Bitterroot Star - May 24, 2023

DISTILLERY: Local booze business looking to expand

Continued from page 1

that they use over a thousand dollars worth of huckleberries in each batch. “I’d say we’re the only distillery that uses huckleberries and fresh ingredients to this extent in the whole state,” he said.

Hlebichuk and McDonald operated

The Montana Distillery in downtown Missoula for nearly seven years until spikes in property taxes caused them to relocate to 304 Main Street in Stevensville in 2020.

While the transition was difcult, they couldn’t be happier with the new location. “Everybody’s so supportive here,” Hlebichuk said, “we have such a supportive base of people located here.” He continued saying, “It’s exactly what we wanted.”

The Montana Distillery is not a

Hlebichuk said that they sell their vodkas, gins and other spirits in most liquor stores across Montana. While they are not currently looking to expand distribution to other states, their local popularity keeps the business growing and busy. “We want to make sure we can keep up with everything they need locally,” he said.

Currently, Hlebichuk and the crew are working on expanding the production area into the adjoined rental space to the north of their current location. The expansion will provide more room for production as well as storage for fresh ingredients.

The Montana Distillery tasting room is open from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit themtdistillery.com for more information.

infnite beauty.”

~ John Ruskin

typical bar, it’s a tasting room. There are specifc rules associated with how much alcohol can be served and how long they are allowed to be open.

Hlebichuk thinks this benefts them, maintaining a more relaxed atmosphere, and it gives them time to speak with the customers about their specifc products.

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Proposed Mitchell Slough Bridge replacement on Victor Crossing

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would like to announce and invite the public to comment on a proposal to replace the bridge over a channel of the Bitterroot River, commonly known as Mitchell Slough, on Victor Crossing East.

The bridge is located about 2 miles east of Victor in Ravalli County. The project area is expected to extend approximately 500 feet from each end of the new replacement bridge.

Proposed work includes replacing the ex -

isting structure on the current alignment and upgrading the guardrail. During construction, through traffic will detour around the project area on Bell Crossing. The purpose of the project is to provide a new bridge that meets current design standards and enhances safety for the traveling public.

Construction is tentatively planned for 2028 depending on completion of design and availability of funds. New rightof-way and relocation of utilities will be required. MDT staff will contact all affected landowners prior to survey work, and again before construction regarding

property acquisition and temporary construction permits.

An important part of properly planning for future projects is partnering with the community. The Montana Department of Transportation welcomes the public to provide ideas and comments on the proposed project. Comments may be submitted online at http://www.mdt. mt.gov/contact/comment-form. aspx or in writing to Montana Department of Transportation, Missoula office, PO Box 7039, Missoula, MT 59807-7039. Please note that comments are for project UPN 9687000.

The public is encouraged to contact acting Missoula District Preconstruction Engineer Joel Boucher at 406-544-5802 or Project Design Engineer Jere Stoner at 406-4447017 with questions or comments about the project.

Alternative accessi

ble formats of this doc

ument will be provided on request. Persons who need an alternative format should contact the Office of Civil Rights, Montana Department of Transportation, 2701 Prospect Avenue, PO Box 201001, Helena, MT 59620. Telephone 406444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711.

SUBDIVISION: Project still in contention, decision further postponed

Continued from page 1

to the subdivision centered around water, with many claiming that their existing wells produce far less than they did years ago, and that the addition of residential water users would

be detrimental.

Andy Maki, whose family land lies

to the northwest of the proposed subdivision, agreed that water is a primary concern, but also pointed out

that the landowners of the proposed subdivision also own an additional 80 acres immediately adjacent to his own. One concern that Maki and others have is that the Sapphire Heights subdivision would only be the frst phase, and the road that services it would easily be used to service an additional subdivision to the north. He expressed that doing so would substantially disconnect what he sees as an important agricultural area.

“Everybody in this area wants to see this neighborhood stay intact, literally, every single person,” he says. He then went on to name multiple landowners ranging from the borders of the Stock Farm to the south all the way up into the Willow Creek drainage that wish to keep the land in agriculture or even have active conservation easements.

“We literally have a chance right now to conserve over 5000 acres,” he

said.

Steven Foley, who owns the property along with two of his brothers, denied that there was any intention to subdivide beyond the currently proposed 12 parcels, and expressed confdence in the professionalism of the plan put forth by developers Gary Chilcott and John Giuliani.

“We were much impressed with the professional way they were going to develop it,” said Foley. “In our opinion, the land is going to be developed with houses that will enhance the value of the property around the Foley place. That’s the only way we would agree to develop it.”

The Planning Board voted to return to deliberations on July 14th at 6:00. Their recommendation will be passed to the Ravalli County Commissioners for fnal approval or denial. DEQ review of the proposal is ongoing.

These 80 acres along Hamilton Heights would be developed into 10 home sites, while an additional 40 acres to the south would add another two lots. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Ravalli County Planning Board voted to delay deliberations on the Sapphire Heights subdivision until July 14. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

by John Dowd

It is no mystery why many people are moving out into the country and into the wilderness. In many ways that is a good thing, since that means more people are trying to get into the hobbies of outdoor activities. That translates into more and better gear availability, further education and careers associated with the outdoors and more support of the environment.

by John Dowd

However, unfortunately many of these people bring with them bad habits and a lack of understanding of the outdoors, especially in the dry West in places like the Rocky Mountains. The most obvious manifestation of this is in forest fires. According to the National Park Service, in 2021 nearly 85% of forest fires were human caused. The rest are likely from lightning. Though no one is quite sure the cause of the latest fires across Canada, what is clear is the fact that these kinds of things are more common than ever before. This should be made clear to all Montanans that look out their windows to see a very unclear view. Many would blame that smoky haze on climate change, but either way it is human-caused, and I believe often from very direct human incompetence.

I figured, as summer and camping season approaches, now may be a good time to talk about the hazards of fire, and ways to prevent it. At risk of sounding like a popular culture bear, it is up to us. Fire is no joke in the West. The landscape

is far more arid than people coming from many places Back East can comprehend. Sparks from dragging trailer chains, a flung extinguished cigarette butt or even parking a recently running car in tall grass can all be causes of a forest fire. Right now, thousands of Canadian families have had to evacuate in the wake of the nearly 2,000 square miles of burned timber. There are a few things we take seriously in Montana and in the Northwest, and fire is one of them.

I was once driving up the Thompson River, near the town of Thompson Falls. Strewn up and down nearly every half mile or less is a campsite. In nearly all of them is a fire pit. The time I was there was July, the peak of the tourist season. On this particular occasion, I was stopped every mile to address a still

raging campfire. I put out four or five fires that day, all of which had been left in full blaze by ignorant people, wood freshly thrown in. The coals were never drenched with water, there was no dirt to bury the coals and fresh wood had obviously been burning since the morning. These campsites were empty, where the tenants seemed to have left that morning just after breakfast. It gets windy down that canyon, and months later was one of the biggest forest fires in that area’s history. Parts of Thompson Falls had to be evacuated and there was a real threat that the town would need to be abandoned to the fire. Ashes rained down from the mountains above and many locals nearly lost their livelihoods. Smoke, though the least of the repercussions of forest fires, can cause

numerous health problems. Alongside that, it should be obvious that it inhibits the beauty of the land and the reason everyone loves to visit Montana. Montañas, the namesake for the state, is Spanish for mountains and with the kind of smoke that has been rolling in, there are not many mountains to see.

I urge everyone going outside this summer to take fire seriously. It is an important part of enjoying the wilderness, but it’s also important that adventurers not leave them unattended, put them out when leaving camp and pay attention to their impact left behind. We all need to be responsible when dealing with fire in the West. With more people than ever before in Montana, that responsibility has grown. I urge everyone who visits, or calls this state home, to spread that message.

Thompson Falls High School at night while the Thorne Creek Fire blazes behind. Photo by John Dowd.

Bulls, Broncs and Barrels: the cowboy’s sport

by John Dowd

“Like any kid who has heroes, my way of appreciating rodeo was to get into it myself,” said Rod Freeman, Chairman of the Rockin’ RC Rodeo Committee and longtime rodeo participant and enthusiast. For the third year in a row, he and others are organizing what they call “Bulls, Broncs and Barrels.” It is a series of fve similar events that bring the heart of the rodeo to the community. Two of these events will take place at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, two in Darby and one in Deer Lodge. Freeman encourages everyone with even a little bit of cowboy in them to attend. “When it’s in your blood, it’s part of your life,” said Freeman when asked why he loves rodeo so much.

To him, rodeo is a fantastic sport that is seeing a decline in players. “For any sport to survive, you have to have participants,” added Freeman. Rodeos trace their lineage back to Mexico, where open range cattle ranching already had a deep history. Rodeos, then called charreadas, were the primary method used to select animals from herds with spirit. The process was also meant to get the animals used to human presence and to break wild ones.

In 1888, Prescott, Arizona saw a large group of merchants and businessmen hold what they called a “cowboy tournament.” This is widely considered the birthplace of professional American rodeo in the states.

Today, rodeo is a multi-million dollar sport, practiced across the country. However, according to Freeman, the sport is waning. He explained that rough stock riders are fewer in number, and that number drops every year. To combat that, three years ago he and others, in cooperation with the Darby Rodeo Association and Red Eye Rodeo, began their “Bulls, Broncs and Barrels” series.

The goal of the events was to promote the sport of rodeo, and “Western cowboy culture.” They want to see that young people who show interest in the sport are able to fnd it, and learn it. The events bring what Freeman explained are the crowd favorite parts of the rodeo, “the heart of the rodeo.” These events Freeman referred to include bare-back bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing and more.

The frst upcoming event will take place at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds on May 27, starting at 7 p.m. The next one at the fairgrounds will happen July 15. Tickets are available at Murdoch’s in both Hamilton and Missoula. They are also available at Darby Liquor and Wine and the Ravalli County Fairgrounds ofce, as well as at the gates the night of, which will open for

the event at 5 p.m. Online tickets can be found by accessing the QR codes on the posters around town, or through the event Facebook, Western Montana Big Sky Bulls, Broncs and Barrels. Adult tickets are $20 and children 10 and under get in free.

“That’s our goal, to get youth into it,” said Freeman. He explained that it is becoming more difcult to fnd people interested in rodeo, and though people enjoy horses

across the world, Freeman warned that horsemanship does not necessarily translate into rodeo. “It’s something I grew up with and around, that life-

style.” He hopes these kinds of events will help spread rodeo popularity to new generations and continue the lineage of the sport he loves.

Tyler Friend rides saddle bronc at last year’s Bulls, Broncs and Barrels. Photo ccourtesy Rod Freeman. Photo by Tyson Woods, TWoods Images.

men. Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:10 a.m.; meeting follows until 10:30. A program on sensible eating and weight loss is presented every week along with incentives for weight loss. TOPS is an afordable non proft weight loss support group. For more information call Diana Grifn at 406-531-0785.

Ravalli Dems North County

Join North Ravalli County Democrats for “Burgers and Beer” on Thursday evenings from 4 to 6 at The Backyard Taphouse, 281 Rodeo Drive, of the Eastside Hwy in Florence. This is a rather regular event on Thursdays, BUT not on May 4th. Check online at ravdems.com/newsletter for any changes and other information or on Facebook. All welcome.

Bitterroot Quilters

Guild Bitterroot Quilters Guild will meet on Wednesday, May 24 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; please reach out to a board member if you prefer not to drive. This month’s theme is The Guild Gives. There will representatives from S.A.F.E., the Ofce of Public

Assistance and Hospice, who are all recipients of quilts made and donated by members of the Guild throughout the year; a representative from Loads of Dignity, this year’s Grant recipient, and the recipients of three Guild College Scholarships awarded this year. All meetings include a Fat Quarter Drawing, 50/50 Pot, bargain sales at the Ugli Bin as well as member show and tell. 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.

Driver safety class

Bitterroot Health (formerly Marcus Daly Hospital), located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, will host an ALL NEW 2023 AARP Driver Safety Course on Friday, May 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. While this new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The new program features laws and up-dates specifc to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, new Vehicle Technologies to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no driving tests or written exams and Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers.

Certifcates are good for 3 years! Class fee: $20.00,

AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. For class sign up: Call Jones Korman Insurance at: 406-363-6583. For further information: Call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 369-0149.

Memorial Day veterans remembrance

Start your Memorial Day weekend by helping to place white wooden crosses and American Flags on Veteran gravesites at Riverview Cemetery on Saturday, May 27th at 9am rain or shine; water and snacks provided (hosted by the American Legion Ravalli Post 47 & Auxiliary).

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

8AM - Ravalli County Museum on Bedford St -Honors and wreath presentation service;

8:30AM - Wreath service and honors for those lost at sea at Main Street Bridge over the Bitterroot River;

9AM - Wreath laying service and honors at the Riverview Cemetery military memorial

10AM - Post 47 will march with the Corvallis and Stevi Posts in the Corvallis Memorial Day parade

Visit with Victor

Old-Timers

Visit with Victor Old-Timers will be held Sunday, May 28th at the Victor Community Church. 11:00 am - Services in the Church; 12:15 pm - Potluck Lunch - bring a dish to share; 1:00 pmVisit with Victor’s old-timers in the Church’s fellowship hall. Sponsored by the Victor Community Church.

Heroes and Hot

Rods BitterRodders Car Club

will host a Heroes and Hot Rods Memorial Day event on Monday, May 29th after the Corvallis Parade. Awarding Stevensville American Legion Post 94 at Hieronymus Park in Hamilton.

Victor Museum

hours

The Victor Heritage Museum in Victor, will open for the Summer Season on Memorial Day, May 29th. The museum will be open 1pm to 4pm Tuesday through Saturday until Labor Day, September 4th. The exhibits in the Museum have changed and the museum board is hoping to have returning visitors as well as new visitors. The Museum is located at 125 Blake Street in downtown Victor (on Main Street). Call 406-642-3997 or email victormuseum@cybernet1.com. or call Suzanne at 406-3633165 for more information. New food bank hours

Pantry Partners food bank in Stevensville will have extended hours efective the week of June 5th. New hours are Monday 11 a.m to 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Volunteers are needed. For information call manager Dawn at 406-777-0351 or stop in.

Pro-LIfe Bitterroot

Pro-Life Bitterroot will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 6th at 6 p.m. at the Florence Fire Station, 234 Holloway Lane (just of US 93). For more information call 406-407-1254.

Emergency Preparedness Classes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly Emergency Preparedness classes.

They are held at 7 p.m. at the Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: June 8:

“Planning A Garden—Saving

Seeds”; July 13: “Can’t Use

Your Stove? Cooking With Alternative Methods Using the Cookers We Assembled Earlier As Well As Other

Methods”; August 10: “Water Bath Canning & Pressure Canning”; September 14:

“Basic First Aid & Kits: What to Have and How To Use Them”. You can attend any or all classes. Classes typically run 60-90 minutes.

For the “Alternative Cooking Methods” classes, class size is too large to complete assembly in class, so sign ups will be made during class for items to be made/completed at a later date. Call 513-3125494 with questions.

Square dance class

Intro to Modern Square Dancing will be held Wednesday, June 14-August 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Yellowrock Campground Dance Center, 9955 Hwy 12 West, Lolo. All are welcome. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information contact Butch at 208-503-0551 or Faye at 208-553-2727.

PEO fundraiser

The local chapter of PEO, a women’s organization that awards scholarships to women pursuing high education degrees, is selling a special tapestry throw as a fundraiser. The “Montana Capture the Spirit” tapestry throw is made of 100 % cotton and is 50 x 60 inches. It was designed by our local PEO chapter. The throw makes a good gift for any occasion, i.e. birthdays, holidays housewarmings, graduation or just because! The cost is $68 each or $65 for two or more throws. For more information on

purchasing Montana throws or scholarship information, contact myself or Nancy Schweissing, (509) 3787879.

Call for nominations

The Florence Civic Club is inviting nominations for its Community Service Award for 2023. The award honors a local person for outstanding contribution of service to the Florence community. Such service may be individual or through involvement in community, church, or nonproft organization, or the schools. Please send your nomination with a description of the nominee’s activities to: Florence Civic Club Attention Community Service Award P.O. Box 544 Florence, MT 59833

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Saturday, June 10th.

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Florence, Hamilton compete at state baseball tourney

The Florence and Hamilton baseball teams competed in Montana’s first ever State Baseball tournament in Butte on Friday, May 18-20. Both teams made it to the semifinals, and both fell just short of the championship game. Hamilton took 4th place, making it to the consolation game where they lost to Belgrade. Florence fell in the consolation bracket to end a successful season.

Hamilton defeated the East’s #1 seed Belgrade, 126, in their opening round game on Thursday. Hamilton pitcher Jacob Westberry struck out five over 6 innings for the win. Offensively, Westberry went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Emerson Widmer went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and Liam O’Connell went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs.

They then faced the Northwest’s #1 seed, Whitefish, in the semifinal on Friday where they lost 3-14. This sent them to the consolation bracket

where they defeated Butte 3-1. Hamilton pitcher Taylor Nead only allowed one hit over 6 innings for the win. Then, Hamilton fell to Belgrade 7-10 in the consolation game.

In Florence’s first round game on Thursday they defeated Butte, the East’s #2 seed, 6-5. Florence’s Brodie Hinsdale went 3 for 4, scored 4 runs, and stole 6 bases. Isaac Bates knocked in 3 RBIs, and Jake Roth went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

This sent them to the semifinal game on Friday where they fell 4-5 in a heartbreaker to Polson, the eventual state champion. Florence trailed 1-5 after 4 innings then clawed their way back to make it a one run game, but fell short. Jake Roth went 2 for 3, Brodie Hinsdale went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs, and Tyler Abbott had an RBI. This sent them to the consolation bracket, where they played the East’s #1 seed, Belgrade, on Friday and lost 1-3.

Corvallis girls, Hamilton boys take divisionals

The track teams of Stevensville, Hamilton, and Corvallis competed in the Western A Divisional meet in Corvallis on May 19-20. The Corvallis girls’ team and the Hamilton boys’ team both took 1st place. The Corvallis boys fnished in 2nd and the Hamilton girls took 5th. The Stevensville girls took 7th, while the Stevi boys took 8th.

There were some tremendous individual performances by Bitterroot Valley athletes. Corvallis’s Olivia Lewis set a new Western A Divisional record in the 300m hurdles. Lewis ran a blistering time of 42.94, breaking the old Western A Divisional record of 43.72 set by Paige Squire in 2011. For reference, the Montana All Class State record in the 300m hurdles is 42.87, making Lewis’s run one of the best in state history. Lewis also won the 100m hurdles. Hamilton’s Chesnee Lawerence won the pole vault with a jump of 11-6, this jump tied the Western A Divisional record, set by Katelyn Frost from Corvallis in 2014.

Stevensville’s Claire Hutchison won the 400m (58.50) and the high jump (5-4) and took 2nd in the 100m (12.66).

Individual champions for Hamilton

included:

Evan Bennett won the 800m (1:57.99) and the 1600m (4:31.97). Taylor

Doleac won the 3200m (10:04.10)he also took 2nd in the 1600m. Andrew Burrows won the shot put (56-02.50) and discus (151-06).

Tyson Bauder won the javelin (176-04).

Taylor Searle won the pole vault (14-00).

Individual champions for Corvallis included: Derek Criddle won the high jump (6-02) - he also took 2nd in the 400m (50.39).

Amara Auch won the 3200m (12:01.34).

Alanna Auch won the discus (118-10). Lucas Powell won the triple jump (42-04.25).

The girls 4x100

42.94.

(Ella Varner, Olivia Lewis, Rylee Herbstritt, Farah Wyche). And the girls 4x400 relay team (Herbstritt, Lewis, Shylee Weidow, Wyche) won the event. The Class A State meet is held in Laurel on May 2527.

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Darby boys fnish 2nd, Florence boys 3rd at divisionals

Florence boys took 3rd, and the Florence girls took 5th in the Western B. The Darby

boys took 2nd, and the Darby girls took 12th in the Western C. Individually for Florence, William Wagner won the 200m (23.02) and the 400m (51.53), and took 2nd in the 100m (11.55) and high jump (5-08). Quinn Lue won the high jump (6-00).

Kyler Harris took 2nd in the 800m (2:05.22) and 1600m (4:30.60)

Individually for Darby, William Martin took 1st in the 200m (23.02) and 300m hurdles (40.24) and 2nd in the 110m hurdles (15.50). Lily Adair took 1st in the 1600m (5:34.36).

Individually for Victor, Mylia Fowler took 2nd in the long jump (1606.5).

Florence travels to the Class B State meet on May 25-27 in Butte. Victor and Darby will go to Laurel on May 25-27 for the Class C State meet.

relay team won the event

The track teams of Florence, Victor and Darby were in Missoula for the Western B and Western C Divisionals on May 19-20.

In the team standings, the

Hamilton’s Jacob Westberry pitching. Westberry and the Hamiliton baseball team took 4th in Montana’s frst high school state baseball tournament in Butte on May 20th. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Corvallis’s Olivia Lewis showing her muscles at the Western A Divisional tournament in Corvallis on May 20th. Lewis broke the Western A Divisional record in the 300m hurdles with a time of

Photo by Scott Sacry.

Hamilton’s Evan Bennett won both the 800m and 1600m at the Western A Divisionals in Corvallis on May 19-20. Photo by Scott Sacry.

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Florence softball team divisional champ

The Florence softball team is back in a familiar position - hoisting a championship trophy in the Western B Divisionals. Although the Lady Falcons haven’t been as dominant this year compared to year’s past, the reigning state champions played their best when it mattered the most, beating rival Mission/ Arlee/Charlo (MAC) 9-3 to take the Divisional title in Anaconda on Saturday, May 20th.

Florence defeated Plains 14-5 in their 1st round game on Thursday, May 18. Olivia Coulter went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs. Then on Friday, they defeated

Thompson Falls 13-3. Rylee Yeoman went 2 for 3 with a home run and 6 RBIs. Then later on Friday, Florence defeated MAC 12-9 in the undefeated semifnal game. Ava Philbrick went 2

for 4 and Hailey Sutton went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs. MAC then defeated Manhattan to get into the Saturday fnal. Florence lost the frst game 7-10, forcing a

Corvallis, Hamilton softball off to state

The Class A softball teams of Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville competed in the Western A Divisionals in Frenchtown on May 19-20. Hamilton fnished 5th, Corvallis 6th, and Stevensville lost out in the consolation bracket.

Hamilton defeated Corvallis in the 5th/6th place game on Saturday, with Hamilton winning 9-4. For Hamilton, Mariah Johnson went 4 for 4 and scored 3 runs,

Cierra Cole went 3 for 5, and Addison Flynn went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs. For Corvallis, Jadyn Greenwood went 4 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Hamilton and Corvallis travel to the Class A State tournament in Belgrade on May 25-27. Hamilton plays Hardin on Thursday, May 25th at 1 p.m. in the opening round, while Corvallis plays Laurel on Thursday, May 25th at 11 a.m. in their frst round game.

second game. In the second game, Florence was all business and defeated MAC 9-3 to claim the division championship. In the second MAC game, Florence’s Kenzy Pickering pitched a complete game for the win. Rylee Yeoman went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Elise Schneiter went 3 for 3, and Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 4 and scored 2 runs.

The Class B/C State softball tournament is in Anaconda on May 25-27. Florence is the West’s #1 seed and plays the East’s #4 seed, Huntley Project, on Thursday, May 25th, at 4 p.m.

State B golf results

The Florence golf team ended their season at the Class B State tournament in Shelby on May 15-17 at the Marias Golf Course. The Florence girls’ team fnished 6th, and the Florence boys fnished tied for 7th. Individually for the boys, Brody Duchien fnished 20th, Rollie Fisher fnished 26th, Patrick Duchien took 30th, Ethan Alexander took 36th, and Hunter Olson took 52nd. Individually for the girls, Alexa McLean fnished 13th, Reese Briney took 22nd, Kipley Solari took 29th, Lacie Ketelhut took 47th, and Alyx Monaco took 52nd.

Corvallis wins tennis divisionals, Hamilton takes second

The Western A Divisionals tennis tournament was held at Fort Missoula on May 1618. Corvallis’s girls and boys teams both took 1st place, while the Hamilton boys and girls teams both took 2nd place.

In the fnals for the boys’ singles, Hamilton’s Andy Purcell defeated Corvallis’s Ryan Hutchison 4-6, 6-4, 6-0. In the boys’ doubles fnal,

Corvallis’s Chance Jessop and Grant Wilcox defeated Hamilton’s Finn Dufresne and Jason Chaplin 6-3, 6-1. In the girls’ singles fnal, Hamilton’s Ciara Hanley defeated Corvallis’s Ava Wilcox 6-1, 6-1. In the girls doubles, Corvallis’s team of Jayde Venema and Brecklyn Jessop took 2nd place. The Class A State tennis tournament is in Missoula on May 25-26.

SW Montana Veterans

The Florence Softball team with their Western B Divisional trophy on May 20th. The Lady Falcons head to State in Anaconda on May 25-27 as the West’s #1 seed. Photo courtesy of Lady Falcons Softball.

The Corvallis girls’ and boys’ tennis teams won the Western A Divisional tournament in Missoula, playing uner smoky skies. The girls’ team, pictured from left to right - Dakota Powell, Brecklyn Jessop, Coach Mike Fehr, Jayde Venema, Ava Wilcox. Photo courtesy of Mike Fehr.

Hamilton’s Ciara Hanley won the girls’ singles tennis title for the Western A Divisionals. The Class A state tournament is in Missoula on May 25-26.

Photo by Bryan Dufresne.

Bud Taylor

Bud Taylor, 80, of Victor, MT passed away at Community Hospital in Missoula on May 13, 2023 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Bud was born on May 31, 1942 to Oleta and Burl B. Taylor in Sebastopol, CA. He grew up in Petaluma, CA and graduated from Petaluma Senior High. During high school, Bud and his younger brother Don worked on a dairy farm; riding their bikes to and from work until Bud was old enough to drive. Bud and Don were best friends who spent their free time hunting and fshing in the countryside. Bud loved his dog King, his horse Blaze and working on his blue 1957 Chevy which was the fastest car in town.

Bud married Meg on March 23, 1974 and on November 20, 1975 adopted her three sons, whom he always loved and considered as his own. Bud and Meg were married for 49 years.

Fred ‘Bob’ Permann

Fred “Bob” Permann, 78 of Richland, Washington passed away February 1, 2023.

Bob was born March 8, 1944 in Bismarck, North Dakota the son of Fred R. and Pauline Permann.

Following High School, he joined the US Navy where he honorably served for 3 Years. He was discharged in July 1964.

Bob married Theodora “Teddy” Kolstad in Missoula, Montana on November 27, 1965.

Bob was a good brother, husband, and father to his two children and a wonderful grandfather to his

Bud worked for the Northern pacifc Railroad before joining the Air Force. While in the Air Force, Bud was assigned to a SAC base as a fight line mechanic at Vandenberg AFB in Lompoc, CA. Bud was an honorably discharged disabled veteran. Bud was a master mechanic who always helped friends and family with their cars and boats. Bud last worked at Bud’s Marine, which he owned and operated with Meg, in Callville Bay, on Lake Mead in Nevada. Soon after retirement, Bud and Meg moved to Montana, enjoying what they loved.

Bud loved fshing the Bitterroot River, hunting in the West Fork, reading Western Heritage and mysteries, and playing golf.

Bud was a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a member of the Fraternal Order of the Elks and Eagles.

Bud was preceded in death by his father Burl,

seven grandchildren. He lived his life to the fullest by hunting, fshing, having a few Coors Lite with his buddies, and spending time in his wood shop. He will be greatly missed by his children, his wife, grandchildren, his sister, and all of his nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his Parents Fred R. and Pauline Permann.

He is survived by his wife, Theodora “Teddy” Permann; son, James R. (Mindy) Permann, daughter, LaDonna Spencer; grandchildren, Gavin

Robert ‘Bob’ Mendenhall

Long time Bitterroot resident, Robert “Bob” Mendenhall, age 94, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023 in Hamilton. He was born at home in Stevensville on December 8, 1928, to Ernest C. Mendenhall and Ruby Long Mendenhall Miritiz.

Bob was raised in Darby, helping his father with the dairy operation and potato farm. He graduated from Darby High School in 1947. After working in California briefy, he returned to Darby and worked for Frank Jaquette’s Christmas tree business. This was when he met his future bride, Marian May Jaquette. On October 22, 1948, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a radio operator during the Korean War until his discharge in 1952. On June 6, 1954, Bob married his sweetheart, Marian Jaquette.

In 1955, Bob began a 28-year career, working for the Montana State Highway Department, where he served as the Section Head at Sula, and later in Hamilton, until his retirement in 1983.

Dennis Ray Robinson

Dennis Ray Robinson 71, passed away on May 18th, 2023. He was born at Marcus Daly Hospital on March 19th, 1952, he grew up in Victor, MT. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents and sisters. He is survived by his fve children and their spouses. Michael, Angela (Peter), Emily (Jefrey), Roxanne (Timothy), Lance (Aspen), and loving grandpa to 10 grandchildren. Dennis was a proud Victor alumnus and served his country in the Navy. He was a successful, hardworking owner of Robinson Asphalt Maintenance for 40 years. He was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he made lifelong friends and memories serving the Lord.

Dorothy

Dorothy Anne Brubaker, beloved wife of Loren Brubaker for 62 years, passed away on May 15, 2023, at their home at the age of 85.

Dorothy was born to Margaret and John (Jack) Harvey Luther in Cardston, Alberta on December 5, 1937, the frst child of six. Dorothy graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1956. She loved horses and was a Cut Bank Rodeo Queen – she won the title of Miss Rodeo America at the Saddle Club rodeo in Cut Bank at the age of 18, going on to represent the Glacier-Toole County area at the state competition. Dorothy attended Western Montana College in Dillon for a time until homesickness got the better of her, bringing her back home to Cut Bank. Dorothy’s frst job was bank teller at the Bank of Glacier County in Cut Bank. Dorothy married Loren on December 1, 1961, and they soon welcomed their daughter Laurie. Dorothy and Loren lived in Wyoming, Missouri, North Dakota and South Dakota over several years while Loren worked for Boeing. It was in North Dakota where they had their son Bryan. They subsequently moved back to Montana, arriving in the Bitterroot in 1967 – frst living in Victor, then the Three Mile and Illinois Bench areas – and the two of them built their own home with each move.

Dorothy and Loren were soulmates and partners. They spent many years milking dairy cows and custom haying in the valley. Their true passion is their

Death Notices

E. Barbara Strigh

Corvallis - E. Barbara Strigh, 92, passed away early in the morning, Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the Living Center in Stevensville. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Tempie B. Ray Missoula - Tempie B. Ray, 85, passed away in the afternoon, Thursday, May 18, 2023, surrounded by

mother Oleta, and granddaughter Amanda Taylor of Ball, LA.

Surviving members of the family include: Meg Taylor, wife of 49 years; brother Don Taylor (Lauren), Kenwood, CA; son Robert Taylor (Nancy), Chino, CA; son Mike Taylor (Kathi), Ball, LA; son Jim Taylor, Missoula, MT; daughter Traci Taylor, fondly called “STINKY” (Jake), Hamilton, MT; son Rick Taylor (Bonnie), Victor, MT; 12 grandchildren and fve great grandchildren.

Bud ashes will be spread during a private ceremony with family. In lieu of gifts, please make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Disease. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com

Permann, Kelsey Spencer and Reid Spencer, Isabella Permann, Hailey, Kayla and Austin Baldrey; sister, Lillian Wanstrath; Nephews, Eddy (Amy) Loos, George Loos, Joe Wanstrath and niece Kelly Ralston.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. June 1, 2023 at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. Military honors will be presented by the US Navy. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com

Bob was an avid hunter and fsherman. He specialized in mountain lion hunting and big fsh capture! He was an artist that excelled at lapidary, knife making and turning beautiful wooden bowls that now grace the homes of family and friends. Bob served as a volunteer freman in Sula and later volunteered at the Ravalli County Museum.

Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marian Mendenhall and four children, Delia and husband Maher Gheith, Deann and husband Ben Lund, Debbie Hart, and Dwain Mendenhall. Bob enjoyed his six grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Dave Mendenhall and wife Lucille. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ruby and brother Bill Mendenhall and sister Joan Hart.

A memorial service is planned for June 24th at 2:00 pm at the Faith Lutheran Church, 171 Lewis Lane, Hamilton. Reception to follow. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com

Out of his many hobbies, he loved to fy his plane and share this passion with others. He was a strong, caring, and selfess person whose family meant everything to him. Dennis touched the hearts of many and will be forever missed. His kind soul will never be forgotten.

A Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023 in the Relief Society Room at themStevensville Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Funeral Service will follow at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel. A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 2:30 pm at the Victor Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com

herd of registered Angus cows they built together over the years. Dorothy always had Angus pedigrees at the tip of her tongue. She loved the spring of the year – watching the baby calves grow and deciding what sires to use for the next year’s crop. She loved spending her golden years raising cattle with Loren and her grandson Chad and his family.

Dorothy was a member of The Eastern Star and the Angus Association of America.

Dorothy is remembered for her laugh, fashion sense, gentle smile, and her cookies. Dorothy loved fowers, gardening, reading, and dancing. She loved her horses, Joe, Tiny, and Gogo, but also her dogs and cats. Most of all, she deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Dorothy was proceeded in death by her father, John Harvey Luther, in 1961 and mother, Margaret Kienholz Luther, in 2006.

Dorothy is remembered dearly by husband Loren; sisters Rose Kluth (Byron) of Shelby, Montana, Mary Shook (Carl, deceased) of Maricopa, Arizona, and Niki Kraft (Joe) of Pendroy, Montana; brothers Kenny Luther (Linda) of Cut Bank, Montana, and Arnie Luther (Kim) of Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter Laurie Sutherlin (Bob) of Stevensville, Montana; son Bryan Brubaker (Patty) of Spring Creek, Nevada; grandsons Cody Sutherlin (Mindy) of Seeley Lake, Montana, and Chad Sutherlin (Lacey) of Stevens-

family at her residence in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

James H. ‘Jim’ Cothern Darby - West Fork - James H. “Jim” Cothern, 92, passed away in the morning, Saturday, May 20th, 2023, surrounded by family and friends at the family residence. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com

Elisa Marie Steele Hamilton - Elisa Marie Steele, 58, passed away in

ville, Montana; and great grandsons Cayden, Tripp, and Jett Sutherlin.

In lieu of fowers, the family requests donations be made to the North Valley Public Library or the Bitterroot Humane Association. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

the evening, Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Hamilton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Kerr service

A service celebrating the life of Mary Kerr of Victor will be held Saturday May 27, 2023. It will be at the Victor Cemetery at 1 pm. There will be a gathering following the service at the Weed District in Victor.

Obits continued on page 19

Anne Brubaker

American Legion to host state renowned parade

Corvallis American Legion Post #91, Auxiliary Unit of Corvallis Post #91 and Terry Nobles Squadron present 103rd Annual Corvallis Memorial Day Parade

by Doug Mason

Corvallis American Legion Post #91, Auxiliary Unit of Corvallis 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.

The number of veterans who die by suicide every day is estimated at between 17 and 22. The American Legion has elevated “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 intends to bring more awareness to the problem while providing resources to those who may be able to help save the life of a veteran.

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 responsible 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 parade this year.

After the parade, at the Corvallis Cemetery at 12:00 p.m., Post #91 will conduct its annual memorial

ceremony. Post members will name all the veterans buried at the cemetery dating back to the Mexican War

wreath in the Bitterroot River for all those who died at sea. The public is invited.

ans who have died. We honor all the United States of America’s war dead, those who died that freedom might live.

World War I veterans started the Corvallis Memorial Day Parade after they returned from Europe. The first parade consisted of a color guard and veterans, staging in the alley to the west of Main Street. 103 years ago, the first annual Corvallis Memorial Day Parade started south down a dirt Main Street. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. The holiday was first proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and was observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. Until World War I many people in the South refused to acknowledge Decoration Day. Memorial Day is now celebrated on the last Monday in May.

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

For 103 years the Bitterroot Valley has enjoyed this rich tradition of honoring those personnel and veter -

To Register please fill out the registration form located here: 2023 Memorial Day Parade Registration. You can also register the day of the parade at the corner of 2nd and Market Street, in Corvallis. Look for the parade registration signs. For more information go to our Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/Corvallis91HeartValleyMT or email us at corvallispost91@gmail.com or call Doug Mason at 406-546-4244.

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

Retired colonel still helps fellow vets

by John Dowd

One of the oldest of its kind in the state, and well over 100 years in age, the Corvallis Memorial Day Parade is slated to happen, again on schedule, Monday, May 29. This year, selected as the Grand Marshall is a man who has been extremely infuential, not only in the afairs of veterans in Corvallis, 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

that the frst time he was in the Bitterroot he was in Kootenai Canyon doing some rock climbing.

Slaughter served as an Army Combat Arms Ofcer, and Green Beret. He served in Vietnam, Desert Storm and more over his 30 years of military service. At 75, he continues to be active in the Special Forces community, post service. Slaughter 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-profts committed 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.

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.

“I was greatly honored to have been selected. 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 Ofcer and is involved with the American Legion as well.

Both of the organizations Slaughter co-founded can be visited at either SFA28.org for the Special Forces Association of Montana, and JSSOF.org for the Joint Service Special Operations Fund.

Ret. Captain Brenda Slaughter. Photo Courtesy Ike Slaughter.

Ret. Colonel Ike Slaughter. Photo Courtesy Ike Slaughter.

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Legal Notices

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Delaney McKeen, Kendra Schulz, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-23-133

Dept. 1 NOTICE OF HEARING

ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Delaney Mae McKeen, to Lainey Mae Schulz. The hearing will be on June 14, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 4th day of May, 2023.

/s/ Howard Recht

District Court Judge BS 5-10, 5-17, 5-24, 5-31-23.

Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBIN KATHLEEN KIDDER, Deceased. Case No.: DP-23-49

Dept. No. a NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Darla Michelle Kidder, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the

Crossword Puzzle

above-entitled Court.

DATED this 11th day of May 2023.

/s/ Darla Michelle Kidder, Personal Representative BS 5-17, 5-24, 5-31-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, May 25th, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 25th, 2023, 6:00 p.m. at their regularly scheduled meeting held at Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870 for the purpose of considering amendments to the Town of Stevensville FY 22-23, Budget. Comments to be considered may be given orally at the hearing, submitted in writing via email to jenelle@ townofstevensville.com or US mail to Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 p.m. on May 25th, 2023. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk at 406-777-5271.

Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 5-17, 5-24-23.

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR DARBY PIT, OPEN-CUT

MINE SITE

RBC Sand & Gravel, Inc.

2905 US Hwy 93 Darby, MT 59829

To whom it may concern: RBC Sand & Gravel, Inc. is in the process of increasing acreage of their gravel pit located in Section 35, Township 04N, Range 21WE, in Ravalli County, Mt. An area of 24.8 acres will be permitted and mined intermittently for the next 9 years producing

approximately 200,000 cubic yards of gravel stockpiles. Access to the site is as follows: From Darby, MT travel North on US Hwy 93 for 2.5 miles. Turn West at Bitterroot Rock & Ready Mix and travel past the main ofce approximately 0.1 miles to the Darby Site entrance. A map of the site will be available upon request. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Operator, RBC Sand & Gravel, Inc. (406-821-4981).

/s/ Bryce Hofer Hofer Engineering, LLC BS 5-24, 5-31-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, June 1, 2023, 5:30 p.m. NOTICE IS HERE BY GIVEN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, June 1, 2023, 5:30 p.m. at a special town council meeting held at Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870 for the purpose of considering an increase to Stevensville Pool Fees. Comments to be considered may be given orally at the hearing, submitted in writing via email to jenelle@townofstevensville. com<mailto:jenelle@townofstevensville.com> or US mail to Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2023.

Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk at 406-777-5271, 102.

Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 5-24, 5-31-23 NOTICE

The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary Bitterroot Seven Day Forecast

Detailed Local Forecast

Today we will see partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of showers, high of 76°, humidity of 33%. Northwest wind 1 to 10 mph. The record high for today is 93° set in 1934. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight, overnight low of 47°. West northwest wind 1 to 10 mph. The record low for tonight is 29° set in 1964. Thursday, skies will be mostly cloudy with a 35% chance of showers and thunderstorms, high of 77°, humidity of 40%. East northeast wind 1 to 11 mph.

River Storage located at 17 Red Ranch Rd. Stevensville MT 59870 intends to hold an Auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale shall occur as an online auction via www.lockerfox.com on 6/1/2023 at 10:30AM. Unless listed below, the contents consist of household goods and furnishings. Unit #147. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. BS 5-24-23.

Craig Mungas State Bar No. 6746

Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC 2809 Great Northern Loop, Ste 100 Missoula, Montana 59808

Telephone: 406-721-8896

Telefax: 406-541-8037

Email: craig@bjornsonlaw. com

Attorneys for Bryon Roland and Benjamin Roland, Co-Personal Representatives

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: PATRICK E. ROLAND, Deceased.

Dept. No.: 1 Cause No.: DP-23-50

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to BRYON ROLAND and BENJAMIN ROLAND, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 15th day of May 2023.

/s/ Bryon Roland Co-Personal Representative

/s/ Benjamin Roland

Co-Personal Representative Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC

By: Craig Mungas

Attorneys for Bryon Roland and Benjamin Roland, Co-Personal Representatives BS 5-24, 5-31, 6-7-23.

David T. Markette

Dustin M. Chouinard

Megan S. Winderl

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

Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of JAMES CUTLER HIXON, Deceased. Probate No. DP-2023-53

Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to JOE HIXON, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct.

DATED this 19th day of May, 2023.

/s/ Joe Hixon

MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC

By: David T. Markette, Attorney for Personal Representative

BS 5-24, 5-31, 6-7-23.

Dawn M. Sheets 229 Lark Lane Victor MT 59875 406-240-7467

Petitioner appearing without a lawyer MONTANA 21ST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In re the Marriage of: Dawn M. Sheets, Petitioner, and Jacob Trull, Respondent Case No. DR-23-85

SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO: Respondent Jacob E. Trull

You are named in a petition to dissolve your marriage. Unless you respond in 21 days, the court may decide against you without you being heard and give Petitioner everything asked for in the petition. You must submit your written response within 21 calendar days. The 21 day period starts the day after the last date of publication of this notice. If the fnal day falls on a weekend or court holiday, you may fle your response on the next business day.

You must fle your written response with the Clerk of District Court at: 205 Bedford, Suite B, Hamilton MT 59840 and serve a copy of your answer on the Petitioner. The following real property is part of this case: 229 Lark Lane, Victor MT 59875.

Dated this 12th day of May, 2023.

/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court

By: Michelle Goldman, Deputy Clerk BS 5-24, 5-31, 6-7-23.

Air fltration units available

In response to the growing health emergency from wildfre smoke in the Bitterroot Valley, Bitterroot Climate Action Group (BCAG) and Fire in the Root Council (FIRC) announce the availability of ffty (50) Winix c545 Portable HEPA Filtration Units for distribution at no charge to the elderly, young mothers and individuals with respiratory health conditions. These units are made possible by private donations to BCAG and a grant to FIRC from the Fire Adapted Communities Learning Network, and Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

Recipients must be residents of Ravalli County and complete an application. To apply for a unit by phone contact our volunteer program coordinator Sarah Roubik (406-381-6226) or through the link on BCAG’s homepage at https://bitterrootcag.org. The units may be picked up, or delivered to applicants as needed.

Bitterroot Climate Action Group is a local nonproft organization working to fnd non-partisan approaches to prepare for a changing climate and build a more sustainable community. To learn more about BCAG’s programs and activities visit https:// bitterrootcag.org.

tornado virtually obliterated the small community of Udall, Kan.

Fire in the Root Council’s mission is to promote and facilitate the long-term reduction of risk from wildfre, and adaptation to wildfre by communities and residents throughout Ravalli County. FIRC welcomes community participation. Monthly meetings and membership are open to the public. See https://sites.google.com/view/freintheroot/council for more information.

High Water Chronicles, 2023 ed. vol. 2 – one burning question

The North Valley Public Library in Stevensville is hosting a program entitled “Rare Element Mining – What it Means for the Bitterroot” on the proposed rare earth mine on the headwaters of the West Fork at 6:30 pm on Thursday, June 1.

What could go wrong?

The mine site, according to the USCM website, encompasses 4,500 acres. The Berkeley Pit, by comparison, encompasses a little over 500 acres. In other words, the proposed mine site on the upper West Fork is nine times the area of the Berkeley Pit.

Start there. My frst question, without yet having heard Dr. Ramsey, is this: What possibly could go wrong?

by Chuck Stranahan

The speaker is Philip Ramsey, PhD, who worked on the Clark Fork superfund site. The stated purpose of his program is to provide an objective, non-political view of the proposed mine, its environmental impacts, specifcally how hard rock mining efects ecosystems. He will discuss how rare earth mines operate in China and the U.S.

Dr. Ramsey worked on the Clark Fork Superfund site and developed methods to quantify the damages caused by mines in the river’s headwaters. He says, “As a scientist with many years of experience working in a contaminated ecosystem, I have frsthand knowledge of the risks associated with mining activities.”

A discussion and Q and A session will follow the lecture with the purpose of generating questions for United States Critical Materials Corporation, the Utah-based mining operation pushing for approval for their mega-wealth producing mining operation.

“We have confrmed that Sheep Creek is the highest-grade rare-earth deposit in the United States, with a multibillion-dollar resource value,” says U.S. Critical Materials Corp. President Jim Hedrick.

A multibillion-dollar mining operation? What are we up against? Let that sink in.

A mine site, nine times the size of the Berkeley Pit, on the upper West Fork? Let that sink in.

There will be assurances, of course, from the mining company. It’ll all be OK. The nactual hole (or holes) in the ground won’t be so big. Trust us. I’m not an alarmist. I do my own research, I’ve already done a little, and the more I do, the more concerned I become.

Here’s another question: What radioactive materials are encased in the hard rock that will be disturbed by the mining operation? According to the USCM website there are several.

I’m sure the mining company, safely headquartered in Utah and well removed from any possible contamination from the mine, will assure us that the dangers from unearthing radioactive materials that ought to be left completelyundisturbed, as their eyes are lit up by the enormous wealth they envision, are minimal, and the risk – to us – is worth the proftability - to them.

That kind of thinking, already a subtext to the proposed mine, makes me shudder.

When I frst arrived in the Bitterroot Valley some thirty-seven years ago, a

proposed vermiculite mine that would have put airborne asbestos particles into the air was proposed by another Utah-based mining operation. (Funny how these mining operations, whether aimed at digging asbestos out of the Bitterroot or gold out of the Blackfoot or rare earth of the West Fork, are always based in Utah. Hmm… ) We were told by the mining company that the risks were acceptable.

To whom? The people who could die from mesothelioma or have their lives ruined by other respiratory diseases after inhaling minute quantities of airborne asbestos? The answer, when it was fnally unveiled, was yes. The citizens gathered in one voice and fought back. The Stansberry mine was

defeated.

Again: what could go wrong?

Now USCM stands to proft at quantum levels beyond what Stansberry sought to realize. It’ll all be fne, we’ll be told. As good Americans, USCM is doing the environment a favor.

After all, we all need to be driving electric cars (and trucks, and farm vehicles) one day soon, so we can all breathe clean air without that old nasty gasoline engine pollution. We’re being patriotic and green all at once to dig up this rare earth, and you locals will just have to give a little.

Well, this writer is one local who won’t. Not without a fght. I hope you join me at Dr. Ramsey’s lecture to learn more.

An aerial photograph of Butte’s Berkeley Pit, from NASA. Is this the fate of the upper West Fork, and ultimately our valley?

The grumpy old birder

You might have asked yourself when you saw the headline, what’s this about?

I have to confess, I’m getting grumpy as I age. I don’t hear or see as well as when I was young. When I go birding with a young birder they are calling out birds that are in the bush and I don’t hear them. Their list of birds on a walk is larger than mine and it makes me grumpy. I wear hearing aids to compensate, but I still don’t hear all the birds.

At times a bird in fight at a long distance is not as easy for me to ID by sight as the younger birders. I do have an advantage, I can aford the $3,000.00 binoculars and it more than compensates for their $200.00 pair. It only makes me a smug grumpy old birder.

The advancements in technology makes me grumpy as well. I try to keep up, but is all this technology making better birders?

On occasion I talk with biology teachers and they don’t teach the way I did. I taught facts and expected student to know them. Now they teach how to access information via the internet. Students don’t necessarily know the information. That makes me grumpy. As an example, I think it’s useful to know the progressive steps of mitosis in order to understand it. Today, they only need to know how to fnd the information. Can you imagine the diference in the question I had on a test compared to today? I asked, “Name the stages of mitosis and the key characteristics”. Today the question might be, “If you want to know the stages of mitosis how do you go about accessing the information.”

When I frst started birding we studied the feld guides for species’ traits until we knew them by heart. We then went to the feld to confrm our hard work. Today you use the Merlin Bird ID App on your smart phone. When you see a bird, you type in the Zip code, date, size of the bird from sparrow to goose. Then choose a color. Finally check of the bird’s behavior. The App then gives you

six possible birds with pictures and descriptions. Presto you identifed the bird. It might work, but did you learn to identify the bird? I bet the

bird as possible and press record. I tried that with a bird fle on my computer. Merlin failed both the ID test in describing a Black-capped Chickadee

bird’s traits are not stuck in their brain either. That makes me grumpy. The App even has a sound ID portion. The instructions say to get as close to the

mericAn L egion P ost 94 s tevensviLLe invites all who would like to attend and HONOR OUR VETERANS’ GRAVES by placing fags on their graves for Memorial Weekend

Friday, May 26th, 2023 • 5:00 p.m. A short ceremony followed by placing fags on veterans’ graves starting at Riverside Cemetery, Maplewood and Sunnyside

Monday, May 29th, 2023 • 6:00 p.m. Short memorial service at Riverside Cemetery, the playing of taps and volleys fred, then to Maplewood Cemetery, St. Mary’s Cemetery, Veterans Park and Sunnyside Cemetery

and the song of the Pine Grosbeak. Of course it could have been that I was grumpy at the time.

In my early days of birding we

played CDs over and over as we traveled to learn bird songs. The songs were in our heads not in an App. Young birders today are accessing data bases rather than learning traits and songs - it makes me grumpy.

The hope is that over time, young birders will learn IDs and songs. I don’t think it will stick like the old fashion hard work of memorizing.

I know the future is moving towards Artifcial Intelligence (AI) for identifcation of birds. There will be great application in documenting the birds of say a Wildlife Management Area without hours of man power. Will “AI” improve the skills of birders, like the old fashioned hard work of getting out the feld guide, studying the ID traits and listening to a bird’s song until you have both down pat in your brain? I doubt it, but of course I’m old and grumpy.

I’m glad for the advances, but will the next generation have the feld skills, or just be computer dependent birders. Time will tell. Of course, I’ll probably remain grumpy until I’m gone.

I suppose I could be a little less grumpy if a few more of my readers bought my most recent book, “My Montana Birds”- $39.95. Use Venmo (@Gary Swant) or send a check to Bird Squawk, 800 St Marys Ave, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. Hopefully you won’t regret the decision and get grumpy.

The North Valley Public Library Board of Trustees welcomed new member Margy Gilberttson (center) who was seated at the May meeting. Other board members pictured l to r: Kim Tiplady, Dianne Snedigar, Victoria Howell (chair), and Caitlin Dunn. Photo by Carla Sanders.

Bird Squawk by Gary Swant