Bitterroot Star - May 15, 2024

Study shows impact of pollution on Clark Fork

Recent results from an ongoing water quality study on the Clark Fork River show that pollution is more prevalent than initially thought.

Preliminary results of the new water studies show the presence of toxic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans, which are compounds associated with industrial activities, including the paper industry, but are also from some natural sources like forest fres.

In 2023, biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks sampled for toxins on the Clark Fork River from Silver Bow Creek, near Butte, to Cabinet Gorge Reservoir on the Idaho border, including samples from the Clark Fork’s major tributaries – the Flathead, Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers.

The compounds discovered are more widespread than previously thought. This includes their presence in headwater areas and also downstream of the Flathead River, which was previously the lower boundary of a fsh consumption advisory issued in 2020.

FWP staf collected both water and fsh samples looking for pollutants.

Depending on the results of the fsh samples, FWP will work with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services to evaluate a further need for an advisory on fsh consumption. Currently, there is a fsh consumption advisory on a 148-mile stretch of the mainstem of the Clark Fork River from the Bitterroot to the Clark Fork’s confuence with the Flathead River.

“Dioxins, furans and PCBs are stored in the fat and muscle of fsh,” said FWP fsheries biologist David Schmetterling.

“Although they do pose risks for developmental problems, reproductive issues, and even endocrine system problems in fsh, the main issue is with human consumption of the fsh.”

To date, the recent fndings have not been correlated with any particular site or source of contamination, and continued monitoring and investigation will help identify potential sources of the pollution.

The current studies follow up on earlier studies of toxic compounds in the river system. For more than a century, water quality

concerns in the Clark Fork River focused on the efects of heavy metals from hardrock mining. After Smurft-Stone closed its paper mill near Frenchtown in 2010, FWP biologists conducted preliminary surveys to determine if any contaminants associated with the pulping and paper industry were found in fsh tissue downstream of the mill. This led to fsh consumption advisories for northern pike and rainbow trout.

In 2018 and 2019, FWP worked with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collect fsh tissue samples from a larger area, and results led to a wider fsh-consumption advisory.

The current studies are funded through a grant from the EPA. FWP worked with several partners to secure the grant of more than $221,000. Partners include the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Trout Unlimited, Missoula County Health Department, the Clark Fork Coalition, and the Montana Department of Justice Natural Resource Damage Program.

For more information, contact FWP Fisheries Pollution Biologist Trevor Selch at 406-444-5686 or tselch@mt.gov.

Fundraiser set up for Hilbert family

A family friend has identifed Joe Hilbert, a father of four with another on the way, as the Victor man who was severely injured in the crash on Highway 93 this past Friday. Joe was found unconscious and hanging out of his vehicle. Doctors estimate he will need at least three months to fully recover from the crash. Joe does not have medical insurance, and the bills are quickly piling up.

“While $25,000 will not come close to covering the cost of the piling medical bills, vehicle, and wages lost, the goal of this fundraiser is to get Joe and Erin through the next few months,” Erica Murphy wrote on GoFundMe. “With fve children’s mouths to feed, regular living expenses, and extensive bills from this accident, Joe and Erin will need our help just to get by.”

nity to help the Hilbert family get through this unfortunate tragedy. Here is the fundraiser link: https:// www.gofundme.com/f/joe-hilbert-car-accident.

Photo courtesy Hilbert Family.

Hamilton council hears report from climate action group

by Nathan Boddy

The Hamilton City Council met on Tuesday, May 7th, transitioning from a budget meeting to the regular meeting at 7:00. While the agenda was light, the council was able to approve a new IT contract, payment for a replacement motor on one of the city’s water pumps, and confrm regular employment status for two members of the Public Works Department.

Public Works Director, Donny Ramer, also updated the councilors on utility work on 3rd Street, the sewer extension toward the airport, and informed them that a trafc calming project on State Street will begin later in the week.

The council also welcomed Peter Reynolds, President of the Bitterroot Climate Action Group, who gave the council a summary of their report enti

tled, ‘Building Resilience.’ The report grew out of the Bitterroot Resilience Forum, a gathering of more than 70 area citizens and representatives of various groups and government agen-

State University, a warming climate will have multiple impacts upon the Bitterroot Valley in the foreseeable future. Perhaps most notable will be impacts upon water and those pertaining

ately crafted public policy, and dedication of the agricultural sector and home owners toward policies for water conservation and carbon sequestration. The report follows with specifc, point

cies which took place last fall. The forum, which was funded in part by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, was established to create a framework for conversations and planned actions for how the Bitterroot Valley can position itself for the changes inherent in a warming climate. The forum was a component of the ResilienceMT project of the University of Montana, and the Bitterroot Climate Action Group was the local non-proft chosen to partner with the forum. Reynolds read aloud from portions of the report. The executive summary itself states that, according to research conducted by Dr. Bruce Maxwell of Montana

to wildfre. A warming climate, the report states, will see more precipitation coming in the form of rain rather than snow. This diference means faster runof in the spring, and could lead to water shortages in later summer. Higher temperatures and less water also leads to warmer streamfows, placing stress on fsh and the recreation industry that thrives from angling. Higher probability for wildfre means higher potential for poor air quality and the associated negative health impacts.

The report chronicles how the forum broke into various discussion groups wherein participants were asked to identify vulnerabilities that the valley may have to various potential impacts of climate change. The groups were also encouraged to identify actions to increase the valley’s resilience to climate change. Some of the suggestions were, “commitment of elected ofcials, government agencies, local businesses, educators, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations and the general public,” to resilience planning through education, appropri-

by point action measures that could be used to bring the valley closer to addressing the key fndings of vulnerabilities. Many specifc recommendations for each of the vulnerabilities are included within the report.

Reynolds concluded by encouraging the Hamilton City Council to take concrete steps to prepare for the changing climate, citing as examples other municipalities that have taken specifc policy steps to do so. These steps could range from emergency action plans for extreme heat events to procurement policies geared around renewable technology or planning for green space and tree cover within municipal planning documents.

“I hope you’ll read the resilience report and come back with suggestions,” he said. “Climate change is happening now and will interrupt our best laid plans.”

To view the documentary and download a copy of the report produced by Bitterroot Resilience, visit their website at: https://bitterrootcag. org/resiliencemt/

Peter Reynolds, President of the Bitterroot Climate Action Group, spoke to the Hamilton City Council in regards to the completed report, ‘Building Resilience,’ a summary of potential actions which could address climate change in the valley. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Friday night, solar storms triggered atmospheric lights as far south as the Gulf Coast in one of the greatest displays in recent history. As fascinating as these are, there is a dark side to them. The efects of these solar storms can in theory cause major dysfunction across the globe. These magnetic storms can afect everything, from basic radio communications across the earth’s surface to GPS navigation in space and power grids back down on earth.

by John Dowd

Luckily, the efects were minor this year. The last storm of this magnitude was in 2003, so on the upside, this rare event ofered to many across the United States, and those in Montana, an unparalleled opportunity to witness the “Northern Lights,” without going too far north.

The Aurora Borealis is a relatively common event in the far north, especially around the Arctic Circle, where the magnetic feld around the planet protects the earth from things like radiation. Without it, it would be very hard for life to function on this planet as we know it.

Additionally, its visual efect throughout history, triggered by refecting much of this energy around the globe and towards the poles, has found its way into the spiritual cultures of many tribes, not least of these including those among the Inuit people. Often, these beliefs center around the lights manifesting due to spirits becoming visible from the other side. These times are considered spiritually signifcant, and moments when the beings of other planes can enter our world and infuence it.

These ideas bring to mind one of my favorite things about camping. A person gets closer to nature, and cuts away technology, allowing them to view the world in a similar fashion to the way our ancestors did. When one is in the dark and in a lonely and inhospitable place, the unknown seems to seep into our minds as we creep closer to the frelight. It is as tempting and as beautiful as it is scary.

For the people that once walked this path eons ago, these were times when there were many dangerous beasts that roamed the wilds. People had little

working knowledge of the cosmic reasoning for things back then. It seems to me no surprise that these times of night, when non-corporeal lights begin to fll the sky and dance just out of touch among tiny holes poked into the veil that covers the earth once every so many hours, may indeed appear a solemn and introspective time. A time when spirits fll our eyes and leave lasting thoughts and fashes of existential meaning. What a world of magic that might have been, a life so close to death, and with so much natural beauty.

When I go camping now, whether

looking back to a time I have never known. It is actually a thought-provoking experience to sit in the dark, with nothing but the frelight and the occasional rustle in the leaves past the reach of the meager fame. I often think, what if my ancestors were actually living a life less distracted by all these modern things? What if what they saw was so distilled down that maybe it was the truth of the thing that they came to know? Maybe those are spirits and maybe they come at an auspicious time. Perhaps, they have a message to convey.

What if those eerie lights in the sky, that carry with them so real a danger, are in fact the souls of the past on display just for you? Is their message a good one, one of adventures to come, or of wrongs we have done? What does our year hold for us, our mighty hunts

and the concept of under-appreciation. He tells of how the rich had taken for granted their own wealth and were burning through their resources, while blind to the perils beyond the wall. In hearing Dylan sing, I always imagined these words seemed to come more from a contemplative king over his kingdom than a simple jester and a criminal. Maybe, a king must often be both.

In one line, Dylan speaks of the businessmen that drink his wine. However, there is one line that seems to speak most to me on these nights of lights and spirits, and in it Dylan declares, “in the distance, a wildcat did growl.”

Maybe there is more to do, a thing we cannot see that comes our way, or a loneliness that Dylan seems to want to recognize in that line. For me though, that wildcat is the night, and the adven-

I am hunting, fshing, climbing or just out to spend a night away from lights and the hustle and bustle, I always try to walk into it with a mind for what our ancestors would have seen. For me, it is more than just a vicarious experience,

and our terrible losses?

This puts me in mind of the thoughts shared by Bob Dylan in his song, “All Along the Watchtower.” In the story, about a joker and a thief, Dylan writes of shared perspectives

ture in the wilderness. I fnd that both of these things care little for the ways of man, and like those lights in starry nights, seem to happen regardless of what it means to these little creatures that call their planet, Earth.

Watching the northern lights last Friday, taking long exposure photos. Photo by John Dowd.

that are the best they can be. No one wants a round-about!

Wayne believes that how you treat people matters… that it’s not OK to lie and personally attack your opponent under the cover of “it’s just politics.” He has too much integrity to ever set the Christian ideal aside of loving your neighbor as yourself. He is able to withstand the outright lies and slander against him and is willing to do so because of how much he cares about our community. Beware of the truth being twisted. Anyone who knows Wayne knows that he would never want non-citizens to vote (a lie being spread). He has spent so much of his life hunting and fshing. He has passed love of the outdoors along to his kids as well. He will always protect these rights. Don’t believe the lie that he won’t.

If you are tired of your elected leader telling you, bullying you, or outright shaming you into how you should feel, then now is your chance to vote for a new choice for SD 44. Please cast your vote for Wayne Rusk on June 4th. Carrie Rusk

Corvallis

Sheehy nationalandunity

For us Americans, the past few years have been tough. Our standards of living are decreasing, prices are rising tremendously, and the schism between the left and the right grows larger every day. We have become disillusioned with our institutions and our politicians; it hardly feels that our government has our interests in mind at all anymore. That’s really signifcant, and you should think for a moment about what that means. Our country is founded on the principle of self-governance through democratically elected ofcials. This all works only because we believe it does.

Because of this loss of faith in our government, many Americans are entertaining politicians who are promising to break up the establishment and restore the nation to its former glory. In Montana, that politician is Tim Sheehy - business owner, former Navy Seal, and “conservative outsider.” Tim is running against Jon Tester for one of the hottest Senate seats of the 2024 election cycle, and, naturally, the fghting is getting dirty.

Tim leans hard into the culture warrior handbook, talking a lot about the “war” that we are in with the radical left. His mode of politics is not to reach across the aisle and bridge the divide in our nation, but to dominate the opposition. Politics is not war. These people that he is so eager to “fght” are our own countrymen. The more we labor on the idea that we are battling each other, the weaker the unity this country was founded on becomes. It is something we can lose, and it is not easily regained.

Let’s look at how Tim responds to legitimate criticism. When the Daily Beast linked a vehemently racist online footprint to one of his stafers, the Sheehy campaign responded to requests for comment with a statement flled with lots of this:

“The liberal media is at it again.

First, they do Jon Tester’s bidding by attacking decorated combat veteran Tim Sheehy and now they are trying to attack a young feld stafer. We get it that Jon Tester doesn’t want to talk about his vote against deporting illegal immigrants or why he supports Biden’s radical open border agenda or why he votes with Biden over 91 percent of the time but trying to tear down a 21-year-old is just sad.”

The statement never addresses the actual issue. Instead, he defects, talking about his service record and how Jon Tester is Joe Biden’s lapdog. No one is asking him about Tester here! They’re asking him why he paid $8,000 to someone who says that the races are better of segregated. We know that he knows it’s a bad look, because that very same stafer’s online accounts were scrubbed after the Daily Beast reached out to his campaign.

Did Tim grow up in the rural countryside? No, he grew up in a house worth millions in a Minnesota suburb, and went to an elite private high school. Is the bullet in his arm from friendly fre that he hid from his superiors, so as to not incriminate his comrades in arms? No, he shot himself in Glacier Park in 2015. Did he bring up his $900 million aerospace company all by himself, as he said he did? No, he used family money.

This is the cloak and dagger politics that Sheehy claims to be fghting. He’s counting on Montanans to not ask questions and assume that he has our best interests in mind. When someone brings up the discrepancies in his narrative, he slings mud at them and reminisces about his combat service, but never actually answers the question. Our grievances with the state of the Union are real, but that does not mean that we can aford to elect authoritarians or liars as our representatives. We may never get the chance to choose one again.

Will Walker Hamilton Rusk is clear choice

During her tenure, Theresa Manzella has perfected a unique brand of incompetence and hysteria, typifed by making wild statements and producing very little.

For instance, in the last session she put forth more than a dozen bills in a legislature with a Republican supermajority. A golden opportunity thus presented itself. But Manzella dafly fumbled it away by bringing forth such nonsense that a bare handful even made it out of committee. Typical Manzella - big noise, small results.

In the wake of this colossal failure, Manzella shifted her support to another pack of losing bills. She now seeks to make these bills into a battleground. I confess that digging into legalese is not my forte. (Thankfully Wayne Rusk has done this hard work, and you can read his analysis on his website.) But even the drive-by view suggests the bills were fawed, based again on their failure to pass even with a Republican supermajority.

In stark contrast to Manzella, Wayne Rusk stands as a fgure who

attracts support across a wide range of the constituency. In this regard he follows, albeit on a smaller stage, in the tradition of Ronald Reagan. Reagan drew lifelong Democrats without sacrifcing conservative principles. I believe Wayne can do the same thing, and can get good laws passed. This would be a welcome change. Please vote Wayne Rusk for Senate District 44. Dan Tomlinson Hamilton

Sheehy dishonesty: a shady campaign strategy

I suspect most folks reading this are old enough to remember the history of the Republican Party 10 years ago when dishonesty was a death knell for a candidate seeking public ofce, not a campaign strategy as it is now in the dark days of Trump’s GOP domination.

Republican Senate candidate Tim Sheehy has certainly studied at the foot of the orange expert in dishonesty and has taken those lessons to heart. I reference his May 4 opinion piece in the Ravalli Republic which is just that – opinion. Factually, it is riddled with more holes than Bonnie and Clyde’s Ford after the ambush.

I plan to patch some of those holes. I can’t address them all since providing facts takes more time and space than spinning fallacy, but I will do my best.

Sheehy parrots Trump by saying the investigation into Russia collusion is a hoax and pushed for years without evidence. Not so.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller was assigned to investigate this and found there was extensive coordination between the Trump campaign and forces inside Russia. The investigation resulted in 37 indictments, seven guilty pleas or convictions and compelling evidence that Trump obstructed justice on multiple occasions. Furthermore, Mueller said he chose not to recommend charging Donald Trump in this case because of his status as a sitting president. Mueller testifed before Congress, July 24, 2019, that when Trump leaves ofce, obstruction of justice charges would be appropriate. And there is much more. Read it yourself: (www.scslaw.org).

Sheehy claims, inaccurately, that Tester had the opportunity to fre Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas. A senator alone has no power to remove a Cabinet Secretary. After the impeachment in the House, the Senate voted to stop the process since Secretary Mayorkas had clearly not committed an impeachable ofense. A policy diference is not a high crime or misdemeanor.

Yet another false claim by Sheehy is that the Senate, with Tester’s support, voted to allow undocumented immigrants to be counted in the census. I can fnd no evidence of such a vote in the Senate, but HR 7109 was introduced in the House and is intended to count only citizens in the future. Only problem is, the U.S Constitution says clearly that all persons living in the U.S., citizens or not, are to be counted every 10 years. Trump also tried to change how the Census works, but the U.S. Supreme Court shut down the efort (Politico.com, July 11, 2019). Don’t like the U.S. Constitution? Amend it, but we can’t just ignore the parts we don’t like. And let us not forget Sheehy’s claim that Tester voted against authorizing the Keystone XL Pipeline. A Republican congressman from North Dakota did introduce HR 684 to ensure the Keystone XL pipeline would be constructed but according to Congress.gov, the legislation went nowhere beyond introduction in the House. Sen. Tester had no chance to vote on that bill one way or another. But Tester has been a vocal supporter of the project since its proposal in 2008. Upon its cancellation, Tester wrote, “I am bitterly disappointed to learn that construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will no longer be moving forward. I supported this project for years because of the good-paying jobs and tax revenue it would have created…” (Tester.senate.gov, June 6, 2021).

Sheehy’s exaggeration, deception and misinformation go on and on. But I think I have made my point. The Republican Senate candidate must think Montana voters are stupid, gullible or both. Obviously, he would have us believe a 2012 bullet wound in his arm and a 2015 hiking injury would look the same. They would not.

Wayne Adair Hamilton

Jean is a graduate of Des Moines University and has been providing primary care – from pediatrics to geriatrics – in Montana for 23 years. She specializes in women’s health and hormone replacement therapy, including hormone pellet therapy.

Jean focuses on

Calendar continued

Montanans for Life

Montanans for Life will hold their monthly meeting on the frst Thursday of every month at 6PM at More to Come Fellowship, 330 3rd Ave., Victor. For more information call (406) 407-1254.

A Course of Love study group Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480

Florence American Legion

Florence American Legion Post

134 is having a free pancake breakfast on the frst Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.

Yoga for Veterans FREE to veterans, frst responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm at the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-530-7175. Come see us on 1st Friday in May ‘bout 1800 for more info! We’ll be in front of Active Care Wellness on Main in Stevensville.

MS Support Group

Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Cofee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www.nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail. com

North County Democrats

The North County Democrats will not be meeting on Thursday evenings again until fall. Feel free to stop by their booth on Saturdays beginning May 4th in Hamilton at the Farmers Market (in American Legion Park), 2nd and Bedford Street. Check out website and newsletter at RavDems.com

Bitterroot Celtic Society

The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.

NV Library events

Fiber Arts Club—Thur. May 2 at 12pm

Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting?

Bring your work-in-progress, problem piece, or brand-new pattern and enjoy the company of like-minded crafters during this informal Fiber Arts Club. All experience levels welcome. Club is held the frst Thursday of every month from 12-1:30pm in the Community Room.

Free Range Arts & Crafts for Adults

---Thur. May 2 at 6pm

The craft vault is open and

everything from needle felting to clay sculpting awaits. Enjoy a coloring book, practice with pastels, or bring your own project to fnally fnish, it’s up to you. Spring Soiree Fundraiser – Sat. May 4 at 5:30pm

An evening of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, rafe, and discussion with Montana authors to beneft North Valley Public Library. Held at the Old Feed Mill Community Room. Tickets required and can be purchased ($25 each) at the Library.

Trekker Kids programs

Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo began its annual Trekker Kids program series Saturday, March 9. The free, interactive programs are geared towards kids ages 4-10 and their families. The one-hour programs run every other Saturday through May 18 beginning at 11 a.m.: May 18: Raptors of the Rockies/ meet real raptors

For more information, contact Travelers’ Rest State Park (6717 Hwy 12, Lolo) at 406-273–4253 or visit travelersrest.org under the events page.

Hamilton school board

Negotiation Committee Meeting

Tuesday – May 7, 2024

11:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room

The Committee will be meeting with the Montana Federation of Public Employees

- #4533 Employee Union

The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation

Governance Committee Meeting

Thursday – May 9, 2024

12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room

The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation.

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – May 14, 2024

6:30 p.m. – Washington Elementary – Room 4

The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube.

You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www.youtube.

com/@HSD3Boardmtg

Governance Committee Meeting

Thursday – June 6, 2024

12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room

The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation.

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – June 11, 2024

6:30 p.m. – Washington Elementary – Room 4

The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube.

You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www.youtube.

com/@HSD3Boardmtg

Calf Creek WMA opening date

Calf Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in the Bitterroot Valley, just east of Hamilton, has a new opening date of May 15 at noon this year. This is the same seasonal opening day and time as many WMAs around the state.

In past years, the WMA opened on April 15, but elk have consistently been using the WMA later into the spring.

Calf Creek WMA is important winter range for elk, so moving the opener a month later helps reduce stress to the elk and gives them time to move of the WMA and into other areas.

The WMA is open to non-motorized access only from May 15-Dec.1 each year.

Rummage sale

The Florence Carlton Community Church will hold its annual rummage sale on Thursday and Friday, May 16 and 17, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations gladly accepted May 13-15. Please, no TVs or electronics. The church is located at 20075 OLD Highway 93, halfway between Lolo and Florence. For more information call Dace, 406-240-6601.

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, May 17 at 12 noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Mary Todd, candidate for Congress. There will also be a vote on whether anyone can video tape the meetings. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Bitterroot Audubon

Bitterroot Audubon Program: Exploring Changes In the Size of Birds Bitterroot Audubon’s May program will feature a presentation by Dr. Thomas Riecke, the James K. Ringelman Chair in Waterfowl Conservation at UM. Dr Reicke will discuss monitoring data that has revealed that many birds are becoming smaller-bodied and longer-winged globally. As an example, he’ll use data on white-throated dippers color-banded in Switzerland that show that smaller-bodied, longer-winged dippers survive and reproduce at greater rates during warmer years. He’ll also use these data to explore the consequences of mating strategies (i.e., monogamy v. polygyny) and age on reproductive success.

This program will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 20 in the Education Building, adjacent to the Slack Barn at Teller Wildlife Refuge at 1180 Chafn Lane in Corvallis. The meeting is free, and the public is invited. See https:// www.bitterrootaudubon.org/ for additional information.

Bitterroot Quilters Guild

Bitterroot Quilters Guild will meet on Wednesday, May 22, at Daly Leach Community Room, 1010 W Main, Hamilton. Doors open at 6 pm for socializing and shopping; the meeting will come to order at 6:30. Carpooling is recommended and encouraged; please reach out to a board member if you prefer not to drive.

There will be a Fat Quarter Drawing, 50/50 Pot, bargain sales at the Ugli Bin as well as member show and tell. Bring your completed entry for the 2024 Quilt Show on June 8-9, as well as the UFO (Unfnished Objects) sheet from April to participate in this year-long activity.

Bitterroot Quilters Guild is a non-proft organization, and contributes hundreds of quilts annually to organizations in the Bitterroot Valley such as Ravalli County First Responders, SAFE, Headstart, Hospice and more. The group also funds an annual scholarship to high school seniors, as well as an annual grant to deserving organizations. To fund these activities, the Guild sponsors a Boutique at the Ravalli County Fair, and will hold

a Quilt Show on June 8-9 at Bitterroot Furniture. Membership in the Guild is open to quilters from beginner through advanced. Annual dues are $20. To keep abreast of activities, visit the Bitterroot Quilters Guild on Facebook.

Introduction To Defensive Handguns

For Women Only May 25 & June 8 2024

This 2 day course is for women with little or no experience with handguns, who may be frightened of handguns or who are considering acquiring a handgun.

The frst day course is designed to assist you in choosing the right handgun – for you. It will also introduce you to the facilities of the Whittecar Range. There will be discussions on handgun safety, basic operation of revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, and the cartridges used in each type of handgun.

The legal aspects of the use of force will be presented and discussed.

Handguns will be provided so that you may handle the diferent types and models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fre session on the range. A self defense book, specifcally for women, will also be provided.

The second day course will teach basic defensive shooting using the students own equipment. Safe gun handling will be taught and stressed.

We will discuss various types of ammunition and the performance of each type.

The class will be held at the Whittecar Range on Blodgett View Road.

The class is limited to 10 participants.

For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or Jim at 360-8392.

Successful completion of this two day course meets the education requirements for application to the state for a concealed carry permit.

Memorial Day activities

American Legion Ravalli Post 47 is asking for help in honoring our veterans on Memorial Day. Start your Memorial Day weekend by helping to place white wooden crosses and American Flags on veteran gravesites at Riverview Cemetery on Saturday, May 25th at 9 a.m. rain or shine; water and snacks provided (hosted by the American Legion Ravalli Post 47). The crosses and fags will be collected on Saturday, June 1st at 8 a.m.

On Monday, come support Color Guard Honors & Wreath Presentation Ceremonies by The American Legion Ravalli Post 47, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Marine Corps League, Bitterroot Valley Detachment #937:

8 a.m. - Ravalli County Museum on Bedford St -- Honors and wreath presentation service; 8:30 a.m. - Wreath service and honors for those lost at sea at Main Street Bridge over the Bitterroot River; 9 a.m. - Wreath laying service and honors at the Riverview Cemetery military memorial 10 a.m. - Corvallis Memorial Day Parade

Memorial Day Dinner A Memorial Day Dinner and 67th

Annual Service will be held May 27 at Florence Carlton Community Church fellowship hall. Come and honor our military. A fag raising ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. (indoor). Dinner will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Menu will include turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stufng, vegetables, rolls and homemade pie. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for under 12 years old. All proceeds go toward local needs and church missions.

Victor Heritage Museum

The Victor Heritage Museum In downtown Victor – 125 Blake Street – will be open for the 2024 Summer season on Memorial Day, May 27th through Labor Day, Sept. 2nd. It will normally be open Monday through Friday from 1pm to 4pm. Occasionally, and regrettably - sometimes it may not be able to be open on scheduled dates because of a shortage of docents. For information, contact Suzanne Tout at 406-363-3165 or 406-381-8861. Events at the Museum for 2024 include: July 11th, 6:30pm, Chris Weatherly will give a talk about the Re-building of the Blacksmith Shop at St. Mary’s Mission; August 8th at 6:30pm, Bruce Gould will talk about the Geology of the Bitterroot Valley including the Glacial Lake Missoula Efect; August 25th, noon to 3pm - The Ice Cream Social - a Thank You to the community; and Dec. 2nd, 3pm to 8pm, The Chocolate Tasting Party with Silent Auction. Mark your calendars and come to visit the Victor Heritage Museum, 406-6423997; victormuseum@cybernet1.com; www.victorheritagemuseum.org.

Five Valley Accordion Club

Jam session and dance, June 9th, 1-4 p.m., Missoula Senior Center. $6 entry at the door. Cofee and water and Coke machine. Good dance music and lots of fun. Come and bring your friends. For info, Helen Steel, 406-3691839.

Golden Age Club sale

The Golden Age Club is having a fundraising yard sale on Saturday, June 8th from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Club is located at 727 S. 5th Street, Hamilton. Florence HS class reunion Florence Carlton Class of ‘79 will be having their 45th reunion on June 28-30 at Priest Lake, Idaho. Come and camp. For more information contact Gayla at 702-274-5683.

Calendar postings are free to non-proft groups. Submit by emailing to: editor@bitterrootstar.com

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Sports Valley athletes thrive at districts

Darby and Florence competed in the 6B Districts and Victor competed in the 13C Districts in Missoula on Saturday, May 11th in the combined 13C, 14C, 6B District tournaments.

Florence took second in the boys team standing, while the girls took third. Individually for the Florence boys, Isaac Bates had a big meet; he won the 100m (11.27), 400m (50.96) and took 2nd in the 200m (23.00). Curtis Pijanowski won the 1600m (4:50.74) and the 3200m (10:48.15). Bridger Alexander won the shot put (44-10.5). Ethan Porter won the discus (13610.5). Andrew Horsens won

the javelin (144-01).

Individually for the Florence girls, Bailey Kroeker won the 200m (26.78) and the long jump (1611.5). Sophia Stiegler won the triple jump (31-09.50).

For Darby , Lily Adair won the 800m (2:25.96) and the 3200m (12:56.80) and took 2nd in the 1600m (5:43.98).

For Victor , Eli Jones took 2nd in the triple jump (40-06.50), 3rd in the long jump (19-10) and high jump (5-8), and 5th in the javelin. Stella Jordan took 3rd in the girls discus.

The Western B & C Divisionals will be in Missoula on May 17th-18th.

At left, Darby’s Kiahna Hirmann passing the baton to Lily Adair in the 4x400 relay at the 6B Districts in Missoula. Darby placed second in the race. Individually, Adair won the 800m and the 3200m, and took 2nd in the 1600m.

Below, Victor’s Eli Jones had a busy day at the 13C Districts in Missoula on May 11th. He took 2nd in the triple jump, 3rd in the long jump and high jump, and 5th in the javelin.

Polson ABC Invitational

On Saturday, May 11th, the track teams for Corvallis, Stevensville and Hamilton competed in the Polson ABC Invitational. This was the fnal meet before the Western A Divisionals, which will be in Whitefsh on May 17th-18th.

For Corvallis, Olivia Lewis won the 300m hurdles in a blazing time of 42.36. To put Lewis’ time in perspective, it is a full second better than her Class A state record from last year, and it is under the All Class state record of 42.87 (All Class records have to be set at a state meet).

Derek Criddle won the 400m (49.53). Laurie Davidson won the 3200m (11:22.34). Meredith Buhler won the shot put (37-2.25). Alanna Auch took 2nd in the discus (123-5). Jeremy Davidson won the 3200m

(10:09.32). And in the boys javelin, Hunter Loesch won (174-5) and Levi Reynoso took 2nd (165).

For Hamilton, Mya Winkler won the discus (129-11), took 2nd in the javelin (105-0) and took 3rd in the shot put (35-10). Andrew Burrows won the shot put with a personal best throw of 57-0, and he took 2nd in the discus (167-8). Annalise Lewis won the 800m (2:20.76) and took 2nd in the 400m (59.06). Aubrey Korst won the pole vault (11-6). Aleigha Child won the 1600m (5:16.73). Taylor Doleac took 2nd in the 1600m (4:29.63).

For Stevensville, Brogan Gard took 2nd in the 200m (23.50) and 3rd in the 100m (11.30), and Sophia Hutchison took 2nd in the triple jump (33-6.25).

Florence, Hamilton headed to state baseball

The baseball teams from Florence and Hamilton are headed to the State Tournament in Missoula on May 1618. Florence is the #1 seed from the Southwest; their record is 15-1 and they have won 14 straight games. They play their frst round game in Missoula on Thursday, May 16th at 1:30 at Ogren Field at Allegiance Park.

Hamilton is the #2 seed out of the Southwest; their record is 16-3 and they have won 11 straight games. On Saturday, May 11th, they defeated Lone Peak 2-1 in the state play-in game to earn a spot in the state tournament. Hamilton plays Columbia Falls, the Northwest’s #1 seed, in the frst round on Thursday, May 16th at 6:30 pm in Missoula at Ogren Field at Allegiance Park.

Baseball roundup

Hamilton 2, Lone Peak 1

On Saturday, May 11th, Hamilton hosted Lone Peak in a state play-in game and won 2-1. Hamilton starting pitcher Cash Lawrence struck out 7 and only allowed two hits, while Jackson Lubke got the save. With the score tied in the bottom of the seventh, Hamilton’s Toby DeMoss hit into a felder’s choice, scoring Hunter Harrness and sending the Broncs to the State tournament.

Hamilton 6, Dillon 2

On Wednesday, May 8th, Hamilton hosted Dillon and won 6-2, thanks in part to a fve-run 5th inning. For Hamilton, Hunter Harrness went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Jackson Jessop went 2 for 2 and scored a run, and Jackson Jubke, Conner Ekin and Tyce O’Connell each

had RBIs.

Florence 15, Butte High 6

On Thursday, May 7th, Florence hosted Butte High and won 15-6. This was their 14th straight win as they wrapped up the Southwest’s #1 seed for State. Florence pitcher Jake Roth got the win and had 10 strikeouts. At the plate for Florence, Caleb Katen hit a home run, Drew Wagner went 3 for 3 with 3 runs, Isaiah Testerman had 2 RBIs, and Mason Arlington, Chase Wagner, and Jake Roth all had 2 hits and an RBI.

Corvallis 5, Whitefsh 4

On Friday, May 10th, Corvallis defeated Whitefsh 5-4 despite only getting two hits, both doubles by Brandon Brenneman and Maurice Craun. Corvallis pitcher Bobby Truc came in as

relief and struck out three and gave up no hits in three innings.

Stevensville 12, Butte Central 2 On Tuesday, May 7th, Stevensville got their frst win in convincing fashion, 12-2. Evan Montague went 3 for 3, stole 3 bases, scored 3 runs and struck out 8 batters as pitcher Cole Germane went 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Jackson Guenzler went 1 for 4 with 3 RBIs, and Shane Ayers and Drake Springer each had RBIs.

Stevensville 9, Troy 3

Stevensville defeated Troy 9-3 on Saturday, May 11th. For Stevensville, Corbin Mauler went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Treyzan Frost went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and David Djokic went 1 for 2 with 3 RBIs. Evan Montague had 6 strikeouts on the mound for the ‘Jackets.

Above, Florence’s Sophia Stiegler won the girls triple jump at the 6B Districts on May 11th in Missoula.

Photos by Scott Sacry.

Sports Class B Divisional golf

The golf teams from Florence and Darby competed in the Western Divisional golf tournament in Anaconda at Old Works on Tuesday, May 7th in the midst of a spring snow storm.

The Florence girls (Kipley Solari, Alexa McLean, Reese Briney, Lacie Ketelhut, Alyx Monaco) took 2nd place, while the Florence boys (Brody Duchien, Tyler Abbott, Ethan Alexander, Rollie Fisher, Ian McLean) took 4th. Both the Florence boys and girls teams qualifed for

at Divisionals

for

state.

Individually for the Florence girls, Kipley Solari tied for 4th, Alexa McLean took 6th, and Reese Briney took 8th.

Individually for the Florence boys, Brody Duchien, Tyler Abbott and Ethan Alexander all tied for 14th, and Rollie Fisher fnished 20th.

The Darby boys team of Jordan Browning, Abe Atkins, Gus Harrell, Daniel Stewart, and Emerson Atkins took 11th.

The Class B & C State golf tournament began in Shelby on Tuesday, May 14th.

Lavarne Combo Softball Tournament

On May 10th & 11th, Butte Central hosted the 2024 Lavarne Combo Softball Tournament. All four of the Bitterroot Valley softball teams participated and each team played four games over the two days. This was a great tune up for Divisionals, which begins on Thursday, May 17th for Florence and Friday, May 18th for the Class A schools.

Corvallis 7, Manhattan 17; Corvallis 8, Livingston 17

On Friday, May 10th, Corvallis played Manhattan and Park. In the Manhattan game, they lost 7-17. For Corvallis, Jadyn Greenwood went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Emma Cashell went 3 for 3 and scored 2 runs, and Libby Jessop went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs. In the Park game, they lost 8-17. Sophie Cooper went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and Ericka Jessop went 2 for 2 with an RBI.

Corvallis 2, Havre 10; Corvallis 10, Hardin 8

On Saturday, Corvallis played Havre and Hardin. In the Havre game, they lost 2-10. Jadyn Greenwood and Emma Cashell each went 2 for 3 and scored a run. In the Hardin game Corvallis won 10-8. Ava Loran went 2 for 4 and scored 2 runs, Ella Daly went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs,

Jadyn Greenwood went 3 for 3 and scored 3 runs, and Sophie Cooper went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Pitcher Ella Daly got the win for Corvallis.

Stevensville 15, East Helena 6; Stevensville 26, Browning 1

On Friday, Stevensville played East Helena and Browning. They defeated East Helena 15-6. For Stevi, Jaidan Oyler went 2 for 2 with 2 RBIs, Lilly Newsom went 2 for 2 with 3 RBIs, Serenity Scott went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Morgan Yeager went 1 for 2 with 3 RBIs. In the Browning game, they won 26-1. Lilly Newson had a huge game, she went 4 for 4 with a home run and 7 RBIs, Jaidan Oyler went 3 for 4 with an RBI, Maddy Davids went 3 for 4 and scored 3 runs, and Olivia Hanson went 2 for 2 with an RBI.

Stevensville 10, Columbus 5; Stevensville 10, Butte Central 0

On Saturday, Stevensville played Columbus and Butte Central. They defeated Columbus 10-5. Maddy Davids went 3 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBIs, Molly Davids went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs, and Kenzi Frost went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs. Pitcher Maddix Yeager had 6 strikeouts in the win.

In the Butte Central game, Stevensville won 10-0. Pitcher Morgan Yeager only allowed one hit and struck out 12 to get the win. Lilly Newson went 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs, Maddy Davids went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and Maddix Yeager went 3 for 3 with 2 RBIs.

Florence 8, Laurel 3; Florence 11, Dawson 0

On Friday, Florence played Laurel and Dawson. In the Laurel game, they won 8-3. Hailey Sutton went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs, Maggie Schneiter had a home run and 2 RBIs, and Ava Philbrick had an RBI double. In the Dawson game, they won 11-0. Dia Jenkins went 3 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs, Taylor Pyette went 2 for 2 with an RBI, and Lily Bender went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Pitcher Autumn Sutton got the shutout win for Florence.

Florence 1, Libby 6; Florence 7, Livingston 5 On Saturday, Florence played Libby and Livingston. In the Libby game, they lost 1-6. Lily Bender went 2 for 3 and Olivia Coulter went 1 for 3. In the Livingston game, they won 7-5. Hailey Sutton went 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs, Ava Philbrick

went 3 for 3 and scored 2 runs, and Lily Bender went 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Hamilton 3, Livingston 2; Hamilton 4, Billings Central 15

On Friday, Hamilton played Livingston and Billings Central. In the Livingston game, they won 3-2. Addison Flynn went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and Casey Kennedy and Kennedi Cooper each had hits. Pitcher Mariah Johnson got the win. In the Billings Central game, they lost 4-15. Cierra Cole hit a home run and Mariah Johnson hit a double and scored a run.

Hamilton 16, Anaconda 1; Hamilton 8, Fergus 6 On Saturday, Hamilton played Anaconda and Fergus. In the Anaconda game, they won 16-1. Haylee Beall went 3 for 3 with 4 RBIs, Hadley Lockhart went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and Dawsyn Ekin went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. In the Fergus game, they won 8-6. Mariah Johnson went 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs. Thea Jackson went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs, and Kennedi Cooper went 1 for 2 with an RBI.

Softball Roundup

Hamilton 15, Corvallis 4

On Tuesday, May 7th,

Corvallis hosted Hamilton. The game was tied 3-3 going into the 5th inning, then Hamilton exploded, scoring 9 runs in the next three innings and winning 15-4. Hamilton’s Cierra Cole had a monster game, hitting 2 home runs and getting 6 RBIs. Haylee Beall went 3 for 5 and scored 4 runs, Mariah Johnson went 3 for 4 and scored 4 runs, and Thea Jackson went 3 for 4 and had 2 RBIs.

For Corvallis, Jadyn Greenwood also had a monster game; she had a home run and a triple with an RBI. Ella Daly went 2 for 3 with an RBI. Stevensville 10, Frenchtown 11

On Tuesday, May 7th, Stevensville went to Frenchtown and lost 10-11. Morgan Yeager went 2 for 3 with a home run and 4 RBIs. Lilly Newsom went 2 for 5 and scored 2 runs, and Jaidan Oyler had 2 RBIs. Florence 10, Ennis 5 Florence hosted Ennis on Tuesday, May 7th and won 10-5. Florence pitcher Jayden Fisher got the win. At the plate for Florence, Reilley Reed hit two home runs and had 4 RBIs, Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 4 and stole 3 bases, and Taylor Pyette went 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Corvallis and Stevensville split in tennis

On Thursday, May 9th, the tennis teams from Corvallis and Stevensville played in Corvallis. The Corvallis girls won 8-0 while the Stevensville boys won 6-2. Below are the match results.

The tennis teams from Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville are in Butte for Divisionals on May 14th16th.

Boys single matches

1 (S) Agnus Trangmoe def (C) Pierce Yaskus 6-4, 6-0

2 (S) Jeremy Madruga def (C) Atticus Chavez 6-2, 6-2

3 (S) Drake Tully def (C) Bradley Powell 7-5, 6-1

4 (C) Lueker Freeman def (S) Andrew McGowan 6-3, 6-2

5 (S) Jeremiah St. Germain def (C) Jackson Philey 8-2

Boys double matches

1 (C) Emmett Allsop/Brannon Fehr def (S) Jake Gavlak/Silas Seibert 6-3, 7-6 (7-1); 2 (S) Jake Gavlak/ Silas Seibert def (C) Cody Humphey/ Hedley Jessop 6-1, 6-3; 3 (S) Jeremi-

ah St. Germain/Drake Tully def (C) Cooper Gividen/ Andrea Zanetti 6-4, 6-0

Girls single matches

1 (C) Dakota Powell def (S) Dani Felton 6-0, 6-0

2 (C) Ava Wilcox def (S) Cecilia Franchi 6-1, 6-1

3 (C) Sophie Jessop def (S) Jackie Reed vs 6-0, 6-1

4 (C) Jakay Venema def (S) Tasia Rohbock vs 6-0, 6-3

5 (C) Kylee DeBuf def (S) Kirrah Anderson vs 6-0, 6-0

Girls double matches

1 (C) Jayde Venema/ Brecklyn Jessop def (S) Tanna Bailey/Nevaeh Meeder 6-0, 6-0; 2 (C) Brooke Child/Anika Allred def (S) Nika Hulling/Avery Sacry 6-0, 6-0; 3 (C) Addy Williams/Olivia Lawson def (S) Maja Marinic/Jana Puell 6-1, 6-2.

The Corvallis girls doubles team of Jayde Venema (front) and Brecklyn Jessop (rear) defeated Stevensville’s Tanna Bailey and Nevaeh Meeder on May 9th. Venema and Jessop took 2nd at state last year and are undefeated so far this year. Photo by Scott Sacry.

The Florence golf team

in Anaconda on Tuesday, May 7th. The girls took 2nd, while the boys took 4th. Both teams qualifed

State, which started May 14th in Shelby. Photo by Keri Briney.

Obituaries

Judith E. Whitcraft

Ronald David Roberts, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the BeeHive assisted living facility in Hamilton, Montana. He was born in Hamilton to Fred and Pats Roberts.

Growing up on 5th Street with his older brother Fred and younger sister Joan, Ron worked the soda fountain at his parents’ Bookstore on Main Street. After graduating from Hamilton High in 1952 he was of to college with summers spent timber cruising and fghting fres for the Bitterroot National Forest. Ron earned a Bachelors Degree from Gonzaga University in 1956. He then joined the Navy, spending eight years during the early phases of the Vietnam War, serving on the U.S.S. Yorktown before honorably discharging at the rank of Lieutenant CIC Ofcer in 1966. He returned to school to earn a Masters Degree in History from the University of Portland.

In 1966, Ron married his true love Jane Heckathorn Collins and began the lifelong adventure of raising their fve children and moving the family throughout the Western U.S. with stops in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

Ron began his professional career teaching history and coaching tennis at Mt. Angel College near Portland. He eventually settled into a long productive career in the insurance business.

Retirement and the good life led Ron and Jane to stops in San Diego, Palm Springs, and Phoenix, spending many hours together on the golf course, poolside, and in the company of the countless friends they made wherever they went.

Esther Mae (Maier) Edwards, 98, of Florence, Montana, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024 in her home. She was born September 19, 1925 in Isabel, South Dakota, the twelfth of nineteen children born to John and Elizabeth Walker Maier.

The family moved to Missoula, Montana in 1935, where she fnished her schooling. Later she moved to California to stay with her sister, Ruth, and got a job working for the Marine Corps, where she met Milton Edwards. He had bought some shirts, among other things, and as she was bagging everything, he told her to fold the shirts. She responded with, “fold your own shirts.” Apparently, he liked feisty, because he later came back and asked her to go to dinner with him to celebrate his birthday. She didn’t believe it was his birthday, but learned later he was telling the truth. That was October 10, 1944, and they were married December 23, 1944.They were a loving couple until his death in 2015.

They had three sons, Denny, born in San Francisco, California; Terry, born in Bandera, Texas; and John, born in Missoula, Montana. Esther worked in the Bebe’s Bakery for about two years after the boys were in school. They lived in Missoula until1959, when they bought a small ranch in Florence, where they remained. She and Milt were active in the Bethel Baptist Church in Missoula until their deaths. Esther worked very hard at everything she did.

Judith E. Whitcraft aka “Judy Bug,” age 83, of Stevensville, MT passed away on December 26, 2023, at St. Patrick Hospital from a brain hemorrhage.

She was born May 5, 1941, in Bonner, MT to Edna Merle Linderman Bond (preceded in death) and Gordon Elias Bond (preceded in death).

She attended grade school in Bonner, MT and later Sentinel High School in Missoula, MT.

Judith met the love of her life, Lawrence D. Whitcraft (preceded in death) on a dairy farm, giving Judy her frst kiss down by the creek. From there it was all over, and they married in 1957, having 3 children, and went on to settle in Stevensville MT.

Judy had a lot of grit and sand with a wicked sense of humor that came with a fick of her wrist and a twinkle in her eye. She was not afraid of hard work. She enjoyed driving school bus, working in the cafeteria, PCA at the Bitterroot Valley Living Center and a machinist at Turner Engineering, later moving to Hawaii to drive dump truck and water truck. While doing some of those jobs she loved to take care of her two beautiful gardens, canning the bountiful harvest that it produced. Judy was a big part of the Lone Rock community while her children were growing up, participating in fundraisers

In 2007, Ron and Jane returned to the Bitterroot Valley surrounded by the beloved mountains of their childhood. Happy to be back home and close to family, Ron enjoyed gardening, golfng, reading (he was very well-read) and tinkering with anything and everything around their home in Grantsdale. Ron was a member of the Elks, American Legion, VFW, and Eagles.

Ron is survived by his wife Jane of Hamilton; fve children, Jim (Carrie) of Laurel, Joe (Leona) of Billings, Kym (Eric) of Lawrence, KS, Kellie (Eddy) of Hamilton, and Mike (Shannon) of Helena; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and reception will be held Friday, May 17 at 1 pm at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. Private family interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton.

Condolences and memories for the family can be made at www. dalyleachchapel.com. The family would like to give special thanks to the staf at BeeHive for their love and support.

She always had a big garden, until the last two years of her life, and had beautiful fower beds around her yard. Weeds never survived on her place. She made many, many quilts. Each of her kids and grandkids have one made just for them. She was frst and foremost a wife and mother. She loved and cared for her family. She always had homemade goodies in her kitchen and in her freezer. And when grandkids and great-grandkids came along, she loved and played with them too. They have fond memories of her playing games with them, both inside and outside. She played cards, soccer, croquet, No Bears Out Tonight, and more. She was very active until the last few years. She was still getting down on the foor to play with babies in her mid-80’s!

After Milt retired, they began spending the winters in Quartzsite, Arizona, and made many good friends there. She could never stand being idle so learned to make beautiful pine needle baskets and a variety of gift cards. Everything she made was beautiful.

Esther was preceded in death by 17 siblings; her husband, Milton; son, John; granddaughters, Yvonne

and volunteering at the grade school. Her hobbies were playing softball, tennis and bowling in her spry years and she loved watching them even more.

Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her whole life and she loved them dearly. She is survived by her brother Gary Bond, son Larry Curtis Whitcraft, daughter-in-law Donna Whitcraft, daughters Diana Marie Benson, son-in-law Bruce Benson and Jamie Lou Whitcraft- Calhoon. Grandchildren are Krystina Siragusa, Anthony Siragusa, Ashley Verbeckmoes, Lawrence Whitcraft, Tonya Monaco, Christopher Mayer, Kayla Benson, Katie Benson, Christina Benson, Leavella Calhoon, Brittany Calhoon, Cody Calhoon and great-grandchildren Caleb Smith, Shyanne Smith, Elijah Smith, Elizabeth Siragusa, Dawson Whitcraft, Morgan Whitcraft, Brayden, Rosie, Jaellyn, Gabby Benson, Tucker Blanchard, Holden Blanchard, Landon Blanchard, and Eleanor Calhoon-Mixon.

The Whitcraft Family will be having an open reception/gathering for friends and family who want to sit and reminisce at the Three Mile Community Center in Stevensville, MT on Saturday, May 18th at 1 p.m. Light food and drinks will be provided.

With All Our Love to Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and Friend, you will be missed! May you rest high on that mountain. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Burial will be at the Florence-Carlton Cemetery, Saturday, May 18, at 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at the Grace Gospel Church at 1601S. Sixth St. W. in Missoula at 1 p.m. Dessert and cofee will be served following the service.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family

Ronald David Roberts

Edwards Kinghorn and Lisa Edwards Puente. She is survived by her brother, Larry Maier; daughter-in-law, Chrissy; sons, Denny (Shari) and Terry of Florence; grandchildren, Jef, John, Travis, Lyndsi and Crissy; 20 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great grandchildren.

Esther Mae Edwards

High Water Chronicles, 2024, vol. 1, safety afoat

Safety any time you’re on the water begins with preparation.

For the wading angler this means gearing up for safety (and comfort) before going out.

Comfort, you say? If you’re miserable it follows that you might put yourself in danger. Getting chilled in a sudden downpour might not lead to hypothermia, but why take the chance?

Slick-soled sandals or running shoes instead of purpose-built wading footwear? I’ve done it and survived the falls, but I’ve outgrown that silliness and don’t recommend it.

with a red cross on the top and sides with a red Sharpie. I spindle two broad Band-Aids around my fnger, and let them un-spindle against the walls of the bottle. Then I’ll push a small sample envelope of antiseptic ointment against the Band-Aids, and in the remaining space I’ll drop in the tail end of a pack of antiacids, a couple of analgesics and antihistamines along with any personal meds that might be needed in the feld.

by Chuck Stranahan

In addition to good wading gear I’ve needed everything on the comfort and safety checklists: Polarized and UV-protected glasses (all the time,) lightweight raingear, warm layers, broad-brimmed hat, a serviceable 4” lock-back knife with a combination serrated and plain blade, small portable frst aid kit, plenty of water and high energy snacks and a meal if you’ll be out more than a couple of hours.

I want all of those things, plus terminal tackle and hardware, ready at hand whether I’m wading or foating.

The frst thing to do if you plan to foat – in your boat or someone else’sis to get your frst aid training updated. I’m alarmed at how many river foaters don’t hold a current frst aid card. Get one – please – and keep it up to date.

Two common river emergencies are hypothermia and heat exhaustion. You either know what to do or you don’t. I can’t emphasize strongly enough: get the frst aid training AND a frst aid kit that is designed for the job at hand.

You can buy frst aid kits assembled specifcally for foating rivers under the NRS brand name. Look for an NRS dealer. These kits have been thoughtfully put together and tweaked over time. They contain what you’ll need for any likely river emergency.

Floating or wading, my personal frst aid kit stays with me all the time. It is a used prescription pill bottle marked

That compact, waterproof frst aid kit and a knife will cover most of what will happen when you’re out on the stream – improvise and put your frst aid training to work from there. If that simple kit isn’t

enough, get of the stream and seek aid.

Float trips last longer and require more preparation that wade trips.

Montana state law requires a personal foatation device (PFD, life jacket) aboard for every passenger and kids under 12 are to wear theirs at all times.

I simplify that reg a little. I like the NRS Chinook vest, a combination minimalist fy fshing vest and PFD. It’s not too bulky; I wear mine as a matter of course when I’m foating. There’s no second-guessing or scramble to fnd it and put it on when approaching a snag or a rapids.

The state requires that you have a spare oar aboard and common sense requires that you have it rigged where you can grab it in a hurry.

When I was guiding I carried three dry bags: two medium-sized bags of diferent colors, one for each client. Strapped near their seats, they had easy

access to extra clothing and personal items.

In a bigger bag I stowed my own layers and raingear, a Leatherman multitool, extra rain ponchos (one size fts all,) and a couple of XXL sweatshirts (handy if somebody takes a dunking,) fre starter, lightweight 7’ x 10’ tarp and nails wrapped in baling twine for an emergency shelter, fresh packs of tissues and a small trowel. On top of this gear I stowed the frst aid kit, throw bag and carabiners, repellant and sunscreen, and baked goods that I didn’t want to get soggy in the cooler. Pack the cooler with plenty of water and high protein snacks in addition to the planned meal and beverages. You want to bring several bottles of water back from your trip. Plenty means plenty. Dehydration on the river is a sneaky danger. My rule of thumb to avoid dehydration: Guzzle until you slosh.

David Bedey

Wayne Rusk

Greg Overstreet

Michelle Binkley Ravalli County Republican Central Committee PO Box 415 Stevensville, MT 59870

Candidate Name PO Box 123 Darby, Mt 59828

Dear Candidate, OnApril 2, 2024, the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee voted to ask Republican candidates running in the Primary Election to affirm their support to the United States Constitution, the Montana Constitution and to the Montana GOP Platform. Please return the signed affirmation to the Central Committee within 10 days (May 2, 2024). I, _________________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the state of Montana and the Montana Republican Party’s platform, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity (so help me God).”

Big Hole River at high water. Make sure you have everything before foating. Photo by Jan Stranahan

Thankyou to all who serve

American Legion Post 47 Awards Firefghter Law Enforcement Offcer of the Year 2023

improving emergency services provided to residents that are served by the Hamilton Department.

American Legion Ravalli Post 47 (Hamilton) honored Brian Adams, Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD), with the Firefghter of the Year Award 2022-2023. Brian joined the department in November 2019 as a volunteer frefghter. In addition to actively responding to fre calls, he is an active member of the “Fire in the Root” group that is promoting defensible space and fre mitigation throughout the Bitterroot Valley. He has attended the 2-day Wildland Urban Interface Conference that focuses on evacuation planning and implementation during a wildfre. He networks with other fre departments in the area about their community mitigation eforts. Brian serves on the Hamilton Rural Fire District Board of

American Legion Ravalli Post 47 (Hamilton) also honored Patrol Ofcer Presley Chadwick of the Hamilton Police Department (HPD), Department Law Enforcement Ofcer of the 2022-2023. While Ofcer Chadwick has only a law enforcement ofcer for just over a year, has already served with distinction! Her strong dedication, hard work and impeccable work led to her nomination by the Police Chief, Patrol Lieutenant, her supervisor, AND her She works the night shift and is a rancher Ravalli Post 47 (Hamilton) is proud of dedication and service to the safety of our munity. They both received a certifcate and monetary award and will contend at the American Legion Montana Department level.

Post 47 (Hamilton) Commander Deborah Strickland presents the Firefghter of the Year Award to Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department Firefghter Brian Adams at the Post’s Annual Awards Luncheon on April 29, 2023. Photo courtesy Nancy Dezell.

Post 47 (Hamilton) Commander Deborah Strickland presents the Law Enforcement Ofcer of the Award to Hamilton Police Department Patrol cer Presley Chadwick at the Post’s Annual Luncheon on April 29, 2023. Photo courtesy Dezell.

MARINE: Hamilton man talks about service

While in school, another calling took him by surprise. Phillips got a job at the Federal Reserve Bank, working out of the Denver Branch. He came in and was asked to take a programmer’s test, but explained he had no interest in computers. Computers were still room-sized devices that had nowhere near the storage they have today and Phillips never fgured himself to be the programming type.

However, they told him everyone was required to take the exam. “Evidently, I did well,” said Phillips, because the next thing he knew, he was being asked to determine the feasibility of including computers in one of the most important parts of the Federal Reserve, involving the processing of checks. Before computers, checks were manually counted and organized by human check processors.

That work led Phillips to being on the cutting edge of programming and setting up these machines. Phillips explained they were always combating the idea of “foat,” which was where money in transit stayed “in limbo” before it was sent where it needed to go. The turnaround could be as much as a week or more. Their hope was that bank systems at the time could use computers to lessen the foat time and speed up turnaround at every level.

Today, the idea of such extreme foat times seems hard to imagine, as entering checks into a bank means money and payments are instantaneous and at the press of a button. In fact, what Phillips did not realize at the time was that he was a part of the process that would change the fabric of how money moved in the United States. This remained a reality Phillips still did not realize until the option came back up to continue with the Marines, but this time on active duty.

For him, this go round was more assured, as through basic training he had bulked up by at least 40 pounds, and he was now more qualifed, having gone through basic training already. The decision weighed on his mind and he eventually had a discussion with his employer, who pulled him aside to shed light on what he was involved in. The employer told him, in no uncertain terms, there were not many people that could do what he was doing and that his work was surely, “critical to the economic well being of the United States.”

Throughout the process of programming the complex new computer

systems, he worked with other branches and main ofces in his district of the Federal Reserve to change the face of fnance, not only in America but across the world. They developed what Phillips called “reader-sorter” machines. These would take inserted checks and organize them all without much efort from the user. They could process over 1,000 checks a minute. Prior to that, check processors used proof machines and everything was done manually. The process was exponentially slower, and was prone to human error.

Phillips made the decision to stay with the Federal Reserve Bank to fnish what he had started, and worked with computers and similar machines, eventually working with other institutions as a consultant. When asked why he decided to stay with the USMC Reserve and continue with the computers, Phillips said, “I felt like I made a contribution that carried well beyond.”

He has some remorse for not having gone active, especially after hearing many of the horror stories that came out of the war. That may have played a signifcant part in another contribution Phillips would make, joining the Marine Corps League. This organization is similar to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, but is Marine Corps specifc.

“It was an opportunity to work with Marines and their families and to contribute something after the fact,” said Phillips.

The organization is smaller than other similar organizations, but has done a lot for Marines and their families. They participate heavily with Toys for Tots, and do numerous other fundraisers and events across the country. He would eventually become Vice Commandant, in charge of several states in the West, a high ranking position within the organization.

For him, it all came back to “service.” Phillips spoke highly of the Marine Corps, saying, “It does have a tendency to change your life and the way you look at things.” According to Phillips, “90% of people that go through boot camp say it was the best thing that ever happened to them.” He frmly believes it was a big part of his

life.

Phillips talked about the challenge many veterans of all branches face. He spoke chiefy on the awkward moment where community members approach them to thank them for their service. He did not mean this in a negative way, explaining that it is more about how to answer with as meaningful a response as their statement of thanks. It seems so strange to him just to say “thank you” back.

He believes this moment is difcult because it involves a mixture of memories and desires. For most who serve, there is a high level of patriotism and dedication in their service that is hard to convey in words, especially to someone who may not be familiar with the military experience.

Phillips wanted to serve active duty, but life called him to serve in a diferent way. He has always been the kind of person that, “if this is something that’s needed, I accept the challenge.” However, he was always conficted over his decision, and likely many he knew that did go on to serve in Vietnam never came home. Part of Phillips believes he should have been there to help.

As

For Phillips, and many other service men and women,

you” just does not cover all of what can be said about what they have experienced, sacrifced and striven to become. But he has settled on a response that sums it all up for him: “You are worth it.”

Phillips says, “freedom isn’t free.”

“thank

Meade Phillips stands next to an M109 Howitzer. Photo courtesy Meade Phillips.

iroNs,

seWiNG machiNe truNks & maNy uNusual collectiBles some uNdiscovered! the house has sold so every- thiNG has to Be GoNe By 5/20! Wear WalkiNG shoes for the 3 BuildiNGs With uNeveN stairs & GrouNd But doN’t Wear White! No earlies cash

SPANGOLD RETRIEVERS. deliBerately Bred to huNt aNd/or Work. Both pareNts are akc & proveN huNters. $600.00. ready may 9th call or text 701-330-5466, iN darBy, trapper peak keNNels@Gmail com

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-762-1508

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-995-3572

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Of for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1855-601-2865

Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5Gand 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-419-7978.

Get your deduction ahead of the year-end! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855- 901-2620 today!

SWITCH AND SAVE

up to $250/year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with fexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time ofer - get $50 of on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-877-324-0193.

leads by example, general assignment and sports reporters. Contact Joshua Wood at wood.saratogasun@gmail.com

THE SELWAY BITTERROOT FRANK CHURCH FOUNDATION is looking for curious and energetic youth to join their new Youth Wilderness Program this summer! Four and sixday expeditions are open to 13 to 18 year olds from Montana or Idaho. Participants will be immersed in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and learn how to backpack and camp. They will engage the land in stewardship projects that help improve trail conditions and accessibility using traditional hand tools. No experience is necessary, and the program is completely free! Gear can even be provided. Learn more and apply by May 19 at www.selwaybitterroot. org.

WANTED TO BUY: Old Car, Truck, Motorcycle, also old signs and license plates, gas station items or dealership items. Call 406270-8630 any time.

Historic newspaper in Havre hiring for editor who

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Stella Tara Holm, Ashley Burgett, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-2024-17

Dept. No.: NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Stella Tara Holm to Stella Sue Burgett. The hearing will be on May 30, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 22nd day of April, 2024.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Kimberly Provence

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 5-1, 5-8, 5-15, 5-22-24.

MNAXLP

David T. Markette

MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 South First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110

DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com Attorneys for Petitioner MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ANNIE A. YENNE, Deceased.

Probate No. DP-41-20240000042-IT

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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Randy Maxwell, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

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

DATED this 26th day of April, 2024. /s/ Randy Maxwell

MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC

By: David T. Markette

Attorney for Personal Representative

BS 5-1, 5-8, 5-15-24.

MNAXLP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Purchase of and Removal of the two most northern horse stall buildings at Ravalli County Fairgrounds

The Ravalli County Fairgrounds will be accepting proposals for:

1. The purchase of the two most northern horse stall buildings, which will include deconstruction of and removal of these two horse stalls

2. Clean up shall include cleaning and clearing of all associated debris (screws, nails, wood, tin, metals, etc.).

3. The deconstruction, removal and clean must be completed by Friday, June 14, 2024

1. Sealed bids must be received at the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorders Ofce at 215 S. 4th Street, Second Floor, Hamilton, MT. 59840 by Friday May 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM. PLEASE mark on the outside sealed proposal bid envelope FAIRGROUNDS HORSE STALL PURCHASE AND REMOVAL, ALONG WITH YOUR COMPANY NAME.

2. Bids will then be opened and read aloud in the Commissioners Conference Room at 215 S. 4th Street - Third Floor on Monday May 13, 2024 at 9:00 AM

3. Possible Bid Award will be made by the Ravalli County Commissioners in the Conference Room on Wednesday May 15, 2024 at 9:30 AM. Please note: Once the Ravalli County Commissioners award the bid, the bid awardee will be required to provide the following to Ravalli County Fairgrounds Ofce PRIOR TO the deconstruction and removal: Payment of purchase (bid amount) Insurance coverage, to

include naming Ravalli County as additional insured Obtain a demolition permit from the City of Hamilton $50.00 (406-363-3316) The Ravalli County Commissioners reserve the right to accept or reject any or all bids. Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 5-1, 5-8-24. MNAXLP

Terry V. Perkins PO Box 537 Stevensville MT 59870 (406) 369-2618 perkins1948@gmail.com

Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF EDWARD K. PERKINS, Deceased.

Case No.: DP-24-40 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 (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Terry V. Perkins, P.O. Box 537, Stevensville, Montana 59870, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 29th day of April, 2024. /s/ Terry V. Perkins, Personal Representative State of Montana ) : ss County of Ravalli )

The attached record, Notice to Creditors, consisting of one (1) page, was signed before me on April 29, 2024 by Terry V. Perkins. /s/ Kaynie Nuttall

Notary Public for the State of Montana Residing at Corvallis, Montana

My commission expires October 03, 2025. BS 5-1, 5-8, 5-15-24. MNAXLP

OG-24-05-170

LEGAL NOTICE

The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on foodplain application FA-24-06 for work proposed within the FEMA regulated foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Ray Trollope. The project is proposing to install 740 of electrical line to serve a two-unit apartment located at 2622 US Highway 93 S, Darby, MT 59829 in Section 26, Township 4 North, Range 21 West, Ravalli County. Detailed information regarding this application is available for review at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt.gov) and must be received by May, 22nd 2024 by 5:00pm (Reference Application #FA-24-06). BS 5-8-24.

MNAXLP

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 email: wmziplip@gmail. com MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: JAMES B. PETERSON, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-2024-19 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Eric B. Peterson, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 1st day of May

2024. /s/ Eric B. Peterson

Personal Representative

BS 5-8, 5-15, 5-22-24. MNAXLP

Daniel Browder, Esq. BROWDER LAW, PLLC 217 N. 3rd St., Ste. J Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: 406-361-3677

Fax: 406-361-2999

browderlawmont@gmail.

com

Attorney for Mark Porter

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LAWRENCE DEAN PORTER, Deceased. Case No. DP-2024-48

Dept. No. 2

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

Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Mark Porter, return receipt requested, ℅: Browder Law PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 6th day of May, 2024.

BROWDER LAW, PLLC /s/ Daniel Browder, Attorney for Mark Porter, Personal Representative

BS 5-8, 5-15, 5-22-24.

MNAXLP

NOTICE

The 2nd half of the 2023 Real Estate Taxes are due payable before 5 PM, May 31, 2024. We have a Night Drop located at North end of Administration Building in drive thru. Mailed payments, must be postmarked by May 31, 2024 or the payment will be returned for penalty and interest.

Please make checks payable to the Ravalli County Treasurer. Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express cards are accepted. Also accepting online payments at www. Ravalli.us/196/Property-Tax.

Paying with Credit/Debit card will include a 2.15% convenience fee and $1.25 Transaction Fee.

Ravalli County Treasurer

Dan Whitesitt 215 S 4th St Ste H Hamilton MT 59840

406-375-6600

BS 5-8, 5-15, 5-22, 5-2924. MNAXLP

NOTICE

The frst half of the 2024 Mobile Home Taxes are due payable before 5 pm May 31, 2024. We have a Night Drop located at North end of Administration Building in drive thru. Mailed payments must be postmarked by May 31, 2024 or the payment will be returned for penalty and interest. Please make checks payable to the Ravalli County Treasurer. Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express cards are accepted. Also accepting online payments at www. Ravalli.us/196/Property-Tax.

Paying with Credit/Debit card will include a 2.15% convenience fee and $1.25 Transaction Fee.

Ravalli County Treasurer Dan Whitesitt 215 S 4th St Ste H Hamilton MT 59840

406-375-6600

BS 5-8, 5-15, 5-22, 5-2924. MNAXLP

OG-24-05-182

LEGAL NOTICE

The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a foodplain permit for the construction of a residential structure within the mapped foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The project will construct 68’ x 29.5’ residential structure and install the associated utilities. The residence will be connected to an existing septic system. The applicant is Melissa Fox. The project is located at 150 Sinopah Way, Hamilton, MT 59840 in Section 15, T04N, R21W, Ravalli County. Information regarding this permit is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4 th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or

emailed ( planning@rc.mt.gov ) and must be received by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, May 29th, 2024. Reference application # FA-24-04. BS 5-15-24.

MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of availability and public comment period on the Analysis of Brownfelds Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) document for the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking public comment on a document analyzing several options for cleanup of buildings at the North Valley Public Library located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville, Montana. The ABCA was prepared to address abatement of hazardous materials in the library buildings. Specifc goals of the ABCA include maintaining a safe operating environment and cleaning up the property to allow for future redevelopment. Preparation of the ABCA involved collaboration between the North Valley Library District, the Montana DEQ Brownfelds Program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfelds Program. Cleanup alternatives identifed in the ABCA include taking no abatement action, abatement of select asbestos and lead-based paint containing hazardous building materials that could present a potential hazard if accessed and disturbed, and abatement and removal of all asbestos and lead-based paint containing hazardous building materials in the buildings, whether or not they are accessible. DEQ is accepting public comments on the ABCA through May 29, 2024. For more information or to review the ABCA and associated documents, visit DEQ’s website at: https://deq.mt.gov/ News/publiccomment-folder/ Owen-5-7-24. Comments may be submitted electronically or by mail to: Colleen Owen, Brownfelds Program, Department of Environmental Quality, 655 Timber Wolf Parkway, Kalispell, MT 59901, (406) 7558954 or Cowen@mt.gov. REM 484422 BS 5-15-24.

MNAXLP

David T. Markette MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 South First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com

Attorneys for Petitioner MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JOANNE LEE FORD, Deceased.

Probate No. DP-24-50 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to BARRY E. PLATT, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

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

DATED this 7th day of May, 2024.

/s/ Barry E. Platt

MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC

By: David T. Markette

Attorney for Personal Representative

BS 5-15, 5-22, 5-29-24.

LEGAL NOTICE

White Cloud Ridge Major Subdivision. The proposal is a 29-lot major subdivision on 126.36 acres. The subdivision is located past the intersection of Alyssa Court going eastbound on Jenne Lane coming from Eight Mile Creek Road to the north. The subject property is located in the South ½ of Section 10, Township 10 North, Range 19 West, Prime Meridian Montana, Ravalli County, Montana. The applicant is Orion Ruckle –

Developer Representative and Subdivider for Judah Development, LLC and the consultant is Ron Ewart – Planner of Professional Consultants, Inc. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the below meeting, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The Ravalli County Planning Board conducted a Public Meeting to review the proposal on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. and the site-inspection for board members was held on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a Site-Inspection on Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. and a Public Hearing to review the proposal on Monday, June 3rd, 2024, whereas all meetings/hearings are in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the Administrative Center. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. However, please note that only under select circumstances will new information be allowed into the record after the public hearing.

BS 5-15-24.

MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

TO:

Occupant, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

Thomas N. Buchanan, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

Thomas N. Buchanan, P.O. Box 104, Victor, MT 598750104

Patrisha P. Buchanan, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

Patrisha P. Buchanan, P.O. Box 104, Victor, MT 598750104

Heirs of Verona Grace Buchanan, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

Heirs of Verona Grace Buchanan, P.O. Box 104, Victor, MT 59875-0104

Farmers State Bank, Attn: Mortgage Services, 3130 N Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808

Farmers State Bank of Montana, 103 Main St., Victor, MT 59875 Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000365 and Tax Code Parcel No. 876910 as follows: Lot 5, Block 10, Victor, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2020.

3. The property tax lien was attached on August 2, 2021.

4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on September 23, 2021.

5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $ 721.16

PENALTY: $ 47.59

INTEREST: $ 146.66

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $1,196.31

6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 2, 2024, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

7. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 2, 2024, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date.

8. Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.

9. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024. By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103 Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-8, 5-15-22. MNAXLP NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY TO:

Occupant, 1830 Hickory St., Pinesdale, MT 59841 Heirs of Vance Allred, 1830 Hickory St., Pinesdale, MT 59841 Vance Allred, ℅ Rick Jessop, P.O. Box 410193, Pinesdale, MT 59841-0193 Unifed Industries, Inc. P.O. Box 410149, PInesdale, MT 59841-0149 Unifed Industries, Inc., attn. Glen Allred, 1242 W 165820 S, Blufdale, UT 84065 Unifed Industries, Inc., ℅ Mark L. Jessop, Registered Agent, 1340 Main, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Erin Allred, 571 14th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Brenda Andra, 1680 Teak Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Chad Andra, 1680 Teak Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Michael Fehr,1639 Dogwood Drive, Pinesdale, MT 59841

Mike Fehr, 1531 Spruce Street, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Shalae Herbert, 300 Shady Brooke Dr., Pinesdale, MT 59841

Wendy Herbert, 410 W 28th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Ben Jessop, 207 32nd Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 James Jessop, 500 East 12th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Leon Jessop, 379 Shady Brooke Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Lisa Jessop, 730 W 30th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Micki Jessop, 302 Shady Brooke Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59841

Morris Jessop, 302 Shady Brooke Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59841

Morris Jessop, 300 Shady Brooke Drive, Pinesdale, MT 59841

Paula Jessop, 720 W 30th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Gary Lee, 199 14th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Peggy Lynch, 1388 Elm St, PInesdale, MT 59840 Joyce Mousley, 351 E 16th St., Pinesdale, MT 59841 John Powell, 151 27th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Stephen Stoker, 1047 30th St., Pinesdale, MT 59840 LaDaun Venema, 405 28th St., Pinesdale MT 59841 Nathan Venema, 799 W 30th St., Pinesdale, MT 59841 Rodney Venema, 373 Shady Brook Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59840

Sterling Venema, 2740 Meadow Creek Rd., Pinesdale, MT 59841

Sterling Venema, 405 28th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Chris Weidow, 370 Shady Brook Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59840

The Store, School, and Community Center, 1661/1665 Bowman Road, Pinesdale, MT 59841

Joan K. Mell, III Branches Law, 623 S 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840

Joan K. Mell, III Branches Law, P.O. Box 576, Hamilton, MT 59840

Reid J. Perkins, 321 W. Broadway St., Ste. 300, Missoula, MT 59802

Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840

Legals

Vance Allred, P.O. Box 4, Pinesdale, MT 59841-0193

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000640 and Tax Code

Parcel No. 1494900 as follows:

Improvements to the Real

Property described below:

The N½ of the NW¼ Section 34 and the S½ of the SW¼ of Section 27, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, Ravalli County, Montana.

Deed Reference: Book 27 Deeds, page 137.

EXCEPTING THERE-

FROM:

A tract of land located in the SW¼ of Section 27, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, being more particularly described as Parcel A, Certifcate of Survey No. 731055-R.

A tract of land located in the SW¼ of Section 27, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, being more particularly described as Parcel A, Certifcate of Survey No.

724078-R.

A tract of land located in the NW¼ of Section 34, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, being more particularly described as Parcel A, Certifcate of Survey No.

717595-R.

That tract of land defned by Book 119 Deeds, page 475.

That tract of land defned by Book 173 Deeds, page 880. Street address: 1830 Hickory Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841.

2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2020.

3. The property tax lien was attached on August 2, 2021.

4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022. 5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is: TAXES: $3,828.82 PENALTY: $ 490.32 INTEREST: $ 779.28 COST: $ 281.57

TOTAL: $5,379.99

6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 2, 2024, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

7. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 2, 2024, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

8. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024. By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-8, 5-15-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

TO: Occupant, 218 Werth Ln., Hamilton, MT 59840

Randy D. Eppinger, 232 Manhattan Street, Hamilton, MT 59840

Randy D. Eppinger, 218 Werth Ln., Hamilton, MT 59840

Billie D. Grady, 232 Manhattan Street, Hamilton, MT 59840

Billie D. Grady, 218 Werth Ln., Hamilton, MT 59840

First Security Bank of Missoula, a Division of Glacier Bank, 1704 Dearborn, Missoula, MT 59801

First Security Bank of Missoula, a Division of Glacier Bank, 49 Commons Loop, Kalispell, MT 59901-2679

Stewart Title of Ravalli County LLC, 1920 North First, Hamilton, MT 59840

(“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 2026, Flint, MI 48501-2026

(“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., 1901 E. Voorhees Street, Suite C, Danville, IL 61834

(“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., 3300 SW 34th Avenue, Suite 101, Ocala, FL 34474

(“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., 1818 Library St., Ste 300, Reston, VA 20190-628 Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000333 and Tax Code Parcel No. 783610 as follows: Lot 57, Werth Addition No. 3, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial plat recorded March 8, 1946.

2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2020.

3. The property tax lien was attached on August 3, 2021.

4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on September 23, 2021.

5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $ 963.03

PENALTY: $ 62.99

INTEREST: $ 195.66

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $1,502.58

6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 2, 2024, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

7. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 2, 2024, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

8. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024.

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-8, 5-15-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

TO:

Occupant, 466 Queens Way, Hamilton, MT 59840

Larry A. Morris, 466 Queens Way, Hamilton, MT 59840

Marlene Y. Morris, 466 Queens Way, Hamilton, MT 59840

Larry A. Morris, 19214 SE 384th, Auburn, WA 98092

Marlene Y. Morris, 19214 SE 384th, Auburn, WA 98092

Larry A. Morris, c/o Tim Morris, 718 Grifn Ave., Ste. 937, Enumclaw, WA 98022

Marlene Y. Morris, c/o Tim Morris, 718 Grifn Ave., Ste. 937, Enumclaw, WA 98022

Marlene Y. Morris, 1402

Auburn Way N, Suite 2, Auburn, WA 98002

Marlene Y. Morris, 1402

Auburn Way N, Suite 387, Auburn, WA 98002

Larry A. Morris, 1402 Auburn Way N, Suite 2, Auburn, WA 98002

Larry A. Morris, 1402

Auburn Way N, Suite 387, Auburn, WA 98002

Northwest Financial Group, 1402 Auburn Way North, Suite 442, Auburn, WA 98002

Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000086 and Tax Code Parcel No. 179900 as follows:

A tract of land in the NW¼NW¼ of Section 35, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as Tract 2, Certifcate of Survey No. 2109. Street address: 466 Queens Way, Hamilton, MT 59840.

2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2020.

3. The property tax lien was attached on August 3, 2021.

4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on September 23, 2021.

5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $ 4,193.99

PENALTY: $ 237.95

INTEREST: $ 792.12

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $5,504.96

6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 2, 2024, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

7. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 2, 2024, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

8. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024.

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

BS 5-8, 5-15-24.

MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

TO:

Occupant, 1209 Iron Cap Dr., Stevensville, MT 59870

Justin O. Cameron, 1209 Iron Cap Dr., Stevensville, MT 59870

Justin O. Cameron, P.O. Box 1075, Stevensville, MT 59870-1075

Heirs and Assigns of Del Cameron, 1209 Iron Cap Dr., Stevensville, MT 59870

Heirs and Assigns of Martha Cameron, 1209 Iron Cap Dr., Stevensville, MT 59870

Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-212, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate No. 2020000162 and Tax Code

Parcel No. 353200 as follows:

Lot 2, Iron Cap Ranches No. 1, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial plat recorded January 12, 1973, as Instrument No. 195693.

Street address: 1209 Iron Cap Drive, Stevensville, MT 59870.

2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2020.

3. The property tax lien was attached on August 2, 2021.

4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on September 23, 2021.

5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $2,141.72

PENALTY: $ 139.67

INTEREST: $ 425.34

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $2,987.63

6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 2, 2024, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

7. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 2, 2024, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date.

8. Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.

9. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024.

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

BS 5-8, 5-15-24.

MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY TO: Occupant, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

Thomas N. Buchanan, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

Thomas N. Buchanan, P.O. Box 104, Victor, MT 598750104

Patrisha P. Buchanan, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

Patrisha P. Buchanan, P.O. Box 104, Victor, MT 598750104

Heirs of Verona Grace Buchanan, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

Heirs of Verona Grace Buchanan, P.O. Box 104, Victor, MT 59875-0104

Farmers State Bank, Attn: Mortgage Services, 3130 N Reserve St., Missoula, MT 59808 Farmers State Bank of Montana, 103 Main St., Victor, MT 59875 Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000366 and Tax Code Parcel No. 876920 as follows: Lot 6, Block 10, Victor, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

tice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $ 721.16

PENALTY: $ 47.59

INTEREST: $ 146.66

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $1,196.31

6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 2, 2024, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

7. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 2, 2024, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date.

8. Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.

9. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024.

By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

BS 5-8, 5-15-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY TO: NO OCCUPANT Ryan Duarte, 492 Roaring Lion, Hamilton, MT 59840 Ryan Duarte, 116 Alberta Way, Victor, MT 59875-9406 Catherine Duarte, 492 Roaring Lion, Hamilton, MT 59840 Catherine Duarte, 116 Alberta Way, Victor, MT 598759406

Amerisave Mortgage Corporation, 3525 Piedmont Rd NE, 8 Piedmont Center, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30305

Amerisave Mortgage Corporation, 1200 Altmore Avenue, Building 2, Suite 300, Sandy Springs, GA 3034

Amerisave Mortgage Corporation, c/o Corporation Service Company, 26 W Sixth Ave., Helena, MT 59624-1691 (“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 2026 , Flint, MI 48501-2026

(“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., 1901 E. Voorhees Street, Suite C, Danville, IL 61834

(“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., 3300 SW 34th Avenue, Suite 101, Ocala, FL 34474

(“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., 1818 Library St. Ste 300, Reston, VA 20190-6280

Westcor Land Title Insurance Company, 875 Concourse Parkway South,, Suite 200, Maitland, FL 3275

Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000391 and Tax Code Parcel No. 936890 as follows: A tract of land located in the SW¼NE¼ of Section 30, Township 8 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana and being more particularly described as Parcel B, Certifcate of Survey No. 4322-A.

5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $ 609.60

$ 38.48

$ 280.90 TOTAL: $1,056.94

6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 2, 2024, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

7. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 2, 2024, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

8. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024. By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-8, 5-15-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY TO: NO OCCUPANT

Harold W. Sealund, P.O. Box 297, Borrego Springs, CA 92004

Harold W. Sealund, 16639 Lawson Valley Rd, Jamul, CA 91935-2417

Harold W. Sealund, 4831 W 31st Ln, Yuma, AZ 853647413

Ronald E. Beidler, c/o Harold W. Sealund, 16639 Lawson Valley Rd, Jamul, CA 91935-2417 Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000466 and Tax Code Parcel No. 1070100 as follows: The S½ of N½ of N½ of NW¼ of Section 23, Township 3 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana lying easterly of east line of the North Fork of

2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2020.

3. The property tax lien was attached on August 2, 2021.

4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on September 23, 2021.

5. As of the date of this no-

2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2020.

3. The property tax lien was attached on August 2, 2021.

4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on September 23, 2021.

Ballots mailed to registered absentee voters

On Friday, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen said counties across the state mailed absentee ballots to registered absentee voters. Ballot packets were mailed to more than 450,000 registered absentee voters.

“State and local election ofcials are honored to serve our Montana voters during this primary election cycle,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “All eligible Montanans are encouraged to have their voices heard by participating in our primary election. State and local election ofcials are here to answer questions and ensure safe, secure, transparent, and

accessible elections for all Montanans.”

“Thank you to the Montana Elections Team – the staf at the Secretary of State’s Ofce and our county election ofcials – and thank you to the volunteers who assisted with preparing absentee ballot packets,” continued Secretary Jacobsen.

During the primary election, voters may choose only one party ballot to vote. Voted ballots must be received by county election ofcials by 8 p.m. on election day, June 4. If voters have questions, including receiving, voting, and returning their ballot, they may contact their county election ofce.

Contact information is available on the Secretary of State’s website and at VoteMT.gov.

Voters may also check their registration information, fnd sample ballots, and track their ballots online.

“Good luck to candidates who chose to run for ofce and serve their communities,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “To the hundreds of thousands of voters across Montana, thank you for participating in our important electoral process of selecting representation for our communities and state. Thanks for voting, Montana.”

LAWSUIT: Commissioners face legal ramifcations

Continued from page 1

of 33 new septic systems, and application materials failed to provide sufcient water resource data required under the law.

Plaintifs are asking the Court for an order declaring void ab initio Ravalli County’s approval of the Sapphire Valley Estates preliminary plat and remanding for reconsideration in light of its lawful mandates as well as a determination and declaration that the approval of the preliminary plat was illegal, arbitrary and capricious, and violates the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act as well as a determination and declaration that it failed to satisfy its own subdivision regulations.

Plaintifs are also seeking determinations and declarations:

- that the county’s approval of the preliminary plat violated citizens’ fundamental rights to meaningful public participation, to a clean and healthful environment, and to adequate remedies of law, because failing to assure compilation of a sufcient application or publication of all application materials harms the public’s ability to be informed of a decision’s impacts or meaningfully participate, and because the county’s failure to perform mandatory impact analyses threatens unreasonable depletion and degradation.

- that the county’s subdivision regulations do not comply with §76-3-501(i) of Montana Code Annotated because they do not provide for the “avoidance of subdivisions that would involve unnecessary environmental degradation” by failing to account for the cumulative impacts of individual wells and septic systems.

- that the Montana Consti-

8. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024. By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN

TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-8, 5-15-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

TO: Occupant, 1554 East Fork Road, Sula, MT 59871

Cody L. Houston, 1554 East Fork Road, Sula, MT 59871

Cody L. Houston, 119 W. 7th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Justin R. Houston, 1554 East Fork Road, Sula, MT 59871

tution and state law require a county to review the cumulative impacts of a proposed subdivision in conjunction with other existing and pending subdivisions. In a recent District Court decision in Broadwater County in favor of litigants against Broadwater County and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (Upper Missouri Water Keepers, et al versus Broadwater County & DNRC), District Court Judge Michael McMahon ruled the county’s approval of that subdivision arbitrary and capricious. In that case McMahon concluded, “The environmental assessment includes only the barest information about water resources; omits necessary information about waters’ health and interaction; fails to consider the impact of exempt wells; and arbitrarily limits its analysis to only the property itself and not neighboring landowners and waters. The County failed to review numerous specifc, documentable, and clearly defned impacts to ‘agriculture… the natural environment, wildlife, wildlife habitat, and public health and safety’ raised by citizens, employees and even Commissioners. Although ultimate entitlement to an exempt well is determined by DNRC, the County’s failure to analyze the factual existence and legal appropriability of water for a proposed subdivision abrogates its statutory duty to ‘adopt and provide for the enforcement and administration of subdivision regulations reasonably providing for… the provision of adequate… water… [and] the avoidance of subdivisions that would… lack of water’.”

This recent court deci-

Justin R. Houston, 119 W. 7th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Justin R. Houston, 224 W 10th St., Port Angeles, WA 98362

Estate of Douglas W. Houston, c/o Suzanne Nebeker, Personal Representative, 1554 East Fork Road, Sula, MT 59871

Suzanne Nebeker, Personal Representative of the Estate of Douglas W. Houston, c/o W. Cecil Jones, P.C., 3116 Carrigan Lane, Dillon, MT 59725

Douglas W. Houston, 5604 Bridger Ct #18, Missoula, MT 59803-3043

Suzanne Nebeker, 51 N. Banker Rd, Salmon, ID 83467 Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000534 and Tax Code Parcel No. 1212050 as follows:

A tract of land being a portion of Tracts A, B and D, of Homestead Entry Survey No. 946 located in Section 32, Township 2 North, Range 18 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana and being more particularly described as Parcel 4, Certifcate of Survey No. 4207A.

Street address: 1554 East Fork Road, Sula, MT 59871.

2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2020. 3. The property tax lien

sion was a recurring theme throughout the discussions concerning the Sapphire Valley Estates Subdivision. Ravalli County Commissioner Greg Chilcott stated on the fnal day of discussions, “This District Court Decision out of Broadwater County has really thrown a whole new level into the middle of the process in the way that we are expected to do a review. It puts the landowner and his contractors in a tough spot and it puts neighbors in a new position. But it’s in mid-stream and that’s where we are really struggling up here. How do we change gears mid-stream on a court decision 160 miles away from us that may or may not be an impact or may or may not be upheld by our court and afect the way we do business? Heretofore we have had Department of Environmental Quality as our reviewing entity or agency with the expertise, the knowledge and the broad base of studies to review consistently and without being arbitrary and capricious across the state of Montana and made those determinations. Now all of a sudden, some judge in Broadwater County decides to turn all that on its ear and say that we are going to throw local government under the bus to do some higher level of analysis that, quite frankly, many local governments don’t have the capacity or staf to do that analysis. That puts us in a position where…”

Chilcott’s statement, 25 minutes into a fve-and-ahalf-hour discussion, was suddenly cut short for those listening and participating on-line on Ravalli County’s Granicus live-streaming website. The video record is silent for the remaining fve hours.

was attached on August 2, 2021.

4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on September 23, 2021.

5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $3,898.06

PENALTY: $ 232.82

INTEREST: $ 702.82

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $5,114.60

6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 2, 2024, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

7. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 2, 2024, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

8. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

The meeting was simultaneously being conducted on the Zoom live streaming platform, but no record of that Zoom meeting was recorded. The County Administrator’s minutes do not include any of the public comments made during that fve-hour discussion.

Michael Howell, Executive Director of the Bitterroot River Protection Association, who participated on both the Granicus and Zoom platforms, said he was disappointed that his comments and questions cannot be found in the public record.

“No one is being thrown under the bus here in Ravalli County,” said Howell. “The commissioners got themselves into this position by shirking their duty to analyze these potential impacts before approving the subdivision, and consistently foisting that responsibility on state agencies after the fact. When DEQ approves these permits based solely on the declaration that they are legally exempt from review, it means that the subdivision and the permits were approved and built out without any environmental analysis of the potential impacts on the aquifer or nearby streams.

“If the commissioners continue down this path, the cumulative impacts upon the river could be disastrous and potentially impact the entire river and the entire population of Ravalli County. Montanans have a constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment, and so, too, county government has a responsibility to fully analyze the potential impacts of a new subdivision and base its decision-making on facts.”

For further information contact Michael Howell at

DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024. By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103 Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-8, 5-15-24. MNAXLP

Local Growers Guide

Local Growers Guide

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

1.PINK GRIZZLY GREENHOUSE

Phone: 406-728-3370

Lolo Location: 11454 Highway 93 South, Lolo. Next to Dairy Queen across from Lolo School. Open May 8 through July 5th each year.

Missoula Location since 1955: 1400 Wyoming Street, Missoula on the corner of Russell and Wyoming Street. Open March 1 through December 22 each year.

• Bedding Plants: Very large selection of annual and perennial fowers. Alyssum, petunias, pansies, marigolds, begonias. Colorful fower baskets and planters. Custom planting available

• Vegetable and herb starts: Organic and conventional. Tomato, pepper, broccoli, cabbage, kale, artichoke, rhubarb, basil, lavender, rosemary, thyme, cucumbers, squash, cantaloupe, melons, zucchini, and many more!

• Seed: organic and conventional. Many varieties of vegetables. Certifed organic seed potatoes

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries

• Fruit trees, Shade trees, and Shrubs: Apple, cherry, plum, maple trees, aspen, honey locust, crabapple. Potentilla, barberry

• Fertilizer and pest control products, organic and conventional

• Garden tools: shovels, rakes, trowels, deer fence, tree protectors

• Decorative pots, gifts

• Potting soil, peat moss, soil pep bag products

• List of DEER RESISTANT plants!!!

2. WAYNE HERMAN TREES

Call Wayne for more information 531-9009. Just south of the stoplight in Florence.

Open May - July 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. everyday. Come check out our FRESH selection of Maple Trees. We also carry most deciduous trees.

3. BROWN’S GREENHOUSE

Family owned & operated. Wholesale & retail. (406) 241-8360 or (406) 531-5210 • 5629 Lower Woodchuck, Florence (8 Mile community, follow signs 1.5 miles north from Eastside Hwy, north of the roundabout.)

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Closed Sundays

Mid April through June while supplies last Eight large greenhouses full of annual bedding plant packs, pots and hanging baskets:

• Flowers including pack petunias, marigolds, pansies, alyssum, 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

• Ofcial Proven Winner Grower!

• Large specialty planters and color bowls for Mother’s Day

Hwy 93

7. NATURE’S ENHANCEMENT, INC. (406) 777-3560 • 2980 Eastside Hwy. (corner of Bell Crossing & Eastside Hwy.)

fower, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins.

11. Beautiful Baskets & More

246 Christoferson Lane, Corvallis

Florence Stevensville

Rd

Public Welcome - Open M-F 8 am - 3:30 pmSome Saturdays.

509-936-2706 & 509-936-0963

Direct grower prices. Nursery and full-service landscape company. Landscape Services: Complete landscape services including lawn installation, sprinkler systems, custom rock walls, and planting services. We also build patios, decks, fre pits, retaining walls, pathways and water features. Tree services and moving also available!

12. K&S Greenhouse

Nursery: We specialize in Rocky Mountain natives and hardy plant material including instant shade trees, large evergreens, fruit trees, blooming shrubs, colorful groundcovers and wildfowers. Plant sizes range from a 1-gallon container up to a 30-ft. B&B tree. Located on 40 acres in Stevensville. Major credit cards accepted. For examples of landscape projects and our plant catalog visit: www.naturesenhancementinc.com

13. Bitterroot Nursery

961-3806 • 3 miles North of Hamilton on the Eastside Hwy.

8. SHADY REST GREENHOUSE (406) 802-4637 - 1911 Eastside Hwy, Corvallis

Come choose from over 100 handmade beautiful baskets. These baskets are some beauty to your deck or patio this summer. We specialize in hanging baskets, bowls, etc. Also check out our large selection of healthy vegetables for your Open 6 days a week. Monday - Saturday Look for our sign on Eastside Highway

961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, a half mile east of the Pharaoplex Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. K&S Greenhouse has the healthiest plants in the Bitterroot — and best variety baskets and deck planters. They carry vegetable seeds, onion sets and Montana-certifed seed potatoes. They also have herbs and vegetable starts – including 25 tomatoes. Check out their extensive selection of annual and perennial plants, nursery featuring small-caliber ornamental trees, fruit trees and shrubs. www.ksgreenhouse. com

Large selection of locally-grown trees and shrubs, vegetables, bedding plants, kets, perennials, annuals, pottery, garden ornaments, landscape supplies, mulch Open M-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-5, closed Sundays.

Open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

14. Evans Ace Hardware

Eastside Hwy

Open since 1958, Shady Rest Greenhouse has been helping grow successful gardens in the valley for 66 years. Carrying a large variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, baskets, shrubs, soil and ground cover and more.

363-3351 • 714 N. First (on Hwy 93) Hamilton Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 Days a week

Victor Corvallis

9. MOELLER’S NURSERY

406-961-3389 • Since 1971 • ¾ miles South of Corvallis on Eastside Hwy. Check out Mo ellersnursery.com

fower, broccoli, 11. Beautiful 246 Christoferson 509-936-2706 Come choose some beauty bowls, etc. Open 6 days Look for our 12. K&S 961-1612 • Open Monday K&S Greenhouse baskets and fed seed potatoes. tomatoes. Check nursery featuring com 13. Bitterroot 961-3806

Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood gardening headquarters and Premier dealership. Our certifed garden team includes graduates from the SCOTTS They are eager to answer your lawn and gardening questions. Our greenhouse selection of local annuals, perennials, herbs, as well as Montana grown vegetables Brown’s Greenhouse in Florence. Glacier Nursery will be supplying an assortment and shrubs. Convenient bags of soils and amendments are piled high. Evans Ace Understands that spending time in your garden isn’t all about work. everything you need to relax and entertain outdoors as well. Add to your bragging rights with grills and accessories from TRAEGER and WEBER. ensure you consistent value throughout the growing season with national sales now until August. Forget mail in rebates!

93 Darby Main St. Park Popham Ln

Open every day in season – April through November (while supplies last)

Bedding plants – Large selection of annual & perennial bedding plants: pansies, petunias, lobelia, asters, impatiens, dahlias, geraniums, moss roses, marigolds, alyssum, begonias, osteospernum, and more. Large selection of hanging baskets featuring begonias, fuchsias, super petunias & mixed baskets. Perennials - 140 varieties including bleeding hearts, peonies, columbine, daisies, delphinlupine, sedum, and ornamental grasses. Vegetable bedding plants – Large variety that produce well in the Bitterroot: 50 varieties of tomatoes. 37 varieties of peppers, cukes, melons, squash, broccoli and herbs. MT certifed seed potatoes, strawberry plants, asparagus roots.

Take advantage of “INSTANT SAVINGS” for all our rewards members. Stop in and see the newest member of the family, now a Cub Cadet Dealer!

15. COOKS’ Gardens, the Greenhouse 363-0212

Golf Course

177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton. Conveniently located just 2 blocks of of A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens ofers a selection of unique annuals, perennials, grasses, ornamental succulents, over 20 varieties of tomatoes, other yard art and containers. Always friendly, always helpful, we can recommend 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

10. Moeller’s Nursery 406-961-3389 • Since 1971 • ¾ miles South of Corvallis on Eastside Hwy. Online ordering at Moellersnursery.com

Open every day in season – April through November (while supplies last)

• Look for our plants at local garden centers in the Bitterroot and Missoula. www.brownsgreeenhousemt.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram

4. COTTAGE GARDEN GREENHOUSE

Skalkaho

Nursery stock – Shade trees, fruit trees, fowering trees and shrubs. Lilac bushes. Potentillas. Rhubarb plants, gooseberry, raspberry, grape, currant, and honeyberry. Save now on bare root trees and shrubs.

Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds.

Bedding plants – Large selection of annual & perennial bedding plants: pansies, petunias, lobelia, asters, impatiens, dahlias, geraniums, moss roses, marigolds, alyssum, begonias, osteospernum, and more. Large selection of hanging baskets featuring begonias, fuchsias, super petunias & mixed baskets.

777-3061 • 5034 Eastside Hwy. Stevensville, halfway between Stevensville and Florence. Open Mon. to Sat. 9am to 6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm

Sleeping Child RD

Produce – A complete line available in season. Specializing in super sweet sweet corn, caulifower, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins.

Perennials - 120 varieties including bleeding hearts, peonies, columbine, daisies, delphinium, Lupin, sedum, and ornamental grasses.

With over 30 years of growing in the Bitterroot Valley, CGG provides the best plants and customer service for long-time locals and new-comers alike. Stock up on everything you need for your berry, herb and vegetable gardens then be ready for an abundant feast this summer/fall. Locally grown annuals, hanging baskets, perennials, Montana-hardy roses, and fowering shrubs blooming in every shade imaginable. Visit our website cottagegardengreenhouse.com or follow us on facebook for weekly specials and local gardening advice.

10. K&S GREENHOUSE

10. Moeller’s Nursery 406-961-3389 • Since 1971 • ¾ miles South of Corvallis on Eastside Hwy. Online ordering at Moellersnursery.com

Vegetable bedding plants – Large variety that produce well in the Bitterroot: tomatoes, peppers, cukes, melons, squash, broccoli and herbs. MT certifed seed potatoes, strawberry plants, asparagus roots. Wall-o-water plant protectors.

961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, a half mile east of the Pharaohplex Theater.

Open every day in season – April through November (while supplies last)

16. The Scented Garden and Greenhouse Owner Sandie Fleischmann 406-363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Hamilton (just of Grantsdale Road, 2 blocks 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 ing large hardy perennials, and bedding plants too numerous to mention. Gorgeous baskets, deck and container pots. Organic vegetables too! We give you ideas look, with color all year long, that adds quality to your home. Open for the season until October. If you haven’t seen our beautiful gardens, please stop by! You few gardening ideas.

Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm.

Nursery stock – Shade trees, fruit trees, fowering trees and shrubs. Lilac bushes. Potentillas. Rhubarb plants, gooseberry, raspberry, grape, currant, and honeyberry. Save now on bare root trees and shrubs.

Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds.

• Large selection of Montana hardy berry plants

• Locally grown annuals

Bedding plants – Large selection of annual & perennial bedding plants: pansies, petunias, lobelia, asters, impatiens, dahlias, geraniums, moss roses, marigolds, alyssum, begonias, osteospernum, and more. Large selection of hanging baskets featuring begonias, fuchsias, super petunias & mixed baskets.

Produce – A complete line available in season. Specializing in super sweet sweet corn, cauli-

• Tomatoes - 28 varieties of cherries, heirlooms & hybrids

• Vegetable starts from asparagus to zucchini

• Hanging baskets for sun or shade

• Perennials that will fourish in your landscape

• Select blooming and shade trees

Call or stop by with your ideas and questions today!

Now accepting VISA/MC.

5. SUPER 1 FOODS

777-7300 • 39 Stevensville Cutof Rd • Stevensville 363-6200 • 1131 N. 1st Street • Hamilton

Open 7 days a week.

Great selection of quality plants, good prices, and great selections of annuals, vegetables, and new plants weekly from asters to zinnias. Garden supplies and art.

6. STEVENSVILLE COUNTRY STORE

406-777-5527 • 3673 Eastside Hwy - Just south of Stevensville on Eastside Hwy.

Open Monday - Saturday 8am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm - countrystore.net

From feed to seed to fencing and hardware, your local Country Store in Stevensville is here for all your Spring needs! We work hard to stock our shelves with the highest quality products from well-respected brands. We have seeds from Burpee, Botanical Interest, BSG Bailey, Rainier Seeds. We also have bedding plants, gardening supplies, and much, much more. And don’t forget about our wide selection of Pet and Livestock Feed supplies. Our friendly and knowledgeable staf is here to deliver a positive customer experience - we have the expertise to help you with all your challenging Spring projects. We look forward to serving you!

K&S Greenhouse has the healthiest plants in the Bitterroot — and best variety of hanging baskets and deck planters. They carry vegetable seeds, onion sets and Montana-certifed seed potatoes. They also have herbs and vegetable starts – including 25 varieties of tomatoes. Check out their extensive selection of annual and perennial plants, as well as their nursery featuring small-caliber ornamental trees, fruit trees and shrubs. www.ksgreenhouse.com

Perennials - 120 varieties including bleeding hearts, peonies, columbine, daisies, delphinium, Lupin, sedum, and ornamental grasses.

11. BITTERROOT NURSERY

961-3806 • 3 miles North of Hamilton on the Eastside Hwy.

Vegetable bedding plants – Large variety that produce well in the Bitterroot: tomatoes, peppers, cukes, melons, squash, broccoli and herbs. MT certifed seed potatoes, strawberry plants, asparagus roots. Wall-o-water plant protectors.

50+ years of the Bitterroot’s best selection of locally-grown trees and shrubs, vegetables, bedding plants, hanging baskets, perennials, annuals, pottery, garden ornaments, landscape supplies, mulch and more! Open M-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-5, closed Sundays.

Nursery stock – Shade trees, fruit trees, fowering trees and shrubs. Lilac bushes. Potentillas. Rhubarb plants, gooseberry, raspberry, grape, currant, and honeyberry. Save now on bare root trees and shrubs.

Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds.

12. EVANS ACE HARDWARE

Produce – A complete line available in season. Specializing in super sweet sweet corn, cauli-

363-3351 • 714 N. First (on Hwy 93) Hamilton

Open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon - Sat and 8 a.m - 5 p.m. on Sunday

Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood gardening headquarters and Premier level STIHL dealership. Our certifed garden team is eager to answer your lawn and gardening questions. Our greenhouse has a full selection of local annuals, perennials, herbs, as well as Montana grown vegetables from Brown’s Greenhouse in Florence. Glacier Nursery will be supplying an assortment of trees and shrubs. Convenient bags of soils and amendments are piled high. Evans Ace understands that spending time in your garden isn’t all about work. We have everything you need to relax and entertain outdoors as well. Add to your bragging rights with grills and accessories from TRAEGER, WEBER, BIG GREEN EGG, GOZNEY, BREEO and More! We can ensure you consistent value throughout the growing season with national sales events from now until August. Forget mail in rebates! Take advantage of “INSTANT SAVINGS” for all our rewards members.

13. COOKS’ GARDENS, THE GREENHOUSE

363-0212

177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton. Conveniently located just 2 blocks of of Highway 93.

A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens ofers a selection of unique annuals, deer resistant perennials, grasses, succulents, over 30 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

S. Kootenai Ck

Middle Burnt Fork Rd Miles Ave E. Tanner

Bitterroot Star - Spring in the Bitterroot

National Forest program brings young people into wilderness

The Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation (SBFC), a partner of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, has launched a new program to introduce young people to the power of wilderness. The Youth Wilderness Expedition program is now accepting applicants for 24 slots for young people between the ages of 13 and 18. Youth Program Director Ian Harris said, “We’ve taken youth from around the country into the wilderness for years, but we’ve never focused on local teens. This year, we’re focused on local youth who live in communities neighboring the wildernesses we help steward.”

The program is explicitly designed to break down barriers of experience and economics that prevent young people from building bonds with the wilderness in their backyard.

“The program is totally free, gear, food and transportation included. We will teach the participants how to backpack. The goal of the program is to create the next generation of wilderness advocates and users. We hope that young people will fall in love with the wilderness,” Harris explained.

The program will consist of two expeditions, one for six people, ages 13-15 will go to Moore’s Lake in the Gospel Hump from July 16-19 and

a second trip for people ages 15-18 will go to the Cove Lakes in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. While on the trip, young people will learn about traditional tools and will perform more than 30 hours of community service that benefts the wilderness and the forests. Play will be equally important.

“If you just want to go out and have fun and swim in a lake, we’d love for you to participate,” Harris stated.

Applications are due by May 17 and more information and applications can be found here: https://tinyurl. com/2dxf9h73. Harris explained what makes a good candidate.

“We want someone who is enthusiastic for personal growth, exploring the wilderness, and getting outside of your comfort zone,” said Harris. “If you’re eager to enjoy nature and disconnect, that’s what we’re looking for. We hope participants will be enthusiastic about learning backpacking and some of the basic skills that are necessary to work in the wilderness.”

SBFC Executive Director, Ryan Ghelf, sees this program as a launch pad for future expeditions.

“Our long-term vision is to expand this program over time if there is demand from local youth in our frst year,” said Ghelf.

Photo courtesy Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.

• Proven

- Passed most bills of all frst-term legislators.

- Ranked in top 15 of all 100 Montana Representatives.

• Conservative

- Cut funding for unneeded state positions.

- Held spending growth to less than the infation rate.

- Reduced state regulation of local government.

- Supported healthcare reform that helps low-income workers, aids small business, and protects Montana’s hospitals.

• Leader

- Waged successful campaign to expand veteran services.

- Chairing a key education subcommittee.

- Leading the efort to