Bitterroot Star - May 31, 2023

Barta takes over as CEO at Mullen Newspaper Company

Alex Barta was announced as the new Chief Executive Ofcer of Mullen Newspaper Company on May 17, 2023.

Barta was the Director of Operations for Mullen Newspaper’s Idaho publications based in St. Maries, Idaho.

Outgoing CEO and company founder, Jesse Mullen, will remain with Mullen Newspapers in a limited new role prioritizing the company’s future growth.

“Alex has proven with our Idaho operations that he is a competent news executive by growing his publications nearly 20 percent in the last two years with print advertising revenue,” Jesse said. “His print-focused sales eforts revitalized his operation and his passion for the work is inspiring.”

Chief Operating Ofcer and Mullen Newspaper Company co-owner, Lloyd Mullen, will remain as COO.

“Alex is a natural leader,” Lloyd said. “He’s worked from the ground up in the newspaper industry from an ad rep heading door to door making cold calls, to a publisher growing a solid team for his community newspaper. “He’s the guy you want in your corner, and we’re lucky enough to have him in ours.”

Barta will remain in St. Maries, Idaho, where he lives with his wife and children.

Mullen Newspaper Company manages 20 print newspapers in six Western states. More information can be found at mullennewspapers.com

MAPS Media Institute’s summer media arts classes enrollment open

For 8th to 12th graders, MAPS Media Institute’s Free summer classes are more than learning excellent media arts skills.

“Summer Program is a great way for students to explore the various classes MAPS ofers, gain new skills, and stay engaged. A professional artist-instructor facilitates each weeklong, intensive workshop and gives students an inspiring opportunity to create, connect and collaborate with other youth from the Bitterroot,” said Clare Ann Harf, MAPS Executive Director.

Cove Jasmin, a respected Montana musician, and MAPS Music Instructor, agrees. “MAPS classes often give students their frst access to multiple creative tools. Summer classes

are especially fun because six topics (including Music Production) are covered in six individual weeks!”

The answer is simple if you’re wondering what you have to take MAPS classes. Just walk through our doors and bring your ideas - MAPS provides everything else!

MAPS - Ravalli County Summer Classes begin on June 12th, 2023, and run for six consecutive weeks. MAPS classes are free for 8th to 12thgrade students of all abilities. Each summer class runs Monday to Friday, 1:00PM to 4:00PM, at the MAPS Studio at 515 Madison Street, Hamilton, MT 59840.

To enroll in MAPS Summer Classes, https://mapsmediainstitute.com/ enroll or call (406) 381-7230

The Bitterroot National Forest is installing a new bottomless arch on the Darby/Sula Ranger District’s Needle Creek. Heavy equipment from the project will be parked on Road #724 at mile post 0.50, making the road im-

passable. The work is expected to take approximately two weeks. Signs will be posted in the area alerting drivers to the road work.

The Forest is replacing the culvert at this location along with doing road

It’s time for another glass recycling event in Hamilton. June 10, 2023 from 10AM - 2 PM at the north end of the Ravalli county Fairgrounds (on Old Corvallis Rd).

Same price to recycle glass, $1.00 per gallon. The cardboard people will be there also, $10.00 per cubic ft which is 3x3x3.

An added recycling opportunity this time is do-

repairs and other improvements. The current culvert is not sufcient in size and during high runof may pose potential risks to the road and fsh. Besides increasing stream fows, the new culverts incorporate stream sim-

nating aluminum drink cans (no cat food cans). Our partners from Missoula, Recycling Works MT will take the cans to Modern Recycling and the money they are paid for the cans will be donated back to Ravalli County School districts. For more information contact janicling@gmail. com

CEMTERY: Remembering the fallen and those still with us

Continued from page 1

Christina Cain, born and raised in Stevensville, served in the millitary and continued to serve veterans. Photo Courtesy Christina Cain.

do we help people readjust from trauma back into the community,” added Cain. “It’s really about moving people forward.” Cain herself was a member of the armed forces. A truck driver for the U.S. Army, Cain was deployed to Afghanistan. She brings a passion for helping people adjust and move through negative experiences in life. She was looking forward to getting to see several of the monuments and veteran memorials in D.C. She was especially excited for the work she’s doing there.

“I think these events are just so powerful for people. I think it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” said Cain.

Cain visits the Stevensville American Legion the third Tuesday of every month. Other members of the Missoula center also visit Stevensville on several other days of the month. There are branches of the Readjustment Counseling Services in Kalispell, Great Falls and Billings, with an additional out-station in Helena. The Readjustment Counseling Services ofers tele-services as well as in person counseling. The Missoula branch is located at the Missoula Vet Center at 910 Brooks Street and can be reached by calling (406) 721-4918.

ulation to improve the passage of fsh and other aquatic organisms.

For more information contact the Darby Ranger District at (406) 8213913.

Needle Creek culvert, road work planned Ravalli County Glass recycling event

Things are hard

by John Dowd

Things are hard. Life seems to have a way of kicking people down a lot of the time, especially if you are one of the majority of the regular people in the world.

The outdoors have long been the lens through which I have seen the world. But sometimes there is just not a far enough place to run to in order to get away from the tough stuf. I have been in a lot of life threatening situations over the years, and overcoming those has helped make me the person I am today, but some things in life just make me wish I was facing of another bear, or clif or wave. In those situations I have always felt as though there was at least something I could do. If I failed, I fgured that I just wasn’t fast enough, strong enough or smart enough. However, life has a way of giving us things that no amount of speed, muscle or wit will save us from. Tragedy, injury or hardships are the kinds of things that seem to come along and show us we’re mortal, human and vulnerable. There is a permanence to these things that puts it all into perspective.

try one more time or work one more hour next week, I can make it work a little easier.” However, what our families see at home is one less kiss, one less “look at me mom/dad” and one less moment. At home, they see one less us. For kids, husbands and wives, those moments are what equal out in the end to love.

by John Dowd

Times are hard for everybody in 2023. The economy is struggling, infation is high, good-paying jobs are scarce and a good work ethic is hard to fnd. It is hard to justify the cost of going out into the woods to escape things, or to regather myself. No matter what it is we do for fun, I believe right now a lot of people are going through that feeling. “If I just save one more dollar,

Practicality and schedules aside, and forgetting for a moment that we all need to make money to survive in the world, it is easy to see the struggles of our lives and think things are hard. There are a lot of people who have time of on Memorial Day weekend, and may use it to catch up on work. But it should be remembered that the reason for the holiday is really to remember the ones who will never again have a free day to do what they want. It is for remembering the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifce so that the rest of us can struggle with that dilemma.

I’m sure, if they had that choice, they would not choose work. I’m sure they would choose one more kiss, one more “look at me mom/dad” and one more moment.

Next time a holiday comes around,

or a free second presents itself, I urge everyone to strongly consider taking that time to spend with friends and family. I need to take mine into the outdoors more, and do the things that we love. In the rat race of life, there is

always that obvious statement to fall back on, but it is really true when you are alone. So take the time to do what you love in the places you love with the people you love. Otherwise, things really are hard.

Plains American Legion fag burning ceremony, 2021. Photo by John Dowd.

PARADE: Memorial Day Parade remembers 103 years

Continued from page 1

the Darby Rodeo Royalty on horseback. There were restored vintage military vehicles from Blue Star Fabrication. The 2023 State Champion Corvallis High School track team celebrated from their foat, followed closely by the Inaugural Corvallis

High School boy’s baseball team. Antique tractors and hotrods were a crowd favorite. The University of Montana Grizzly mascot, Monte, was a favorite among the kids. The sounds of over 100 motorcycles echoed through the streets of Corvallis. Fire engines from local area volunteer fre departments blared their sirens to end the parade.

Local veteran service organizations including Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and multiple American Legion posts from the valley set up booths in front of Corvallis High School to provide the public with information on services they provide for veterans as well as to recruit local area veterans.

The Corvallis Performing Arts Booster Club put on a BBQ after the parade, with all proceeds going to help the Corvallis K-12 music and art programs.

Following the parade, members of Post #91 held their annual memorial ceremony at the Corvallis Cemetery, reading the names of veterans buried there dating back to 1848. A wreath was placed in the Bitterroot River at Woodside Cutof Bridge following the ceremony for veterans who died at sea.

Memorial Day is a time for remembrance. To remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. This year, the American Legion not only looks to memorialize those who made the ultimate sacrifce but through their “Be the One” campaign, help to de-stigmatize talking about mental health to try to curb veteran suicide.

Crossword Puzzle

Subdivision proposal underscores development concerns

by Nathan Boddy for Montana Free Press

We thought we were moving to the country. To farmland.”

Those words, spoken by Kathy Matranga at a recent Ravalli County Planning Board meeting, speak volumes about the pressure on land development in western Montana. Matranga spoke in opposition to the proposed Sapphire Heights subdivision that would bring 12 new homes into an area largely surrounded by ranches in the Bitterroot Valley. Matranga was not alone in her opposition.

During two evenings of public meetings, dozens of area residents expressed their concern and outrage over water quality and trafc and the loss of habitat and agricultural heritage. Some speakers came to tears. Matranga herself pointed to water usage and the proximity of future septic felds as her primary concerns.

Matranga also stated that she is newly arrived from rural California and is currently building her own home on a 10-acre parcel adjacent to the proposed subdivision.

“[In California] I had forest around me, I had wildlife around me, and I don’t think I’m going to have that anymore,” she said. “So, a lot of money spent to live somewhere where it’s going to be gone.”

The proposed subdivision will occupy land that has been held by the Foley family since the 1920s. In fact, much of the surrounding agricultural land has been in production for generations and creates a tapestry of largely open space adjoining the state’s 2,300-acre Calf Creek Wildlife Management Area and Forest Service land beyond. Many residents maintain that the entire area is a critical wildlife corridor for elk and other species. Several residents have placed conservation easements on their land to provide additional space for the elk herds and to keep development at bay.

Still, with a high demand for housing and a food of new residents to Montana, areas like Ravalli County, whose voters have rejected previous county-wide zoning eforts, are primed for development.

Steven Foley, one of three brothers who owns the land and lives in Washington state, said he understands that people are disappointed to see devel-

opment. He feels the same.

“But we’re not there,” he said. “We have our own places distant, and it’s our inheritance that’s tied up. It’s not our home anymore. The barn burned down, and it’s a diferent place. It’s a diferent valley.”

Foley said the property was taking an “inordinate amount of time” for he and his brothers to manage, and that agricultural prices have made it economically infeasible to operate. Still, he said, the land was never put up for sale, and it was developers who approached the brothers.

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

Though the names of the developers do not appear on the subdivision proposal, Gary Chilcott, a multigeneration native of the Bitterroot (and brother of County Commissioner Greg Chilcott) identifed himself as the developer during the planning board meeting. In 2020, Gary Chilcott used the family-transfer provision of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act to create eight new parcels without subdivision review. Those new parcels would beneft from road access to Sapphire Heights and, some residents worry, are primed for further development.

Andy Maki, a longtime rancher whose property is nearby, suggested that development won’t stop with Chilcott’s property and Sapphire Heights. He pointed out that the Foley brothers also own an additional 80 acres immediately north of the Chilcott parcels.

“He was very forthright,” Maki said about a conversation he had with Gary Chilcott. “We were at the site visit, and he said they were building a road and basically their plan is to split the cost between he and the Foleys. He told me the road would cost about one million bucks to get from there to there.” Maki pointed to a map, indicating where the road would pass between the two subdivisions, and how close it would come to the additional 80 acres to the north.

“The logical conclusion is that they’re going to develop that, too,” he said. “What this entire project is going to eventually entail is, by my estimate, 30 lots on 280 acres.”

Gary Chilcott did not return a request for a comment for this story.

Foley, in an interview with Montana Free Press, denied he has intentions beyond the proposed subdivision. “I don’t have any designs on any part of it,” he said.

Ultimately, the community will continue to grapple with what development could mean for the agricultural heritage of the area. Foley insists that before he signed a purchase agreement with Gary Chilcott, he wanted to be sure that no member of the remaining Foley family in Montana, nor any adjacent ranching family, would be able to purchase the land from him and his brothers.

“As distant family, we wanted to give everybody a chance.” Foley said. “But why would we be burdened with the extra work that it takes, and the cost of maintenance?” He added that his parents, who built the ranch, never intended it to be held by the family forever.

Some of the Foley family, however, does remain nearby. Christine Foley Highland, a niece of the Foley brothers, lives in nearby Darby, where she ranches with her husband. She gave an impassioned speech at the planning board meeting, describing the tenacity of her widowed mother, who continued to work the ranch until the age of 79, despite not being an owner.

“I researched every possible avenue I could to try to purchase this property,” Highland said.

But “competing against developers and these ‘Yellowstone’ dreamers, it’s impossible,” she added, referring to the TV series that has attracted many newcomers to Montana. “I hate what’s happening, but I could not do anything about it.”

During the planning board meeting, Maki stood to make his own comments in opposition to the proposed subdivision. His remarks focused mainly on water, which is a primary source of concern for many who maintain that the area can’t sustain the addition of multiple housing units. Before he spoke, however, Maki made his way across the room to shake hands with Jim Foley, one of the brothers who submitted the subdivision proposal.

“We’re on speaking terms,” Maki said later while walking his land. “Our families are close.”

Maki and his own brother grew up in the area and shared family stories of years ago when the patriarch of the Foley family, John, worked as a horseback ditch rider along the Bitterroot’s main irrigation canal. He said it’s ironic how Hollywood portrays Montana and how that fame has turned into a pinch for Montana lands.

“If you just wrote a movie about our two families and our two ranches,” he said, “you’d have seasons and seasons.”

Maki knows, just like his future neighbor Kathy Matranga knows, that people are drawn to Montana’s natural and agricultural vistas.

“I don’t see ‘Yellowstone’ shooting in [the] suburbs very much. They’re all dressing up like cowboys. I know real cowboys,” Maki says. “Johnny Foley was a real cowboy. So we got real cowboys, and we’re going to replace them with people from California dressing like cowboys? I just don’t understand that rationale.”

he Ravalli County planning board voted to delay its deliberations on the Sapphire Heights proposal until July 14, giving the consultants and developers time to address concerns voiced by the public and board members. Ultimately, the proposal will be decided by the Ravalli County commissioners. It is expected that Commissioner Greg Chilcott will recuse himself from voting on his brother’s project, which will leave the decision to the two other commissioners. But, as subdivisions continue to spread throughout the Bitterroot Valley, Maki can see that his family’s way of life is being loved to death.

“I look at a lot of these subdivisions — it’s just a quick money grab and it afects all of us. The Foley place is worth a lot of money because it’s next to our place, which is open. Our place is worth a lot of money because it’s next to the Foley’s [place], which is open. There’s a certain kind of reciprocity there.

“Imagine if I’ve got 30 lots on my fence line, and they’re all mowing their lawns and taking my irrigation water and putting up three-foot fences so the wildlife can cross but it’s not going to keep my cows out.” Maki says. “Is that an equal dynamic anymore?

“It looks to me like I’m the golf course, and they’re selling lots around me.”

Above, Max Qualm giggles at Griz mascot, Monte, during the 2023 Corvallis Memoiral Day Parade. Photo by Sean Malcom.

University of Montana mascot, Monte, hugs Addison Qualm during the 2023 Corvallis Memorial Day Parade.

Photo by Sean Malcom.

At top right Cadets from the Bitterroot Valley Military Program led the parade down Main Street in Corvallis. Photo by Sean Malcom.

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.

North Valley Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, June 2 at 12 noon at The Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Mike Vallin from National Write Your Congressman. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Hamilton First Friday

Join the Hamilton Downtown Association for First Friday on June 2nd from 5 to 8 p.m. It’s the last day of the Hamilton School year, and they’ll be kicking it old school! Enjoy small business shopping, entertainment by DJ Bea and cast members from the Hamilton Players’

production of “Rock of Ages”, and much more! Visit www.visithamiltonmt.org for more information.

Bitterroot Health

Auxiliary Yard Sale

Bitterroot Health Auxiliary will hold a Yard Sale on Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3rd. Shop and support the Bitterroot Health Auxiliary on Friday, June 2 from 8 am-3 pm and Saturday, June 3 from 8 am-12 pm! The yard sale will be located in the tented area in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. All proceeds beneft the Bitterroot Health Auxiliarycome see what treasures you can fnd!

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.

Victor Museum hours

The Victor Heritage Museum in Victor opened 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

information call

For

Florence

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by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Hamilton boys track team state runner up

The Hamilton track team had a successful Class A State meet. The boys fnished in 2nd place, while the girls fnished in 6th. Hamilton had some tremendous individual performances, with four individual state champions.

Andrew Burrows was the State Champion in the shot put (55-00) and 2nd in discus (163-06).

Taylor Searle was the State Champion in the boy’s pole vault (15-00).

Chesnee

Lawerence was the State Champion in the women’s pole vault (11-06). And Tyson Bauder won the State Championship in the javelin. Bauder uncorked a massive throw of 200-04. For reference, his previous best throw was 176-04

Class A

to win Divisionals. His mark was the furthest throw in the state of Montana this year, and is currently the 15th best throw in the country.

The following are the Hamilton boys who placed at State. Evan Bennett took 2nd in the 800m (1:58.72).

Taylor Doleac took 4th in the 3200m (9:49.60).

Eli Taylor took 5th in the 400m (50.75). The 4x100m relay team of Eli Taylor, Max Cianfone, Cody Davis, and Taylor Searle took 5th (43.77). And the 4x400m relay team of Max Cianfone, Evan Bennett, Taylor Searle, and Eli Taylor took 2nd (3:24.32). The following are the Hamilton girls who

Purcell wins singles title

The tennis teams of Hamilton and Corvallis competed in the Class A State Tennis Tournament in Missoula on May 25-26. For Hamilton, Andy Purcell defeated Polson’s Torrin Ellis 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 to become the Class A Boys Singles State Champion. Colin Hanley placed 5th in boy’s singles, and the boy’s team took 2nd place overall. Ciara Hanley placed 5th in girl’s singles.

For Corvallis, the girl’s doubles team of Jayde Venema and Brecklyn Jessop took 2nd place. The boy’s doubles team of Christopher Jessop and Grant Wilcox took 6th. And in the boy’s singles, Ryan Hutchison took 6th.

accepted)

placed at State. Aubrey Korst took 3rd in the pole vault (10-06). Mya Winkler took 3rd in the discus (127-06), 3rd

Florence boys Class B runner up

The Florence boys took 2nd at the Class B track & feld meet in Butte on May 25-27.

William Wagner had an excellent overall tournament, winning the State Championship in the 400m (50.19). He also took 2nd in the 100m (11.17) and the 200m (22.53), and 3rd in the high jump (6-00). Kyler Harris won the State Champion in the 3200m (9:50.37) and took 4th in the 1600m (4:34.85).

Quinn Lue took 4th in the High Jump (5-10). The 4x100m relay team of Riley Reeves, Isaac Bates,

Class C track

Logan Williams, and William Wagner took 4th (44.69). And the 4x400m relay team of Pat Duchien, Riley Reeves, Isaac Bates, and William Wagner took 4th (3:34.94).

For the Florence girls, Trista Williams took 5th in the shot put (3601.75).

in the javelin (124-01), and 5th in the shot put (36-06). And Nadia Bruno took 6th in the 200m (26.92).

The Class C State Track & Field meet was in Laurel on May 25-27. The Darby boys fnished in 6th overall. Darby’s William Martin had an excellent meet. Martin fnished 2nd in the 200m

(22.92), 2nd in the 300m hurdles (40.07), and 3rd in the 110m hurdles (15.79). Darby’s 4x400m relay team of McCoy Townsend, Cullen Duggan, William Martin, and Peyton Ehmann took 3rd

(3:32.32). Darby’s Lily Adair took 3rd in the 1600m (5:24.11) and 4th in the 3200m (11:50.77). For Victor, freshman Mylia Fowler took 6th in the 100m (13.27).

Hamilton’s Andrew Burrows heaving the shot put. Burrows was the

State Champion in the shot put and took 2nd in the discus. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Hamilton’s Tyson Bauder was the Class A State Champion in the Javelin. He uncorked a massive throw of 200-04, which is the furthest in the state of Montana this year, and is currently the 15th best throw in the country. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Darby’s Will Martin was impressive at the Class C State track meet in Laurel on May 24-26. Martin took 2nd in the 200m and the 300m hurdles, and 3rd in the 110m hurdles.

Photo by Scott Sacry.

Hamilton’s Andy Purcell won the Class A State Tennis Championship in boys’ singles in Missoula on May 25-26. Photo by Bryan Dufresne.

Florence’s Kyler Harris (left) and William Wagner (right) showing of their hardware. The Florence boy’s took 2nd in the Class B State meet. Harris was the State Champion in the 3200m. Wagner was the State Champion in the 400m. Photo courtesy of Florence School.

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Corvallis Track Teams State Champs

The Corvallis track & field teams are back on top. Both the boys and girls teams won the 2023 Class A State Track & Field Championship in Laurel on May 25-27. This is the eighth State track title for the Corvallis girls - the last coming in 2016. This is the seventh State track title for the Corvallis boys - the last coming in 2018. Both teams also won the titles in the same year in

2012 and 2015. Spencer Huls, Corvallis’s head coach of 20 years, credits the continuity of his staff for Corvallis’s continued success. “Our coaches are amazing and we’re all on the same page,” said Huls. “We have high standards and expectations for the kids and we hold them accountable, and they have responded.”

The race for the 2023 State title

Corvallis boys results

On the boys side, it came down to the fnal event of the day, the 4x400m relay. Going into the race, Corvallis had 62 points, Hamilton had 54, and Beaverhead had 51 points. Dillon and Hamilton were the two favorites in the race. Any number of things could have happened. In the end, Dillon won the relay, giving them 61 points, Hamilton took 2nd giving them 62 points, and Corvallis held on to 6th place, giving them one point to hit 63 points and earn the State title.

The boys didn’t have an individu-

al State title winner, but had a great overall team performance to get the win.

“All over the feld the boys were stepping up,” said coach Spencer Huls. “As a coaching staf we preach a teamfrst mentality. The boys were out there not for personal glory, but to get points for the team.”

The following are the Corvallis boys who placed at State. Wyatt Miles took 2nd in the shot put (53-07.75).

Levi Reynoso took 2nd in the javelin (178-06). Lucas Powell took 2nd in the

for both the boys and the girls came down to the final event of the meet, the 4x400m relays. And in both cases Corvallis prevailed. In the final tally for the team scores, the Corvallis girls edged Whitefish 84-83, and the Corvallis boys scored 63 points to Hamilton’s 62 and Dillon’s 61.

“It was really remarkable how tight the team races were this year,” said Huls. “To have both races come

triple jump (44-01.25). Derek Criddle took 2nd in the high jump (6-02.00) and 4th in the 400m (50.50). Aiden Read took 3rd in the 300m hurdles (41.18) and 4th in the 110m hurdles (15.52). Hunter Loesch took 3rd in the javelin (176-08). Solomon Morgan took 4th in the 100m (11.14).

Gideon Boswell took 5th in the 200m (22.82) and 6th in the 400m (50.78).

Isaac Stoker took 5th in the discus (145-

Stevi’s Hutchison state champ

Stevensville’s Claire Hutchison had an outstanding individual state meet. She was the State Champion in the high jump (5-4), she took 2nd in

the 100m (12.55) and the 200m (25.73), and 4th in the 400m (59.59). Hunter Gum took 4th in the shot put with a throw of 51-00.

Kellan Beller took 5th in the

javelin with a throw of 17002. And freshman Scarlett Gard took 6th in the Javelin with a throw of 114-06. The Stevensville girls took 6th overall at State.

down to the wire was remarkable.”

When asked what will stand out about this year’s teams, Huls said, “I’m going to remember the joy. The final races were so tight, so when we won there was just this explosion of joy. In years past, there had been a sense of relief when we won, but this year, at the end, everyone was just so hyped up and pumped up.”

08). The 4x100m relay team of Aiden Read, Derek Criddle, Logan Avery, Solomon Morgan took 6th (44.08). And the 4x400m relay team of Aiden Read, Logan Avery, Derek Criddle, Gavin Hagberg took 6th (3:30.04).

Corvallis girls results

On the girls side, the champion was going to be either Corvallis or Whitefsh. The fnal event of the meet, the 4x400 team relays, would decide the champion. Going into the fnal race, Corvallis led Whitefsh 76-73. In the 4x400 relay, Whitefsh was the heavy favorite, a win giving them 10 points, making their total 83 points. So Corvallis needed to fnish 2nd in the relay to get the 8 points needed to reach 84 points and claim the State title - a 3rd place fnish left them one point short.

As the race unfolded, it was clear Whitefsh would win the relay leaving Corvallis needing to place 2nd for the team title. After three legs of the race, with one lap to go, Corvallis was in 8th place. But they had an ace in the hole. That ace being Olivia Lewis, the fastest girl’s 400m runner in the state.

“Generally, I don’t like to have our fastest runner take the last leg of that relay,” said Huls. “But sometimes you just have to give your best athlete the baton and let them go do their thing.”

Lewis got the baton and quickly passed three runners in the frst 50 meters. In the backstretch, she passed another runner to get into 4th place. With 200m to go, she jetted past another runner. Then with 100 meters to go, in front of a raucous crowd, she passed the fnal runner to give Corvallis 2nd place and the 8 points needed to claim

the title.

Lewis had a historic State meet. “She is fearless,” said coach Huls. “She is super strong mentally and physically and had an outstanding year.” Besides the relays, she won the State title in the 100m hurdles (14.86), 300m hurdles (43.37) and the 400m (56.30). She set the Class A State record in the 300m hurdles. At year’s end, Lewis had the fastest times in the state of Montana for all three of those events (source: athletic.net).

Corvallis’s Alana Auch also had a great meet, winning the State championship in the Discus with a personal best throw of 132-02.

The following are the Corvallis girls who placed at State. Rylee Herbstritt took 2nd in the 110m hurdles (15.86) and 3rd in the 300m hurdles (46.96).

Laurie Davidson took 2nd in the 3200m (11:46.88) and 5th in the 1600m (5:19.73). Amara Auch took 4th in the 3200m (11:55.21) and 6th in the 1600m (5:21.40). The 4x100m relay team of Ella Varner, Olivia Lewis, Rylee Herbstritt, and Farah Wyche took 4th (50.21). The 4x400m relay team of Rylee Herbstritt, Shaylee Weidow, Olivia Lewis, and Farah Wyche took 2nd (4:07.10).

Meredith Buhler took 6th in the shot put (35-06.00).

Farah Wyche took 6th in the 100m (13.00). And Jillian Huls took 6th in the long jump (16-01.50).

Stevensville’s Claire Hutchison clearing the bar. Hutchison was the Class A State Champion in the high jump. She also fnished 2nd in the 100m & 200m, and 4th in the 400m. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Corvallis Boys and Girls Track Teams with their 2023 State Championship trophies.

Obituaries

Tempie Brown Ray

Tempie Brown Ray, 85, passed away peacefully in her home in Missoula, Montana on May 18, 2023 surrounded by her family. She was a remarkable woman and flled many roles in the many lives that crossed her path from daughter, sister, mother, aunt, educator, coach, avid reader, passionate book

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.

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

Bette Jean Bedey

Bette Jean Bedey, 87, of Hamilton passed away in her sleep on April 10, 2023, while receiving hospice care at the BeeHive Homes. She had been independent and active until only a few months before her death when the toll of age fnally caught up with her. On that day when she met the Lord, He undoubtedly greeted her with two words: “Well done.”

Bette was born in Hamilton on July 14, 1935, the frst of two children of Frank and Helen (Clark) Huber, who raised Bette and her brother on a farmstead west of town. Bette liked to recall growing up among pet chickens and dogs and picking fruit on her aunt’s berry farm, although she confessed to often praying for rain so that she could get out of the feld and join her friends. By high school, the family had moved to a house on South 8th Street from which Bette made many friends with whom she remained close throughout her life.

Upon graduation from Hamilton High School, Bette contemplated becoming a nurse—a profession to which she would have been well suited—but romance intervened when she met Frank Bedey. They were married on September 19, 1953, and spent over 55 years together until Frank’s death in 2009.

Aside from a two-year stint in San Antonio, Texas, where Frank was serving in the U.S. Air Force, Bette lived her entire life in Hamilton, leaving Montana only to visit her brother and her children as they made their way in the world.

Among the things Bette liked best were preparing family meals, camping with her family up the West Fork, and spending time with her friends. Her social calendar was always full as she and her gang of merry widows regularly dined at the Elk’s, went out for cofee, and reviewed restaurants throughout Ravalli County.

collector, world traveler, to cheerful host.

She began her own adventure in 1938 in Fort Defance, Arizona born to Firman and Eunice Brown. Her father worked for the Bureau of Indian Afairs, which inspired her sense of exploration starting on the Navajo Nation in Arizona and then on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation in Montana. She also spent time in Florida and Haiti before graduating high school in Billings, Montana. Tempie graduated with an education degree from the University of Montana in 1959.

Her teaching career opened in Oregon before moving to Japan, where she met her husband, Harry. They married in 1962. Through Harry’s various military postings, Tempie’s journey included teaching and raising a family in various states, mostly in the southeast before international postings in Korea and Germany. Traveling to many parts of the world, Tempie developed a deep appreciation and understanding of diverse cultures and traditions.

Tempie settled back in Montana in 1977 with her four sons (Ted, Tim, Firman, and Travis) and taught in Dillon before fnishing her 40 years of teaching as the librarian for Stevensville High School. Her love for books, history, and teaching did not end upon her retirement. She continued teaching through all the stories and books she shared with her family and friends.

Tempie was ever present in her immediate and extended families lives and was unfailingly ready to support her community. This included coaching her sons’ teams, volunteering for various community events, sharing road trips, and assisting younger generations as they embark on their next chapter of life. In the most recent years, Tempie’s passion was welcoming all to her home in Missoula. She loved to discuss the history of places she visited which created lasting memories for those fortunate to be with her.

Tempie is preceded in death by her parents Firman and Eunice, brother Firman (Bo), sister-inlaw Margery, brother-in-law Carl and sister Mar-

tha. Tempie is survived by her four sons and their wives, six grandchildren, brother-in-law, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

“Let me live in my house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.” - Sam Walter Foss, The House by the Side of the Road

A remembrance service is planned for 10am on Saturday, May 27 at Mountain View Cemetery in Dillon, Montana. The family requests that in honor of Tempie and her love of books and education to consider contributions to Carl & Martha Davis Scholarship Fund at the University of Montana-Western Foundation and the Dillon Public Library.

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, 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.

Bu’s 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

Bette was a steadfast friend and dependable neighbor who devoted herself to serving her family, her church, and her community. She instilled values in her children that allowed them to go on to become productive adults (one a judge, another a very successful businessman, and two Army colonels) and was always there for her grandchildren, ready to listen and ofer sage advice. Bette sang in the choir and spent years as a church secretary. And she served as a county election judge until leaving that post because her daughter and one son started running for public ofce.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her three sons, David (Deborah) of Hamilton, Gary (Tammy) of Priest Lake, Idaho, and Jef of Darby; her daughter Jennifer (Don) Ray of Darby; her “other son” Jef Richardson of Hamilton; her brother Jim (Kathy) Huber of Cincinnati, Ohio; and her brother-in-law Bob Bedey of Hamilton. She is also survived by “the apples of her eye” grandchildren Karis Bedey of Beverly Hills, California; Cheryl Bedey of Missoula; Nicole (Adam Hunter) Bedey of Portland, Oregon; Colton Mason of Missoula; Robert Bedey of Butte; Kayla (Sam Lowe-Anker) Bedey of Bozeman; Matthew Bedey of Livingston; Tara (Sky) Jones of Dillon; Libby (Ben) Jamieson of Anaconda; Seth (Hanna) Ray of Bozeman; and great-grandchildren Murdoch and Endee Jones, both of Dillon. Bette Bedey lived a simple but full life. She epitomized what it means to be a good mother and a good citizen. And she touched the hearts of innumerable people throughout the Bitterroot Valley and beyond. One could scarcely hope for more.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. A reception to celebrate a life well lived

will follow immediately after the service. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

Bette will be laid to rest during a private ceremony at the Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton beside her husband, Frank, and among those family members and many friends who have gone on before her.

The family suggests memorial to “Warriors in Quiet Waters” or the “Intermountain Children’s Home”

Obits continued on page 14

Flyfshing Journal

High Water Chronicles, 2023 ed. vol. 3 – be well prepared

We once had an Emergency Medical Technician and ambulance driver in the valley who taught frst aid and emergency frst responder classes. He was also a fy fsherman.

When I ran a fy shop in Hamilton I brought him in to teach the mandatory frst aid courses for guide certifcation. He tailored the courses to our needs.

He taught us that two of the biggest risks we face on a fshing trip are dehydration and hypothermia.

To take them in order:

We can be standing waistdeep in the river, or foating on it for hours, and our brains can get the message, “Water, water, everywhere.

I’m not thirsty.”

Learn to override this message.

Drink lots of water.

Dehydration

by Chuck Stranahan

The frst thing to go with dehydration is refexes. If you miss a couple of strikes, stop and have a swig of your water bottle.

The next thing to go is muscle tone. Try wading with wobbly knees, or casting when your arm won’t work. Next, judgment tends to falter. These things can add up to any number of perfect storm dehydration disasters.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs more often than we realize. We’ve all shivered and turned a little blue at times; it’s not a good idea to stay that way.

For practical purposes, hypothermia has the same signs as dehydration, plus shivering or bluish skin. Refexes, muscle tone, and judgment tend to go – fast.

If somebody gets good and chilled

after taking a dunking, keep them calm and get them warm.

Build a fre. Get liquids in them, preferably warm, non-cafeinated liquids. Feed them. Calories are units of heat, remember. Exercising to get warm – burning more calories – is not the answer.

The wellstocked vest

I know a few anglers who, instead of crowding their vast assortments of angling essentials (and otherwise) into a 64-pocket fyfshing vest, should consider hiring a Sherpa.

When it comes to fshing, and many other things, I still hearken to the motto I learned as a Boy Scout: Be Prepared.

The list of non-fshing essentials goes like this:

The pill-bottle frst aid kit: I take a pill bottle, the kind prescriptions come in, peel back the label and mark it with a red + sign. I then wrap a couple of big band-aids around my fnger, and let them unwrap inside the bottle. Inside of that I drop a few anti-infammatories, half a roll of antacids, a small tube of antibiotic ointment, and a couple antihistamines.

The knife: I clip an inexpensive but serviceable locking blade knife to my vest where I can reach it quickly if I need it.

That knife and mini-frst aid kit will handle just about any medical situation I’ll encounter on the stream, or let me

patch myself up so I can make it back to civilization and medical care.

Raingear: I carry a lightweight hooded rain shell that fts over my vest and jacket.

Water: carried in refllable, unbreakable water bottles. I carry two, especially if I think I’ll need only one.

Snacks: Think trail mix and high protein bars; low blood sugar is your enemy, complex carbs and protein are your friends. If you’re hiking a trail and carrying a lunch, try a tortilla wrap instead of a sandwich.

A small pack of personal tissues: Use when needed, use discreetly, and leave no visible trace. A small bottle of hand sanitizer isn’t a bad idea.

You can stow all this stuf in the back and inside pockets of the vest and still have room for plenty of fshing tackle. Early season fshing essentials

Start with hardware: That includes a forceps (actually a hemostat) for removing hooks from fsh and other assorted chores; a clipper on a return zinger called a retractor; and a hook hone. On my vest the hook hone and clipper, along with a knot tyer, are combined on one tool.

Floatant: I carry both gel and powder and use both.

Leaders: I carry a couple of spare leaders in 7 ½’ or 8’ and 9’ or 10’, both in 3X and 4X, and one spool each of 3X, 4X, and 5X tippet material, along with 8# Maxima for dredging big nymphs and streamers.

Indicators: These days I’m partial to the New Zealand system, Thingamabobbers, and strike putty.

And fnally, fies in a fy box, or several. That’s why vests have all those fy box-shaped pockets. But don’t forget the other stuf.

While waiting for runof to clear, prepare for summer fshing. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Obituaries continued

Lorene ‘Tootsie’ Mae Templeton

Lorene “Tootsie” Mae Templeton, 93, of Florence, Montana passed away May 23, 2023 at her beloved Ranch. She was born September 30, 1929 in Florence to Saima and John Hendrickson, the fourth of 12 children.

As a child, Tootsie was fearless, and most often shoeless, growing up on the Ranch. Occasionally, she would be seen walking with bull snakes around her neck, much to the consternation of the neighborhood kids.

Tootsie graduated from Florence High School in 1947 and attended business college in Butte shortly after. During the summers, Tootsie and her sister Shirley loved traveling the rodeo circuit, following the cowboy heroes of the day.

At a cocktail party one evening, Tootsie fnally met her match. In August 1962, she married the love of her life, Robert Templeton. Tootsie and Bob lived most of their lives in the Bitterroot Valley which they held most dear as their home, surrounded by family and the land they loved.

She loved to travel and took many trips to the Southwest to visit her sister Judy, brother Larry and his wife Gwen. Traveling often included a dog and Judy refers to those days full of adventures as “travels with Rollie”. Tootsie was a good sport about it. Usually.

She had a long career with Missoula Electric Cooperative, serving for many years as a manager in the Missoula ofce, making many friends along the way. Her dedication to her work was unrivaled, and she held herself and her co-workers to the highest of standards. She set a fne example for the other women in her family on how to be a professional, working female in a time where that was the exception, not the rule. As a lifelong Democrat, Tootsie was an

advocate for women’s rights, economic equality and education.

Tootsie loved to work on the Ranch and was happiest when she and Bob were involved in a project. They helped many family members with home improvements over the years, and they came to be known as the Rinky Dink Construction Company. Their legacy lives on in the next generation of builders and tinkerers. Tootsie was an ardent sports fan and cheered on the U of M Grizzlies at every opportunity, loved crossword puzzles and keeping up with current afairs.

She is survived by her sisters Vi Jean Marostica, Shirley McDonald and Judy Hendrickson and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Templeton; sisters Dorothy Heinrich (George), Helen Bolitho (Bruce); brothers John (Margaret), Jerry, Larry, Kenneth “Butch”, Richard and Donnie Hendrickson; brothers-in-law Angelo Marostica and David McDonald.

Tootsie will be remembered for her sharp wit, strength, and devotion to her family. She was fondly known as the Sergeant, did not sufer fools gladly but had a heart of gold and would help anyone. As the matriarch, she could be relied upon to share her opinions and wisdom freely, to the beneft of us all. Her nieces and nephews all hold dear memories of spending summers at the Ranch, under Tootsie’s watchful eye, getting into mischief and sharing her love of the land. She was beloved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

A memorial will be held this summer at the Ranch with details to follow at a later date. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Whitesitt Funeral Home, Stevensville. Memories and condolences may be made to the family through their on-

line tribute page at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank her sisters Judy and Shirley for the care they have given to Tootsie, and to the many family members who supported them and who were honored to celebrate together at her 90th birthday bash.

In lieu of fowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Labre Indian School (give.stlabre. org) or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (st. jude.org/donate) in memory of Lorene Templeton.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die…”

Posting Date May 29, 2023

Booked for the season Book Review

“The Foxfre Book of Appalachian Women, “ edited by Kami Ahrens

c.2023, The University of North Carolina Press

$25.00 288 pages

You can’t imagine life without your devices.

Your cell phone, your computer: how else would you stay in touch, take photos, end arguments, keep documents? You need those links to civilization, you panic when you don’t have them. So what would you do, absent all modern conveniences? In “The Foxfre Book of Appalachian Women,” edited by Kami Ahrens, you’ll fnd out.

Nearly sixty years ago, a “group of rowdy high school students” in a small town in Georgia “decided to create a literary magazine” flled with stories, poetry, and instruction from their elders in rural Appalachia. Every year since 1966, a new batch of students has gone back to collect more stories of life as it used to be.

This book, says editor Kami Ahrens, springs from “the Foxfre archives... going back to the roots of the organization.” Here, Ahrens lets women tell their stories alone.

Land – both ownership and stewardship – rings loud in these narratives, with frequent remarks about loss of property through hard times, and nothing to pass on to future generations. Issues of transportation arise, too: many of these women remembered walking everywhere. Margaret Burrell Norton said she was a teenager when she saw her frst car.

Though an occasional tale of homemade toys or silly pranks surfaces, most women spoke about working hard, with very little playtime. Hard work had history, too: Beulah Perry’s grandfather was a slave before she was born; Carrie McDonnell Stewart’s father often repeated the story of his sale on a slave block.

After her father abandoned her

she was just 11 years old, Carolyn Jones Stradley was completely

on her own. Maude Conley Shope said that until “we was great big

by Terry Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

young’uns,” she and her siblings believed in Santa Claus. Modern medicine was all but nonexistent. Marriages happened early, lasted long, and family sizes were generally in the double-digits. Poverty was a common theme in these stories, and times were tough but in a crisis, people never forgot their neighbors...

The internet is down, you have one bar on your phone, and there’s nothing on TV. Which is the perfect time to have “The Foxfre Book of Appalachian Women” in your lap.

The frst thing you’ll notice about the stories in this book is that, while there are a handful of modern profles here, many of the interviewees are gone today – most having lived long lives before dying decades ago. Their presence in this book underscores a reason for what’s here: that the ways people lived in the early half of the last century – the social customs, poverty, make-do attitudes, religious beliefs, resourcefulness, matriarchal strengths, and family life – will be forever lost unless they’re captured now.

Readers, in fact, will be glad these were.

Unique to this book in the Foxfre series is that this is all about women, making it appealing to adult historians, homesteaders, back-to-the-land-ers, and feminists, as well as to high schoolers of the same age as the original story-gatherers. For you, skipping “The Foxfre Book of Appalachian Women” should be unimaginable.

when

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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 above-entitled Court.

DATED this 11th day of May 2023. /s/ Darla Michelle Kidder, Personal Representative BS 5-17, 5-24, 5-31-23.

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 GIV-

EN 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

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,

Detailed Local Forecast

Today we will see mostly cloudy skies with a 60% chance of showers, high temperature of 75°, humidity of 46%. South southwest wind 1 to 10 mph. The record high temperature for today is 92° set in 1956. Expect mostly cloudy skies tonight with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, overnight low of 49°. West wind 1 to 10 mph. The record low for tonight is 30° set in 1920. Thursday, skies will be mostly cloudy with a 35% chance of showers and thunderstorms, high of 76°, humidity of 45%.

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.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, June 8th, 2023, 6:00 p.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing on Thursday, June 8th, 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 rescinding Resolution No. 444. 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 8th, 2023. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting the Town Clerk at 406-777-5271.

Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 5-31, 6-7-23. 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 VIOLET M. POWERS, Deceased.

Case No.: DP-23-57

Dept. No. 1

May 2023. /s/ Anne Anderson, Personal Representative BS 5-31, 6-7, 6-14-23.

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