Bitterroot Star - May 22, 2024

NIH study shows Chronic Wasting Disease unlikely to move from animals to people

by Michael Howell

Thanks to the work of scientists at Rocky Mountain Lab in Hamilton, Montana hunters can feel a lot more at ease eating their venison this coming season. Ever since Chronic Wasting Disease – a fatal, infectious neurodegenerative disease that is highly transmissible among cervids such as deer, elk and moose – entered Montana, there has been a cloud of concern over the question of whether the disease could be transmitted to humans by eating the meat of an infected animal. A new study released last week, using a human cerebral organoid model, suggests there is a substantial species barrier preventing that kind of transmission. The findings, from National Institutes of Health scientists and published in ”Emerging Infectious Diseases,” are consistent with decades of similar research in animal models at the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

It was a scary prospect. Prion diseases are degenerative diseases found in some mammals. These diseases primarily involve deterioration of the brain but also can affect the eyes and other organs. Disease and death occur when abnormal proteins fold, clump together, recruit other prion proteins to do the same, and eventually destroy the central nervous system. Currently, there are no preventive or therapeutic treatments for prion diseases.

There was reason to be concerned as well, because during the mid-1980s and mid-1990s a different prion disease – bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease – emerged in cattle in the United Kingdom (U.K.) and cases also were detected in cattle in other countries, including the United States. Over the next decade, 178 people in the U.K. who were thought to have eaten BSE-infected beef developed a new form of a human prion disease, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, and died. Researchers later determined that the disease had spread among cattle through feed tainted with infectious prion protein. The disease transmission path from feed to cattle to people terrified U.K. residents and put the world on alert for other prion diseases transmitted from animals to people, including CWD. CWD is the most transmissible of the prion disease family, showing highly efficient transmission between cervids.

Historically, scientists have used mice, hamsters, squirrel monkeys and cynomolgus macaques to mimic prion diseases in people, sometimes monitoring animals for signs of CWD for more than a decade. In 2019, NIAID scientists at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton developed a human cerebral organoid model of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease to evaluate potential treatments and

Above, a researcher holds a flask containing human cerebral organoids similar to those used in the CWD study (Credit: NIAID).

Below, the top frames illustrate the validated study model, where CJD brain matter (in red) infected the organoid. The bottom frames represent the uninfected organoid after exposure to infectious CWD matter. (Credit: NIAID).

to study specific human prion diseases. Human cerebral organoids are small spheres of human brain cells ranging in size from a poppy seed to a pea. Scientists grow organoids in dishes from human skin cells. The organization, structure, and electrical signaling of cerebral organoids are similar to brain tissue. They are currently the closest available laboratory model to the human brain. Because organoids can survive

in a controlled environment for months, scientists use them to study nervous system diseases over time. Cerebral organoids have been used as models to study other diseases, such as Zika virus infection, Alzheimer’s disease, and Down syndrome.

In the new CWD study, the bulk of which was done in 2022 and 2023, the research team validated the study model by successfully infecting human cerebral organoids with human CJD prions (positive control). Then, using the same laboratory conditions, they directly exposed healthy human cerebral organoids for seven days with high concentrations of CWD prions from white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, and normal brain matter (negative control). The researchers then observed the organoids for up to six months, and none became infected with CWD.

“We are optimistic,” said lead author of the study Cathryn Haigh, chief of the Prion Cell Biology Unit in NIAID’s Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity. “Ever since we developed the human organoid model we thought that it was a good idea to see if CWD infectious proteins could infect the human organoids. I can’t imagine a situation in which a human brain would ever get an exposure [to such high concentrations] like that. So, the fact that the organoids didn’t get an infection is a very promising sign of a very strong species barrier.” Making it extremely unlikely to contract a prion disease because of inadvertently eating CWD-infected cervid meat.

The latest study does not, however, put a nail in the coffin to the question as to whether CWD might in some rare cases be transmissible to humans who have some special susceptibility or transform itself into a version that is more easily transmittable to humans.

“The study has a number of limitations,” said Haigh. “One of them is rare genotypes in humans that might be susceptible.” She said they were currently looking into one of those rare genotypes.

“We also think that, theoretically, if you were to eat CWD it would infect your guts before it infected your brain,” said Haigh. “So, we want to have a look at human organoid gut tissues to see if maybe that tissue was susceptible. If it is not, then that would make it extremely unlikely that the disease would be able to jump.”

“There is also the possibility that a new strain may emerge,” she said. “We hope not. But if they do, we can look at those with this model as well.”

Lady Elks donate to Emma’s House

The Bitterroot Valley Lady Elks held a quilt raffle to raise funds for Emma’s House in Hamilton. Emma’s House is a non-profit Children’s Advocacy Center that provides compassionate care to children who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event.

The quilt was donated by Reta Rockenfelder who also designed the beautiful black and gray quilt featuring cardinals. The drawing for the quilt was held at the Valentines Dinner held at the Elks Lodge on February 14th. Diane Howe, a Lady Elk, won the quilt. The Lady Elks raised $500 in ticket sales and received an additional $200 from attendees at the meal. With an additional donation by the Lady Elks, a check in the amount of $1,000 was presented to Katie Guenzler, Communication Coordinator of Emma’s House, by Lady Elks President Ann Seymour and quilt winner Diane

Howe. The Lady Elks will be conducting

Ann Seymour, Lady Elks President, Katie Guenzler, Communication Coordinator for Emma’s House, and Diane Howe, winner of the quilt.

down and dirty. It’s also hard work. What happens to issues and concerns from voters? Does the focus on voters’ needs wane in the excitement of mucking for opinion?

Consider Wayne Rusk. He speaks about issues and goals. He also speaks from experience. When Wayne first arrived in the State Legislature, he described it as being “dropped in a washing machine on agitate!” But, he loved it. And he wants to go back for more. As a newcomer, Wayne was given two older and seasoned roommates in Helena. He fondly says it was “like having two Dads.” They answered his questions and gave good advice. In the morning, they would eat oatmeal together before heading to their seats in the House.

Wayne’s interest in government continues to grow. He votes according to the Constitution and his constituents’ needs. Wayne knows their concerns because he makes the time to respond to his constituents’ questions.

Can you picture and feel the difference a State Senator Wayne would be?

On or before June 4th, please vote for the never-waning, no-risk Wayne Rusk. Christine O’Connor Stevensville

Support for Welborn for PSC

I’m writing this letter in support of Republican candidate Jeff Welborn for PSC Commissioner District #3. I have known Jeff for over 20 years and served in the legislature with him for 14 years. He is a very dedicated elected official. As a Representative and Senator he always put his constituents first.

As the chairman of the Senate Natural Resource Committee, Jeff always listened to those testifying and also making sure his constituents were taken care of. As a Senator myself whose main focus was on energy, Jeff was always there to help me out.

Jeff will focus on the issues facing energy and how it affects agriculture, industry, small business and the residential customer. They really need someone with strong agriculture and small business background, also one with a steady hand that can think for themself.

Take a few minutes to research what the PSC is tasked with. The effect of who you vote for affects us every day. A radical agenda has no place on the PSC. The job is to protect the rate payer, no doubt Jeff will do just that.

Jeff can provide common-sense leadership, and is your plug and play candidate. Meaning that the minute he is elected he has the experience to go to work for Montana ratepayers. The last District #3 commissioner was a good one. Elect one again, that will keep up the good work.

Senator Duane Ankney (ret) Colstrip

Political hostility

The divisiveness in our current political scene is undeniably disconcerting. At the root is a very powerful minority of Americans that reject the core principles upon which our Constitution and our society rest: principles of Western civilization, republican government, and the Christian heritage.

In the view of this minority, the American founding was a crime, people should be judged largely on race and gender, elections should be manipulated (to protect “our democracy”), the traditional family structure should be abandoned, sexual morals should be perverted, and government should be nearly sovereign.

These ideas resemble a variant of fascism in which everyone serves the state and in which individual rights (economic and political) are exercised only with the elites’ permission. This minority not only believes these things themselves, but they want to force you to accept them also. They’re authoritarian.

Can we stop this train wreck happening in America? By all means. Push back against their agenda; it isn’t “divisiveness.” It’s self-defense.

Dana Gentry Corvallis

Support for Trap Club

The Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association would like to go on record to support keeping the Hamilton Trap Club at the Hamilton Airport open for as long as possible. The current lease is due to expire on October 1, 2027.

We encourage the Commissioners to keep the current site open until a suitable alternative can be found and the club relocated. The Hamilton Trap Club is an important organization in our community and needs to be saved.

The Hamilton Trap Club has been in operation since 1947, and a fixture in the community for local sportsmen and women to practice their skills. As important as honing skill, the club provides a safe learning environment for our youth shooting sports. Both the Bitterroot Blasters (a youth shooting team), and the High School Rodeo Association trap shooting competition use the facility

for practice and competitions. On May 21 the club will team with the Corvallis Sports and Outdoors Program to educate the kids about firearm safety. The Trap Club is open to all who would like to participate in the shotgun sports.

The Hamilton Trap Club is important to the community for the hosting of fundraisers. Last May 4th the club hosted the “Shriners Shoot” and has been doing so for the last 19 years. Eighty shooters from all over the region competed and earned $12,280 to pay travel, food and lodging expenses for families that need to travel to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane. All proceeds stay in the valley. In the past 19 years, $160,000 have been raised to support the Shriners families.

Please join along with the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association and call, write, and voice your support for the Hamilton Trap Club to the Ravalli County Commissioners to keep the Trap Club open for as long as possible, until an alternative location can be provided. Help Promote the safe and responsible use of firearms, a truly wholesome, all-inclusive sport.

Mark Oswald, President Hamilton Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association

A simple guide for behavior

Stopping in the Stevensville P.O. earlier this week, I noticed a multi-page flyer regarding Wayne Rusk, state senate candidate, in the junk mail bin. Someone placed it there appropriately as the content was extremely ugly and in poor taste. I have to believe that his opponent, Theresa Manzella, was totally aware of this flyer being distributed. She claims to be a Christian but what kind of follower of Christ would allow this?

Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults - unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s the whole traveling roadshow mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

Matthew 7:1-5

Please think twice - is Theresa Manzella the type of person that you want to represent you? She needs to look in the mirror as she is anything but perfect.

Peel back the layers of the onion and seek the truth in this primary election.

Nancy Jennings Florence

Exposing

‘Dirty Thirty’ mailing

It seems to me that the John Birch America First organization has plenty of money to spend on mailings and ads of all kinds. One of their most recent is entitled “The Dirty Thirty” and lists all the people they want to see reelected as committee men and women for the various precincts. It should not surprise anyone because they went to great lengths to recruit these people who would serve them as opposed to serving the citizens in those precincts.

Speaking for myself, I have not had one communication via any medium (call, email, text, letter, or personal visit) from their Precinct 12 nominees, or their predecessors, since we have lived here the past 4 years. Not exactly a robust effort to find out what the people in their precinct care about.

In fact the entire Central Committee has done little other than to demand fealty to their one-sided platform and to deny money to legitimate Republican candidates who are actually committed to serving their constituents. These people are now flooding mailboxes with a torrent of mailings, such as the recent diatribe by Mr. Kubiak attacking candidate Wayne Rusk. The mailing begins with the oft repeated lie that “-$402[sic] “...REQUIRING THAT A PERSON WHOSE *CITIZENSHIP HAS YET TO BE VERIFIED BE AOWED[sic] TO VOTE.” The typos can be attributed to shoddy work in printing and assembling the multipage mailing. But the lies and half-truths are deliberate.

For those still on the fence regarding the lack of veracity in this claim, I suggest you research the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act being developed by some honest Republicans in the US Senate and watch Senator Mike Lee’s explanation during the 12 May Sunday Morning Futures program as to why it is needed in order to remedy problems caused by the National Voter Registration Act and related federal court decisions than prevent demanding proof of citizenship when someone deceitfully checks the box for being a citizen on the voter registration form.

As to their latest fusillade, I recommend everyone only vote for those with the white oval beside their name in the mailing. They and the candidates deserving their support (e.g., Rusk, Bedey, Binkley and Overstreet) are the people who support the Constitutions (US & MT) and faithfully represent their constituents, not those recommended by “The Dirty Thirty” mailing. Those with the black oval do not deserve to be reelected and sent back to provide more of the same negligent service to constituents and Ravalli County.

Marc L. Sabin Corvallis

Support for Rusk

Those who want power and control over the politics of the valley are stopping at NOTHING to win the current elections including targeting children with their vile mailings.

Bob Kubiak, a man who follows Manzella almost slavishly, sent out a vile mailer to a friend of Wayne Rusk’s youngest son allowing the younger Rusk to be embarrassed at school for something his father did about fifteen years ago.

Even though Rusk Sr. has publicly admitted to a tough time in his life, dealt with his problem, and apologized to his family,, his God,, and the community,, and is a model citizen and successful business owner, Kubiak used it to try and make citizens of the Bitterroot vote for Manzella, of whose campaign he is obviously a part of.

An older man picking on a young teenager to imply “YOUR DAD IS A PIECE OF CRAP” is beyond the pale!

Both Manzella and Kubiak should answer to the citizens of the valley for this type of activity and Bitterrooters should vote for Wayne Rusk for SD44 instead of Manzella and express their displeasure for such a heinous act..

Rusk has NEVER criticized Manzella at any time in his campaign in all the times I have heard him speak and he said that he will never do so.

He instead focused on what he wants to do for the valley by reducing taxes, strengthening personal property rights, dealing with those who block streets and roads to express their opinions and stopping illegals who due to a glitch in the federal law are allowed to vote in our federal elections..

The contrast between them demonstrates what a negative person Manzella and her followers are and why she should no longer represent citizens in SD44.

So how do you find out if Manzella’s claim about being a conservative and constitutionalist are true? Look at the bills she writes that clearly show what her intentions are if she is elected again. One of them, Senate Bill or SB434, is one that will shock you to the core.

BILL URL: https://leg.mt.gov/ legislator-information/roster/individual/7554 NULLIFICATION IN HISTORY: https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/ looking-back- nullification-in-american-history

Here are a few statements from the bill that show her intention: to crush the Constitution and put a few people in charge of the country: Guess who the one from Montana is to be on this committee? Note how she totally ignores the Constitution and denigrates it!

1. The states declare that only the states may ultimately and properly define the nature and scope of the power intended to be and delegated to the government of the United States by the states in the United States constitution.

2. The commission may consider any sources of information it wishes, including the wording of the constitution of the United States, the writings and speeches of the founders and others in the founding era, the enactments or recorded debates of congress or state legislatures, the opinions of any United States or state courts, arguments made by proponents or opponents to any question submitted, or any other source. No opinion of the government of the United States, including its courts, or of any state or state court is binding upon the commission.

3. A decision rendered by the commission is final and may not be amended or overturned by any agent or branch of any state, any agency or branch of the United States, or by any other nation or organization of nations.

Read enough? Also consider how unproductive Manzella has been for the valley as she failed to pass twelve bills out of seventeen in 2023. That is about a 67% failure rate!! Most of those 12 bills were shot down as “unconstitutional.”

Manzella has her priorities mixed up. She has forgotten that she works for us, not the other way around. Let’s send a true Constitutionalist, Wayne Rusk, to be our senator for SD44 and send Manzella home.

Melva Neal Stevensville

Expansion of city limits

For the past 20 years, previous administrations, plus laws passed by previous councils, have supported annexation for water and sewer services. Grants are usually given for repairs of old existing systems. Expansion of services have to be paid for by the residents. We have been advised repeatedly that control of planning is best done and approved at the time of annexation! In the last study the city was told that our water system would carry us for the next 20 or so years. Why has a different company given a different assessment? Please be very careful about giving breaks to folks outside the city limits and putting new expenses for new equipment on the tax bills of longtime residents! Most grants come from the interest on the coal tax fund. Most cities apply for these grants every 2 years. The competition and awards are based on greatest need. Thank you for your PUBLIC service.

Joe Petrusaitis Hamilton

In support of Montana Great Outdoors Project

by Senators Mike Cuffe, Jason Ellsworth, Greg Hertz and Representatives Steve Gunderson, Amy Regier, Braxton Mitchell, Courtenay Sprunger, Tony Brockman, Linda Reksten, and Denley Loge

The following was submitted as formal public comment to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

As Republican legislators representing Northwest Montana and the western edge of our state, we write to express our full support for the Montana Great Outdoors Project. The draft environmental assessment for Phase 1 of the conservation easement clearly illustrates not only that this proposal is the right move for conservation and the environment, but it’s also essential to protect good jobs and the Montana way of life, as well as preserve the very character of Northwest Montana.

Much of the land between Kalispell and Libby has been owned by a rotating set of timber companies for generations. Those companies have been stewards of their private property, managing the forest for its health and creating hundreds of good-paying, blue collar Montana jobs. They’ve also generously allowed the public to hunt, fish, and recreate on their properties. Generations of Montanans have grown up with access to these lands. It’s impossible to count how many family memories of first deers, rainy Memorial Day weekend camping trips, and mountain sunset drives would have never happened without that access.

If we lose the land to subdivision and development, we’ll never get back the magic of Northwest Montana. The Phase 1 easement will protect nearly 33,000 acres from such a generational loss.

The Montana Great Outdoors project

is a win across the board. It will keep the land in timber production as it has been historically. With recent mill closures in the Swan Valley and Missoula, it’s never been more clear that the future of forest health, wildfire prevention, and timber jobs are on the line with every land management decision. The project will also maintain the public’s recreational access to the land and preserve the character of Northwest Montana. Population growth is putting unprecedented development pressure on our part of the state. If we do not act to save open spaces and public access, we will lose them forever. This conservation easement will prevent that loss and ensure that future generations can hunt, fish, camp, and explore the forest north of the Thompson Chain of Lakes just as their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents have.

Finally, the financial impacts of the easement are positive ones. The land will remain in private ownership and contributing property taxes; there’s no shifting of the property tax burden to homeowners. The cost of the easement is being paid for by a combination of the landowner’s generous donation, the Forest Service, private fundraising, and state hunting license dollars. Montana taxpayers aren’t on the hook for the project.

We are senators and representatives, elected by the people, but even more importantly we are hunters, fisherman, and outdoors enthusiasts. Some of us have history in the timber industry, several have multi-generational ties to this region. Our families live here. Simply put, this is home. The proposed easement is about protecting and preserving our home. We support the Montana Great Outdoors Project.

I Will Not Comply

by Rep. David Bedey, HD 86

I will not comply.

In late April, Republican legislative candidates received a letter from the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee (RCRCC) asking that each swear to a bastardized version of the oath of office prescribed in Article III of the Montana Constitution. Inserted into the oath alongside supporting, protecting, and defending the U.S. and Montana Constitutions was a requirement to do the same for the Montana GOP Platform. Michele Binkley, Greg Overstreet, Wayne Rusk, and I declined to respond to this demand, while other candidates—Manzella, Love, Dailey, Wallace, Davis, and Marshall—apparently complied with the party’s diktat. Consequently, the RCRCC is distributing a political hit piece that disingenuously attacks the dissenters.

I will never swear to the RCRCC’s loyalty oath. Here’s why:

First, it is an act of political blasphemy to place any party platform on the same plane as the Constitution. It is remarkable that self-described “constitutional conservatives” would think this is OK.

Second, the Montana GOP Platform is far from being a perfect document. Most troubling is its unconstitutional demand that legislators nullify federal law with which they disagree. One cannot in good faith swear to both the U.S. Constitution and the Montana GOP Platform.

Third, I along with the other dissenters have already sworn the Article III oath of office in our capacities as legislators or local officials and are bound by it. This is a matter of the record that need not be reaffirmed by kowtowing to the RCRCC. And on a personal note, I have been bound by an oath to the Constitution during fifty continuous years of military and subsequent public service and look

with distain upon this group of radicals who call into question my service to our country.

Candidates who have never taken an oath of office might be forgiven for being ignorant of the significance of oath taking. But for the incumbent legislators who signed on to the RCRCC loyalty oath, there is no excuse. They have put crass political opportunism ahead of their duty and in doing so have demeaned themselves and the offices to which they were elected.

As I reported to you several months ago, the Ravalli County “Republican” Central Committee is no longer recognizable as a standard bearer for conservatism much less the party of Lincoln and Reagan. Instead, it’s a hangout for John Birch Society activists and wannabe militia members.

I won’t have it. Neither should you. It’s time to elect real Republicans who hold to conservative principles while working to solve challenges facing all Montana citizens.

Paid for by Bedey for Legislature, PO Box 692, Hamilton, MT 59840.

David Bedey

Wayne Rusk

Greg Overstreet

Michelle Binkley

Candidate Name PO Box 123 Darby, Mt 59828

The truth matters

Theresa Manzella, candidate for reelection in Senate District 44, loudly proclaims “Voting Records Matter.” Fair enough. So do ethics. But when it comes to ethical behavior, she consistently falls short.

Manzella’s boast of being a “Christian, constitutional conservative” is contradicted by the sleazy attacks on her political opponents she orchestrates on social media; her embrace of the John Birch Society’s unconstitutional hobbyhorse, nullification of federal law; and her totalitarian demand—which she makes as the de facto head of the Ravalli County “Republican” Central Committee—that Republican legislators (and candidates) swear an unqualified loyalty oath to the Montana GOP Platform, which is an affront to America’s Founders.

First, per federal law all a person need do to prove citizenship when registering to vote is sign a registration form—henceforth in the eyes of the law that person must be treated as a U.S. citizen until proven otherwise, and until then must be allowed to vote without any interference.

by

And don’t forget that last legislative session a bill (HB 412) had to be passed to plug a loophole in Montana ethics laws that Manzella willfully exploited during the 2022 campaign season.

During the current primary campaign, Manzella is at it again. Case in point is her attack on Wayne Rusk and other legislators for their support of HB 402, a bill that would have required verification of citizenship for those registering to vote. She claims that the motive of the bill’s supporters was to allow noncitizens to vote. This is dishonest nonsense.

Manzella neglects to share with you the following facts:

Second, efforts by other states, e.g., Kansas and Arizona, to require citizenship verification for federal elections have been struck down on constitutional grounds (the Supremacy Clause and the 14th Amendment). Consequently, some unknown number of noncitizens are voting in Montana’s elections and elsewhere across the country.

And third, HB 402 was carefully drafted to overcome the courts’ constitutional objections, so that noncitizens voting in our elections might be caught and punished—and others might be deterred from trying to do so.

HB 402 was supported by a few Democrats and many Republicans but in the end went down to defeat on the last day of the legislative session. So today we are back to where we started—no citizenship verification in Montana and as a result some unknown number of noncitizens continue to vote with near impunity in our elections. Manzella and her crew have offered no solution to this problem. Instead, they have chosen to mislead you. Maybe that’s because telling the truth stands in the way of their political aspirations.

Paid for by Tony Hudson

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

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).”

Tony Hudson Stevensville

Judicial oversight committee warranted

Last month the President of the Montana Senate established a select committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform. We were appointed to that committee along with Democrat and Republican legislators and members of the public. Before our first meeting, partisan attacks were leveled at the President and the committee. We have no interest in engaging tit for tat in partisan vitriol, but we do wish to articulate a logical and reasonable case for the importance of the committee.

Article 3 of the Montana constitution defines the requirement for balanced government: “The power of the government of this state is divided into three distinct branches—legislative, executive, and judicial. No person or persons charged with the exercise of power properly belonging to one branch shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others.”

This power balance is by design and essential to securing the blessing of life, liberty, and happiness. When one branch of government, or level of government usurps power from the other, our republic begins to erode. It is then the responsibility of the other branches to push back on the abuse of power.

That is why this committee was formed. We believe that the court has encroached on the prerogatives of the legislative branch, started making law and left their role of applying the law and the constitution to the facts and circumstances of the cases in front of them.

In the first 58 years of our republic, the United States Supreme Court struck down one federal law. Ironically, the court struck down a federal law which expanded the court’s powers (Marbury V Madison). In the last 50 years SCOTUS struck down 118 federal laws. In the last two years 53 bills, all Republican, have been enjoined, struck down or are currently being reviewed by Montana courts. This trend is alarming. Therefore, this committee will review the following:

First we will review our own procedures. All legislative bills are evaluated by non-partisan staff for constitutional soundness. If there are areas where we can do better we will adjust our procedures. Second, we will review court decisions and standards. There are rule of law standards by which all courts should function. Is the case justiciable? Do the parties have standing? Is the court deciding a political question that should be left to the legislature? Are they ruling according to established law or making law?

It is imperative in a constitutional republic for the three branches of government to respect their roles. Therefore, the public will be well served by processes of self-examination which will educate the courts, the legislature and the public on the roles and responsibilities of each branch under Article III Section 1 of the Montana Constitution. Legislators under-

stand we need 51 votes in the House, 26 in the Senate and 1 signature from the Governor to enact legislation. Over the last two years that formula, established from the inception of our Constitution, has changed to 51, 26, and 2. In other words, we need a majority in the House and Senate, and a signature from the Governor but now we must also overcome defacto vetoes by the courts. Montanans overwhelming elected Republican majorities to pass bills the voters wanted. To have bills routinely overturned by courts, who have arguably encroached into the lawmaking space is worthy of examination. It is time and money well spent.

Sen. Tom McGillvray, SD 2, Billings

Sen. Barry Usher, SD 20, Yellowstone-Musselshell Counties

followed by placing flags on veterans’ graves starting at Riverside Cemetery, Maplewood and Sunnyside

Monday, May 27th, 2024 • 6:00 p.m.

Short memorial service at Riverside Cemetery, the playing of taps and volleys fired, then to Maplewood Cemetery, St. Mary ’s Cemetery, Veterans Park and Sunnyside Cemetery

(Lone Rock rep)

Montanans for Life

Montanans for Life will hold their monthly meeting on the first 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 first Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.

Yoga for Veterans

FREE to veterans, first 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 Coffee 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

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-profit 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

Library Board Meeting – Thur. May 23 at 3:30pm at 215 S. 4th St. Ste A Hamilton

In lieu of a regular board meeting the board is meeting with the Ravalli County Commissioners in Hamilton and requested to be on their agenda. Meetings are open to the public. Special Meeting agenda: The North Valley Public Library Board wants to procure land for a new building and is requesting assistance and guidance from Ravalli County. Questions include: What is the process for a library district to procure land, are public meetings

required, and does the board need approval from Ravalli County before purchasing land? If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly. A link to Trustee contact information can be found on the library website at northvalleylibrary.org/board > information.

Closed on Monday, May 27 in Observance of Memorial Day

The Science Fiction Genre – Thur. May 30 at 6:30pm

Have almost no interest in science fiction (sf) and know nothing about it?

Love sf and want to understand the genre better? Or maybe you fall somewhere between love and hate, and just want to broaden your literary knowledge. Whatever the case, this program (and, arguably, science fiction) is for you. From the depths of the ocean to the reaches of space, from urban alleys to pathways of the mind, and everywhere in between, this rich genre boldly goes where no genres have gone before. Zoom option available.

Hamilton school board

Governance Committee Meeting

Thursday – June 6, 2024

12:00 p.m. – District Office 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

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 (Unfinished Objects) sheet from April to participate in this year-long activity.

Bitterroot Quilters Guild is a non-profit 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.

Jehovah’s Witness convention

“Declare the Good News!” 2024 convention series presented by Jehovah’s Witnesses will take place May 24-26 at the Adams Event Center, Missoula. All in the community are invited to attend. The event is free to attend. No collections.

Friday from 9:20 a.m. to 4:50 p.m.

Saturday from 9:20 a.m.to 4:50 p.m.

Sunday from 9:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Each day has a one-hour and 20-minute lunch break.

Bible based talks, interviews, and video presentations will be featured.

Topics include:

• Why Do We Need Good News?

• “Everlasting Good News”—In What Sense?

• Why We Don’t Fear Bad News

More information: For more information, please visit jw.org > About Us > Conventions.

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 first 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 different types and models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fire session on the range. A self defense book, specifically 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 flags 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 veterans recognition

Please mark your calendars to help American Legion Ravalli Post 47 honor our fallen Veterans by placing Memorial Day crosses and American Flags on Veteran graves.

Join them on Saturday, May 25th at 9 a.m. to place crosses and flags this year. Every little bit of time helps! Meet at Riverview Cemetery on Main St, Hamilton, at the info building to the right just inside the gates. Additional instruction will be provided there. (Coffee and donuts too!)

The crosses and flags will be collected on Saturday, June 1st at 8 a.m. and returned to the Post on 2nd St/Madison and your help would be appreciated then too. Meet at the cemetery, same place. RAIN PLAN for both days: Meet as planned unless lightning is present.

Memorial Day activities

Join members of American Legion Post 47 for Memorial Day activities on Monday, May 27th at 8 a.m. at the Ravalli County Museum on Bedford Street. There will be military honors and wreath laying service, followed by a wreath laying service and honors for those lost at sea at Main Street Bridge over the Bitterroot River, then a wreath laying service and honors at Riverview Cemetery military memorial. Post 47 will march in the Corvallis Memorial Day parade as well. For more information call or text Nancy DeZell at 703-7865990.

Florence Memorial Day BBQ

Arthur E. Collins, American Legion Post 134, Florence will be providing a free Memorial Day BBQ at the Bread & Roses facility Monday, May 27th from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

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 flag 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, stuffing, 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.

2024 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – BITTERROOT VALLEY

DATES TIME LOCATION INFO / CONTACT

June 10-14 8:30am – 12pm Light of the Valley 103 N Kootenai Creek Rd, Stevi

June 12 –

July 31 Wednesdays 1pm-3pm Revive Bitterroot 3909 Hwy 93, Stevensville

June 17-21 5pm – 8pm First Baptist Church of Darby 107 W. Missoula Ave, Darby

June 17-21 9am – 11:30am Crossroads Christian Fellowship 1297 Meridian Rd, Victor

June 17-21 9am – 12pm Corvallis Community Church 310 2nd St, Corvallis

June 24-27 9am – 12pm Hamilton Assembly of God 601 W. Main St, Hamilton

July 8-12 9am - 12pm St Paul’s Episcopal Church 600 S. 3rd, Hamilton

July 14-18 6pm - 8:30pm Christ’s Bible Church 319 S. 5th St, Hamilton

July 15-19 6pm - 8:30pm Roots Christian Fellowship 1625 US-93, Victor

July 22-26

8:30 - 11:30am The Place Church 273 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton

July 22-25 9am – 12pm Florence Carlton Community Church 20075 Old Hwy 93, Florence

July 29-Aug 2 9am - 11:30am Our Savior Lutheran Church 184 Pine Hollow Rd, Stevi

Theme: The Great Jungle Journey (FREE)

Ages 4 – 12. Breakfast, scripture study, games, art, crafts & more. Register: www.lightofthevalley.myanswers.com/keepers -of-the-kingdom/

Theme: “The Amazing Race” – fruits of the Spirit Good News Bible Club (FREE) Ages: 5-12 (entering kindergarten through entering 5 th grade) Speakers, games, crafts, Scripture memorization, Prizes and Snacks! https://revivebitterroot.com/?p=14189

Theme: The Great Jungle Journey (FREE) Dinner included! Scripture, games, music, arts, and crafts! Register June 15 at the Darby park, or on the first day of VBS. Ages: K – 6th grade. More info at at https://darbyfbc.myanswers.com/jungle-journey/

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 Effect; 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.

Republican Women’s Club

Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, May 28 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speakers will be Mary Todd, candidate for Congress, and State Representative Lyn Hellegaard, HD9,7 talking about the jungle and Rank Choice voting initiatives. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Victor Class of ‘74 reunion

The Victor High School Class of 1974 will hold its 50 year reunion on Friday and Saturday, June 7th-8th. Friday night and Saturday morning is for classmates and spouses only. On Saturday at 1:30 p.m. there will be a meet and greet at Cowboy Troy’s with all VHS classes welcome. RSVP to Debbie Spaulding, 406-261-4965, debraspaulding@hotmail.com or Tommy Dobberstein, 406-360-5577, mymontanashop@gmail.com

Raptor Day at Mansion Wild Skies Raptor Center will hold a presentation and fundraiser on Sunday, June 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. on the Daly Mansion lawn, 252 Eastside Hwy, Hamilton. Meet some of the Ambassador Birds up close. Featuring Raptor Rehabilitation from Rescue to Release. This is a free event, but donations are welcomed. Bring your own chairs and water bottles.

Five Valley Accordion Club

Jam session and dance, June 9th, 1-4 p.m., Missoula Senior Center. $6 entry at the door. Coffee 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.

Theme: Scuba: Diving into Friendship with God (FREE) Ages: K-5th Grade. Games, scripture, crafts, snacks & more. Call 406 -961-5299 for more info. Register: vbspro.events/p/ebf9de

Theme: The Great Jungle Journey (FREE) Scripture, games, and crafts. Ages: 5 – 6th grade Register soon (space limited) corvalliscommunitychurch.org

Theme: Wild Life VBS (FREE) Ages: 3-12 yrs Worship songs, Bible-based presentations, scripture, games, laser tag, go kart, science lab, cooking, arts & crafts, BB guns (grades 46 optional) & more. Call for info 406-363-2510 Register at www.hamiltonag.org

Theme: Created to Be (Psalm 139:14) (FREE) Ages: 4years thru entering 6 th grade Hosted by St Paul's Episcopal, Faith Lutheran, and First Presbyterian Churches Registration: Please contact (406) 363 -2964 or faithlutheran59840@gmail.com

Theme: Son Country Farm (Gal 5:22-23) (FREE) Games, snacks, scripture, other activities

Ages: Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st -3rd and 4th - 6th grades. Email: cbcwk@outlook.com

Contacts: Pastor Wayne Koch (406 -381-8699) or Brenda James (406-240-9182)

Theme: Bible Boot Camp (FREE) Scripture, games & more!

Ages: 4 – 12 years. Contact 406-642-9994 or email seedlings@rootsfellowship.com Registration opens June 1st at www.rootsfellowship.com

Theme: MAKER FUN FACTORY – Created by God, Built for a Purpose (FREE)

Ages: 4 – 12. Prizes, archery, dance, outdoor games, jumping castles, Bible stories, snocones, arts & crafts. Limited to 144. Registration begins July 1st at www.h2hm.org

Theme: Scuba: Diving into Friendship with God (FREE)

Ages: 4 yrs thru entering 5th grade. Scripture, games, science, snack and more. For info call 406-273-6811 or email office@florencecarltonchurch.com

Theme: Old Testament stories that point to Christ (FREE)

Ages: 3 (toilet trained) and up Bible lessons, games & snacks. Contact: 406-777-5625

Rapp Family Foundation grant available The Rapp Family Foundation is in its 33rd year of supporting non-profit organizations in Ravalli County. All organizations that have an IRS 501(c)3 letter qualify. Churches are automatically considered 501(c)3 charities, if they meet the criteria required by the IRS and continually adhere to 501(c)3 requirements. Public Schools tax-exempt status under 501(c)3 is not required for such organizations to qualify for private foundation grants. Government entities are also eligible to apply. The Regular Quarterly Grant has a maximum of $5,000. Qualified organizations may request an application by emailing rappapps2024@gmail.com. The deadline for the return of completed applications is June 14, 2024. Application questions for this 2024 2nd quarter cycle may have changed, so be sure the application you submit is # 05/15/2024. If you have questions email rappapps2024@gmail.com.

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.

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Sports Florence soars to baseball state title

The Florence Falcons are the 2024 Baseball State Champions. Florence defeated Hamilton 4-2 in an all-Bitterroot-Valley final to claim the state title on Saturday, May 18th in Missoula. One way or another the best baseball team in the state was going to be from the Bitterroot Valley.

“We have such a great group of kids this season,” said Florence’s head coach John Hinsdale. “They came together like a family, it’s a very close knit group. We’re so proud of them.”

Florence ended the season 18-1 and finished on a 17-game winning streak. “We have a really strong conference - there are no easy wins,” said Hinsdale. “I feel that helped to prepare us for state.” This was only the second season for Montana high school baseball, with Polson winning the first title last year.

The Florence/Hamilton final was a fitting end to the state tournament, as both teams had been on a roll. Florence had won 16 straight games before the final - their only loss of the year a 0-1 defeat to Hamilton on March 22nd.

For their part, Hamilton came into the final riding a 13-game winning streak, with their last loss being a 5-6 loss to Florence on April 11th.

“Our only loss was to Hamilton in March, then we beat them in April, so this was kind of the rubber match,” said Hinsdale, “and I’m glad we could get it done in the championship game.

When asked about his team’s winning mentality, Hinsdale said, “A lot of our players were part of our football state championships, so these kids know how to win and they don’t get flustered when they face adversity. They are a confident group.”

Florence 4, Hamilton 2

The championship game was a well-played, pitcher-dominated game. Florence drew first blood by scoring two runs in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Hamilton responded by scoring 2 runs in the top of the 4th. Florence answered back, with Florence’s Chase Wagner getting clutch RBIs in the 5th and then again in the 6th to increase Florence’s lead to 4-2. Then, in the top of the 7th, Florence’s left fielder Isaiah Testerman caught a Hamilton pop fly for the final out, cementing the victory for the Falcons as the team rushed the field in celebration.

Florence pitcher Jake Roth got the complete game win, striking out 8 and only allowing 5 hits. Roth got into

trouble a couple of times but fought his way out of it.

At the plate for Florence, Chase Wagner went 2 for 3, scored a run and had two RBIs. Drew Wagner went 2 for 4 and scored two runs. Mason Arlington went 2 for 3.

For Hamilton, pitcher Jackson Lubke had a solid game, going 5 innings. At the plate for Hamilton, Andrew Ricklefs and Atticus Southwell had RBIs, and Jackson Lubke, Boedy Tadvick, Toby DeMoss, and Hunter Harrness all had hits.

It was an epic state tournament run for Florence. They defeated Eureka 11-7 in their opening round game, then Belgrade 8-0 in the semifinals. The strength of Florence’s pitching was integral to their success.

“One of our biggest strengths this year was pitching,” said Hinsdale. “We only had to use four pitchers at State. We had a couple guys who didn’t get to pitch because we’re so deep. That’s a good problem to have.”

Florence 8, Belgrade 0

In the semifinal game on Friday, Florence defeated Belgrade 8-0. Florence pitcher Mason Arlington had a game for the ages. Arlington, Florence’s starting quarterback on their state championship football team, threw a no-hitter by striking out 14 of

the 21 batters he faced in the game. The only runner to reach base all game came on a full count walk that could have gone either way. Hinsdale said of Arlington’s performance, “It was probably the best pitched game I’ve ever seen, not just this year, but ever.”

At the plate for Florence, Jake Roth went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and Drew Wagner, Chase Wagner, and Levi Winters all had RBIs.

Florence 11, Eureka 7 Florence defeated Eureka in their opening round game on Thursday. Florence held a slight 8-7 lead going into the bottom of the 6th inning, then Mason Arlington hit an inside-thepark home run, scoring Drew Wagner. Then a Jake Roth triple scored another run to give Florence the 11-7 lead and the victory.

Chase Wagner went 2 for 5 with an RBI, Jake Roth went 2 for 2 and scored 3 runs, and Wes Potter went 1 for 1 with an RBI.

Hamilton takes 2nd in state baseball

The Hamilton baseball team had an amazing season. They went 18-4 for the year, had a 13-game winning streak going into the final game, and they won the 2024 Baseball State

Runner-up trophy. At state, they beat Butte High 10-4 in their first round game, then defeated Columbia Falls 10-7 in the seminal game.

Hamilton 10, Butte 4 Hamilton defeated Butte High on Friday in their semifinal game. Hamilton trailed 0-3 going into the 4th, then erupted for 9 runs over the next two innings and rolled to the 10-4 victory.

For Hamilton, Conner Ekin went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Boedy Tadvick went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Tyce O’Connell went 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs, and Jackson Jessop went 1 for 3 with an RBI. Hamilton pitcher Conner Ekin went the distance for the win, striking out 5.

Hamilton 10, Columbia Falls 7 Hamilton defeated Columbia Falls 10-7 in their opening round game on Thursday night. The game was tied 4-4 going into the 5th inning when Hamilton exploded for six runs, the biggest being a bases loaded Atticus Southwell double that scored three runs.

Southwell went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Toby DeMoss went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and Andrew Ricklefs, Jackson Lubke, Conner Ekin, Hunter Harrness, and Elijah McNair-Neal all had RBIs.

Florence girls 2nd in state golf

The Florence girls golf team took home the Class B Golf State runner-up trophy on May 16th in Shelby. The Florence girls team includes Alexa McLean, Reese Briney, Kipley Solari, Lacie Ketelhut, and Alyx Monaco.

The Florence boys team of Brody Duchien, Ethan Alexander, Ian McLean, Rollie Fisher, and Tyler Abbott took 6th.

Individually for the Florence girls, Reese Briney tied for 11th, Alexa McLean took 16th, and Kipley Solari took 18th.

Individually for the Florence boys, Brody Duchien tied for 16th and Ethan Alexander tied for 25th. The Florence girls golf team took 2nd place in the Class B State Golf Tournament in Shelby on May 15th.

courtesy of Florence School Activities.

Corvallis boys, Hamilton girls win track divisionals

The track & field teams from Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville were in Polson on May 17-18 for the Western A Divisionals. And, as always, the Bitterroot schools excelled. The Corvallis boys won the boys team title, while the Hamilton girls won the girls team title. The Corvallis girls took 3rd, and the Hamilton boys took 6th.

Hamilton’s first place finishers included the following. Andrew Burrows won the discus (17211) and took 2nd in the shot put (53-9). Aubrey Korst won the pole vault (10-6). Annalise Lewis won the 1600m (5:10.26) and took 3rd in the 400m (1:00.46). Taylor Doleac won the 3200m (9:57.75) and took 3rd in the 1600m (4:28.38). Aleigha Child won the 3200m (11:27.07) and took 4th in the 1600m (5:21.61). The girls 4x400m relay team won (Nadia Bruno, Lily Apedaile, Jenna Ellis, Annalise Lewis). Mya Winkler won the discus (129-3) and took 2nd in the shot put (36-8) and javelin (111-10).

Corvallis’ first place finishers included the following. Derek Criddle won the 400m (49.37) and took second in the 200m (23.14) and the high jump (6-2). Olivia Lewis won the 100m hurdles (15.43) and the 300m hurdles (43.70) and took 4th in the high jump (4-10). Hunter Loesch won the javelin (186-8.5). Ledge Conner won the high jump (6’ 2). Wyatt Miles won the shot put (57-7). Meredith Buhler won the shot put (37-2). Ella Varner won the triple jump (35-1.25), took 2nd in the long jump (16-10.5) and took 4th in the 100m (13.20). The girls 4x100m relay team won the event (Ella Varner, Hannah Buhler, Jillian Huls, Shaylee Weidow).

Florence boys 2nd at track divisionals

The track & field teams for Florence, Darby and Victor were in Missoula on May 17-18 for the Western B & C Divisionals. In the team standings, the

Florence boys team took 2nd place, while the Florence girls took 4th. The Darby girls took 5th place. Individually for Florence, Isaac Bates won the 100m (11.30), the 400m (51.62) and took 2nd in the 200m (22.61). Bailey Kroeker won the 400m (59.93), took 2nd in the long jump (16-01.5) and took 5th in the 100m (12.82). Curtis Pijanowski won the 3200m (10:29.82) and took 2nd in the 1600m (4:53.67). The boys 4x100m relay team won (Isaac Bates, Logan Williams, Mattix Chase, Riley Reeves). Madigan Hurlbert took 2nd in the 300m hurdles (48.81), 3rd in the 100m hurdles (15.56) and 4th in the 100m (12.80).

Individually for Darby, Lily Adair won the 3200m (12:58.27) and took 3rd in the 1600m (5:44.15) and the 800m (2:26.08). Hadley Heiland took 2nd in the discus (107-10). The girls 4x400m relay team took 2nd (Paige O’Donnell, Kiahna Hirmann, Lily Adair, Natalie Anderson).

Florence’s Wes Potter (#4) looking to tag Hamilton’s Hunter Harrness (#14) in the Baseball State Championship game in Missoula on May 18th. Florence won 4-2. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

Photo

Lady Falcons win softball divisionals

On Saturday, May 18th, Florence defeated Manhattan 3-2 to become the Western B/C Divisional champions. The championship game was a pitcher’s duel as Florence only had six hits and Manhattan had four. Manhattan scored in the top of the 7th inning to tie the game 2-2 and send it to extra innings. In the top of the 8th inning, Florence’s Maggie Schneiter smashed a solo home run to give the Lady Falcons a 3-2 lead. Then in the bottom of the 8th, with the bases loaded and two outs, Florence pitcher Kenzi Pickering got the Lady Tigers to pop up for the final out, sealing the victory.

Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Lily Bender and Ava Philbrick each had RBIs.

The Lady Falcons are the West’s #1 seed and play the East’s #4 seed, Huntley Project, in Billings at Stewart Park in the Class B/C State Tournament on Thursday, May 23rd at 2 p.m.

Florence 11, MAC 0

Florence defeated rival MAC 11-0 in their semifinal game on Friday.

Florence pitcher Jayden Fisher struck out 8 and got the shutout win. At the plate, Hailey Sutton and Olivia Coulter both hit home runs, and Taylor Pyette went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs.

Florence 10, Eureka 0 Florence defeated Eureka 10-0 in their 1st round game on Thursday.

Florence pitcher Kenzi Pickering got the win, only allowing 1 hit and strik-

ing out 8. At the plate, Ava Philbrick and Hailey Sutton had doubles, while Maggie Schneiter and Taylor Pyette had triples.

Class A softball divisionals

The softball teams from Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville were in Polson on May 17-18 for the Western A Divisionals. Hamilton finished 6th and will advance to state as the West’s 6th seed.

Hamilton defeated Browning 17-0 in their 1st round game. Then lost to Polson 0-10 in the quarterfinals. This loss sent them to the loser out game on Saturday where they defeated Butte Central 15-4 and Libby

12-9. Finally, they lost to Ronan 3-13 in the 5th/6th place game.

Stevensville defeated Whitefish 19-1 in their 1st round game, then lost to Columbia Falls 4-12 in the quarterfinals. This sent them to the loser-out game where they defeated Corvallis 1-0, then lost to Ronan 0-4, ending their season.

Corvallis lost to Libby in an opening round slugfest 20-21. This sent them to the loser-out game where they were defeated by Stevensville 0-1, ending their season.

The Class A State tournament is held at Stewart Park in Billings on May 23-25. Hamilton plays Havre on Thursday, May 23rd at 1 pm.

Hamilton tennis dominates divisionals

Both the Hamilton boys and girls tennis teams hoisted 1st place trophies at the Southwest A Divisional Tennis Tournament in Butte on May 14-16th.

“I am just so proud of the players,” said Hamilton head coach Bryan Dufresne. “They work hard and are so supportive of each other. We have a great team culture, which means more to me than wins and losses.”

The Corvallis girls took 2nd place and the Corvallis boys took 3rd. The Stevensville girls and boys both took 4th place.

In the girls singles title match, Hamilton’s Ciana Hanley defeated her teammate Tallulah Pinjuv (6-2, 0-6, 6-3).

In the boys singles title match, Hamilton’s Andy Purcell, the defending state champion, defeated Stevensville’s Angus Trangmoe (6-0, 6-3).

In the boys doubles title match, Hamilton’s Finn Dufresne and Jason Chaplin defeated Dillon’s team of Puga/Fluckiger (6-3, 6-2).

In the girls doubles title match, the Corvallis team of Jayde Venema and Brecklyn Jessop defeated Hamilton’s Emma Hollingsworth and Gwen Wolfe to claim the title. Jessop and Venema were the state runners up last year, and are poised for another deep state run.

The Class A State tennis tournament is in Kalispell at the FVCC courts on May 23-24.

The Florence softball team with their Western B/C Divisional Trophy. Florence defeated Manhattan 3-2 on May 18th in Florence to claim the title. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.

The Hamilton boys and girls tennis teams with their 1st place trophies at the Southwestern A Divisionals in Butte on May 16th. Photo by Bryan Dufresne.

Charles Cronin Burruss

Charles Cronin Burruss passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, surrounded by his family. “Charlie” was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on November 20,1934, to Harry William II and Virginia (Cronin) Burruss.

Charlie’s family moved to Hamilton, MT when he was five years old, living across the street from the Rocky Mountain Laboratory, where his father was a research scientist. He graduated from Hamilton High School in 1952.

As a little boy, Charlie often rode his bicycle to the Hamilton airport to watch the planes take off and land. He loved flying. Charlie bought and rebuilt his first airplane at age 20, and got his pilot’s license at age 22. He flew all over the US and Canada, but especially loved exploring the remote mountain airstrips in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. He built a landing strip on his farm, inspiring a number of neighbors and friends to learn to fly. His J3 Piper Cub is now part of the permanent collection in the Museum of Mountain Flying in Missoula.

Charlie married the love of his life, Jeanne Clark, in 1958. They lived in Germany while Charlie was in the Army, then settled on a small farm in Corvallis. They raised their children there, lovingly caring for the land and many animals. Charlie was an avid vegetable gardener. He loved to fix, tinker and invent things.

Like many in the Bitterroot, Charlie worked a number of jobs early in his life – railroad worker, mechanic, firefighter (he helped create one of the first “hot shot” crews for the Forest Service), projectionist at the Starlight Drive-In. In the early 1960’s he made and sold the first pizzas in the valley. He began doing

A. Jean Jensen

A. Jean Jensen, 85, of Victor passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 in her home. She was born April 8, 1939 in Los Angeles, CA, the daughter of the late Albert Jensen and Inez Glasson.

Jean was raised in Whittier, California. She graduated from Whittier High School and earned a degree in Sociology from Utah State University.

In 1960, Jean was hired by Western Airlines as a Flight Attendant; she was based in Los Angeles, Salt Lake, and Seattle. She split her time between Washington State, where she domiciled with Western Airlines, and the Bitterroot Valley, where her family originally homesteaded in the 1800s.

In 1967, Jean’s services with Western Airlines were severed upon becoming pregnant with baby Darren. She fought for women’s rights and later reclaimed her position as a Flight Attendant with Western Airlines and then Delta Airlines. She subsequently had five more children, all of whom have followed her footsteps in the aviation industry. To date, three grandchildren have also shown interest in aviation.

In 1989, Jean moved to her family’s property in Victor, and in 2007, she retired in Victor after 47 years with the airlines.

Jean was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was active with the Victor Heritage Museum where she was president of the board. She also dedicated countless hours to community service and organizations like SAFE in Hamilton.

Rev. Dr. Peggy Ann Whiddon returned to her eternal home on May 12, 2024, just shy of her ninetieth birthday. She was born in Waycross, GA to Oscar Ray and Mary Alma (nee Rutherford) Whiddon, the youngest of four siblings. She was named after the Rodgers and Hart Broadway musical, “Peggy-Ann.” The family moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1937 where her parents founded the Causeway Lumber Company. Following high school graduation in 1951 as a proud “Flying L” at Fort Lauderdale High School, Peggy Ann entered Stetson University where she met her husband-to-be, a semi-pro baseball player. She

concrete work in the 1960’s, spending the rest of his working years as a concrete finisher. His perfectionism made him in high demand throughout the state. He was the concrete foreman for the St. Patrick’s Hospital and the Washington-Grizzly Stadium. He also taught concrete finishing classes to students across the state.

A theme throughout Charlie’s life was his music. He started playing country and bluegrass music with friends in high school, the banjo and guitar being his favorite instruments. For over 25 years, he and Jeanne played music around the northwestern US with the Western Gospel Messengers. He was a regular at local jams. Charlie played his last song just days before his death.

Together Charlie and Jeanne enjoyed many hobbies throughout their 65 years, including music, square dancing, traveling and flying. Jeanne even got him on a horse once or twice.

Charlie served as a board member on the Bitterroot Farm Mutual Insurance Company and two churches in the valley.

We are so grateful to have been a part of Charlie’s life. He was a kind-hearted, steady, gentle, quiet leader with a great sense of humor and zest for life. His Christian faith continued a spiritual legacy that lives on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charlie loved his family and friends. He will forever be cherished and loved.

Charlie is survived by his wife Jeanne of Corvallis; daughter, Sandy (Mike) Ryan of Corvallis; son, Gary (Kimberly) Burruss of Malcolm, NE; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and his brother, Tom (Judy) Burruss of Estero, FL.

Jean’s sense of adventure and individualism were some of her defining characteristics. This was exhibited in 1957 when she took a solo trip down the Colorado river at the age of 18.

She had a passion for aviation, archeology, history, genealogy, birdwatching, survivalism, taekwondo, community service, conservation, and Montana water rights. Edward Abbey was Jean’s favorite author and her inspiration for her conservation activism.

Jean was preceded in death by husband John Norman Jurinski.

Jean is survived by her three sons, Darren and wife Karol Frodsham of Las Vegas, NV, Shawn Frodsham of Victor, MT, Justin and wife Ann Frodsham, of Austin, TX; three daughters, Kara Andrews and husband Jim Garrigan of Washington state, Briana Jurinski of Erie, CO, and Robyn Jurinski of Hamilton, MT; five grandchildren, Scot Phillip, Eric Jensen, Sydona Jean, Ryker Norman, Jarik Alan, and McCrae Baron; brother, Alan Jensen; and 1st husband, Gary Frodsham.

Pallbearers are Darren Frodsham, Shawn Frodsham, Justin Frodsham, Kara Andrews, Briana Jurinski, and Robyn Jurinski.

Graveside services will be held Friday, May 24, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the Victor Cemetery with a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officiating.

The family suggests that memorials be made to

married Andre Schreiber in 1954 and gave birth to three daughters. Following a divorce in 1965, she returned to school at Florida Atlantic University where she earned a degree in Elementary Education, staying on the Dean’s List every semester. Following graduation, she initially taught school and later pursued other endeavors, supporting her family as a legal secretary, in various roles in the banking industry and later worked as an executive assistant to the vice president of the Aveda Corporation. Ordained as an inter-faith Alliance of Divine Love (ADL) minister, after years of practice and study she received a Doctor of Divinity in Metaphysics and Spirituality (DDMS).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton with a reception following in the funeral home’s community room.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Charles’ name to the Bitterroot Health Hospice Foundation, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.

the Victor Fire Department. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Peggy Ann embodied many paradoxes. She was soft-spoken and dressed in bold colors with a style all her own. She was traditionally feminine, turning on her Southern charm, while also embracing nonconformist beliefs and attitudes. She pursued expansive spiritual paths that included becoming a certified Reiki Master while also curating many material things as an enthusiastic shopper. She occupied her own time zone: planning for the future albeit chronically late in the present. She was a life-long cat-lover who decorated her home to reflect that passion. Peggy Ann kept her daughters, family members and friends upmost in her mind and heart. She depended on Shelley for her care, on Gabby for her constant virtual companionship and on Dani for her generosity of spirit. She sought to impart love, light and wisdom. Funny and fun-loving, she was game for any reason to celebrate. She was a believer who kept her mind open to learn.

Peggy Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Wilson and Gene Whiddon. She is survived by her daughters, Michelle (Shelley) Schreiber, Gabrielle (Gabby) Schreiber, and Danielle (Randy) Hambrick and her grandchildren, Riley McGinley, Savanna McGinley and Alexis Berens who know her as Granny Gorgeous (GG). She is also survived by her sister, Betty Jo Ashe Howell, and her nieces and nephews, Sharon Springman, Joe Ashe, Gene Whiddon Jr, Scott (Margaret) Whiddon, and

Steve Whiddon. Her family would not be complete without her Alt-daughter, Julie Telfer, longtime best friend Kevin Stevens and her cat Princess. The family wishes to thank the staff and her neighbors at Sapphire Lutheran Homes for their loving support over that past decade and Bitterroot Health Hospice for their assistance during her transition.

A memorial service will be held at the Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel in Hamilton, MT on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00 am with a reception to follow in the Community Room. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Doris Day Animal Foundation, an organization she supported based on her love of animals, or the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, to support research in finding better diagnostic tools. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

lis Post #91, and Terry Nobles

Squadron of Corvallis Post #91 will host the 103rd annual Corvallis Memorial Day Parade at 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 29. This year the parade theme is “Be the One”, with the goal to Reduce Veteran Suicide One Veteran at a Time.

Helmbrecht chosen as Corvallis Parade Grand Marshal

by John Dowd

This year’s Corvallis Memorial Day Parade will be the area’s 104th annual event, and one of its greatest honors is to be appointed the Grand Marshal. This year, Donald Helmbrecht was given that honor, but wants everyone to remember the real reason for the day: to remember the fallen.

For Helmbrecht, the day really is sacred. He has been with the Corvallis American Legion Post 91 for six years, and has participated with a Legion in general for at least 30 years. For him, remembering those who never came home is important, not just because there is a day for it, but because he himself saw service.

Helmbrecht served in the U.S. Army doing various jobs, but started

jobs until giving 26 years to the United States Postal Service carrying mail.

The number of veterans who die by suicide every day is estimated at between 17 and 22.

At 75 years old, one of the first things Helmbrecht said during an interview was that, though he was honored to be selected, there were “other guys older I would have liked to see” as the grand marshal. He feels he could have been chosen down the line because he has more time, but is nevertheless humbled to be recognized.

The American Legion has ele vated “Be the One” to be its top priority, empowering veterans, service-members, their family members and civilians to act appropriately when a veteran may be at risk. This event in tends to bring more awareness to the problem while providing resources to those who may be able to help save the life of a veteran.

“I get to ride in the Jeep instead of marching around the block,” said Helmbrecht in jest. However, for Helmbrecht, the point of Memorial Day is that it “is a day that we should honor those that didn’t come back from the wars. That’s most important.”

The Parade Grand Marshal is an U.S. Army veteran, and Post #91 member Retired Colonel Ike Slaughter. Ike has served in the Corvallis American Legion Post #91 for over 25 years. For most of those 25 years he was respon sible for the Corvallis Memorial Day parade. This year we pay tribute to Ike and to his service to the community, state and nation. Please join us for the

After the parade, at the Corvallis Cemetery at 12:00 p.m., Post #91

in operations and intelligence. Eventually, he was shipped to Vietnam to work with heavy artillery. After that, he served in Berlin and eventually South Korea. He has been married 52 years to his wife Arlene, who he married in Berlin. Helmbrecht served for seven years, then held various other

your bravery,

Helmbrecht expressed worry that

Memorial Day may be “lost on a lot of people, nationwide.” Fortunately, he is happy to see so many veterans in the valley that are keeping Memorial Day strong in Ravalli County.

Helmbrecht is an acting officer with American Legion Post 91 this

year, and will be again next year. He also serves in the post’s Honor Guard and puts out and maintains the fatality markers along the roadsides throughout much of the county. His area includes the Veterans Bridge on Highway 93 all the way to Bell Crossing, then from the crossing, along Eastside Highway through to Fairgrounds Road, along with all the side roads in between. He cleans and weeds around the markers, as well as repaints and repairs the markers before Memorial Day every year.

He also judges and presents the awards for the Corvallis Memorial Day Parade. Every year, he tries to see the parade participants in a new light, and to pick new winners every year so everyone gets a chance and so it is not always the same winners every year.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at

the blast of the cannon. The Saturday before, the American Legion will place American flags at the cemetery in Corvallis. On Memorial Day, they will return to the cemetery at 12 noon for the Honor Guard to do a 21-gun salute, which Helmbrecht will participate in. There, they will also read off all the names of the veterans. According to Helmbrecht, there will be over 500 names, and every year that is growing. Later, members of the Women’s Auxiliary will place a wreath in the water near Woodside Bridge to honor those that lost their lives while serving in the Navy.

“I hope everyone has a great time and enjoys the spectacle,” said Helmbrecht. “There’s a lot of work that goes into Memorial Day.” He also hopes everyone remembers why they are getting a day off.

(1848). After the cemetery ceremony, post members will move to the Woodside Cutoff Bridge and place a

For 103 years the Bitterroot Val ley has enjoyed this rich tradition honoring those personnel and veter

The Memorial Day Parade will take place Monday, May 29, starting at 10:00 a.m. on Street in Corvallis.

Above, Donald Helmbrecht (right) with his wife, Arlene. At left, Helmbrecht in Vietnam. Photos courtesy Donald Helmbrecht.

by Kristin Kruse

Veteran owned Lockhart’s Custom

At the young age of 15, Eric Lockhart, the owner and operator of Lockhart’s Custom, started working

by John Dowd

Desert Storm and a 14 month deployment during the gulf War. Lockhart said, “I’ve been around the world a few times.” Upon his return from service in 1997 Lockhart went to work

by John Dowd

in a cabinet shop. Working as more of a helper than an apprentice, Lockhart learned the business and developed a passion for woodworking. “I like the idea that something I make has the potential to be around for hundreds of years,” stated Lockhart. At an even younger age, Lockhart recalls the first time he welded something together. “I was seven years old and my neighbor saw me standing in the yard with a broken Tonka toy loader and asked me if I wanted to fix it. He took me to his garage and he showed me how to weld it back together and I thought wow, this is really cool.” That Tonka truck is still around and being enjoyed by his grandchildren. Lockhart has been a certified welder for over 35 years.

but across the state. Retired Colonel Ike Slaughter has been involved with the Corvallis American Legion Post 91 for over 25 years. Hailing from Missouri, Slaughter and his wife moved to the area and raised two boys, both of whom attended and graduated Stevensville High School. He explained

A career in the military took Lockhart away from woodworking and metal work for several years as he served with the 3rd Marine Division in the infantry battalion in the United State Marine Corps. During his enlistment he was deployed multiple times, including three tours during

co-founded and was president of the Special Forces Association of Montana and co-founded and is the current president of the Joint Service Special Operations Fund. Both are non-profits commit ted to aiding military members and their families. The organizations bring 150 soldiers, families and Gold-Stars to retreats and respites in Montana. The latter of those are individuals who have lost family members to active service. These respites include outdoors activities and recreation across Montana.

with Columbia Helicopters doing helicopter logging in Northern California. When business died down various jobs kept him busy, including gravel and crushing work and driving a water truck and bulldozer in Las Vegas. It was during the Covid-19 lockdown, in 2020, that Lockhart rediscovered his love for woodworking. He soon found himself designing and building full kitchen custom cabinets, custom reloading benches and even a Mercedes van conversion.

Along with those organizations, Slaughter remains active in the American Legion in Corvallis. “We’ve done quite a few things to bring the Legion up and make it a very productive post,” said Slaughter.

There are just so many great people involved in that Legion post,” said Slaughter when he spoke about his appointment as this year’s Grand Marshal. Riding alongside him in the World War II jeep down Main street Monday will be his wife, Brenda. She is also a retired U.S. Air Force Officer and is involved with the American Legion as well. can be visited at either SFA28.org for the Special Forces Association of Montana, and JSSOF.org for the Joint Service Special Operations Fund.

To set up an appointment for a consultation, Lockhart can be reached at 406-777-5127, or contacted via email at lcwoodandmetal@gmail.com

Lockhart has set up shop in Stevensville and is ready to work, saying, “What I really enjoy is helping people turn their dreams and ideas into reality. I like to produce quality products and I try to be conscious of the cost. I am open to any type of custom wood or metal work, from full kitchens to cutting boards. I can make custom indoor and outdoor furniture sets, and pretty much anything that you can think up. All of my projects are one of a kind.”

Ret. Captain Brenda Slaughter. Photo Courtesy Ike Slaughter.

Ret. Colonel Ike Slaughter. Photo Courtesy Ike Slaughter.

Ret. Captain Brenda Slaughter. Photo Courtesy Ike Slaughter.

Ret. Colonel Slaughter.

At top left, a kitchen designed and built by Lockhart.

Above, Eric Lockhart.

At right, Lockhart welding, Photos by Kristin Kruse, and courtesy Eric Lockhart.

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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

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Office 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 first 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 Office PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed 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 first 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 filed 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 first 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

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 first 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 filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

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

DATED this 7th day of 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. MNAXLP

BUDGET AMENDMENT

RESOLUTION

Stevensville Public School District #2

Ravalli County At a regular board meeting of the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Ravalli County, Montana, held on May 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., the following resolution was introduced:

WHEREAS, the trustees of School District No. 2, Ravalli County, Montana, have made a determination that as a result of an unforeseen need of the district that cannot be postponed until the next school year without affecting the educational functions of the district; and WHEREAS, the trustees have determined that an amendment to the High School Building Reserve fund budget in the amount of $102,680.27 is necessary under the provision of Section 20-9-161 (6), MCA; and WHEREAS, the anticipated source of financing the budget amendment expenditures shall be the High School Adult Education and High School Bus Depreciation Funds; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Ravalli County, Montana will meet at 7:00 p.m. June 11, 2024, for the purpose of considering and adopting the budget amendment.

/s/ Cathi Cook Chair Board of Trustees

Stevensville Public School District No. 2

/s/ Christy McLaren District Clerk

Stevensville Public School District No. 2

261-100-2600-350

261-100-2600-440

261-100-2600-610

261-100-2600-660

BS 5-22-24.

BUDGET AMENDMENT

RESOLUTION

Stevensville Public School District #2

Ravalli County At a regular board meeting of the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Ravalli County, Montana, held on May 14, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., the following resolution was introduced:

WHEREAS, the trustees of School District No. 2, Ravalli County, Montana, have made a determination that as a result of an unforeseen need of the district that cannot be postponed until the next school year without affecting the educational functions of the district; and WHEREAS, the trustees have determined that an amendment to the Elementary Building Reserve fund budget in the amount of $94,751.67 is necessary under the provision of Section 20-9-161 (6), MCA; and WHEREAS, the anticipated source of financing the budget amendment expenditures shall be the Elementary Transportation and Elementary Bus Depreciation Funds; THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED that the Board of Trustees of School District No. 2, Ravalli County, Montana will meet at 7:00 p.m. June 11, 2024, for the purpose of considering and adopting the budget amendment. /s/ Cathi Cook Chair Board of Trustees Stevensville Public School District No. 2 /s/ Christy McLaren District Clerk Stevensville Public School District No. 2 161-100-2600-350 161-100-2600-440 161-100-2600-610 161-100-2600-660 BS 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 Terri Anderson MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EDNA M. ANDERSON, Deceased. Cause No. DP-2024-22 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Terri Anderson, return receipt requested, ℅: Browder Law PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton,

MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 15th day of May, 2024.

BROWDER LAW, PLLC

/s/ Daniel Browder, Attorney for P.R. 217 N. 3rd, Ste J Hamilton, Montana 59840 BS 5-22, 5-29, 6-5-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, June 05, 2024 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Conference room (3rd floor) at the Ravalli County Administrative Center located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana. The purpose of this public meeting is to consider and take public comment on the first reading and provisional adoption of Ordinance No. 45, allowing alcohol at Ravalli County Fairgrounds, thus repealing Ordinance No. 3 and Ordinance No. 11. The required second reading and possible adoption of Ordinance No. 45 public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the same location.

If you have any questions, or would like to make a public comment due to your inability to attend this meeting, please contact the Commissioners through either of the following : 215 S. 4th Street, Suite A, Hamilton, Montana 59840 or by phone 406-375-6500 or by email: commissioners@rc.mt. gov Chris Taggart

BCC AA BS 5-22, 5-29-24. MNAXLP

Joseph C. Birkeneder 424 Sharrott Hill Loop Stevensville MT 59870 Phone: 406-369-0227 rcsojoe@yahoo.com

Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF CLAUDE ROGER BIRKENEDER, Deceased. Case No. DP-24-52

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 (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Joseph C. Birkeneder, 424 Sharrott Hill Loop, Stevensville, MT 59870, return receipt requested, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 14th day of May, 2024. /s/ Joseph C. Birkeneder, 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 May 14, 2024 by Joseph C. Birkeneder. /s/ Margery

Flyfishing Journal

High Water Chronicles, 2024, vol. 2, plan your float

I wrote about this phone call last year; it’s a story that needs retelling.

It started like this:

“I’m on the river,” the guy said, “Can you tell me if Victor is to the left or the right?”

It sounded like he was at Victor Crossing, new to the area (he didn’t sound like a Montanan) and a little turned around after a morning of fishing.

It happens. People who are used to navigating by freeway signs and traffic lights can find themselves disoriented in an environment landmarked by mountains, rivers, and tall trees.

“Head for the mountains,” I told him. “You’ll get to Victor in about a mile.”

river that you can’t navigate, go the other way.’

“When you get back in your boat, don’t float further than where you can safely pull out and scout again before you go on. Keep doing that whenever you’re not sure what lies downstream.’

by Chuck Stranahan

“Yes, but do I go left or right?”

“There are two groups of mountains,” I told him. “The mountains you want to head toward are the bigger mountains, the ones with jagged peaks. They’re to the west, closer to you.”

“Yeah, but do I go left or right?” he asked.

“Where - exactly - are you?” I asked.

“We’re floating, from Tucker to Bell Crossing.” He answered. “And I need to know, to get to Victor, do I go left or right?”

At this point the dialogue got real serious. He was not on land but floating a stretch of river that splits and braids in several places.

Take the wrong channel at high water and the strong current can sweep a boat, especially one piloted by an inexperienced oarsman, into a fatal tangle of branches under a fallen tree.

He didn’t know it, but he had just placed his life in my hands.

My heart quickened. He might be in more trouble than he realized. I had to keep him calm and get him out.

“I don’t know exactly where you are,” I told him, “But if you can pull out, take your fly rod for a walk downstream for maybe a quarter mile or so. Fish a little on the way. If it looks impassable – if you see a lot of woody snags in the

‘That helps – thank you,” he said.

“Next time,” I told him, “Call at least one fly shop before you go out. The best time to get this information is beforehand.”

Too bad he didn’t call Blackfoot River Outfitters in Missoula. He might have talked to shop manager Noelle Coley.

“When new-to-the-ar-

ea floaters come into the shop,” she tells me, “We ask what kind of a boat they have. If they have a hard boat, a drift boat instead of a raft, that limits where they can put in and take out.’

“We then try to gauge their experience – people from other areas tend to overestimate their experience as it applies to our rivers – so we might ask specifically, ‘Have you rowed where there are swift currents and fallen trees in the river?’

“If the answer is ‘No, not really,’ then we won’t send them to the Bitterroot. There are stretches of the Clark Fork near Missoula where they can catch fish and have a safe float.”

The key here: Check with a fly shop, maybe two, before you go out. And make sure one of them a Missoula shop. They get reports back from the area’s rivers daily. That planned trip to the Bitterroot might be better rescheduled on

the Blackfoot or Clark Fork.

The Bitterroot’s meandering banks are lined with tree that can fall into to the river at any time – not just at high water.

“The most important thing we can do,” Noelle tells me, “Is to educate people as to where the dangers are. We saturate social media with up-to-date reports on all the local rivers. We let them know where there are obstructions, situations to avoid.”

What to do if a half-submerged newly-fallen tree is blocking you way? One that social media didn’t tell you about? Should you chance it?

Noelle is emphatic: “Get your butt out of the boat, get your companions out of the boat, and portage!”

That’s real good advice – portaging may take a little work, but it makes you sound like Lewis and Clark in the stories to be told after, and it could save a life.

A river out of its banks may look safe - but isn’t. Check before you float. Photo by Jan Stranahan

Downtown association party this Thursday

Hamilton Downtown Association (HDA) and Hamilton Downtown Foundation are hosting a Parking Lot Party at the City Center Motel to celebrate the downtown flower basket season.

Organizers ask community members to join the HDA and foundation for a fun evening at the City Center Motel on Thursday, May 23 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The gathering is in partnership with the City Center Motel, with Meandering Moose food truck and live music with Shark Buffalo to celebrate installation of the downtown flower baskets and all the work that goes into making downtown a vibrant community center.

“A lot of work goes into our flower basket program and we wanted to celebrate,” said Robin Pruitt, HDA executive director. “The basket sponsors, volunteers, K&S, building owners and small business owners all make this possible. The community loves the flower baskets and it really shows our

pride in our downtown historic district.”

“We’re thrilled by the response to the basket program,” said K&S Greenhouse owner, Gale Price. “It adds so much to the fantastic atmosphere in downtown Hamilton. Makes it feel more welcoming and cohesive. Lots of towns overlook the importance of visual improvements like this, but Hamilton has embraced it.”

Mary Casper, owner of the City Center Motel, added, “Since we have owned the City Center Motel we have seen the amazing work the Hamilton Downtown Foundation and Association does, and we are excited to be a part of that process. They provide so much for the community and really make an impact for all of the local businesses and livability for our broader community.”

HDA funds the baskets and their watering and maintenance through sponsorships, donations

and contributions from the Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement District, a taxation district funded by building owners in historic downtown Hamilton.

“The community funding arm of our work, Hamilton Downtown Foundation, really makes this effort possible,” said Pruitt. “The community has really stepped up to support our small business owners in taking care of our historic downtown. The basket sponsorships not only fund the actual basket flowers but the watering and maintenance in the summer which is over $7,000. We still have about 10 baskets available for sponsorship and all donations are appreciated for the program. We hope people come out, celebrate our great small business community and Main Street, and our volunteers and donors.”

• Town of Pinesdale Local Government Review (Precinct 15)

• Town of Stevensville Local Government Review and Funding (Precinct 21) Any individuals interested in becoming a

VOTING SYSTEM EXHIBITION/PUBLIC TEST

A public test of the DS850 high-speed vote tabulator and the ExpressVote ballot marking system will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday May 28 2024, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse (205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana). Upon request, the voting system will be demonstrated to any inquiring elector.

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO VOTE ON AN EXPRESSVOTE VOTING SYSTEM

The ExpressVote is a ballot-marking system that is available for anyone to use during the upcoming election. Its main purpose is to allow voters with disabilities and other special needs to mark a ballot privately and independently.

1. Inform the election official that you wish to vote using ExpressVote.

2. You will be issued a ballot card.

3. Insert the ballot card into the ballot feed tray on the front of the machine.

4. The screen will display instructions and the ballot choices.

5. The following helpful options are available:

a. Change contrast and font size for readability

b. Audio headphones

c. Braille keypad

d. Connection for Sip-n-Puff personal device

6. Make your selections by using the touch-screen capability, or by using the keypad.

7. After you have completed your selections, the ExpressVote will confirm your selections on the screen, and by audio if you select the audio option.

8. After verifying your selections, the ExpressVote will mark and print out your ballot card.

9. Confirm your choices on the printed and marked ballot card.

10. Return the marked ballot card to the election official.

11. You can request help anytime during the process.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Absentee ballots are available at the Extension Conference Room, Ravalli County Administrative Building, located at 215 South 4th Street (1st floor), Hamilton, until 12:00 p.m. (noon) on June 3, 2024

PREPARATION, RECONCILIATION AND COUNTING OF BALLOTS

Early preparation and reconciliation of absentee ballots will be held on May 30 & 31, 2024 at approximately 10:00 a.m., in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Continuation of early preparation and reconciliation of absentee ballots, as well as the early counting of absentee ballots, will be conducted on June 3, 2024, at approximately 10:00 a.m., in the basement of the Ravalli

Meet the Bitterroot Forest Collaborative

Standing on a meadow high in the Sapphires, my dog resting nearby, I breathe deeply and smile. The hillside is a carpet of arrowleaf balsamroot. My gaze follows the slope downward and westward. I see gentle hills and Ponderosa Pines, leading eventually to the green valley floor, marked by a handful of roads, scattered homes, and barns. Beyond the valley, the purple-tinged Bitterroot peaks are capped with snow.

Many Bitterroot residents and visitors cherish such experiences and put a high priority on protecting the public lands that surround us. Many of us are also moved to join groups dedicated to wise use of those lands, though we sometimes disagree about what uses are wise. The Bitterroot Forest Collaborative (BFC) is a group consisting of residents from diverse backgrounds, with a mission “to influence the design and expedite the implementation of forest management proposals on public lands in a manner which reflects the desires of Bitterroot Valley residents, minimizes adverse environmental impacts, and supports ecosystem function.”

The BFC is one of twenty-six collaborative groups that function under the umbrella of the Montana Forest Collaborative (MFCN). Established in 2007 (as the Bitterroot Restoration Committee) we were the first collab-

orative in Ravalli County. Often BFC’s focus is on the Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) plans and projects. But among the thirteen principles that guide the Collaboratives under the MFCN umbrella are some that address our responsibility to inform and engage the community. With that responsibility in mind, the BFC plans to share the Position Statements, addressing various aspects of forest management, that we have developed over the last few years. These Statements are a distillation of years of research, analysis, and discussion; they include science-based recommendations agreed upon by a diverse group of Bitterroot residents.

We hope to present all of our Position Statements to the public in the near future, through guest columns and articles; you can also find the Statements here: https://drive.google. com/file/d/1VO-58cSwAYyTQUgGEJJbbhjmaDC2Mgqw/view

Current Position Statements: Fire & Fuels Forest Ecology and Management Forest Ecology & Management Recreation, Special Habitats, Habitat Features, and Habitat Conditions [including Old Growth] Transportation (Roads and Trails) Wildlife & Wildlife Habitat.

Members of the BFC are Kirk Thompson (co-chair; retired USFS Engineer), Skip Kowalski (co-chair;

retired USFS Wildlife Biologist), Mick Harrington (retired USFS Fire Lab), Van Keele (Friends of the Bitterroot representative), Micki Long (retired professor, Master Naturalist), Jeff Lonn (Field Geologist and Research Scientist), Paul Roege (Energy Engineer and Resilience Researcher), and Josh Smith (Community Forester).

We welcome new members of the collaborative; if interested, contact Skip Kowlaski at Skipnmar@bitterroot.com or Micki Long at mickilong@ gmail.com. Somatic Coaching Body Work Women’s Circles Community

Events

April precipitation helped overall, but still short

Well above normal precipitation during April was needed given the meager snowpack conditions experienced this year. Total monthly precipitation was above normal last month in the Powder and Tongue River basins, but was not widespread across Montana. A couple mid-month storms did provide significant snowfall, but April is typically a wet month in Montana, and total precipitation last month did not meet that standard. April precipitation was overall about 65-80% of normal with a couple of isolated locations that were higher. For example, the Gallatin and Bitterroot received about 90-95% of normal April precipitation. Spring weather in Montana can be highly variable, with a storm that is currently adding to the snowpack as this report is being prepared. While this is exactly what is needed, this one storm alone will not likely make up for the water year precipitation deficit across most of western Montana. Water year precipitation is 75-85% of normal for most of the state. Northern Wyoming basins and the upper Madison have fared slightly better and are currently at 90-100% of normal water year precipitation.

“A couple mid-month storms did provide significant snowfall, but April is typically a wet month in Montana, and total precipitation last month did

not meet that standard,” said Eric Larson, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Water Supply Specialist. April precipitation outside of the Powder and Tongue River basins was about 65-80% of normal with a couple isolated locations that were higher. The Rocky Mountain Front and Upper Missouri near Helena, a region that needed it most, were at the low end of that range.

Spring weather in Montana can be highly variable. It is snowing this week in the mountains, adding to the snowpack across upper elevations in Montana. “It’s not uncommon to have significant snowstorms during May in Montana, particularly east of the Continental Divide. While this storm is helpful, this one storm alone will not likely make up for the water year precipitation deficit across most of western Montana,” said Larson. Water year precipitation is only 75-85% of normal for most of the state. SNOTEL sites in the region extending from near Missoula to the Rocky Mountain Front and around Helena are reporting total water year precipitation that ranks in the 15th percentile or less for a 30–40-year period of record. Northern Wyoming basins and the upper Madison have fared slightly better and are currently at 90-100% of normal water year precipitation.

Given the insufficient precipitation totals during April, widespread snowpack improvements from the beginning of April did not occur. “Keep in mind that a snowpack percentage only represents today’s date. It is a calculation of a given date’s snow water equivalent compared to median for that date and sometimes doesn’t tell the full story of the season,” said Larson. The median snowpack peak date is mid-April in most basins and therefore median values used for snowpack percentage calculations are currently decreasing each day. If the weather stays cool and additional snow accumulation occurs in May, basin wide snowpack percentages will likely increase. “If a percentage in a basin that had a low snowpack all year nears 100% in May, that doesn’t mean a full recovery has been achieved,” said Larson. Snowpack percentages were well below normal most of the 2024 season. Larger snow water equivalent peaks are likely to occur at the highest elevations, but significant snowmelt has occurred at mid-mountain elevations and lower. As of May 1, snowpack percentages across most of Montana range from about 55-75% of normal. The Upper Missouri near Helena and Sun-Teton-Marias are lower at about 40%. The Bighorn and Tongue River basin snowpack is closer to normal at

about 80-85%. May 1 water supply forecasts align with water year precipitation and the resulting snowpack. Currently, they indicate runoff volume will be below normal this summer in most locations. The only exceptions are rivers originating in the southern Absaroka and Wind River mountains, which due to near normal precipitation this year are forecasted to have near to above normal runoff. “Areas of greatest concern are the Shields, Teton, Jefferson, Beaverhead, and Musselshell Rivers which are forecasted to be 35-50% of normal for May-July. The 50% exceedance forecasts for the Smith, Missouri, Blackfoot, Bighole, Clark Fork, and Jefferson are 50-60% of normal,” said Larson. For the Flathead, Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Sun, Missouri, and Yellowstone River basins, the entire range of exceedance streamflow forecasts falls below the median May-July volume for most streams. Meaning, that even with well above normal precipitation during May, below normal runoff volume is expected this season.

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

SCHOOL: Corvallis charter school starts this fall

Continued from page 1

“public charter school programs” are a “great thing for public education.” These programs are stand-alone schools that reach students and their families that may not fit into the traditional public school model. These public charter schools are governed under the public school board of the district in which they reside. However, they will offer a different opportunity path for students, and are funded by their own steam.

According to Joseph, Corvallis is proud to have a nearly 100% graduation rate, which he believes is one of the highest in the nation. However, he also stated that they have found that only about 40% will go on to college. For Corvallis, part of their drive is to go after that 60% to help them go further in life, and help those who may benefit more from the individualized programs offered by a charter school.

The program in Corvallis will offer more choice to student families as far as classes. They will offer distance learning that allows students to focus on experience based learning, employing guest speakers and field trips, along with remote learning. There

will also be a heavy emphasis on career “experiential learning.”

This experience-based learning will employ help from local businesses, and Corvallis School District is currently working with Bitterroot Health to add “career exposure.” They have similar prospects with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bitterroot Valley Military Program, and businesses in the construction, farming and ranching fields, local law enforcement agencies and more. These will be through the school’s new “Pathways” program.

Corvallis’ charter program will focus a lot on exposure for younger students as well as immersion into careers for older students. Along the way, there will be extensive aptitude and personality testing to help students determine their strengths and weaknesses, as well as the directions they may want to go. Corvallis hopes to individualize every part of the experience.

The question is how can these programs help with the funding shortage, while offering new and unique opportunities to students. According to the Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) website,

there has already been a concerted effort to go this direction, adding public charter schools connected to existing public schools. According to them, this will not cost districts more money to run, as they are operated within the district in a similar way to regular public schools.

These schools are also funded by enrollment, and are eligible to receive additional funding. The MCPS site addresses the concerns Fisk mentioned regarding staff and funding, stating, “Budget savings from reductions in staffing and other areas are not being used to fund MCPS charter schools. In other words, the district is not making the decision to reduce positions or programs in order to establish charter schools. On the contrary, establishing charter schools is a way to increase funding, create more opportunities for teaching positions and create more opportunities for students. Charter schools may actually help bring in more funding for our district and save the jobs of MCPS employees who are currently facing layoffs.”

According to Joseph, the special funding these charter schools gain access to allows the district to run the char-

ter school independently, by hiring new staff positions, constructing learning centers, etc. These schools also allow independent enrollment, which raises the total enrollment number for a school district, entitling the districts to more funding from the state.

In addition to the extra funding these kinds of schools can give districts access to, Joseph mentioned that another “huge byproduct is bringing together the community.” One of the major determining factors on how well these charter schools operate, and the kinds of programming they can offer, is how they resonate with a community.

According to Joseph, their program is already resonating extremely well with their community. So well that they already have 220 students enrolled into the program, which far exceeds the minimum to be considered an operational charter school. Along with the higher enrollment, the community is also doing a lot to help provide pathway opportunities, such as the ones mentioned before.

“We worked hard to reach out to our community. We worked really really hard,” said Joseph. As a result, the

community has responded with a host of career educational opportunities. According to Joseph, it really has been “good grass-roots community development,” in action. There have already been “opportunities at a level I thought would take two to three years or more,” said Joseph. Joseph believes every community is different and will have different educational needs for their students. He says these charter school programs are truly a “blessing and a bonus for education and for these kids,” and will allow each district to customize their charter programs to fit their needs.

To make all this happen, Joseph said, “it was a group effort. It took everybody moving in the same direction for it to be this successful.” As for whether these programs will be effective enough to turn the tide back into the favor of student education and success, only time will tell.

For more information on the new Corvallis program, interested parties can contact the school at (406) 961-4211. Hamilton may also have their own charter school program soon as well.

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 flowers. Alyssum, petunias, pansies, marigolds, begonias. Colorful flower 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. Certified 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)

10. Moeller’s Nursery

* Specialty large combination baskets

• Official Proven Winner Grower!

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

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

Bitterroot Star - Spring in the Bitterroot

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

11. Beautiful Baskets & More

246 Christofferson Lane, Corvallis

509-936-2706 & 509-936-0963

Florence

Hwy 93

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

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, fire 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 wildflowers. 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

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 baskets and deck planters. They carry vegetable seeds, onion sets and Montana-certified 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

Stevensville

13. Bitterroot Nursery

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

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

Bailey Ln

9. MOELLER’S NURSERY

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

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.

Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood gardening headquarters and Premier dealership. Our certified 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! 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

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 certified seed potatoes, strawberry plants, asparagus roots.

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

177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton. Conveniently located just 2 blocks off of A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens offers 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

Skalkaho

Nursery stock – Shade trees, fruit trees, flowering 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, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins.

10. Moeller’s Nursery

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 flowering 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

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 certified 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 off 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, flowering 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 flourish 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 Cutoff 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 staff 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-certified 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 certified 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, flowering 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.

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

12. EVANS ACE HARDWARE

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 certified 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 off of Highway 93.

A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens offers 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 contain

ers 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 Rd

Middle Burnt Fork Rd

Complaints: Stevi mayor accused of misconduct

how he found out about the sign incident, he said it was “all over Facebook,” and he also said, “but I’m not going to comment on how I found out about this… I saw something wrong and I’m going to try to correct it. I’m running to clean up government… It doesn’t matter how nice the old lady is. She was out there trying to silence free speech. The only remorse she had was when she got caught.” He also said it wouldn’t have mattered to him if Dailey was the one who had moved the signs. “It doesn’t matter who did it,” said Kesler. “It was wrong… and for the mayor to chew out the victim just burned me up,” he added.

In the complaint against McCreary, Kesler claims that “Susan McCreary was videoed in the act, admitted to and was cited for stealing Kim Daily’s [sic] campaign signs on two occasions… As the Campaign Manager for Wayne Rusk I feel that Mr. Rusk is also culpable as it is his ‘Campaign,’ as his representative committing the crime.”

Rusk, a Republican, currently serves as state representative for House District 88 and is running for Senate District 44.

In the complaint against Michalson, Kesler writes, “Mayor Bob Michelson [sic] of Stevensville took it upon himself to Pardon Sue McCreary for her theft of the political signs and proceeded to shame Kim Dailey for reporting the signs stolen along with pictures and videos of the crime… Michelson [sic] way overstepped his bounds in this action and disregarded the legal process… The Mayor’s [sic] may be charged under MCA 13-35204 (2) and 45-7-401 (a) (c) and in calling the Sheriff to his house ‘to discuss it’...”

In a supporting document, Kesler also wrote: “...I have known Kim Dailey personally for several years and have known her to be a lady of the highest, most impeccable integrity and honesty. Kim is one of the sweetest, kindest ladies you’d ever meet and did nothing willful or otherwise to instigate the theft and subversion of her 1st Amendment rights that she’s fallen victim to…”

As requested, McCreary sent a

detailed response to the COPP. In it, she says she has never been a campaign manager for Wayne Rusk. She writes that when headed into CJ’s restaurant one day she noticed that Dailey’s campaign sign was obstructing another candidate’s sign. She asked the restaurant owner if she could remove the sign and he told her she could.

“On the same date I witnessed another political sign of Ms. Dailey’s, again placed directly in front of, and completely obstructing, the political sign of Wayne Rusk,” wrote McCreary. “I left a written note for Jon [the owner] stating that I had removed Ms. Dailey’s second sign, but that I would return it if she had consent to place the sign where it was.”

McCreary recounts that she was confronted outside the restaurant by Dailey and a friend about McCreary’s removal of Dailey’s sign. According to McCreary’s account, they “were shouting at me and filming my actions.”

Complaints have been filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices after Stevensville’s mayor dismissed a citation a woman received alleging theft of a campaign sign that was removed from in front of CJ’s Den restaurant. The mayor has since asked the police chief to re-serve the woman with the citation. According to the mayor, she was scheduled to appear in court today. Photo by Victoria Howell.

“I now realize I should not have removed the first sign from the lawn area at C.J.’s Restaurant,” wrote McCreary. “I meant no malice by my actions, I only wanted to remove the obstruction of another candidate’s sign. I have since personally delivered the sign to Ravalli County Attorney Bill Fullbright [sic].

“Other political signs have since been removed or moved by a per-

son or persons unknown to me. I… attempted to report the thefts to the new Chief of Police, John Boe, but he was in conference with Ms. Dailey. A deputy took my statement.”

Mayor Michalson also sent a response to the COPP complaint. He wrote: “...I did in fact Pardon a Sue McCreary on April 25th and read her pardon in front of the council on my executive report. After much thought and a legal opinion, I realized I did NOT have the authority to do so. At a special Town Council meeting on May 2nd, 2024, I had our Clerk read a prepared statement by me to the council stating that I did not have the authority to Pardon the said person for a theft of a political sign. I returned the

original citation to our Chief of Police, and he served the citation to the person who allegedly took the sign… I realize I do not have the authority to pardon anyone except for local ordinances and misdemeanors and learned a valuable lesson. After being a Council member for 8+yrs and now a Mayor for 6 months I am realizing the responsibility and role I have is huge and bears much more responsibility. I have learned from my action, and I hope by giving the citation back to the Police Chief and the person going before a judge on the 22nd, closes this matter…”

According to Michalson’s statement, McCreary was scheduled to appear in city court on May 22nd.

Responders attend crisis prevention training

by John Dowd

Last Friday, twenty-nine members of local mental health organizations, EMT and paramedic services, fire stations, police departments and the county sheriff’s office attended a unique training opportunity. For the first time since COVID-19, Ravalli County hosted a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training academy for local responders. The academy’s goal was to give responders an edge in determining when they are dealing with mental health crises, and how to respond accordingly for the safety of the patient, the responders, and those around them.

The academy was organized by Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office Behavioral Health Manager Jaime Biesiot and Ravalli County Detective Dan Mendonca, acting as the law enforcement liaison. It was held at Victor School, which gave the agencies the run of one of the school wings for the week. This was the sixth academy of its kind done in the county, and was operated through CIT Montana, a statewide program through Montana Department of Justice that standardizes this kind of crisis response training.

The week-long, 40-hour course combines many aspects, including assessment, intervention, de-escalation, legal considerations, a veteran’s panel and more. Over the week, participants learned to recognize and address substance abuse, elderly and child issues, developmental disabilities, various mental illnesses, and much more.

At the end of the week, students participated in live scenarios to test their knowledge. These scenarios were rigorous, difficult and sometimes emotionally taxing. The scenarios were pulled from real-world calls responders have seen in Montana.

Local mental health experts, and those who have taken CIT in the past, acted in these scenarios, pushing students to confront genuinely challenging situations, often requiring them to make difficult decisions based on little information. These scenarios were geared to simulate real situations responders might need to deal with on the job.

During one such scenario, re-

ed

Spencer

last

sponders entered a classroom as if it was a residence. In the residence, two individuals were watching football with the volume turned up and both residents were extremely intoxicated, to the point of being mildly combative. At the same time, and in another room behind a door, slightly shrouded, another individual was threatening themself with a knife. The intoxicated individuals were encouraging the suicidal individual to commit self harm, and were much more interested in watching their football game than obeying responders. There was no indication of whether or not there were other weapons, or other hidden individuals in the house and responders had to use their given training tools to make numerous correct calls under various stresses. According to

Forest announces wildflower walks

The Bitterroot National Forest is offering two free Botany walks for the public this summer. Join in to admire wildflowers on your local national forest. Bring a snack, water, and a hand lens (if you have one). Limit of 12 people on each walk. Saturday, June 8th – Wildflower

workstation at 9:30 a.m. Bring lunch and water as this site has a longer drive.

Pre-registration is required since group size is limited. More details given to those on the list. To register: email Deborah at NatureSpeake@ gmail.com.

Walk: Join Naturalist Deborah Goslin on a wildflower walk up Blodgett Canyon to observe summer flowers and riparian plants. Meet at the Blodgett Canyon trailhead at 1 p.m. Expect a walk of 1-2 miles, ending at 3:00 p.m. Friday, July 5th –Wildflower Walk: Join Naturalist Deborah Goslin on a wildflower walk in higher elevation. Expect a roughly 1.5-mile walk. Meet to carpool at the Forest Service Sula

one of the actors, Jim Sontag, even with all the distractions these scenarios are often mild compared to real life, which is difficult to reproduce. A real situation would, “probably be louder, with dogs barking and just absolute chaos,” said Sontag.

On top of all that chaos, responders need to learn to be calm under the pressure, in order to save these individuals who may intend harm to themselves, others and even the responders.

According to Biesiot, this training “gives them tools to understand and respond to behavioral health.” This sentiment was echoed by Ravalli County Sheriff Stephen Holton, who said this kind of training can change the way they respond. “This is super beneficial for our guys,” said Holton. Holton wanted to extend his thanks to Biesiot and Mendonca, saying, “I want to give my appreciation to Jamie and Dan for taking this on. It is a lot of work.”

Biesiot added that the training is also being both taught, and attended, by local experts, many of whom operate in these responders’ area. According to Biesiot, this collaboration involving numerous people from other area agencies helps build relationships between the agencies, as well as gives responders the added benefit of “knowing who they are calling” when they need to hand off an individual.

“We are putting a face to those other people, and making those connections so we can better serve,” said Biesiot.

One student that attended the training, Victoria Miralda, is a U.S.

Army veteran as well as founder and president of Veterans Victory Alliance. Her organization strives to offer first responders programming in nature to address overall wellness. They often work with individuals that are combating mental and emotional wounds from both military and first responder service. She was notified by Holton that it might be a good idea for her to come out and take the course. She said that she found the academy extremely informative and useful for what they could encounter in their organization.

In her time with the academy, Miralda said she was extremely impressed with the Ravalli County deputies in particular, “seeing the depth of their commitment to this community and willingness to learn. My hat’s off to Sheriff Holton and this culture that they have established.”

Miralda also mentioned something several other students and instructors noticed. Throughout the academy, it became clear to her and others of the need for a “mobile committed crisis prevention team,” like one that operates in Missoula. This would be a group of individuals trained specifically to respond to these kinds of scenarios and to offer these patients the best possible response, care and handoff. Another student to mention the need for such a team was Sara Monroe, a paramedic with Bitterroot Health. Though, “we are a long way from a committed CIT team,” said Monroe, these “valuable skills” can act as a way to bridge that gap, and give the responders of Ravalli County an edge to help these individuals.

Jed

(right) a deputy with the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office works his way through one of the scenarios host-

during

week’s CIT training. At left, Dr. Jennifer Preble evaluates his performance. At center, one of the actors, Jim Sontag, heckles and yells at Spencer while in the other room an individual threatens with a knife. At the time, it is unclear wheather she is threatening herself or others. Photo by John Dowd.