The next fishing trip that my dad and I planned was a deep-sea charter boat named, “Fifty-Grand.” We chased the salmon run our next vacation. That was my gift for high school graduation. When I moved out our fishing trips grew fewer. On my visits home we would go cast a lure. Years turned to decades and now my dad’s grown old. He’s in the nursing home but we just struck gold. The home took a fishing trip to Stafford Pond. My words said to Dad were truly my most fond. “Okay, Dad, we’ve got one!” I said with a grin. I handed him the pole, “Now reel it in!”

ACROSS 1. Golfer’s goal 4. Arachnid 10. Flightless bird 11. Flowery 12. Revolutions per minute 13. Not battery-operated 14. Circus comedians 16. Bro.’s sibling 17. Bat Man 18. Master of ceremonies (abbr.) 20. Kilogram 22. Frolic 26. Food and drug administration (abbr.) 29. Sounds alike 31. Baseball’s Jackson 33. Terminal abbr. 34. Jerry Seinfeld’s friend 35. Hair stuff 36. Full skirted dress 37. Admiral (abbr.)

DOWN 1. Bird seat 2. Plentiful 3. Report 4. Planted 5. Rainbow maker 6. Hotel 7. Pops 8. Decorative needle case 9. Representatives 15. Chinese pan 19. Weep 21. Labor 23. Z 24. Doled 25. Sacred song 26. Wilma Flintstones’ husband 27. Cafe 28. Seaweed substance 30. End of a loaf 32. Card game © Feature Exchange

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Emma’s House: essential

Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

continued from page 1

the courts in Ravalli County as a service dog so she can go to court with the kids when they have to testify. “It’s been great to add that element,” says Widmer, “just having that dog as a source of comfort, to have that when they are really struggling, the unconditional love from a dog.” Widmer said they feel really proud that they have Twyla. Emma’s House is the only children’s advocacy center in Montana that has a service dog as part of the program. “The other thing that really sets Emma’s House apart is the community support we have,” adds Widmer. “This speaks to the way we help kids. We really are addressing a real need in the community. We really put a lot of focus and attention to training our staff – focus on the research and the best practice models for this work. When we’re providing this great service, we’re also helping law enforcement with their investigation because they have a quality interview to use. Children have to be referred by Child and Family Services or law enforcement. Law enforcement is present at the interview to observe in a separate room. We let the parents know that law enforcement will follow up immediately after the interview.” Emma’s House is only involved further if the child wants to come back for counseling. “All the parties involved recognize that this process helps law enforcement, helps the child, is definitely a better approach to investigation. Emma’s House may have a different perspective on the situation, but we all want what’s best for the kids.” Widmer said that child sexual abuse is by far the majority of the cases that Emma’s House works with. Other situations include child physical abuse, drug-endangered

children, child witnesses to domestic violence, and child trafficking. Generally, the children they interview are between the ages 3 and 18. Emma’s House has an annual budget of around $300,000, although that was impacted last year by COVID-19. They depend on federal and state grants, foundations and individual donors. They rely heavily on local community support, such as their annual gala which sells out every year, and this year’s upcoming 100mile run that Ryan Tellock is planning on July 16th and 17th. “This is an incredible feat that Ryan is doing – this 100-mile run,” says Widmer. “He has made this about Emma’s House and not about him. He has taken a genuine interest in Emma’s House and learned all he can about what we do there. Coming from a life of privilege, this run is just one way that he can put himself in a difficult position to bring attention to Emma’s House. The kids that come to Emma’s House don’t have a choice.” Community members can support a mile of more of Tellock’s run with monetary pledges. For more information go to: https://www. emmashousecac.org/100miles This is happening independently of Emma’s House – a volunteer group headed by board member Sarah Savoie is doing all the work. It’s not taking staff resources or time, says Widmer. “It’s amazing. We’re just so grateful that they’re doing this.” For more information go to www. emmashousecac.org or call 363-7216. “We do encourage people to call us if they’re interested about what we do,” says Widmer. “They can do a walk-through and meet Twyla.” Widmer says they are always looking for volunteers. Right now, they need someone to mow the lawn and do yard work, etc.

planning and jewelry making. Hours are Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 10-5. Admission is $2 per person with 12 and under free. The Bitterroot Gem and Mineral Society is a non-profit organization, the purpose of which is to promote interest and

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Victor’s Hamburg receives Hannah’s Hope Fund gift

Sarah Hamburg, Victor Schools Spanish teacher has been awarded a monetary gift from Hannah’s Hope Fund to help with tuition costs. Hamburg is currently pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts degree at the University of Montana. Hamburg is in the Creative Pulse MFA Program: Integrated Art in Education and explains it this way: “I am currently pursuing an MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) at the University of Montana. education in various earth The program is designed to develop teachers’ sciences, including geology, implementation of art into their curriculum mineralogy, paleontology, across content areas. Teaching Spanish, I lapidary and faceting arts and have the benefit of being able to regularly other related subjects. apply art to lessons in culturally relevant ways For more from dance and music to making piñatas and information go to: www. sugar skulls; the creative juices are always bitterrootgemandmineral.org flowing in my classroom. There are many or on Facebook at Bitterroot benefits to using art in the classroom. It helps Gem and Mineral Society. deepen cultural and self-understanding, as well as promotes growth mindset. Art can help kinesthetic learners solidify cultural concepts and gives all students a means of self-expression. Art has been invaluable in my life and education and it brings me great joy to bring it into my professional life.” According to Diane Johnson Cottrell, “Sarah is a good example of a teacher that cares about her students. She is taking it upon herself to further her education to offer her students other ways to learn other than just linguistically… The students are given many avenues to express themselves, learn about a different language and culture, thus are enthusiastic about understanding others in their school, community, and society. Sarah is not only a teacher but also a motivator that is encouraging worldwide hope for unity and acceptance of one another. “ This is the third distribution from Hannah’s Hope Fund since its inception. The fund was established in memory of Cottrell’s daughter

Gem and Mineral Show The Bitterroot Gem and Mineral Society is pleased to invite you to the 2021 Gem and Mineral Society Show. The show will be at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds Event Center on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16. There will be demonstrations daily on flintknapping, gold

Sarah Hamburg, Spanish teacher at Victor Schools, was presented a check by Diane Johnson Cottrell on April 29, 2021 from Hannah’s Hope Fund to reimburse her for her out-of-pocket costs that she has thus far paid toward her tuition while pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts degree.

To donate

mail a check to: Project 59870 at PO Box 8, Stevensville, MT 59870 or online at gofund.me/e440f5ac or stop by the Bitterroot Star to donate in person! Thank you for all who have donated already! We could not build this awesome feature without the support of this great community!

Hannah Gwen in the hopes that it would be a blessing to Victor School educators, staff, and children. Due to their dedication Hannah experienced great academic and sports success. She entered into the Victor Public School system as a kindergarten student and graduated in 2009 as the Valedictorian. With quiet strength and enthusiastic determination, she graduated from the University of Montana in 2013 with a double major in Elementary and English Education degrees and was hired as a 4th grade teacher at Hellgate Elementary in Missoula, as well as a Hellgate Middle School volleyball coach. Her life was tragically taken in an automobile accident on her way to help with a youth fundraiser in Victor on February 22, 2014. “Instead of asking why you left, now I ask, what beauty will I create in the space you no longer occupy?” Rudy Francisco. The family’s intent is to “humbly thank those that have and still do support our children with encouragement, discipline, praise and unselfish devotion to the students’ development.” This Fund is open for donations from the public, educators, staff, alumni, parents, family, and friends. Through the auspices of the 501c Victor Schools Foundation your donation is tax exempt. The family will match every dollar, up to $250 per year. The funds donated will be distributed to the educational professional(s) to use toward the cost of continuing education, classes, workshops, supplies, materials, and other needs to creatively inspire students to be responsible stewards by motivation and encouragement through mental and physical activities. Donations may be made at any Farmers State Bank branch with the notation “Hannah’s Hope Fund” on the memo line, or mailed to Victor Schools Foundation PO Box 1047, Victor MT 59875.

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 14

Montana State agriculture announces 2021 field days After a series of virtual events in 2020, the annual field days will return to in-person events at MSU’s seven off-campus research centers and the campus Post Farm

The Montana State University College of Agriculture and Montana Agricultural Experiment Station have announced the dates for their annual agricultural field days, which will return as inperson events after being hosted virtually in 2020. “We are so excited to be bringing back our in-person field days this year,” said Darrin Boss, head of the Department of Research Centers and superintendent of the Northern Agricultural Research Center. “These events are always a highlight for all of us, because they offer one of our best chances to meet with our stakeholders and community members, share our research activities and hear their thoughts and questions.” MSU’s seven agricultural research centers are located in Conrad, Corvallis, Creston, Havre, Huntley, Moccasin and Sidney. All seven will host field days this year, as well as a Bozeman-based event held at the Arthur H. Post Agronomy Farm. Topics of discussion will include crop variety testing and breeding, livestock production, water and pesticide use, fruit production and more. The full schedule of 2021 field days is below: • Northern Agricultural Research Center, Havre: June 29, 3 p.m. • Southern Agricultural Research Center, Huntley: June 30, 3 p.m. • Arthur H. Post Agronomy Farm, Bozeman: July 8, 8 a.m. • Central Agricultural Research Center, Moccasin: July 13, 8:50 a.m. • Western Triangle Agricultural Research Center, Conrad: July 14, 10 a.m. • Northwestern Agricultural Research Center, Creston: July 15, 11 a.m. • Eastern Agricultural Research Center, Sidney: July 20, 9 a.m. • Western Agricultural Research Center, Corvallis: July 29, 4:30 p.m. All field days are free and open to the public. More information can be found at https:// agresearch.montana.edu/fielddays.html. Archived content from the 2020 virtual field days can be found at https://agresearch.montana.edu/virtualfielddays.html. All field days will be outdoor events and will follow county and Montana University System COVID-19 precautions at the time of the events. Those who are feeling sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should stay home.

Crossword Puzzle

Model Railroaders meet Members of the Missoula and Bitterroot Valley Model Railroad (BVMRR) clubs recently visited a professionally built HO (“Half O”) gauge layout site in the Hamilton area. The model railway was put together by the SMARTT (Scale Models, Arts and Technologies) Company in Miami, Florida and it took over 4,000 hours to build. This company builds custom model railroad set-ups for malls, museums, theme restaurants and specialty attractions. Current owners Larry and Lyn Wenneborg moved to Hamilton from Longmont, Colorado last September and inherited this state-of-the art rail construction with their new home.

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Kirk Thompson and Dick Smith of the BVMRR club assisted the Wenneborgs in getting the HO train engines moving again. All the electrical connections are now hooked up correctly, the track is clean and engines are running well. Larry Wenneborg said that now he and his family have a renewed interest in model railroading thanks to the assistance provided by the Missoula and Bitterroot model railroaders. The BVMRR is planning to resume running their trains in the basement of the Kohl Building once First Friday activities return to downtown Stevensville.

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Chuck Stranahan’s

Bitterroot Star -- Page 15

Flyfishing Journal

High Water Chronicles 2021, part 2 I remember standing on the Como Bridge over the Bitterroot with a young and eager guide one day during runoff. He wanted to take clients on a float trip in a few days. Meantime, there was plenty of good wade fishing to be had, fishing along the calm edges in other places. “I can handle this easy,” he told me. “I’ve rowed swifter, tougher currents… “ He told of other river he had rowed, swifter than what we were seeing on the Bitterroot. I believed his experience but was less than lukewarm about how it would apply here. I was still saying no, you’re not taking our clients on this water. About that time we saw a huge cottonwood tree that had become unmoored from its bank head downstream toward us, branchwood-first and trunk trailing upstream. “Ohhh,” he said. Then the branchwood of the tree caught on the bottom and the tree did an end-over-end that thrust its root-ball and trunk forty feet in the air. It crashed heavily in the current that upended it and it continued downstream. We were both awestruck. “Regardless how good you are on the sticks, think your raft would stand much of a chance against that?” I asked. “No!” he said, at once somewhat terrified and relieved that he wouldn’t unknowingly risk a float in that water any time soon. The branchwood of that tree, had it moored crosswise to the current, could have formed what experienced floaters call a strainer, where the full force of the current flows through the branches. I suggested some spots he could scout, where his clients could wade in calm water and find fish that had moved out of the faster water. Safe judgement begins with preparation One lapse in judgement is all it takes to turn a float trip into a tragedy. Better to scrub that be sorry. And don’t go out under-prepared. First, the boat should be well-equipped and

Bitterroot (or any river) for granted!” She notes, as I did with the young guide who watched that massive tree tumble in the river with lethal force, that “The river is strong and a sheer force that will always win. Wear your life jacket!” Second, she says, “You want to avoid strainers at all costs! If you are headed for a strainer, you want to face it and crawl up and over it! Don’t go under!’ “If you end up accidentally taking a swim in the water, lie your back, feet first and swim to shore as soon as you can. Watch out for foot entrapment...don’t stand up in the water until the water is knee high in depth.’ “Be prepared with proper equipment in your boat: Good life jackets, throw bag (that you’ve practiced throwing), first aid kit, extra clothes and rain gear and know [the potential risks] before you go floating.”

well set up. I once watched a bargain-priced oar collapse in mid-stroke when the oarsman leaned too hard on it. The situation wasn’t dangerous, thankfully; but it was comical to watch the boat spin like a teacup carnival ride to the end of the run, where we caught up, had a good laugh, and loaned our spare oar. It could have been worse. How and where the oars are place in relation to the oarsman is important. You have to be able to get a full stroke in without being hampered by the front seat or your own chest. That’s the critical first step in setting up a raft. What you carry in the boat is also critical. A third oar, strapped where you can easily get to it, is a must. So is a patch kit, and a wellequipped first aid kit in a waterproof container.

The first aid kit is no more useful than the training of the person using it. Whether you’re a raft owner or a likely passenger on a float trip, get that training. Check out the options with Red Cross in Missoula. In event of mishap Sometimes, even with the best of preparations, things can go wrong. That’s why local outfitter Jenny West sponsored a Whitewater Rescue Awareness class on May 1 and 2, taught by Alan Burgmuller from Whitewater Rescue Institute. “We all suited up and practiced on shore rescues and strainer drills. It was a great class, and hopefully this will be an annual event,” says Jenny. “ We can never take our

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Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 16

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13- FAMILY NEIGHBORHOOD YARD SALE In Corvallis - Misty Vale Loop, Lone Willow Dr. & Fieldstone Dr. MAY 14th & 15th, Fri. & Sat. 8 - 4. Lots of Goodies! Follow Signs & Balloons. Eastside Hwy to Cemetery Rd., turn right on Honeyhouse, then go straight. SALE - May 15, 2021 Saturday only. 8-4:30. Tools, furniture, vintage, home, knickknacks & more! 3780 Salish Trail, Stevensville. ESTATE SALE 42 BALLARD LANE WHITEHALL, MT. GARAGE TOOLS, FURNITURE (LEATHER CRAFT, ETHAN ALLEN, MORE), SO MUCH MORE! MAY 14, 10-3 AND MAY 15, 10-2.

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N 1st street Hamilton MT. 406375-1301 . 5-5 thru 5-28 NORTH VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY in Stevensville is hiring a full-time Library Programmer. Do you love to learn, and then turn around and teach others what you learned? Are you outgoing and want to connect with people and help others make connections? Do you love young children and connect with adults of all ages? If you said, “Yes!” enthusiastically then this may be the job for you. Please visit the careers page on our website for complete details and how to apply. 5-5, 6-2 BITTERROOT STAR is seeking a sports reporter to cover high school sports and Legion baseball, etc. Send resume and samples to editor@bitterrootstar. com or call Victoria at 777-3928 or 207-8793 for more information. BS TFN BROWSING BISON BOOKS is seeking part-time sales associates for a new

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NEWS REPORTER position open to cover Hamilton news for weekly Bitterroot Star. Part time. Must have solid writing skills and some knowledge of the community. Send resume and samples to editor@bitterroot star.com or call Victoria at 777-3928 for more information. MULTIPLE FULL-TIME TEACHER OPENINGS at Choteau Public Schools for 2021-22 school year: (1) full-time 2nd grade. (1) 7-12 science. (1) 7-12 Family and Consumer Sciences. (1) 7-12 math. Requirements: valid MT Educator License w/ appropriate endorsement or ability to obtain proper certification. Starting salary $30,104 with $2,000 signing bonus for teachers with

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0-4 years experience; 8 years experience accepted. Applications at school or at www.choteauschools.net, under “Forms” tab. Open until filled. Contact: Supt. Chuck Gameon, chuck.gameon@ choteauschools.net, (406) 466-5364.

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FROM CLEANING STALLS to cleaning cars, we will do it! Yard work, firewood, fencing etc. Will do about anything you need done. You got the tools, I’ve got the time. Steve 406-3609774. 5-5, 5-12.

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RENTAL HOUSE WANTED for clients: $500 Finder’s Fee with signed lease: a mature couple with well trained dog; need yard, one level, 2-3 bedrooms, 2 bath, 6 month minimum lease, rent up to $2000+, depending on specs. Call Celia: 406-550-1014. BS TFN

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WILLIE SLADE LIVING ESTATE AUCTION PART II With a few select consignments! GUNS • AMMO • MORE - Sunday - May 16th - 9:30 am - RLP Auction Barn - 3.5 mi. North of Hamiton, MT on Hwy 93. Preview: Saturday, May 15th - Noon - 5 pm. Over 60 guns, over 40,000 rounds of ammo, thousands of primers - bullets, lots of powder & dies, more reloading supplies, antiques, collectibles, gold & silver coins, RR items, tack, rough cut lumber, irrigation pipe, trailers, generators, Zodiak raft, lawn mowers, tools, woodworking equipment, household & much more! RLP Auctions, 406-369-2640, www.rlpauctions.net.

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Legals Wednesday, May 12, 2021

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY DARLENE KRAFT, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-50 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 William W. Miller, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the aboveentitled Court. DATED this 27th day of April 2021. /s/ William W. Miller, Personal Representative BS 5/5, 5/12, 5/19

________________________ Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Kayla Rose Burke Cause No.: DV-21-13/4 Dept. No.: 1 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Kayla Rose Burke to Kay Rose. The hearing will be on 5/26/2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: 14 April 2021 By: Howard Recht District Court Judge BS 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26 ________________________ MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILMA A. MCCART, Deceased.

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Case No.: DP-21-51 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 Jessie C. McCart, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the aboveentitled Court. DATED this 29th day of April 2021. Jessie C. McCart, Personal Representative BS 5/5, 5/12, 5/19 ________________________ MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of

HAROLD PAUL BRANCH Deceased. Probate No. DP-21-52 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to JANA BRANCH, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 30th day of April, 2021. Jana Branch MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC By: David T. Markette,

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 17

Attorney for Representative BS 5/5, 5/12, 5/19

Personal

________________________ NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING Thursday, May 13th, 2019 7:00 p.m. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 13th at 7:00 PM at their regularly scheduled meeting held at the NVPL Community Room, 208 Main Street, Stevensville, Montana, 59870 for the purpose of considering an amendment to the Town of Stevensville FY19-20 Budget. Comments to be considered may be given orally at the hearing, submitted in writing via email to clerk@townofstevensville. c o m < m a i l t o : c l e r k @ townofstevensville.com> or U.S. mail to Town Clerk, P.O. Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 3:00 pm May 13th, 2021. Questions, comments or more information

may be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk at 406-777-5271. Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 5-5-2021 & 5-12-2021 ________________________ Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli count In the Matter of the Name Change of CHRISTOPHER McDERMOTT Cause No.: DV-21-56/9 Dept. No.: 1 SECOND AMENDED Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Christopher Michael McDermott to Christopher Michael O’Conner. The hearing will be on June 16, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: April 29, 2021 PAIGE TRAUTWEIN Clerk of District Court By: Barbara Beat Deputy Clerk of Court BS 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26

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Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 18

Five things to know about health care changes in Montana by Matt Volz | KHN

redefine telehealth to include nonclinical health services, require private insurers and Medicaid The 2021 Montana legislative session to cover telehealth services and authorize state will be remembered as one of the state’s licensing boards to set rules regulating the most consequential as a Republican-led practice. legislature and governor’s office passed new The new laws also allow audio-only laws restricting abortions, lowering taxes and telehealth appointments, which supporters regulating marijuana. say are needed for rural areas without But the debate over those and other highly broadband internet coverage. An exception publicized issues may have caused other is that a doctor can’t certify a patient for the meaningful legislation related to health care state’s medical marijuana program by phone to slip off the public’s radar. Here are five without a previously established doctor-patient substantial health-related policies that emerged relationship. Telehealth by text messaging and from the recently ended session. They include fax alone is also still illegal. bills that Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed or is The boom in virtual health care is being expected to sign into law. met with concern by local providers who 1. The permanent expansion of telehealth worry that large out-of-state providers might One byproduct of the covid-19 pandemic has poach patients and by regulators who see the been the widespread use of computers, tablets potential for telehealth scams and fraud. and smartphones for medical and behavioral 2. The weakened authority of local public health appointments instead of in-person office health officials visits. Telehealth has particularly benefited Lawmakers fettered local public health Montana’s large rural population during the officials with legislation after local health pandemic. departments implemented and enforced “A lot of Montanans are in very rural areas state and federal recommendations to stop and often need to take extended time off work, the spread of the coronavirus, such as mask drive long distances, find child care just so they mandates, limits on gathering and bans on can attend a routine health care appointment,” indoor dining. said state Sen. Jen Gross (D-Billings). Many public health officials have faced Gross sponsored one of two Montana bills threats and harassment over their work to that make permanent the expanded telehealth enforce those covid restrictions, leading to high regulations set by emergency order at the rates of turnover in health departments across start of the pandemic last year. The new laws the nation. One measure passed by Republican-majority lawmakers ensures that any Montana public health order can be changed or repealed by elected officials, such as a county commission, and it bans officials from placing any restrictions on attending church services. Another measure bars public health officials from issuing orders that restrict the ability of a private business to operate. There are some exceptions, such as restaurant health inspections. A third allows citizens to amend or 910 1st St., Hamilton reject public health orders by referendum, while a fourth overturned a law that penalized law enforcement officials who refused to enforce public health orders.

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State lawmakers also added a provision in a bill on how to distribute the federal aid in the American Rescue Plan Act that would withhold 20% of any infrastructure grant made to a city, town or county if that local government enforces covid restrictions such as mask mandates and restaurant limits. Gianforte lifted those statewide restrictions after taking office, and the provision takes aim at local governments, like Gallatin County, that decided to keep their own restrictions. “It’s time for us to make sure the state is open,” said Rep. Frank Garner (R-Kalispell), who backed the provision. 3. Making it more difficult to stay enrolled in Medicaid expansion Lawmakers cut funding for the state Medicaid expansion program’s 12-month continuous eligibility provision, which has allowed people enrolled in the program to receive benefits for a full year, regardless of changes to their income. Continuous eligibility is meant to reduce the churning of Medicaid expansion rolls as people are added and removed if their income fluctuates, such as with seasonal work. Instead, those enrollees will be required to certify their eligibility more than once a year. Department of Public Health and Human Services spokesperson Jon Ebelt said in an email that the department has reached out to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for guidance on how to make the change after the pandemic emergency ends. Nearly 98,000 Montana adults were enrolled in the Medicaid expansion program in March, according to the most recent data. 4. Anti-vaccinators make their mark Riding a wave of opposition toward the covid vaccines, the Montana Legislature passed a bill that makes it more difficult to require workers to be vaccinated as a condition of employment. That measure received much publicity and several last-minute amendments in the session’s final days as hospitals and long-term care facilities warned it would force them to require face masks for employees and permanently ban visitors. The bill that passed “poses a significant threat to public safety,” Montana Hospital Association CEO Rich Rasmussen said. Another consequential vaccination bill that received less attention will make it easier for parents to obtain medical exemptions for their children for vaccines required by schools. State law requires kids to be vaccinated against illnesses such as measles and pertussis to go

to school, but students can be exempted for religious or medical reasons. Previously, a physician needed to sign off on a medical exemption. The new law allows a wide range of health professionals to do so, including nurses, pharmacists, massage therapists, chiropractors and nutritionists. It also makes it more difficult for schools to share exemption data with health officials. Some parents who testified in support of the bill during legislative hearings said they wanted a medical exemption option because their children might need that medical documentation in the future to attend college or get a job that might not accept a religious exemption. The state health department and the American Academy of Pediatrics opposed the legislation. “This bill has the effect of making medical exemptions extremely easy to obtain in cases where they might not be warranted,” said Dr. Lauren Wilson, a pediatrician and vice president of the Montana chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. 5. Hearing aids for kids Lawmakers passed a bipartisan measure that will require private insurers and the state employee health plan to cover hearing amplification devices and services for children 18 and under. The new law won’t affect a large number of people in the state, but supporters said it will make a difference in the lives of families who spend $6,000 every three to five years on hearing aids for their children. Kiera Kirschner of Bozeman testified before lawmakers during the session that her 2½-year-old son was born with hearing loss and has had hearing aids since he was 2 months old. “My son did not choose to have hearing loss,” Kirschner said. “He needs hearing aids so he can grow and develop. They’re medically necessary.” Montana is the 26th state to require such insurance coverage, and insurers said they did not oppose the measure because the total cost would not be significant. KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

BUrnt Fork Vet Spring updates CONSTRUCTION COMING SOON

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RISING NEO-TRADITIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC SENSATION CHANCEY WILLIAMS TO HEADLINE THE PHILIPSBURG, MONTANA ROTARY CLUB’S 11TH ANNUAL SUMMER CHARITY CONCERT & AUCTION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021 Nashville, Tenn. -- The Philipsburg, Montana Rotary Club is proud to announce the lineup for the 11th Annual Summer Charity Concert & Auction. Rising neo-traditional country music sensation Chancey Williams is set to headline the event, following performances by Missoula-based band Shodown and modern outlaw country group Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts at the Philipsburg Outdoor Amphitheater at Winninghoff Park in Phillipsburg, Montana on Saturday, August 21, 2021. Tickets are now available for purchase at philipsburgconcert.com. with proceeds from the Concert Auction benefiting the Property Expansion for the Flint Creek Childcare to become a Full-Service DayCare Center. The event will kick off with gates with opening at 11:00 a.m. and a local band starting at noon in the beer garden. One-of-a-kind items will be auctioned off during intermissions, which will be posted on the website ahead of time. Country music’s authentic cowboy Chancey Williams will perform songs off his new album, 3rd Street, which debuted at no. 5 on iTunes Country Albums Chart when it released on May 22nd and features Rocky Mountain CMA Song of the Year, “Wyoming Wind” and Rocky Mountain CMA Musician of the Year fiddle player Brooke Latka. Produced by country music hitmaker Trent Willmon, the 13-track full-length album is sure to resonate with country music fans of all ages from the reminiscent throwback tune “College,” to upbeat anthems like “The World Needs More Cowboys” and “Fastest Gun in Town” to raw, stripped-down ballads like “Let It Go” and “Wyoming Wind.” Gritty two-stepping tracks “Outlaws” and “One More For the Road” are sure to get boots spinning out on the dance floor this summer. Purchase 3rd Street on iTunes or stream on Spotify.

Who: Chancey Williams, Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts and Shodown What: The Philipsburg, Montana Rotary Club’s 11th Annual Summer Charity Concert & Auction When: Saturday, August 21, 2021; Gates open at 11am Where: Philipsburg Outdoor Amphitheater at Winninghoff Tickets: $35 in advance and $45 at the gate; Tickets will be on sale soon at philipsburgconcert.com ***All Admission and Auction items proceeds benefits the Philipsburg Rotary Club area charities! ***

Modern Outlaw Country group Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts are based out Denver, Colorado. Ryan was born and raised in Philipsburg. Praised for their songwriting and known for their love of old country and blazing guitars, they bring forth new energy to music fans who love the heroes and outlaws like the legends of Waylon and Willie. The group has shared the stage with Dwight Yoakam, Shooter Jennings, Blackberry Smoke, The Marshal Tucker Band and more. Missoula-based band Shodown’s diverse play list blends bluegrass, western swing, traditional modern country and 70/80’s/90’s rock and roll. Shodown brings an entertaining and high energy performance to their family-friendly show. Follow Chancey Williams on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter ***PLEASE CONTACT HEATHER@LONESTARPR.COM TO SCHEDULE INTERVIEWS FOR PRE-COVERAGE OR ON-SITE COVERAGE FOR CHANCEY WILLIAMS! ***

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About Chancey Williams: Saddle bronc rider turned country singer-songwriter, Chancey Williams has gone from competing on horseback to performing on center stage at major rodeos. The only artist besides Chris LeDoux to both ride and perform on stage at the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, known as “The Daddy of ‘Em All,” Cheyenne Frontier Days, Williams is the next authentic cowboy of country music. Growing up on a ranch in the Cowboy State (Wyoming), Williams learned the cowboy-way-of-life from his father, and like his dad, Williams found himself a successful bronc rider, qualifying for the National High School Rodeo Finals, twice at the College National Finals and winning two rounds at Cheyenne Frontier Days. In May 2017, Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band released their album, Rodeo Cold Beer, which debuted at #7 on iTunes Country Albums Chart and earned the #1 spot on Billboard’s Heatseekers Mountain Chart.

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

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Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Spring in the Bitterroot--Page 7

Bitterroot GrowersGuide Guide Growers Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 20

1. Wayne Herman Trees Call Wayne for more information 531-9009. Just south of the stop light in Florence. Open May - July 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. everyday. Come check out our FRESH selection of Maple Trees. We also carry most deciduous trees.

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Bedford

12 13

Golf Course Rd Grantsdale Rd

Grantsdale Rd

3. Cottage Garden Greenhouse 10 9 11 777-3061 • 5034 Eastside Hwy. Stevensville, Halfway E. Tanner Hamilton 12 13Golf Course between Stevensville and Florence. Open Mon. to Sat. 9am 14 12 Grundy to 6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm. It’s our 30th Anniversary! Look Main no St. Park Lane 13 Southwick further for everything you need to bring your garden fantasies to life! Stock up on everything you need for your vegSkalkaho etable, berry and herb garden, and be ready for an abundant feast this summer / fall! Sleeping Child RD • Montana-grown annuals • Hanging baskets 10. Bitterroot Nursery • Perennials, hardy roses and flowering shrubs blooming in 7. Moeller’s Nursery 961-3806 • 3 miles North of Hamilton on the Eastside Hwy. Large every shade imaginable! 961-3389 • Since 1971 ¾ miles South of Corvallis on selection of locally-grown trees•and shrubs, bedding plants, hangWe are grateful to have been guiding local garden dreamers Eastside Hwy. Online ordering at Moellersnursery.com ing baskets, perennials, annuals, pottery, garden ornaments, landfor 30 years! Call or stop by with your ideas and questions every day and in season – AprilDaily, through scapeOpen supplies, mulch more! Open M-F November 9-5:30, Sat 9-5. today! Bedding plants – Large selection of annual & perennial Now accepting VISA/MC. bedding pansies, petunias, lobelia, asters, impa11. Evans Ace plants: Hardware NOW OFFERING Phone ordering and Curbside pick-up and tiens, dahlias, geraniums, moss roses, marigolds, alys363-3351 • 714 N. First (on Hwy 93) Hamilton Delivery available. Open sum, 8 a.m.begonias, - 5 p.m. 7 osteospernum, Days a week and more. Large selection cottagegardengreenhouse.com. of hanging baskets featuring begonias, ivy geraniums, Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood gardening headquarfuchsias, super petunias & mixed baskets. ters and Premier level STIHL dealership. Our certified garden team 4. Super 1 Foods - Stevensville Perennials including Bleeding Hearts, includes graduates- 120 fromvarieties the SCOTTS Training Institute. They peoare 777-7300 • 39 Stevensville Cutoff Rd • Stevensville nies, columbine, daisies, delphinium, Lupin, sedum, and eager to answer your lawn and gardening questions. Our greenOpen 7 days a week. Great selection of quality plants, good grasses. houseornamental has a full selection of local annuals, perennials, herbs, as prices, and great selections of annuals, vegetables, and new plants – Large variety that produce inwell well asVegetable Montana bedding grown vegetables from Brown’s Greenhouse plants weekly from asters to zinnias. Garden supplies and Florence. in Bitterroot: tomatoes, peppers, cukes, melons, Glacier Nursery will be supplying an assortmentsquash, of trees art. broccoli and herbs. MTof certified seed potatoes, are strawberry and shrubs. Convenient bags soils and amendments piled plants, asparagus roots. high. 5. Stevensville Hardware stock – Shade trees, fruit trees, flowering EvansNursery Ace Understands that spending time in your garden trees isn’t all 406-777-3252 323 Main Street Stevensville & and shrubs. Lilac bushes. Potentillas. Rhubarb plants, about work. We have everything you need to relax and entertain The Boutique 327 gooseberry, outdoors as well. raspberry, josta berry, grape, currant, and 406-777-4327 327 Main Street honeyberry. Save now bareand root trees and shrubs. Add to your bragging rights withongrills accessories from TRAEOpen: Monday-Friday 7am-7pm, Saturday 8am-6pm, & GER and Potting soil, peat moss, and you seeds. WEBER. We can ensure consistent value throughSunday 9am-5pm A complete line available in season. out theProduce growing–season with national sales events from Specializnow until The Garden Center is located at Stevensville Hardware! August. ingForget in super sweet corn, cauliflower, broccoli, cabmailsweet in rebates! Stevensville Hardware is your Garden Center Headquarters bage, potatoes, cucumbers, squash pumpkin Take advantage of “INSTANT SAVINGS” for and all our rewards memwith a large selection bers. fo hanging baskets, annuals and perennials from our localStop in8.and Beautiful & Moreof the family, now a Cub see theBaskets newest member Brown’s Greenhouse. Christofferson Lane Corvallis Cadet246 Dealer! We carry many different types of soils, bark, manure, com509-936-2706 post, rock and decorative bricks to help put the Come choose from 100 handmade beautiful baskets. 12. Lakeland Feed and Supply final touches on your garden or landscaping project. Our 363-2334 These baskets • 110 Mill Street Hamilton (Marcus St. across from the lawn and garden department inside has everything are Brewery) sure to add some beauty to your deck or patio Bitterroot you need to get your lawn green from garden hose, sprin- Open this summer! Also check out our large selection of Monday-Saturday klers and fittings. See our new ranch supples, fencing vegetables for needs! your garden. For allhealthy your lawn and garden and irrigation. dayspasture a week.and Monday -LocalOpen made6lawn, garden-Saturday fertilizer. Be sure to stop into the Boutique 327 for unique gifts, home Look for our sign on Eastside highway decor, house plates, yard art and more! As always buy a port or bring your 9. K&S Greenhouse own and we will plant it for FREE! 961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, a half mile east of Visit the Rental Department. We have tillers, thatchers, an the Pharaoplex Theater. Open Monday – Saturday, 9aminclosed skid steer, mini excavator, boom lift, post driver and 6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. a little Bobcat. Along with K&S Greenhouse has the healthiest and best variety so much more to help get your outside project done in a of hanging baskets and deck planters in the Bitterroot. breeze. Delivery is available for equipment. K&S carries vegetable seeds and Montana-certified seed potatoes. K&S carries dozens of varieties of annual plants 6. Nature’s Enhancement, Inc. in four-inch and six-inch pots and six-packs. They also 777-3560 • 2980 Eastside Hwy. (corner of Bell Crossing & have herbs and vegetable starts – including 25 varieties of Eastside Hwy.) tomatoes. Check out our perennial section, as well as our Public Welcome - Open M-F 8 am-4:30 pm - Some Saturnursery featuring small-caliber ornamental trees, fruit trees days. and shrubs. www.ksgreenhouse.com Low grower prices. Nursery and full-service landscape company. Landscape Services: Complete landscape services 10. Bitterroot Nursery including lawn installation, sprinkler systems, custom rock 961-3806 • 3 miles North of Hamilton on the Eastside Hwy. walls, and planting services. We also build patios, decks, Large selection of locally-grown trees and shrubs, bedfire pits, retaining walls, pathways and water features. Tree ding plants, hanging baskets, perennials, annuals, pottery, services and moving also available! garden ornaments, landscape supplies, mulch and more! Nursery: We specialize in Rocky Mountain natives and hardy Open Daily, M-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-5. plant material including instant shade trees, large evergreens, fruit trees, blooming shrubs, colorful groundcovers 11. Evans Ace Hardware and wildflowers. Plant sizes range from a 1-gallon container 363-3351 • 714 N. First (on Hwy 93) Hamilton up to a 30-ft. B&B tree. Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 Days a week Located on 40 acres in Stevensville. Major credit cards Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood gardenaccepted. For examples of landscape projects and our plant ing headquarters and Premier level STIHL dealership. catalog visit: www.naturesenhancementinc.com Our certified garden team includes graduates from the

State St

S 3rd

1110

Foxfield

11 12

Main St

S 4th

Corvallis

8 7

Fairgrounds Rd

S 2nd

Popham Ln

N 2nd

Eastside Hwy

N 3rd

Bell N 4th

Miles Ave

1 Florence

Simpson Ln

2. Brown’s Greenhouse Family owned & operated. Wholesale & retail. 241-8360 • 5629 Lower Woodchuck, Florence (8 Mile community, follow signs 1.5 miles north from Eastside Hwy at the round about.) Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Closed Sundays Mid April through June while supplies last Six large greenhouses full of annual bedding plant packs, pots and hanging baskets: • Flowers including pack petunias, marigolds, pansies, Allysum, Lobelia, etc. • Veggies including dozens of varieties of tomatoes & peppers, cole crops, herbs, cucumbers, squash and more; pack, 4” or 6” while supplies last. • Wide variety of 12” hanging baskets (5,000 to choose from) * Specialty large combination baskets • 4” specialty Proven Winner and more. • Large specialty planters and color bowls for Mother’s Day Hwy 93 • Look for our plants at local garden centers in the Bitterroot Darby and Missoula. www.brownsgreeenhousemt.com Find us on Facebook

Grundy Ln

13 14

Lewis

- Huge selection of pasture, lawn and feed plot seeds. Institute. They are eager to answer your -SCOTTS VegetableTraining and Flower Seeds, Onions, and Potatoes starts. lawn and gardening questions. Our greenhouse has a full -ORMI certified soil amendments. selection of local annuals, as well as - Variety of compost, manureperennials, and pottingherbs, soil (available in organic) Montana grown vegetables from Brown’s Greenhouse in Proudly featuring USA Made Products Florence. Glacier Nursery will be supplying an assortment Friendly knowledgeable staff everyday of trees and shrubs. Convenient bags of soils and amendments are piled high. the Greenhouse 13. COOKS’ Gardens, Evans Ace Understands that spending time in your garden 363-0212 isn’tGolf all about work. have everything you need to relax 177 Course Rd •We Hamilton and entertainlocated outdoors well. off of Highway 93. A seasonal Conveniently justas 2 blocks Add to your bragging rights and accessories from greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens with offersgrills a selection of unique annuals, TRAEGER WEBER.grasses, We canornamental ensure yousucculents, consistentOVER deer resistantand perennials value throughout the growing season with national sales 20 events fromOF now until August. Forget mail in rebates! VARIETIES TOMATOES, other veggies, yard art and containTake advantage of “INSTANT SAVINGS” for all our rewards ers. Always friendly, always helpful, we can recommend the right members. combo for the right spot and we’ll plant up your containers espeStop for in and cially you.see the newest member of the family, now a Cub Hours: Cadet 10-5, Dealer! April Closed Sundays and Thursdays. May and June

hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4

12. Lakeland Feed and Supply 363-2334 • 110 Garden Mill Street (Marcus St. across 14. The Scented andHamilton Greenhouse from the Bitterroot Brewery) Owner Sandie Fleischmann Open Monday-Saturday 363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Hamilton (just off Grantsdale Road, all your lawn andCourse gardenRoad) needs!Watch for the blue and gold 2For blocks south of Golf -Local made lawn, pasture and garden fertilizer. signs. - Huge selection pasture, lawn and feed plot seeds. Open 10:30 - 4:30of Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat, 11-3 Sunday. Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Onions, and Organic, homegrown and hand cared for qualityPotatoes plants forstarts. all your -ORMI certified amendments. gardening needs,soil including large hardy perennials, and bedding - Variety compost,tomanure potting hanging soil (available in deck plants tooof numerous mention.and Gorgeous baskets, organic) and container pots. Organic vegetables too! Now: onsite consulting Proudly featuring Products at your property forUSA your Made landscaping needs for your deck or yard. Friendly knowledgeable everyday We give you ideas for yourstaff unique look, with color all year long,

that adds quality to your home. Open for the season from April 13. COOKS’ theseen Greenhouse until October. IfGardens, you haven’t our beautiful gardens, please 363-0212 stop by! You might even get a few gardening ideas. 177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton Conveniently located just 2 blocks off of Highway 93. A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens offers a selection of unique annuals, deer resistant perennials grasses, ornamental succulents, OVER 20 VARIETIES OF TOMATOES, other veggies, yard art and containers. Always friendly, always helpful, we can recommend the right combo for the right spot and we’ll plant up your containers especially for you. April Hours: 10-5, Closed Sundays and Thursdays. May and June hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4

14. The Scented Garden and Greenhouse Owner Sandie Fleischmann 363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Hamilton (just off Grantsdale Road, 2 blocks south of Golf Course Road) Watch for the blue and gold signs. Open 10:30 - 4:30 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat, 11-3 Sunday. Organic, homegrown and hand cared for quality plants for all your gardening needs, including large hardy perennials, and bedding plants too numerous to mention. Gorgeous hanging baskets, deck and container pots. Organic vegetables too! Now: onsite consulting at your property for your landscaping needs for your deck or yard. We give you ideas for your unique look, with color all year long, that adds

quality to your home. Open for the season from April until October. If you haven’t seen our beautiful gardens, please stop by! You might even get a few gardening ideas.