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

Find the latest updates and information on the COVID-19 pandemic at www.bitterrootstar.com Volume XXXV, Number 42

Making music for life

Section A

’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B ‘The

Will there be live music concerts in the ‘new normal’? Debra and Jason Hicks, founders of the Joan Zen Band, like many professional musicians across the nation are not immune from the catastrophic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. The Bitterroot Star asked Debra Hicks to share with us the impacts of this epidemic and the measures invoked to counter it on her business. Hicks and her husband Jason met in 1997 in California where they were playing in a band together and were married in 1998. The two moved to the Bitterroot in 2002 and stayed briefly with Jason’s mother, who had recently relocated to Stevensville. They soon purchased a travel trailer and spent several months at Kirby Erickson’s place near Hamilton. Erickson and Debra’s uncle Rob Kunkle were good friends, and both were well known and well appreciated musicians in the Bitterroot throughout the 1980s. The two of them played a lot at

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Hamilton Skate Park vandalism complicates park opening

“Music is one of those things. You must have it to live,” says Debra Hicks, soulful singer with the band Joan Zen, one of the valley’s perennial favorites. The band is supportive of many local non profits. “...The only reason to do music in the Bitterroot is to give something of yourself.”

Haigh’s Bar (remember that happening spot, now supplanted by the Spice of Life?). “We just felt like we had come home,” said Hicks about the move to Montana. “We’ve been here now for 18 to 19 years and from the git-go we felt like we were where we were supposed to be.” Pretty soon she and Jason decided to start up a band and the first to step up and join them was another old time, all-time favorite Bitterroot musician Donald Maus. Deb had been given some names of people to talk to when she got to Montana including musicians like Don Maus, David Horgan, Chuck Florence and Eli Nuno. Maus was the first person they called, and he jumped on the offer. Hicks said they began rehearsing with him. By March 2003, they were playing their first gig. Then Jason was sitting around talking to Tim Bozick, owner of the Bitterroot Brewery, and Bozick said he had heard that they were musicians and he invited them to play at the brewery.

2701 Eastside Highway Stevensville

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

www.bitterrootstar.com

By Michael Howell

406-361-9551

“Jason said, if you do that it’s going to be a scene, it’ll be a party,” said Hicks. “He let us do it, and it was pretty much a scene. And it was a really fun scene.” They also started adding other musicians to the band pretty quickly. The next to join were David Horgan and Chuck Florence. They also started down the road of supporting local nonprofits, something that was going to become one of the defining characteristics of the group over the coming years. Their first was a gig in support of the Bitterroot Youth Homes, soon followed by one for S.A.F.E. Hicks said getting involved with the non-profit scene was kind of by choice. “I wanted to dive into what the community was working on together and what was important to Montanans and to the type of people I knew liked my music.” She said one thing she liked about Montana was that See MUSIC, page 6

Sometime during the night last Tuesday, April 28, or perhaps in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday, someone spray painted a couple of messages on one of the Skate Park’s concrete walls and on the inside of the Band Shell at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton. The park was closed due to the COVID-19 emergency but was due to open May 1. Due to the vandalism the park, as of Monday May 4, remains closed. According to Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf, all the parks were initially closed due to concerns about the coronavirus and the need for social distancing and the avoidance of large groups. In the case of Claudia Driscoll Park and the Skate Park located there, he said there was extra concern due to the proximity to the hospital and the Emergency Services. He said the risk of skateboard injuries requiring emergency services in what might become an overloaded system was also a concern. Farrenkopf said that when

the vandalism was discovered, the park was fenced off to protect things while the graffiti was cleaned up. He said a couple of employees of Evergreen Skateparks, the company that built the skate park, were working in Stevensville and were able to quickly respond to their situation and have already assisted in cleaning the paint off the concrete. The city plans are to paint over the graffiti on the Band Shell. He said they were currently taking down the fence and making some repairs on the gazebo at the park. He said the city was also considering beefing up the police presence in the area. Mayor Farrenkopf said the city’s aim was to get the park open again as soon as possible. “We would really like to give the park back to the kids,” he said. He noted that some people had commented in social media about the graffiti containing a positive message. The graffiti did appear to be tastefully done. It was not sloppy work. The messages were simple and positive: “Paint WiT UR HEART” and “LOVE

URSELF.” Farrenkopf said that the quality of the work was not an issue. “The city made a promise to the citizens when the Skate Park got approved that concerns about the park being defaced with graffiti would be honored and that graffiti of any kind was not acceptable. He said the city was going to clean it up and keep its promise to the people in the neighborhood and to the citizens that this type of activity would not be tolerated. Anyone who saw anything or has any information about the vandalism is asked to call the Hamilton Police Department at 363-2100. As of Monday, the park was still closed. Farrenkopf said that the final decision to open would be made by Dr. Calderwood, leader of the county’s COVID-19 Incident Management Team. The opening has been complicated, he said, by the state’s orders and the definitions and classifications being used to regulate the re-openSee PARKS, page 2

Recent graffiti at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton caused an uproar on social media, with many people pointing out that the artwork had a positive message.

Restraining order for Darby Lumber Lands II project denied By Michael Howell

Musician Jason Hicks, who founded the band Joan Zen with his wife Debra. They have been playing for local audiences for nearly 20 years, and now they’ve resorted to virtual concerts in order to work through the pandemic. Photos courtesy of Joan Zen.

In a decision issued on April 29, Federal District Judge Dana Christensen denied a request from the Friends of the Bitterroot for a Preliminary Injunction/Temporary Restraining Order to stop the Bitterroot National Forest from proceeding with a timber sale associated with the Darby Lumber Lands II Project. The Forest Service acquired the former Darby Lumber Company lands back in 2005 and 2013. The land had been heavily roaded and logged by the company. Many of the roads were not built to Forest Service standards and have not been properly maintained, resulting in heavy sedimentation. The Forest Service designed the Darby Lumber Lands II Project to develop a suitable transportation system throughout the Project

area, and to improve watershed and forest health. Specifically, the Project will decommission 39 miles of road, place 16 miles into long-term storage, construct 4.3 miles of permanent road and 1.9 miles of connector routes. This will result in a net reduction of approximately 38 miles of open road during the summer months. The Forest Service authorized the project in July 2019. It then awarded a timber sales contract to Pyramid Mountain Lumber in mid-September 2019. Friends of the Bitterroot (FOB), a local non-profit conservation organization, was presented a copy for review in late October 2019 and filed suit to stop the project on February 19. Then, on April 10, 2020, FOB filed the motion for a preliminary injunction/temporary restraining order.

Elect SHARON GREEF PAID FOR BY SHARON GREEF, ED GREEF, TREAS. PO BOX 1327, FLORENCE MT 59833

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Road work on the project is set to begin in early May. Timber harvest is estimated to begin in October once the road work is complete. The judge notes that a plaintiff seeking an injunction must show that: (1) it is likely to suffer irreparable harm absent a preliminary injunction, (2) it is likely to succeed on the merits, (3) the balance of equities tips in its favor, and (4) an injunction is in the public interest. When the gfovernment is a party, the analyses of the final two elements merge. In order to obtain a preliminary injunction, a plaintiff must allege more than the possibility of harm. A plaintiff must demonstrate that absent such an order, irreparable harm is likely. Analysis of this element probes the timeframe of See DENIED, page 3

Page A2 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Montana to resume limited census operations The U.S. Census Bureau announced on Monday that Montana will be one of the few states in the nation to resume update leave operations this week. Update leave is a census operation that delivers census questionnaires directly to you in mainly rural and remote areas of the country. Montana has among the highest percentage of update leave in the country. During this operation, census employees will leave census packets on doors. They will have Census identification and be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) and practice social distancing for their safety and yours. This affects the tribal nations in Montana as well as people who live on rural routes or get their mail via PO Box. Census staff will continue to work with the tribal, state, and local partners to secure a com-

plete and accurate count. Census employees will abide by all state health directives and local regulations as well as work in conjunction with our tribal leaders to safely deliver these census packets to members. Montana’s self-response rate continues to hover just below 50% at 48% as of today. The absence of update leave operations, originally slated to begin in late March through early April, has kept many Montanans from receiving their formal invitation to respond or a paper census form. The Census is easy, safe and important. Montanans can fill out their form online, by phone at 1-844-330-2020, or by sending their paper forms back to the bureau. For more information on the 2020 Census, please visit www.2020census.gov.

A full list of the offices that will first re-open and update leave estimates is here: https://2020census.gov/content/ dam/2020census/news/acosreopen.pdf

Parks

continued ing. He said skate parks appear to have been classified along with ice rinks and skating rinks but that the issue is being worked out. All the parks in Stevensville, including the Skate Park located in Lewis and Clark Park, are open, according to Town Clerk Monica Hoffman. She said the town will be regularly disinfecting the parks as part of its efforts to mitigate against the COVID-19 epidemic.

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After considering Governor Bullock’s plan for reopening businesses in Montana, we are implementing the following procedure and timeline: Curbside Service will continue through Saturday, May 16th Monday, May 18th we will allow clients back in the building with the following guidelines:

Vote YES to Support Your Library! Ballots mailed May 8. Return by June 2.

• Only 1 person may accompany their pet into the building. • No more than 3 clients in the building at a time. • Social distancing between clients and staff of 6 feet. • Burnt Fork Veterinary staff will continue to wear masks while interacting with clients until further notice. • Clients are encouraged to wear a face covering or mask while they are in the building until further notice. • All common areas and surfaces will be disinfected twice daily. • Clients are welcome to request curbside service at any time.

20%: growth of Bitterroot Pubic Library’s district (Hamilton, Corvallis, and Victor school districts) since last vote to increase funding 22 years ago. Current demands exceed current funding. 225: number of people (30% children and families) who use our library daily. New Roof: needed this summer to protect 104 year old building. 2022: library forced to reduce services if levy unsuccessful.

We will monitor the rates of infection in the state of Montana and adjust our plan as more information becomes available.

$4.05: how much it will cost property owners per $100,000 valuation. Check Out 1 Book, DVD, CD, or Audiobook and the cost savings will more than cover your share of the levy. Paid for by “Bitterroot Public Library Levy Campaign” Committee, 500 Jorgy Way, Hamilton, MT 59840, Mary Ann Darby, Treasurer

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Denied continued

the litigation. A court must determine that a preliminary injunction is required to prevent harm likely to occur before it can decide the case on the merits. Courts addressing this element often note that a delay on the part of the plaintiff in filing suit or seeking an injunction cuts against finding imminent irreparable harm. Judge Christiansen quotes a few cases in which it was found that “a Plaintiff’s long delay before seeking a preliminary injunction implies a lack of urgency and irreparable harm. And another in which it was found that “a delay in seeking a preliminary injunction is a factor to be considered in weighing the propriety of relief.” Forest Service attorneys asserted that the allegation made was only a generic allegation of harm and that the organization’s delay in filing suit and seeking an injunction undermines its concern that any harm is imminent. The Court agreed. FOB also asserted that an environmental injury “by its nature” satisfies the irreparable harm element because such an injury “can seldom be adequately remedied by money damages and is often permanent or at least of long duration, i.e. irreparable.” FOB argued that an injunction is necessary to protect its members’ ability to “view, experience and utilize the area in [its] undisturbed state” because “once logging occurs, the Forest Service . . . cannot put trees back on the stumps and unbuild roads.” Judge Christiansen called it a “stock allegation” that he said “fails to address the particular circumstances of the Project.” “Plaintiff asserts that logging and road work pose an imminent threat to the quiet seclusion of the forest but fails to acknowledge that the Project will not commence logging activities until October—by which time the Court can decide the case on the

Wednesday, May 6, 2020 merits. Furthermore, Plaintiff’s complaint that the interim road work will jeopardize the otherwise undisturbed environment is particularly anemic in this context. The bulk of the road work targets those areas where roads already disturb the natural landscape, casting doubt on Plaintiff’s assertion that the work planned will interfere with its members’ ‘aesthetic, recreational, [and] . . . spiritual . . . interests’ in enjoying the natural areas in an undisturbed state,” wrote Christiansen. “What’s more,” he wrote, “the majority of the road work advances Plaintiff’s interests.” He reasons that although the Project proposes to construct 4.3 miles of permanent new roads, it will decommission 39 miles of other roads, resulting in a net decrease of approximately 38 miles of roads. “Plaintiff’s allegation that any harm will be irreparable because the Forest Service cannot ‘unbuild roads’ is senseless is this context,” states Christiansen. He found a preliminary injunction was not warranted because the plaintiff failed to allege an injury that is likely to follow from the Project’s upcoming activities. Christiansen goes on to say that his conclusion is further compounded by FOB’s four-month delay in filing suit and additional seven-week delay in seeking an injunction, an issue he says the plaintiff failed to address in its brief. “A delay measured in months followed by an eleventhhour motion for a preliminary injunction calls the imminence of the alleged harm into doubt,” he wrote. Christiansen agreed with the Forest Service attorneys that, if FOB had promptly filed suit upon learning of the contract award, this case could have been fully briefed on summary judgment by now. As the attorneys stated in their brief, given the fact that logging is not planned until October, and the road work proposed on the whole furthers the plaintiff’s interests in enjoying the forest in an undis-

turbed state by closing portions of the existing road network, the Court can mitigate any remaining potential harm by imposing an aggressive briefing schedule and issuing a timely decision on the merits. Because this element is not met, the Court need not address the remaining elements. Christiansen expressed his agreement and denied the requested Restraining Order. He ordered both parties to confer and propose a briefing schedule for the motions for summary judgment and wants them fully briefed by August 14, 2020. Larry Campbell, Conservation Director for the Friends of the Bitterroot, said that they were disappointed in the ruling, but still hoping to win the case on its merits. Campbell said the long delay in filing suit was not due to lack of any feeling of urgency on their part but just the time it took to put their case together and seek counsel. “It’s unfortunate that it took us so long,” said Campbell, “but the judge has not ruled on the merits of the case and we do believe we have a strong case on the merits even though we weren’t able to forestall the roadbuilding. We still think we are going to win the case. It’s just sad that there will be this unnecessary roadbuilding in the meantime.” The Forest Service did not answer a request for comment on the decision in time for publication.

Bitterroot Star -- Page A3

Kudos

Jayden Scheffer is currently a junior at Victor High School. She recently submitted an essay to the Montana State FFA for competition in the most inspirational competition. Scheffer was selected as the Overall Essay Winner with her essay titled “You only get 40 attempts.” She spoke with several longtime farmers and ranchers in the valley as well as called upon her own family history to find out about agriculture. Her conclusion was that from ages 20 to 60, a farmer or rancher had 40 growing seasons to make a success of their production, whether it was crops or livestock. For her efforts, she will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Last year, Scheffer was one of several FFA members who won most inspirational essay. This year, two other Victor students, Skyler Webberson and Emma Day, each won the most inspirational award.

Get local!

For information about advertising in your local paper, call the Bitterroot Star at 777-3928!

ATTENTION RAVALLI COUNTY REPUBLICANS ATTENTION RAVALLI COUNTY REPUBLICANS Did you know your legislators—Nancy Ballance and David Bedey—were principle members of the minority of Republican legislators assisting the Democrat legislators to pass Governor Bullock’s big government agenda? During the 2019 legislative session, Rep.’s Nancy Ballance and David Bedey were members of a splinter group of liberal Republicans forming the “Democrat Wing” of the Legislative Republican caucus. They joined with the Democrat legislators in opposition to a majority of their fellow Republican members. Rep.’s Balance and Bedey were Rep. Llew Jones’s (leader of the “Democrat Wing” of the Republican legislators) loyal followers in sabotaging their fellow Republican majority in the Legislature. To review the history of Rep.’s Ballance and Bedey supporting the Democrat efforts to increase taxes and fees on Montana citizens during their Legislative term see their complete records on the Legistats website at www.legislatorloyalty.com. This is a computer analysis of Republican votes on only politically partisan bills which identifies Republican legislators who help the Democrat minority pass their legislative agenda. In helping pass partisan Democrat bills, Rep. Ballance voted against her fellow Republican majority 219 times to support Democrats 37% of the time regarding the 610 partisan votes as one of the top 10 members of the “Democrat Wing” of the Republican legislative caucus promoting Bullock’s agenda. Rep. Bedey voted against his fellow Republican majority 192 times to support Democrats 32% of the time regarding the 610 partisan votes as a member of the “Democrat Wing” of the Republican Legislative caucus supporting the Democrat agenda. This contrasts with Republican House Leaders who averaged only 5% support of Democrat Partisan Bills. During recent legislative sessions these cross-over legislators have been a growing problem for the majority of mainstream Republican legislators. In recent years, Llew Jones has been helping the Democrat Party recruit liberals (like Nancy Ballance) to file as Republicans in several Conservative Republican Montana legislative districts like Ravalli County. Unfortunately, Rep. Ballance shifted to the “Left” from her original election as a TEA PARTY supporter— “California Nancy” seems to be reverting to her “California liberal Roots.” Balance and Bedey’s votes passed Medicaid Expansion (health care for able-bodied, childless, adults) in opposition to Ravalli Co. voters who rejected it by a 60% margin (Republican voters would have represented over 90% of that total)! Ravalli County has a history of strong conservative Republican representation with outstanding legislators like Theresa Manzella, Jason Ellsworth, Ray Hawk, and Bob Lake—Montana needs more legislators of this caliber. Montana Republicans would like to have Ravalli County send smaller government Republicans to replace Nancy Ballance and David Bedey in the Montana Legislature—Let the Democrats run their own candidates. Paid for by a concerned Montana citizen, Sen. Ed Butcher (Ret)—Winifred, Montana

Wes Brown, a senior at Stevensville High School, recently won the 2020 NILE Legacy Scholarship Award, for NILE participation and involvement. Wes was a 2015 NILE Merit Heifer recipient, and had Grand Champion Merit Heifer that year. He has participated in 9 years of the Junior and Open Angus shows at the NILE (Northern International Livestock Expo). He took his merit heifer and her twin heifer calves back for the NILE Progeny Pen Parade. He has consigned and sold two registered heifers to the NILE Angus Female sale. Brown also serves on the Montana Junior Angus Board as the Western Director. He will be attending MSU this fall majoring in mechanical engineering.

Schools to continue with remote learning After careful consultation with Public Health Officer Dr. Carol Calderwood, in charge of the Ravalli County COVID-19 Incident Management Team, and the office of Public Health Nurse Karyn Johnston, every school district in the valley has made the

decision to continue their distance learning programs and keep the classrooms shuttered for the rest of the school year. School districts are all working on plans for graduation and for returning to classrooms next fall under what promises to be a novel

arrangement to “new normal” circumstances.

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Page A4 -- Bitterroot Star

Bitterroot Star Editorial Board Michael Howell Victoria Howell

Opinion

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Guest Comment

Lung health has never been more important By Joseph Hopkins, Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Ravalli County Public Health Department

In this time of uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is certain, lung health has never been more important. Now is the time to quit smoking and vaping and Montana has free resources to help. COVID-19 is a new disease that attacks the lungs. People of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Some of the higher risk populations are people with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, people who have serious heart conditions, and people who are immunocompromised. Matthew Myers, president of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said “we all know the impact of smoking on the lungs. There is conclusive evidence that smoking increases the risk for respiratory infections, weakens the immune system and is a major cause of a number of chronic health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and diabetes. More recently, the science community has a growing body of evidence showing that vaping can also harm lung health.” “If you smoke or use e-cigarettes/vaping devices, now is the time to quit. The sooner you quit, the sooner your body starts to heal itself,” says Ravalli County Tobacco Prevention Specialist, Joseph Hopkins. Two weeks to three months after quitting smoking, your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lung function begins to improve. As early

as one month after quitting, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your own health and the health of those around you. Not sure how to quit? The Montana Tobacco Quit Line can help. It is a free service for all Montanans with free personalized coaching and 8 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy. There are three special programs within the Montana Tobacco Quit Line. First is the American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line that connects callers with American Indian coaches. Call 1-855-372-0037 to connect with a Native coach. The Quit Now Montana Pregnancy Program connects pregnant women with a dedicated female coach as well as offers cash incentives with each completed coaching call. The newest program, My Life, My Quit, is for Montana youth looking to quit any form of tobacco including vaping. Visit mylifemyquit.com to enroll or text “start my quit” to 1-855-891-9989. “Quitting tobacco can be the most important thing you do for your health,” adds Mr. Hopkins. The Montana Tobacco Quit Line, along with FDA-approved cessation medications available through enrollment, is a proven effective way to help you quit tobacco use successfully. Tobacco users who use the Montana Tobacco Quit Line are 7 to 10 times more likely to quit than if they were to try alone. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit quitnowmontana.com today.

No, they didn’t have to vote for it

Sanctity of Life

Dear Editor, I’ve just read a certain ridiculous assertion by the Solutions Caucus candidates in this valley just one too many times and can’t hold back my outrage at their typical misrepresentation of facts. They—Nancy Ballance, Dave Bedey, Sharon Greef—continue to misrepresent their vote for Medicaid Expansion—which the people didn’t want and voted against—by claiming that they knew Medicaid Expansion would have to pass in some form, so they voted for the “Republican” form. First of all, neither bill was “Republican” in any way, shape or form! Socialized medicine is now Republican? Give me a break! Because a bill is sponsored by a Republican (in name only) does NOT make it a Republican bill! It was a back-room deal hammered out by Bullock, the Democrats, and the Solutions Caucus RINOs. The fact of the matter is that the majority of Republicans did NOT support EITHER bill. They voted for the Democrat version ONCE just to prove that the Dems would vote against their own bill (because they already had their back-room deal agreed upon with their Solutions comrades). Here is the central fact that cannot be denied: without the help of the Solutions Caucus, NEITHER Medicaid Expansion bill could have passed a Republican majority legislature. Their argument that they had to pass the lesser evil is so disingenuous it defies words. Cindi Hamilton Hamilton

Tip of the iceberg

Letters

Mayor of Stevensville posted on the Town’s website. I have some genuine concerns. Mayor’s fact: “The agreement signed by the mayor was authorized by the purchasing policy.” Reality: This “agreement is, in fact, a contract for services. The mayor even calls it a contract for services. If you read the purchasing policy section 7b, it says all service contracts are to be approved by the Town Council. This was never done. Mayor’s fact: “The Council adopted the current budget which includes this budgetary item.” Reality: Reading the budget there is no one line item for IT in excess of $75,000. The Mayor says it was across several departments. Doesn’t combining funds require a budget amendment showing where the money came from and where it is going? Seems the mayor is playing fast and loose with taxpayers’ money. Mayor’s fact: “The County Attorney only reviews petitions based on formatting.” Reality: Totally wrong. The recall petition requires verifiable objective evidence. This evidence has to be supplied with the petition. Stop and think, if every time an elected official made an unpopular decision all a citizen had to do was turn in a properly formatted piece of paper, the poor county attorney would get buried. This is only the tip of the iceberg. The rest of the story is much more concerning. Mark Adams Stevensville

Dear Editor, I recently read the letter the

Bitterroot Star

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Publishers - Michael & Victoria Howell Editors - Michael & Victoria Howell Sports Editor - Jean Schurman Advertising Sales Consultants Jean Schurman (239-4354) & Liz Cook (880-2007) Graphic Designer - Deven Monta TheBitterroot Bitterroot Star Star isispublished published weekly weekly at 115 W. 3rd, Street, Suite 108, The at 115 W. 3rd Suite 108, Stevensville,Montana. Montana.Subscriptions Subscriptions are are$40 $50 per per year year in in Ravalli RavalliCounty, Stevensville, County, $60 per out of and county, per year out of state. $50 per year out year of county, $60and out $70 of state. The Postal Service will no longer forward the Bitterroot Star. Address changes to our mailing list are made once a month and can be made by contacting the Star office at 777-3928.

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Dear Editor, To those who believe in the sanctity of life, I feel it is my God given right and duty to inform those who are pro-life, as to what has happened at the last session of the legislature regarding HB 658. This bill is called the Montana Medicaid Expansion program. According to the Montana Family Foundation’s interpretation, the bill does increase abortion availability in the state of Montana. It increases it in this way: A woman who isn’t pregnant who enrolls through Medicaid Expansion and then later becomes pregnant is not “kicked off” Medicaid Expansion and bumped to Medicaid coverage: she stays on Medicaid Expansion with Montana receiving reimbursement at the higher, federal matching rate of 90% (vs. the lower federal matching rate for traditional Medicaid of 65%). So Medicaid Expansion affords additional pregnancy–related coverage beyond that provided under Medicaid. The expanded services for abortions provided by this Medicaid Expansion program include “family planning services” which abortion providers like Planned Parenthood provide. Because of the expanded coverage, increase in services, more taxpayer dollars and Planned Parenthood’s influence, pregnant women have little incentive to keep their children. Fifteen studies have shown that abortion rates increased when Medicaid funding increased. Therefore, by Expanding Medicaid there is an increase in the availability of abortions in Montana. There is no way that those who voted for Medicaid Expansion can argue their case that Medicaid Expansion will not increase abortion availability. Reference: See Memoran-

dum from the Montana Family Foundation (for further in depth information). This information is very important, because voters who are pro-life need to know which legislator in their district is consistent in their support of pro-life issues. In this instance, Theresa Manzella is the legislator who best supports conservative ideals and values and is consistent in that support. It takes courage and bravery to stand against the crowd. This is the kind of proven leadership we need. Rachel Bartlett Stevensville

Open letter to Nancy Ballance

Dear Nancy, I want to call attention to these points which you have not mentioned in your recent advertisements: - Your recent mailing indicated that you voted in favor of Health Care solutions for thousands of Montanans. What you failed to mention is that you did so by usurping the will of the citizens who voted down Medicaid Expansion through the defeat of I-185, and the majority of your Republican colleagues who recognized that unaccountable socialized medicine is not a solution to our healthcare problems. - You overlooked recent audit stating that nearly half of enrollees in Medicaid Expansion are not actually eligible for the program. As a taxpayer, I have to pay for ineligible people placed on Medicaid Expansion by the unaccountable liberal agency. A number don’t live in Montana, and some don’t even live in the United States. While you don’t represent me as a taxpayer, your liberal views reinforce those in their attempt to drain the system of

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resources. - You overlooked that Montana Planned Parenthood donated $176,994.07 in 2018 attempting to pass Medicaid Expansion. Why would a proclaimed pro-life legislator vote to accomplish Planned Parenthood’s agenda of TAXPAYER FUNDED ABORTIONS as has been proven repeatedly by the Montana Family Foundation and Susan B. Anthony? I sat across from you in a meeting where you raised objections to someone calling you a RINO. It certainly seems fitting. I just hope the voters of SD-44 can see through your victim act to vote against you. Jim Burrill Corvallis

What is the truth, Nancy?

Dear Editor, I have a few questions for Nancy Ballance. I have worked in a healthcare profession for 35 years. I have seen firsthand the lack of oversight in Medicaid and Medicaid Expansion. You have said yourself that there is lack of oversight. You have said that you know there is abuse in the system. When ME first got passed I know people that were pushed onto Medicaid, through the Affordable Care Act site, that didn’t want to be on it and shouldn’t be on it. That was the only option they were given. I know firsthand of people that have affordable insurance through their employers and make too much money and yet are on Medicaid. Once people are on Medicaid there is no oversight on change of circumstances. It seems that once on it, always on it. Under Medicaid Expansion, the Federal government matches us 9 to 1 on dollars but does that money go toward actual treatment costs? We lose money every time a person on Medicaid walks through our door. How is it, then, that ME is propping up rural hospitals? If the provider is getting reimbursed at less than the cost of treatment, then that means there is some funny accounting going on, kickbacks, or the rest of the people are taking the brunt of it. You and I both know that when providers get less than the cost of treatment someone makes up the difference. If you want to really help people how about addressing the fact that hard working people are paying as much as $2500 per month for insurance with a $10,000 deductible? How did the salaries of some of the hospital CEO’s suddenly surge and in some cases double after ME? The bottom line is that the people that sent you to Helena voted against Medicaid Expansion. You, however, thought you knew better. Hopefully they don’t send you there again. Kathy Love Hamilton

Public lands: Will these days be the Good Old Days?

Dear Editor, Privatizing of our public lands is being promoted by politicians. A two minute computer search of Montana’s Republican Platform, Page 12, and a two minute computer search of Montana’s Democratic Platform, Page 8, will clearly reveal their public land philosophies. The purpose of this article is to explain to Montanans who use public lands, ranchers in this instance, what could happen if the public land they run cows on were privatized. Recently, while waiting in a doctor’s office I picked up a realtor publication that had a ranch for sale in southeastern Montana. A large ranch that will run 900 to 1000 cows in great cattle country. The asking price was slightly over 9 million dollars, which is a typical price these days for such a ranch. Also listed was information that indicated that the ranch had 37,000 plus contiguous acres, of which 20,000 acres are deeded. These numbers indicate that approximately 46% (17/37) of the ranch is probably BLM land. Ranchers who lease public land for grazing know that the fee BLM charges per cow/calf unit month (AUM) is a good deal. If that land were privatized what would your cost be per AUM

month? A quick way to find out is to ask your neighbor what he would charge per AUM to run your cows on his private land. It would also be educational to ask Ted Turner what he would charge per AUM to run cows on his private land. Another way is to check the established current rate for private land grazing, which was $23.40 per AUM in March, 2019, according to the Congressional Research Service. What would the value of that choice Southeastern Montana ranch be if the BLM portions were sold to the highest bidder? The contiguous acreage would be broken up resulting in checkerboard ownerships. How much would the remaining land sell for? Who could afford to buy it? Could a cattle operation pay for it? Most important, what will that ranch look like in 100 years? None of us will be here in 100 years, but our descendants will be here. What do we want to leave for our descendants? Will they lament what happened in the Good Old Days? How we vote will determine what we leave for them. A quick look at both political party platforms will indicate their intentions. Harold Johns Butte Dear Editor, Spring has Sprung…Time to Share the Road With the beginning of nicer weather, many of us are heading outside to recreate on bicycles. Now seems like a good time to remind all of us how to safely and courteously Share the Road. The MT Drivers Manual and state law provide excellent guidance I’d like to share with both my bicycling friends and fellow motorists. For cyclists: • Under Montana law, bicycles are considered vehicles, and are governed by the same traffic laws that reasonably apply to their operation – Same Roads, Same Rules, Same Rights. • Ride with the flow of traffic. • Ride as far to the right as judged safe by you to avoid road hazards. • Ride in single file. • Use hand signals to indicate your intention. Be predictable. • Front and rear lights, required at night, improve visibility during the day. • Always WEAR A HELMET! For drivers: • Stay alert and make adjustments when passing or sharing the roadway with a bicycle. • When approaching a cyclist from behind, treat them as you would any other slow-moving vehicle; slow down to the speed of the cyclist and wait for a safe time to pass. • Give cyclists a recommended 5 foot distance when passing. • Don’t honk or yell at a cyclist to get their attention. • Use extra caution when encountering youth on bikes; they have much less experience with vehicle traffic. For additional information, please visit BikeWalkMontana. org; 406-449-2787. Remember, all of us on the roadways are someone’s family member, friend or loved one. Let’s share the road responsibly and keep each other safe! Chris Fox Stevensville Bike Walk Montana Board Member

Fake news

Dear Editor, How many citizens received the phony, deceptive “scorecard?” Here’s my response - FAKE NEWS!! Grandma used to say that if a person will lie, they’ll cheat; and if they’ll cheat, there’s no limit to the bad behaviors they’ll partake in. The wisdom in those words has recently been proven true by Rep. Ballance’s recent lying post card. Rep. Ballance knows good and well that the real conservatives, also known as The .38 Special, did not vote for Obamacare Medicaid Expansion - that added 97K able bodied, working age More LETTERS, next page

Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center meals

Hamilton Senior Center is preparing meals for take out on the following schedule: Monday, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. call in to order meals for the week. Thursday, pick up between 12 noon and 1 p.m. For orders and info: 3635181.

AA meetings

Check for local meetings by calling the hotline 1-888-607-2000 or by visiting www.aa-montana. org.

Al-Anon

Stevensville Al-Anon Group meets each Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the small dining room at the Living Centre, 57 Main Street. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 239-0878.

Narcotics Anon

Narcotics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton (north entrance).

Free Indeed

Free Indeed is a faith-based addiction support group. Contact Donald Layman at 203-8579 or Pastor Jim Landis at 642-9849.

Gamblers Anon

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

Overeaters Anon

Overeaters Anonymous meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church (west door), 1220 W. Main, Hamilton. For more information call 363-

adults to the Medicaid rolls, while rationing healthcare to those who truly need it. To claim different, is an absolute attempt to deceive the public. She also knows that I, nor any conservative, voted for a sales tax or an internet sales tax. We are aware, however that the liberal side of the Republican party is planning a “Tax Modernization Act” for next session. What we did vote for were “process votes” in support of bringing both bills from committee to the House Floor where the merits of the bills could be openly debated by the Committee of the Whole, and more specifically, exposed for the cameras and the public to see. Conservatives had absolutely no intention of voting to make either of the bills law. We sought to reveal the truth. In the case of HB425, Medicaid Expansion, we wanted the opportunity to expose the backroom deals that had been made between the liberal Republican splinter group and the Governor to pass Medicaid Expansion against the will of the people and the Republican caucus, as well as that of the Democrat caucus. In the case of HB300, we wanted the public to have the opportunity to witness and review a mathematical equation by which Montana could replace skyrocketing, private property tax with a sales tax which would be shared by our 11 million annual visitors. We wanted the opportunity to have an open and honest conversation on the pros a cons of the idea and give the public the opportunity to weigh in on the potential idea still in its infancy. Furthermore, Rep. Ballance knows, as everyone should, that immigration is an enumerated power of the federal government and Sanctuary Cities are already

2512.

WIC clinics

Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. Income guidelines are 1-$23,107; 2- $31,284; 3-$39,461; 4-$47,638; 5-$55,815. For each additional family member add $8,177. Call 406-802-7180 for more information or see on Facebook; www. facebook.com/Ravalli-CountyWIC.

Family Shelter

The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 239-8833.

Community meals

Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is providing free drive-thru meals to go Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Bible Church, 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton.

Stevensville kindergarten registration

Stevensville Primary School

breaking federal law. We passed a straight and simple bill, which the Governor vetoed. But in doing the benefit/risk analysis on the expense and risks associated with a ballot initiative, we determined that adding another layer of unnecessary “feel good” legislation was not worth the risk and expense. While I once held this woman in high esteem, Rep. Ballance’s deceptive, phony, scorecard is a perfect example of the desperate individual she’s become in her effort to win at any cost and maintain power for the liberal side of the Republican Party. It provides clear evidence as to why so many “A” rated, conservative legislators and Constitutional Watchdog groups are endorsing me for SD44. Rep. Theresa Manzella Hamilton

Manzella must own her bad votes

Dear Editor, Here she goes again. Theresa Manzella’s lack of respect for the voters and for the legislative process is once again displayed in her latest letter to the editor. When confronted with her own votes, which are clearly recorded in Montana’s permanent record and available online at the Montana Legislative website, she screams “FAKE NEWS” and refers to a printing of her actual votes as a “phony scorecard.” Again, she attacks the messenger, changes her story, and blames others for her actions. I have no issue with legislators who have second thoughts about a vote and talk honestly to their constituents about why they voted a certain way. I do take issue, though, with any legislator who is unwilling or unable to

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Stevensville •• 777-0028 360-2661 203Main MainSt.• Stevensville

Worship at 12:0011p.m. Sunday Worship AM In this Church there shall be no outcasts. In this Church there shall be no outcasts. is having online Kindergarten Registration for the 20/21 school year. Visit the website at stevensvilleschools.org go to the Primary school, choose the link at the bottom to register your student online.

Got jewels?

Bitter Root Humane Association would love to have them for its upcoming “2nd Time Around Jewelry Sale” being held on July 25th. Now’s a great time to sort through all your jewelry boxes and drawers and donate items that you just don’t love or appreciate like you use to. BRHA is seeking all things jewelry - precious, costume or homemade... rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pins, buckles and even jewelry boxes! Donations to BRHA are tax deductible and items can be brought to the shelter located at 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton during open business hours, mailed to BRHA, PO Box 57, Hamilton MT 59840 or to arrange pickup, email Mary at dogmommary@aol.com.

Free dinners to go

Free To-Go Soul Suppers are being served Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center parking lot at 100 Mission Street, Stevensville. Dinners are free for all ages! For more information, contact Corey at (406) 214-8708.

Senior shuttle

The BitterRoot Bus will be

understand the implications and consequences of the votes she takes. I also take issue with any legislator who blindly follows Party leadership or votes with a block just to gain an “A-rating” from political hacks, and then deflects and attacks when confronted with her actual voting record. I cannot explain Manzella’s reasons for voting as she does. Her own story changes with each telling. She is fond of saying “voting records matter” and on that, at least, we agree. The trouble is her votes often are not in the best interest of Ravalli County’s businesses, workers, families or students. Rep. Nancy Ballance, HD87 Hamilton

Commentary on ‘temporary roads’ Your Message I recently had a representative of a “conservation group” tell me that they supported logging/ thinning on national forest lands because the agency was mostly accessing the timber by way of “temporary” roads. What this fellow conservationist appears to ignore or is unaware of is that temporary roads are nearly as destructive to wildlife and wildlands as a permanent road. The impacts of roads are not hidden science. As early as the 1970s, Dr. Jack Lyons published an article in the Journal of Forestry that examined the cumulative effects of road density and how elk use the spaces between them. What he found is evident today, elk avoid roads. Numerous other studies have only reinforced these findings. For instance, one study in

running a 6:30 a.m. Shuttle for Seniors and people with compromised immune systems on Tuesdays and Thursdays until further notice. This bus will be for seniors to get to Albertsons for 7 to 9 a.m. senior shopping. Call the BitterRoot Bus at 363-7484 to schedule your ride. You must call in advance!

just west of Victor. For more information on reserving plots, how to use the Community Garden, or about Sustainable Living Systems contact Jill Davies at 406-3601751.

Victor School meal program

St. Mary’s Garden in Stevensville is open. There are plots available and the cost is $30.00 per plot per season. This includes water. If you are interested please contact Phyllis Green at pjbk55@ gmail.com for application and additional information.

The Victor School is offering a free meals program for children 18 years and under through the Summer Food Service Program. For more information call (406)642-3221.

Victor Community Garden

The Victor Community Garden has forty 20’ by 20’ plots with great sun exposure surrounded by a deer proof fence. Compost, mulch, tools and have an automated watering system that waters every night is provided as well as a paid garden manager who is always happy to help new gardeners. Organic methods are required. Pollinators abound with both fruit trees and a diverse native flower garden located in the center of the gardening area. There is also an innovative composting outhouse built by water systems designer Roger DeHaan with nearly all of the materials donated by local building supply businesses. (That compost is not for use in the garden, however.) Currently the Victor Community Garden has many available organic plots available for $35 for a whole year of growing. All revenue goes towards maintaining the Community Garden, paying the garden manager, and helping Sustainable Living Systems, a non-profit organization focused on local sustainability. Amenities for the garden provided by Hans McPherson donating straw bales, Bitterroot Valley Log and Timber donating wood peelings for garden paths and delivered generously by Montana Firewood, Jeanie Lippert doing tractor work as needed, the Trapper Creek Job Corps helping with workdays as needed, and the property is owned by the Church of the Nazarene, who does some of the mowing. The garden is located on 5th, the Journal of Wildlife Management, which used radio-collared elk to determine the relationship between roads and elk distribution, concluded: ” Our study, combined with several previous studies, suggests that substantial shifts in elk distribution away from open roads are a widespread phenomenon.” Another study published just this year looking at the impact of roads, and motorized use on grizzly bears in Alberta concluded: ” We found that motorized access affected grizzly bears at the individual and population levels through effects on bears’ habitat use, home range selection, movements, population fragmentation, survival, and reproductive rates that ultimately were reflected in population density, trend, and conservation status.” The idea that an elk or bear displaced by a temporary road can go someplace else assumes there is someplace else to go. If the habitat is suitable for any species, it will already be occupied. In effect, roads reduce habitat quality and quantity for affected species. Even when a temporary road is closed and “restored,” most remain effectively a transportation corridor that allows people to mountain bike, drive ATVs, or even walk into areas that otherwise would provide refuge and habitat security to wildlife. Most “closures” involve no more than a gate or sometimes just a sign announcing that the road is closed. And numerous studies have demonstrated that such tactics are regularly ignored and violated. However, the impacts go well beyond the effect on habitat security for elk and grizzlies. I have seldom seen restored roads that were fully converted back to the original condition. In most cases, the road lens is not restored, and the road cut allows

St. Mary’s Garden

Blood drawings

With no known end date to the coronavirus fight, the American Red Cross is encouraging healthy individuals to make appointments to donate blood or platelets to ensure blood remains readily available for patients who still rely on transfusions. The need for blood for trauma patients, children battling cancer, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, patients with sickle cell disease and others continues. Donated blood has a limited shelf life of 42 days for red cells and just five days for platelets, so the supply must constantly be replenished. Make an appointment Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate this May by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to safeguard donors, volunteers and employees. Hamilton 5/12/2020: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane

sub-surface water to collect on the road pathway, often contributing to increased erosion. The steep side slope of a road cut is one of the reasons why roads are a chronic source of sedimentation in streams, negatively impacting aquatic ecosystems. Besides, stream crossings usually require culverts—which often block the upstream movement of fish and other aquatic animals and are prone to wash out by storms. Road surfaces become compacted soil that can last for decades, and thus sheds water instead of allowing it to soak in, again contributing to more gullying and erosion. Roads are one of the main vectors for the spread of weeds flammable grasses like cheatgrass that thrives on disturbance. Roads are also associated with higher human ignitions. Again, even closed roads provide access to areas that might otherwise not see human use.

Bitterroot Star -- Page A5

Florence 5/13/2020: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Florence-Carlton High School, Florence-Carlton HS, 5602 Old Highway 93 Victor 5/14/2020: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ravalli Electric Co-Op, 143 Bell Crossing W How to donate blood Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood. org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Lone Rock Park Board

The Lone Rock Park Board will meet Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. The public is welcome.

Stevi school board

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. via electronic means. The public may participate via electronic link: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/524023169 0?pwd=RGZlcURnOGtURTlxZm ZVTHA0YmQ1dz09 Meeting ID: 524 023 1690 Password: 684833

Then there is the issue of how roads affect fire spread. Several studies show that the area exposed by the roadbed heats up faster than shaded forests, thereby providing a suitable pathway for fire spread. The roadbed also facilitates the flow of warm air into forested stands, again creating conditions more favorable to fires. Since “temporary” roads are not expected to be used as long as a “permanent” road, they are built to lower standards, thus more susceptible to blowouts and other erosion during storms and floods. Anyone who asserts that thinning or logging is OK because there are “only” temporary roads is demonstrating their overall ignorance of road ecology and their ecological impacts. George Wuerthner Livingston

Professional & Service Directorytt

Page A6 -- Bitterroot Star

Music continued

you could have a civil conversation with the right or the left or the middle or the extremes and find some kind of common ground because “most people live here because they love the environment, they love how beautiful it is and, in whatever way, they feel like they are protecting it from whatever side they are on.” Hicks said that Montanans are a special kind of people because they live in a special kind of place. She said the current coronavirus situation is a good example. “Here in Montana we are so much better off already just by being here,” said Hicks. “So it’s really hard to complain because there is so much real suffering going on where people don’t have the luxury, the privilege to isolate or shelter-in-place.” Hicks said as for the coronavirus impact on musicians, it pretty much just stopped things almost overnight. She said her band cancelled its first gig due to the epidemic before any orders to that effect were announced. She said they heard about the disease and some of what was to come from a woman who worked at a local laboratory and they decided right away to cancel their gig at the Union Club in Missoula. Hicks said the band members were not just concerned about themselves, but they were very concerned about the public and all those people pressed shoulder to shoulder in a closed room. “We didn’t want anyone to get sick,” she said. So they backed out of the gig, but the owner went ahead with another band. She said she did notice that it was the last one that was held and future shows on the schedule were cancelled due to the epidemic. “We were just a little bit ahead of the curve,” said Hicks. Montana’s not the only place that musicians are suffering, she said, it’s happening all across the country. “The one good thing about Montana is that people take care of each other here and there is access to farmer’s market food, your local Lifeline organics and Homestead Organics. You can keep your money local as much as possible and eat pretty well. So I think the people in our band are doing better than most. “So I really can’t complain, but I do really miss playing. That’s where I have the most fun is playing live,” she said. She said even when things start opening back up its going to be difficult. If people are not feeling comfortable with a crowd they are not going to attend. She said their band does a lot of weddings and so far nobody has actually cancelled but they are postponing them. She said some scheduled for September were already postponed to the end of the year and some into next year. Montana may have it better

than most states, but it doesn’t mean anything if all the other states around you are struggling. She said with some states still sheltering and others opening up, the messages are still very contradictory. “I don’t know about you but one day it seems to me like this must be a bunch of hype, but the next day you see body bags piling up outside hospitals in New York and Florida nursing homes,” said Hicks. She said in comparison Montana would probably recover pretty quickly. She said maybe Montanans are lucky in a way by being the third poorest state in the union. “People here are used to living from paycheck to paycheck. They are used to seasonal work where it is cut off in the winter. Most of us have been hurt by some of this, but nothing like the people in these big cities,” she said. Hicks said that she and Jason were very lucky personally. She said that her family was always willing to help her out when she decided to stick with music for a career and took on the life of a struggling artist. Without being asked, she said, her father was always there watching and wanting to help out when help was needed. When he recently passed away she inherited a little money and she and Jason have bought a piece of property that they now own and live on in their airstream trailer. They have to haul water. It’s bare bones. “But we are choosing to live this way,” said Hicks. She called it “the Montana way.” She said she and Jason were enjoying putting some sweat equity into building their home and she was actually feeling pretty lucky. Hicks said that the band was still doing things. They just participated in a live-streaming event on Facebook called Sequesterfest, networking several musicians across the country. Virtual tip cups are put up on the website to accept donations to the artists being featured. She said it was very different performing without a live audience, though. “There are a lot of people doing it,” she said, “It’s a different way to connect. I think we have to just imagine how we might emerge from all this. I don’t think live concerts are going to be happening for a while.” She said the alternative of playing live to a small group of people in a restricted seating coffee-shop style venue may not be economically viable for most bands. Hicks said her band played regularly at a venue that is always completely packed. “How will they deal with this?” she wondered. Will they put police tape around certain tables to create the proper distancing? How do you keep distancing requirements among dancers dancing? With security enforcement? How will people react to that? Can the owner make money to pay the band with the reduced capacity that is being required?

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020

“I think we’ve just got to stay hopeful and help one another and just be open to whatever changes are going to come and support however things develop for the best of everyone and try not to just melt down into total utter chaos.” Words of wisdom for the times from musician Debra Hicks, aka Joan Zen. “I don’t know if we will even have a job,” said Hicks. “You know you think at times that everything can come to a stop and what would it be like. But now it’s happened.” She said that going digital and doing virtual performances may be the only option, but it can’t match the magic that transpires between a musician and the audience in a live performance. “You just can’t do that over a screen” she said. On the other hand, she recognizes that it may not be an option, for a while at least. “I think we need to do what we can,” she said. “We need to offer things virtually, but people also need to recognize that it is a valuable service. It’s like that

saying, ‘earth without art is just eh’. She noted that some museums were offering virtual tours on-line. “I think people should be flexible to change. But music for me is that live exchange between the audience and the musician so that’s going to be hard to replace through a screen.” Hicks said that when she left California she was very sad over the loss of her mother and wasn’t grieving very well. “I needed a place where I could just sort of heal and meet people where a handshake still meant something,” said Hicks. She said the Bitterroot was just that place. She said she couldn’t see doing the same sort of corporate model of business that they were

doing in California. But at the same time, she wanted to bring some real professionalism to what she was doing here. She said she always wanted to do her own songs, but she was also comfortable doing cover songs to raise money for charities and nonprofits. “It doesn’t matter whose song it is. If it gets people out on the dance floor and they feel good at the end of the night and feel better than when they went in, they left with something, then I felt like I was doing my job. I am a job oriented musician and I feel like music should lift people up, to make people happier, but also to make people aspire to be better. Isn’t that what art makes us do? Whether it’s painting or music

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today announced that over 57,000 UI payments totaling over $75M were issued over the week of April 27 through May 1, providing benefits to Montanans impacted by COVID-19. That figure includes regular UI benefits, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits and the additional $600 weekly Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefits. DLI continues to encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible for UI to file a claim online at MontanaWorks. gov, or at mtpua.mt.gov for those that fall under the PUA eligibility guidelines. Those with technical,

eligibility or benefits questions are encouraged to view the COVID19 resource website at dli.mt.gov/ covid-19. A variety of information for both Montana workers and employers are available, in addition to resources to help claimants navigate the unemployment process. The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced on Monday that Montanans can now access an additional 13 weeks of Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, expanded through the passage of the recent stimulus package, or CARES Act. “These emergency benefits will bring financial relief to another group of Montanans who have felt the sustained economic

impact COVID-19 across our state. By adding the additional 13 weeks of benefits, we’re able to ensure Montanans have the financial support they need during this uncertain time,” Acting Commissioner Brenda Nordlund said. “This release completes Montana’s implementation of the federal Cares Act enhanced unemployment compensation programs,” Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) provides 13 weeks of additional benefits to individuals who have exhausted their regular UI benefits. Claimants who currently have exhausted their regular UI must re-file their claim by selecting the green “Access Unemploy-

or dance, it’s to bring out our altruistic characteristics so that we can kind of rise up and be almost mythical creatures to ourselves. That’s what art is. It’s just an expression of the soul.” She said her husband Jason talks about music as though it’s an essential thing, a necessary sustenance or substance, like air or water or spirituality. “Music is one of those things. You must have it to live,” said Hicks. “The only reason to do music in the Bitterroot is to give something of yourself,” she said. That’s why she sought out the good causes like Bitterroot Youth Homes and S.A.F.E. To partner with them was like the perfect blend. “This is what I want to do with my voice and it’s something I have to offer,” she said. “The Bitterrooters were hungry for music,” she said, “but they are also very caring as a community and the neighbors all come out for each other.” “It is part of my philosophy,” she said. “First we named the band Joan Zen because if we had named it the Hicks we would have been expected to play bluegrass music instead of the funk and soul and reggae we do. But the music itself had for me to be tied to the philosophy of trying to better oneself and help the people around you like a good Bodhisattva, like a good Buddha would do, you just try to do your part to try to help others. So, Joan Zen was sort of an aspiration and became sort of my name. A lot of people don’t even know that my name is not Joan. But anyway, it’s all tied together.” “I could have done a million things in life,” said Hicks. “Jason was studying physics and I was working on a master’s degree at San Diego State teaching public speaking. We could have gone into the corporate track. But I would rather just struggle as a musician and when I die, no matter when it is, at least I will have thought to myself, well that was a life worth living. It was interesting. I never had a dull moment and I got to do what I love most with my favorite person, Jason. So I’m pretty blessed. The fact that the community has been so affectionate and so supportive of us I think is a real testament to how music affects us, and I have been really fortunate. “I think we’ve just got to stay hopeful and help one another and just be open to whatever changes are going to come and support however things develop for the best of everyone and try not to just melt down into total utter chaos.”

DLI issues over $75M in UI payments April 27-May 1

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ment Claim Services” button after logging into their account on MontanaWorks.gov. From there, claimants can begin filing by selecting the “File PEUC Extension” button. Any claim that was exhausted or expired after July 1, 2019, may be eligible for the additional 13 weeks of benefits under the program. Under the CARES Act legislation, those eligible for the extended benefits are also eligible for the additional $600 per week benefit. The payment is added to the recipient’s state weekly benefit amount. The payments will be made for eligible weeks beginning the UI week ending April 4 through July 25, 2020.

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Bitterroot Star -- Page A7

Daly Hospital is open, ready

On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Governor announced a phasedin approach to reopening the state. The Montana Hospital Association (MHA) supported this approach and encouraged hospitals to develop strategies to return to doing elective surgeries and procedures as long as hospitals have adequate protective equipment for staff and appropriate patient and procedure testing protocols in place. “When these announcements came out, we were ready,” said John Bishop, CEO of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. “We are open to service the needs of Ravalli County. Over the past few months, we have taken hundreds of measures to ensure the safety of our staff and patients and continue to monitor our personal protective equipment levels daily. As the Governor continues to phase-in reopening, and CDC releases new guidelines, your hospital continues adhering the protocols required to deliver care. You must know that the safety of our patients and staff is our utmost priority.” Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, the medical clinics, outpatient services and the surgery, rehabilitation and hospice centers provide safe facilities and access to care. Services are open because of the many measures taken to provide safe facilities and care. Below are some of the many processes in place: • Respiratory Services – A separate clinical location has been set up for patients with respiratory signs and symptoms to receive care. This service offers medical advice and direct rooming; there is no waiting area and is currently seeing an average of ten patients per day. Care for patients with respiratory symptoms is in this one clinic location, keeping other clinics free of patients exhibiting flu-like symptoms. • Daly Connect, Telehealth Services – A safe and secure way for you to access your healthcare provider. Over 550 patients have received care through Daly Connect already! • Surgical Procedures –

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MDMH is taking all necessary protection equipment and sterilization precautions, patients are pre-screened prior to surgery and the surgery center has a negative air pressure room. These steps make it safe to provide surgeries when needed. • Screening Process and Universal Masking – Visitor restrictions are in place, complimented by a thorough screening process at all MDMH facility entrances. It includes 6ft distancing, masking, questions regarding signs and symptoms, and exposures and a temperature check. When entering hospital facilities, anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms is triaged appropriately. If you have a scheduled appointment, please wear your mask. This helps conserve personal protective equipment. • Social Distancing – Measures are in place to keep a minimum of 6 feet distance during registration, in waiting rooms, and are encouraged in public areas and whenever possible. • Patient Care – Scheduled appointments are staggered to reduce crowding, and the patient’s risk level determines the delivery and location of care.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Daily tracking of PPE inventory and consumption levels is ongoing. MDMH has been able to secure PPE and has been receiving partial supply orders; this allows MDMH to provide surgical procedures. In an effort to conserve PPE, MDMH is continuing to accept donations, including cloth face masks. • Facility Changes and Enhanced Cleaning – Furniture has been moved, and flooring marked in waiting and patient care areas to accommodate social distancing. Space has been added into patient scheduling to allow for enhanced area wipe downs at registration, as well as in waiting, clinical and restroom areas. “Each one of us plays a critical role in maintaining and restoring the health of our community, which includes your local hospital,” said Bishop. “We are here to provide you the care you need, feel free to call to schedule an appointment today. Our commitment to you is to continue to provide quality, accessible, personalized healthcare.” Visit MDMH.org for more information.

Happy Mother’s Day! Please join us on Saturday, May 9th

10% OFF All Quilts & Clocks 20% OFF All Poly Chairs FREE COFFEE More sales on speciality items throughout the store

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Celebrate Mother’s Day with us! 363-0212

4362 Eastside Hwy • Stevensville • 406-361-9186

177 Golf Course Rd. Hamilton Just 2 blocks East of Hwy 93

New Ways To Access Healthcare MARCUS DALY RESPIRATORY SERVICES

New Telehealth Service from Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital

AN EXTENSION OF BITTERROOT PHYSICIANS CLINIC

If you have any of the following symptoms, call Respiratory Services at (406) 375-4762 • Chest Congestion • Chills • Cough

Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.

• Difficulty Breathing • Fever • Nasal Congestion • Runny Nose • Shortness of Breath • Sore Throat • Exposure to a COVID-19 Individual The respiratory location is separate from the primary care clinics for patients experiencing respiratory or flu-like symptoms. Medical providers seeing patients follow specific protocols to ensure patients receive the care they need in the most appropriate setting. This new Respiratory Services triage location helps control the spread of communicable diseases, such as influenza, pertussis and COVID-19, and makes the hospital’s medical clinics safer for patients receiving other types of care.

RESPIRATORY SERVICES Please call (406) 375-4762 to determine if this location is right for you. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

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THE EASY WAY TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER Yes, stay home; we will bring your doctor to you! Find out if you’re next appointment can be a video visit in your own home. Contact your doctor today. Bitterroot Dermatology

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Bitterroot Physicians Clinic North

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Bitterroot Physicians Clinic South

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Bitterroot Surgical Associates

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Corvallis Family Medicine

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Hamilton Obstetrics & Gynecology

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Marcus Daly Rehabilitation Center

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Marcus Daly Sleep Center

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Rocky Mountain Neurosurgery Center

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Location: 1150 Westwood Drive, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840

OR reach out to your medical provider via the HealtheLife app.

mdmh.org/covid-19 follow us on facebook We are a partner in your health and your insurance network, accepting all forms of payment.

Quality Care Close to Home

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Page A8 -- Bitterroot Star

Mother’s Day, May 10th Mother’s Day Sale

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Pulse Spring Jackets . . . . . . . . . . .sale $26.99 Columbia “Switchback” Jackets . . . . . . sale $39.99 Pulse Trench Coats . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sale $42.99 Select Keren Heart Blouses & Tops . . . . . .15% OFF Columbia “Tamiami” UPF40 Shirts . starting at $34.99 North River Blouses. . . . . . . . .starting at $29.99 North River Tops . . . . . . . . . .starting at $21.99 North River Tank Tops . . . . . . starting at $19.99 Columbia Tee Shirts . . . . . . . . starting at $19.99 Columbia “Anytime” Capris . . . . . . . . sale $36.99 Tribal Dress Hats . . . . . . . . . . . . sale $43.99 Zac & Rachel Dress Pants . . . . . . . . sale $29.99 Cookie Camisoles . . . . . . . . . . starting at $14.95 Not Your Daughter’s Jeans . . . . starting at $89.99 Jag Jeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . starting at $62.99 Silver Jeans . . . . . . . . . . . . . starting at $64.99 Levi Jeans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sale $38.95 Lee Capris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sale $28.99 Lee Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sale $23.99 Chris & Carol Dresses . . . . . . . starting at $24.99 Keren Hart Dresses . . . . . . . . starting at $34.99 Angie Junior Dresses . . . . . . . . starting at $24.99 Derek Heart Junior Tops . . . . . . starting at $7.99 One Zone Leggings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9.99 Sofia Leggings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.99

s Give Mom a memory, photo . printed at our Photo Kiosk al. High quality, unique, origin

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Northwest Cuisine with French Influence

Celebrate Valentine’s Day Mission BistroDinner would like to thank everyone With a Special Menu Eric’s Food is Full of LOVE who has supported us, not only during these Angie Makes Everyone Feel LOVEd in the Dining Room Make your reservation today! uncertain times, but for the nearly Your LOVEd ones will LOVE you for it! Visit our website to see what we we’ll behave serving. been open! 8 years www.missionbistromt.com Great wine selection - Local Brewery Beer

Open Wed. - Sat. 5-10pm, Sunday Brunch 9am-3pm 101 Church ~ Stevensville ~ 777-6945

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Remem ber MOTH ER is Sund 'S DAY ay, mak e your re servatio n TODAY !

225 Main Street . Stevensville • 777-6945 • missionbistromt.com

Bitterroot Star -- Page A9

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

May 10th. 2020

Happy Mother’s Day

SEAFOOD SALE

Free Plant For Mom On Sat. & Sun. May 9th & 10th

Check out our fresh organic produce FRESH HALIBUT • WILD AMERICAN SHRIMP 4-5 OZ LOBSTER TAILS • KOBE STEAKS FRESH ORGANIC CHICKEN BREASTS 10% of All Sales on Mother’s Day Weekend will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Foundation

910 North 1st Street Hamilton 363.1626

Moeller’s Nursery Mother’s Day Flowers!

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Hundreds of beautiful Hanging Baskets starting @ $11.95 Petunia • Begonia • Geranium • Mixed Baskets 4 pack of Flowers & Veggies $2.00

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Celebrate all that Mom does for you with a gift from Mikesell’s Fine Jewelry! Remember all In-Stock Emerald Jewelry 20% off the month of May!

Receive a Dazzle Jewelry Cleaning Stick with purchase over $40.00 Call for new hours

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State Liquor Store & More! Open Mon - Sat 9am - 8pm

501 S.1st Street Hamilton • (406) 363-3751

Page A10 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Please donate to the

Stevensville Business Relief Fund Project59870 is collecting donations through our GoFundMe page to provide relief to Stevensville businesses that are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our goal is to help 59870 businesses stay afloat during this crisis. Applications for funding will be reviewed by the project59870 board of directors and, when approved, funds will be distributed immediately. If funds remain when businesses are once again fully operational, they will remain with project59870 and be used to provide continued assistance to our Stevensville businesses. You can also mail your donation to: Project59870, P.O. Box 8, Stevensville MT 59870. Put SBRF in the memo. Any amount is appreciated.

Call Victoria at 207-8793 for more information. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES! THE PROJECT59870 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Cheryl Burgmeier Jaime Devlin Brandon Dewey Victoria Howell Joan Prather Maureen Wali Tonu Wali

NURSES WEEK 2020

Project59870 is a registered 501 (c)(3) tax exempt organization.

People worried about coronavirus’ financial impacts, but taking actions to prevent spread, MSU poll finds

By Carol Schmidt MSU News Service Summary: In an online survey conducted in April of residents of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota and Utah, most respondents expressed little worry they would catch the virus, but 70% were worried about the health of others. Between 15% and 20% of adults in each state reported they had been laid off or furloughed due to the novel coronavirus, and anxieties over finances were prevalent. However, most people supported government actions and were taking personal actions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. A recent online poll of residents in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota and Utah found that respondents are supportive of coronavirus pandemic restrictions but are also worried about its economic ramifications. David C.W. Parker, professor of political science at Montana State University, said the poll conducted in April found that while respondents back the restrictions imposed by local and state governments, people are also worried about the impacts to the economy and personal finances from the coronavirus. “The biggest worry and concern that we found is about the health of the economy rather than a collapse of the health care system,” Parker said. “Also, our respondents expressed more worries for the health and safety (of) people they know rather than for themselves.” The questionnaire answered by 2,220 respondents was part of

a poll conducted by political scientists at MSU and the University of Denver and administered online to residents in the four states between April 10 and April 27. The survey was weighted to reflect demographics in the respective states. The first section of the poll, detailed in this release, focused on public health and economic fallout related to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting restrictions. The first section also investigated respondents’ willingness to adapt to public health directives and their level of support for various public policy actions to address the impacts of the virus. The second section of the poll focused on political opinions during the time period and will be released tomorrow. Parker said the survey revealed that relatively few of the 2,220 respondents had contracted the virus at the time, and only a small number of people had a problem accessing health care during the pandemic. “A larger percentage have experienced economic fallout from the coronavirus, specifically in lost income and wages,” Parker said. “Between 15% and 20% of adults in each state have been laid off or furloughed due to the coronavirus.” One result that surprised the pollsters was that there was a great deal of agreement about social

distancing and hygienic practices, regardless of political affiliation. “We didn’t see significant divides based on partisanship in social distancing and hygiene practices,” Parker said “We didn’t see partisan divides in support for stay-at-home orders. People appear to be willing to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and would like government guidelines and enforcement. However, they also expect government to take unprecedented and dramatic steps to mitigate economic loss.” The poll was administered by Parker, MSU HELPS Lab Director Eric Raile, and Elizabeth Shanahan, all professors in the Department of Political Science in the MSU College of Letters and Science, as well as Pavielle Haines of the Center on American Politics at the University of Denver. In all, 503 Coloradans responded to the survey from April 10-19;

Best. Nurses. Ever. This year, Nurses Week holds an especially prominent place in our hearts as we thank those who give so much. Please join Providence Montana in thanking our nurses, today and every day, for their commitment to care for us all.

Montana.Providence.org

Bitterroot Star -- Page A11

738 Montanans responded to the survey April 10-27; 481 North Dakotans responded April 10-25; and 498 Utahns responded April 10-15. Parker said the four states surveyed were selected for their geographical proximity yet cultural and political variances. The states had different restrictions and degrees of stay-at-home orders, including no orders in North Dakota. He said the political scientists thought that with many respondents at home and on computers, often consuming a great deal of news-related content, the poll could capture a snapshot of a distinct period of regional history. Parker said the pollsters sought to build upon successful polls that the MSU team had conducted both before and after the 2018 elections. “There are a lot of different dimensions in these four states that have geographical similarity,” he said. The poll was funded by the Office of the Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Graduate Education at MSU, the Department of Political Science at MSU, and the Center on American Politics at the University of Denver. Data and more information may be found at http://helpslab.montana.edu/. Key findings from the poll were: • Most people report that the coronavirus is a source of significant stress in their lives (“moderately” or “very” stressful), with women reporting higher levels of stress than men. Younger adults tend to report higher levels of stress and disruption associated with the coronavirus. People are generally not very worried about being able to get tested or treated — about 60-65% express little or no worry about access to tests if they develop symptoms of the disease. People are more concerned that someone in their social circle will become seriously ill than they are concerned that the health care system will become overloaded. • About one-third to onehalf of people across all four

states are “moderately” or “very” worried about local availability of health care services because of the coronavirus, while roughly three-quarters of people fear the collapse of small businesses in their state and a national economic depression. • People are highly attentive to news on the coronavirus, with television being the most important source. People are hungry for information about many aspects of the pandemic, but the most important information they seek is about cures and vaccines. Information about medical supplies is the second-most important type of information being sought. People overall are much more interested in what scientists are saying about the coronavirus than what political, business and religious leaders are saying. • The vast majority of people appear to be complying with public health guidelines. Unnecessary social interactions and trips outside the home are down for most people, and most

people are being more proactive about hygiene. • Overall, people are looking for government intervention. Majorities of 65% or greater would support a federal stay-at-home order. A majority of Republicans, Democrats and Independents in all four states support such a federal directive. This suggests that although protestors advocating for the reopening of the economy are gaining a great deal of media attention, they represent a small minority. Views about whether government stayat-home orders were necessary to achieve compliance from the public basically corresponded to the current state-level policies. People are also looking to the government to address the economic fallout of the pandemic. Large majorities, regardless of partisanship, support government financial assistance to individuals and small businesses. People are much less convinced about financial assistance for large corporations.

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Page A12 -- Bitterroot Star

Extension offers yard, garden fact sheets MSU News Service For people seeking updated information on caring for a Montana yard and garden, details on backyard landscaping and lawn care, and growing perennials, fruits and vegetables, many free fact sheets are available from Montana State University Extension. MSU Extension has revised and updated more than 20 yard and garden fact sheets, called

MontGuides, in time for the spring growing season. The publications were updated by Cheryl MooreGough, MSU Extension horticulture specialist, and other topic experts. “Information presented by MSU Extension experts gives the reader timely, unbiased and research-based information that can be depended on,” Moore-Gough said. “There is much advice available online that doesn’t pertain to Montana’s growing conditions and just won’t

work here. These factsheets have been authored and reviewed by multiple experts, assuring their accuracy for Montana’s environment. The fact that these informative publications are available as free downloads is a huge benefit to Montanans.” MSU Extension MontGuides are available as free PDF downloads from MSU Extension online at https://store.msuextension.org/. Printed copies can be ordered online or by calling 406-994-

3D™ mammograms: Now in Stevensville. Relief felt everywhere.

In these challenging times, the doctors, nurses and

staff at Sapphire Community Health want you to know that we will continue to serve you. However for our patients', staff, and community’s safety, we will be operating on an appointment only basis. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.

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Advanced Imaging has added a 3D™ Digital Mammography facility in Stevensville. While taking away any worries about cancer in the process. The

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Bitterroot Star -- Page B3

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

High Water Chronicles 2020, Vol. 1

The joys of rod wrapping – or building During the enforced idleness of what historians might call the early corona pandemic era, I settled into the task of adding a couple of new fly rods to my quiver, or collection – or pile. There must be around thirty or so stacked in the corner of the small workroom-music roomden-library-sanctuary room that I simply call my hovel. I don’t

Flyfishing with Chuck Stranahan really need another fly rod, but that’s not the point. About fifteen years ago I acquired some rod blanks from a company that produced a few basic fly rods and then folded. There were some superb prototypes that never saw production beyond that short run of blanks. Several years later I taught a rod building class. As part of the class demos I mounted reel seats and cork handles on the blanks. That’s as far as I got. I worked with each of my students, poring over their threadwork as they mounted and wrapped guides on their own rods. I never returned to my own rods, and they sat in the corner waiting to be wrapped. When the covid shutdown hit, I found myself with time enough on my hands to tackle the project of finishing them up. Part of that task involves patience. Every wrap on every rod raises a truth-or-dare question: Is it good enough? Or beyond good enough, is it as close to perfection as I can get? Another part is practice, practice, practice. The hand skills aren’t really that hard, but you have to get them right, and you have to do them repeatedly to stay in practice. I found, when I stripped an old favorite rod that was in need of something beyond the hasty field repair and patch jobs that had held guides on it for over thirty years, that I was horribly out of practice. I stripped off more completed wrappings that I allowed myself to accept. When finished, the rod didn’t look bad. Pretty good, as

a matter of fact, and the few small flaws in the wrap job are probably only visible to me. And all I’m going to do with that old favorite, now that it’s resurrected, is fish with it. After rehabbing that old favorite as a practice project, I was ready to take on something more serious. You can’t just start on a rod and lean it in the corner and come back to it on a series of “I’ll do it later” moments. You can get away with that for the mechanical parts, which involve cork rings or a preformed grip, reel seat components of wood or fiber and metal, epoxy and carpenter’s cement, and cleanup materials readily at hand. (There will be messes, and the worst time to clean up epoxy resin before it sets is when you’re transferring some you’ve spilled onto places you don’t want it, and you can’t find your denatured alcohol or rags. You only have to make that mistake once to learn from it.) I set up a table dedicated to rod work in my already-crowded hovel. It’s best to have an area set aside for the duration of the project, where you can keep everything needed at hand. You’re usually looking at several evenings, usually more, to complete a project. Fit and mount the reel seat: that will take an evening. Then you let the epoxy set up for an overnight, even though the label says two hours. Same for the cork rings or pre-formed grip. If you’re using a high quality carpenter’s glue instead of epoxy you’ll get a better and more foolproof bond, but the drying time takes several days. Patience, patience. Installing those components is probably the reason this craft gets called rod building. You feel like you’re building something, and in a sense you are. But the real business of building the rod began with the design that translated from mathematics and physics into a manufacturing process on whatever scale, and the resultant rod blank built to the taper and action envisioned by the designer. That’s who built the rod. At that point, though, the rod wouldn’t be fishable without the finishing components. But as the guy who adds those components, I didn’t build the whole thing. Having worked with a legendary rod builder, I’m humbly, acutely aware of that fact. And I’m also aware that what I’m doing is personalizing the rod for me – my choice as to

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1. Teaspoon (abbr.) 4. Barrier made of trees 10. Terminal abbr. 11. Iodine compound 12. Build up 13. What a student does 14. Honor 16. Yea 17. Baths 18. White House locale 20. Compass point 22. Air (prefix) 26. Touch affectionately 29. Petroleum worker 31. On the ship 33. __ A Small World... 34. What a waiter offers you 35. Ball holder 36. Solid 37. Supersonic transport

DOWN 1. Shreds 2. Throat infection 3. South American plain 4. Nearly horizontal entrance 5. Showed disapproval 6. Hoopla 7. Neat 8. Bored 9. Meets 15. Ship initials 19. Calorie 21. Earth 23. Gives off 24. Merits 25. Beginning 26. Standard golf scores 27. To incite 28. Meat alternative 30. Lazily 32. Sky

where I space the guides, what kind I’ll use, and how I’ll finish the wraps. Everything - even the color of thread I’ll use for the wraps –it all lends a satisfaction in the final product when you’re done. I like oversized guides all the way up on my fly rods. Some manufacturers do it this way, some don’t. The oversized guides are an assist in shooting line for distance.

Virtually all manufacturers today use epoxy resin to coat the wraps. I don’t like it. If you ever have to replace a crunked or line-scored guide, you’ll discover that the epoxy is harder than the graphite underneath it. It’s a careful and painstaking process to get that epoxy off so you can replace the guide without ruining the rod underneath it. Besides, all those little globs of epoxy, say twenty of them on the ten guides on a rod, add up to a fair amount of weight distributed along the rod and tend to slow it down. But it sure is pretty, and at one coat it’s easy and quick. I think traditional varnish, though more painstaking, is just as pretty in a more subtle way. You can tell where I’m going with this – my completed rod has traditional varnish, carefully applied and allowed to dry for two days between each of three coats. The thread colors on the guide wraps pick up the dark reddish wood tone and gunmetal gray in the reel seat. There is one decorative wrap twenty inches up from the rod butt, so I won’t be able to lie to myself about the length of my fish. In short, I’m more than satisfied with the way this rod turned out. And I’m ready, now, at the onset of high water, to start another.

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Author and flytyer Chuck Stranahan can be reached at chuck@chuck-stranahan.com or visit his fly shop at 109 E. Main in Hamilton.

Crossword Answers on page B2

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LEGAL NOTICES

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE ELAINE MUIR, Deceased. ALSO KNOWN AS ALICE E. MUIR Cause No. DP-20-38 Dept. 1 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 said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Danny Reed Muir or Peggy Elaine Trexler, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 27th day of April, 2020. /s/ Danny Reed Muir Co-Personal Representative

263 Down the Lane Stevensville, MT 59870 Peggy Elaine Trexler Co-Personal Representative 455 Coach Lane Hamilton, MT 59840 BS 5-6, 5-13, 5-20-20. MNAXLP

RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Attorney for Plaintiff MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAV ALLI COUNTY Allen C. Peterson, and Jackie R. Peterson, Plaintiffs, vs. Curtis W. Peterson, Carol W. Peterson, Joanna L. Booth, and all other persons, unknown, claiming or who may claim any right, title estate, or interest in or lien or encumbrance upon the real property described in the complaint adverse to Plaintiffs’ ownership or any cloud upon Plaintiffs’ title thereto, whether such claim or possible claim be present or contingent, Defendants. Case No.: DV-20-136/8 Dept. 2 SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MONTANA TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS GREETINGS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Verified Complaint in this action, which is filed in the office of the clerk of this court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your written answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Plaintiffs’ attorney within twenty-one days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default, for the relief demanded in the Verified Complaint. This is a proceeding to quiet title to the real property described below. The real property affected by this suit is situated in the State of Montana, County of Ravalli, and is described as follows: A portion of the SE 1/4 of Section 32, Township 7 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M. Ravalli County, Montana, being more particularly described as Tracts C and D of Certificate of Survey No. 733294-Witness my hand and the seal of said court this 23rd day of April, 2020.

Bitterroot Star -- Page B1

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Clerk

Paige Trautwein Clerk of the District Court By: Janenne Sorenson, Deputy BS 4-29, 5-6, 5-13-20. MNAXLP

TAX APPEAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Tax Appeal Board will be in session from July 1 through December 31, 2020 for the business of hearing appeals of property valuations set by the Montana Department of Revenue. Any taxpayer who disagrees with the appraised value of his or her property may file an appeal with the Ravalli County Tax Appeal Board on or before the first Monday in June or within 30 days of receipt of a Notice of Classification and Appraisal, or Notice to Change Valuation (property assessment notice), whichever is later. All taxpayers may appeal their property valuation once per appraisal cycle. Appeal forms are available from Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder, 215 S 4th St, Hamilton. BS 5-6-20. MNAXLP REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Grants Administrator Services The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners is soliciting Request for Proposals for Grants Administrator services for Edward Bridge Replacement Project. Proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second floor) Hamilton, Montana 59840 until May 18 by 9:30 a.m. Proposals will then be opened by the Ravalli County Commissioners on May 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners Conference Room (Third Floor) at 21 5 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana. For a copy of the Full Request for Proposal, contact the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department a t 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, MT. during regular business hours or by calling 406-363-2733. For questions concerning the Request for Qualifications, contact John Horat at the Ravalli County Road Department - 406-363-2733. Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 5-6, 5-13-20. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF ELECTION Notice is hereby given that the Federal Primary Election will be conducted solely by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters on May 8, 2020, and must be returned to the County Election Administrator, Ravalli County Administrative Building, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana 59840, no later than 8:00 PM on June 2, 2020. All electors, as defined in Title 13, are eligible to vote in the election. Early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots will be held on May 29 & June 1, 2020, at approximately 9:30 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Public is welcome to observe; however, due to COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations, we will limit the number of observers. Beginning at approximately 9:00 AM on Election Day, June 2, 2020, ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8:00 PM.

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Dated this 30th day of April, 2020 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

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Page B2--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Obituaries Adele Branch

Victor - Adele Ruth Christopherson Branch, age 88, died peacefully early Wednesday morning, April 29, 2020 at West Hills Assisted Living. She was born July 17, 1931, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Edward and Amy Christopherson. Adele’s artistic eye, gentle nature, quiet strength, and appreciation of the simple gift of another day made a lasting impression on everyone she met. As a child, she was drawn to playing piano, singing, drawing, and writing—talents that would define and sustain her throughout her life. Adele graduated from Minneapolis’ University High School in 1948 and earned a BA in education from Macalester College in 1952. She taught kindergarten in North St. Paul and Chisholm, Minnesota, while writing daily letters to Lt. Harold Branch USAF, who was stationed in South Korea for the year of their engagement. They married in 1954, a partnership that lasted their lifetimes. As a military wife and devoted mother, Adele raised four children while Harold’s career took him away for extended periods to North Africa and the Pacific Rim. The family lived in Mountain Home, Idaho; Rapid City, South Dakota; Kailua,

Hawaii; Longmont, Colorado; and Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. Adele sustained friendships from each place, sending and receiving rich letters and books that kept her connected across distance in years before e-mail and long-distance phonecalls were common. After Harold’s USAF retirement in 1972, the family moved to a small ranch in Victor, MT. Adele returned to teaching for Stevensville’s Head Start program and first grade classes at Victor and Lone Rock elementary schools. Adele was an enthusiastic advocate for early education and childhood literacy, known for teaching even reluctant students how to read. After retiring from

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the classroom in 1992, she became a literacy consultant, teaching the phonics-based Spalding Method. Adele was a lifelong member of AAUW and Delta Kappa Gamma, a society for women educators. Adele became an avid quilter and enjoyed visits with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. As an alumna of Macalester College, she was proud to see two daughters, a niece, and a granddaughter attend after her. She exercised her love of language in speedy Cryptoquote solutions and robust letter exchanges with family and friends around the US. Through Alzheimer’s disease and a stroke, Adele never lost her sense of humor or instinct to care for others before herself. Adele’s comfort, dignity, and affectionate nature were well nurtured by the Goman family at West Hills Assisted Living and the people of Marcus Daly Hospice and Home Health. Adele’s family is grateful beyond words for their heartfelt dedication to her care. Adele is survived by husband Harold Branch (Victor, Montana); brother James Christopherson (Ishpeming, Michigan); children Charles Branch (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho), Robert (Robin) Branch (Bloomington, Indiana), Julie Branch (Mike Bejian) (Schenectady, New York), and Jana Branch (Victor, Montana); five grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren. As a memorial, the family suggests donations to your local library or reading a book to a child. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Crossword Solution

AchieveMontana.com

Corrie Vlijm Knottnerus April 14, 1927-April 26, 2020 Stevensville - Corrie was born Cornelia Vlijm on April 14, 1927 to Willem Vlijm and Jansje Van Der Does in Ermelo, the Netherlands. She was the youngest of six children. Corrie lived in Holland during the Nazi occupation and was heavily involved in the Dutch underground, hiding and saving Jews. Her family home was seized by German sympathizers and subsequently bombed. She lived part of the time in a chicken coop. She was threatened by German soldiers. Still, she stayed strong and courageous and true to her faith throughout and continued with her family in hiding and saving Jews. There is simply too much to say about Corrie and her life at that time. A book could be written about her experiences and heroism. Corrie’s name, along with other members of her family, is written on the marble wall at the Holocaust Memorial in Washington DC, listing righteous gentiles for life-saving acts during World War II. Their names are also written at the Holocaust Museum in Israel, where a tree is also planted in her family’s name for their heroism. After the war, Corrie left Holland and spent time in London, working in a children’s hospital. Corrie returned to Holland where she happened to meet Otto. Otto had previously emigrated from Holland with his brother, Leonard, to Montana and had returned to Holland for a visit. Corrie then again left Hol-

Death Notices George Lewis ‘Lew’ Bright

Stevensville - George Lewis “Lew” Bright, 78, passed away in Stevensville at The Living Centre Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Whitesitt Funeral Home is assisting the family. A full obituary to follow at a later date.

Arthur D. Hammersley

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Stevensville - Arthur D. Hammersley, 76, passed away

land in 1956 and immigrated to Long Island New York, where she worked as a nanny. Otto, being obviously smitten with Corrie, kept track of her, traveled from Montana to New York, courted her and ultimately convinced her to come back to beautiful Montana. Otto and Leonard had approximately 5000 acres of land that they were converting into farmland, irrigation, cattle etc. Corrie then embarked on the hard, and sometimes rough, life of a farm wife. But, she always brought Holland with her. She always made things clean and cozy. Otto and Corrie had three children, Hank, Wilfred and John. She also cared for her nephews Carl and Brent and her niece Dixie following their parents passing. In 1978, Otto, Corrie and Leonard sold the ranch. Otto and Corrie moved to Stevensville, Montana where they have lived since 1978. Otto passed

Sunday, May 3, 2020 at his home in Stevensville. A full obituary will follow. Whitesitt Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Helen L. Hedman

Hamilton - Helen L. Hedman, 81, passed away in the afternoon, Sunday, May 3, 2020, at her home in Hamilton. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory is honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.

on November 22, 2011. Corrie continued to live on her own in Stevensville self-sufficiently until 2016, when she fell and broke her arm. Corrie has been living in the Living Centre in Stevensville since. Corrie passed away suddenly on Sunday morning, April 26, 2020. Corrie was a very strong woman with great faith. She is welcomed home by the loving arms of Jesus, Otto and all of her family who have passed before her. Here, in America, she leaves three sons, three daughters in law, two nephews and one niece and fifteen grandchildren, all who love her deeply and will miss her very, very much. She leaves countless others in Holland, who also love her and will miss her. Welcome home, Mom! Unfortunately, current COVID-19 guidelines preclude a gathering to celebrate her life now. So, we will all be separately celebrating her life for now. We all know she is home now and she will definitely know that we are thinking of her. Hopefully more to follow soon. For more information on Corrie’s experiences during World War II, please click on https://collections.ushmm.org/ search/catalog/irn510786 which contains an “Oral history interview with Cornelia KnottnerusCollections Search– United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.” Be sure to click on the audio to hear Corrie speak. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Obituary Information There is no charge for publishing death notices in the Bitterroot Star. The cost for publishing obituaries in the Star is $20 which includes a photo. The best way to submit obituaries and photos is by email to: editor@bitterrootstar.com. For more information contact Victoria at 777-3928.

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Bitterroot Growers Directory Page B4--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

1. WAYNE HERMAN TREES

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

2. BROWN’S GREENHOUSE

Family owned & operated. Wholesale & retail. 241-8360 • 5629 Lower Woodchuck, Florence (8 Mile community, follow signs north from Eastside Hwy at the round about.) Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Closed Sundays Mid April through June while supplies last Six large greenhouses full of annual bedding plant packs, pots and hanging baskets: • Flowers including pack petunias, marigolds, pansies, Allysum, Lobelia, etc. • Veggies including dozens of varieties of tomatoes & peppers, cole crops, herbs, cucumbers, squash and more; pack, 4” or 6” while supplies last. • Wide variety of 12” hanging baskets (3,000 to choose from) * Specialty large combination baskets • 4” specialty Proven Winner and more. • Large specialty planters and color bowls for Mother’s Day • Look for our plants at local garden centers in the Bitterroot and Missoula. www.brownsgreeenhousemt.com Find us on Facebook

3. COTTAGE GARDEN GREENHOUSE

777-3061 • 5034 Eastside Hwy. Stevensville, Halfway between Stevensville and Florence. Open Mon. to Sat. 9am to 6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm. Look no further for everything you need to bring your garden fantasies to life! Stock up on everything you need for your vegetable, berry and herb garden, and be ready for an abundant feast this summer / fall! Montana-grown annuals, hanging baskets, perennials, hardy roses and flowering shrubs blooming in every shade imaginable! For 29years we have been guiding local garden dreamers - call or stop by with your ideas and questions today! Now accepting VISA/MC. NOW OFFERING Online and Phone ordering and Curbside pickup and Delivery available. cottagegardengreenhouse.com.

4. SUPER 1 FOODS - STEVENSVILLE

777-7300 • 39 Stevensville Cutoff Rd • Stevensville Open 7 days a week. Great selection of quality plants, good prices, and great selections of annuals, vegetables, and new plants weekly from asters to zinnias. Garden supplies and art.

5. STEVENSVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET

3rd & Main, Downtown Stevensville. Open May 23rd through October. 10am-2pm weather permitting. Plants, fresh produce, bedding plants, baked goods, crafts. Interested in a booth? Call Stacie Barker @ 406-381-6145.

6. NATURE’S ENHANCEMENT, INC.

777-3560 • 2980 Eastside Hwy. (corner of Bell Crossing & Eastside Hwy.) Public Welcome - Open M-F 8 am-4:30 pm - Some Saturdays. Low grower prices. Nursery and full-service landscape company. Landscape Services: Complete landscape services including lawn installation, sprinkler systems, custom rock walls, and planting services. We also build patios, decks, fire pits, retaining walls, pathways and water features. Tree services and moving also available! Nursery: We specialize in Rocky Mountain natives and hardy plant material including instant shade trees, large evergreens, fruit trees, blooming shrubs, colorful groundcovers and wildflowers. Plant sizes range from a 1-gallon container up to a 30-ft. B&B tree. Located on 40 acres in Stevensville. Major credit cards accepted. For examples of landscape projects and our plant catalog visit: www.naturesenhancementinc.com

7. MOELLER’S NURSERY

961-3389 • Since 1971 • ¾ miles South of Corvallis on Eastside Hwy. Online ordering at Moellersnursery.com Open every day in season – April through November Bedding plants – Large selection of annual & perennial bedding plants: pansies, petunias, lobelia, asters, impatiens, dahlias, geraniums, moss roses, marigolds, alyssum, begonias, osteospernum, and more. Large selection of hanging baskets featuring begonias, ivy geraniums, fuchsias, super petunias & mixed baskets. Perennials - 120 varieties including Bleeding Hearts, peonies, columbine, daisies, delphinium, Lupin, sedum, and ornamental grasses. Vegetable bedding plants – Large variety that produce well in Bitterroot: tomatoes, peppers, cukes, melons, squash, broccoli and herbs. MT certified seed potatoes, strawberry plants, asparagus roots. Nursery stock – Shade trees, fruit trees, flowering trees and shrubs. Lilac bushes. Potentillas. Rhubarb plants, gooseberry, raspberry, josta berry, grape, currant, and honeyberry. Save now on bare root trees and shrubs. Potting soil, peat moss, boost composted manure in bags, and seeds. Wall-O-Water plant protectors Produce – A complete line available in season. Specializing in super sweet sweet corn, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, squash and pumpkin

8. K&S GREENHOUSE

961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, a half mile east of the Pharaoplex Theater. Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. K&S Greenhouse has the healthiest and best variety of hanging baskets and deck planters in the Bitterroot. K&S carries vegetable seeds and Montana-certified seed potatoes. K&S carries dozens of varieties of annual plants in four-inch and sixinch pots and six-packs. They also have herbs and vegetable starts – including 25 varieties of tomatoes. This year, check out their newly expanded perennial section, as well as their nursery featuring small-caliber ornamental trees, fruit trees and shrubs. www.ksgreenhouse.com

9. BITTERROOT NURSERY

961-3806 • 3 miles North of Hamilton on the Eastside Hwy. Large selection of locally-grown trees and shrubs, bedding plants, hanging baskets, perennials, annuals, pottery, garden ornaments, landscape supplies, mulch and more! Open Daily, M-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-5.

10. EVANS ACE HARDWARE

363-3351 • 714 N. First (on Hwy 93) Hamilton Open 8 a.m. -7pm 7 Days a week Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood gardening headquarters and Premier level STIHL dealership. Our certified garden team includes graduates from the SCOTTS Training Institute. They are eager to answer your lawn and gardening questions. Our greenhouse has a full selection of local annuals, perennials, herbs, as well as Montana grown vegetables from Brown’s Greenhouse in Florence. Glacier Nursery will be supplying an assortment of trees and shrubs. Convenient bags of soils and amendments are piled high. Evans Ace Understands that spending time in your garden isn’t all about work. We have everything you need to relax and entertain outdoors as well. Add to your bragging rights with grills and accessories from TRAEGER and WEBER. We can ensure you consistent value throughout the growing season with national sales events from now until August. Forget mail in rebates! Take advantage of “INSTANT SAVINGS” for all our rewards members.

11. LAKELAND FEED AND SUPPLY

363-2334 • 110 Mill Street Hamilton (Marcus St. across from the Bitterroot Brewery) Check us out online at lakelandfeeds.com Mon-Fri 8-6 Sat 9-5 For all your lawn and garden needs! -Local made lawn, pasture and garden fertilizer. - Huge selection of pasture, lawn and feed plot seeds. - Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Onions, and Potatoes starts. -ORMI certified soil amendments. - Variety of compost, manure and potting soil (available in organic) Proudly featuring USA Made Products Friendly knowledgeable staff everyday

12. COOKS’ GARDENS, THE GREENHOUSE

363-0212 177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton COOKS’ GARDENS, the greenhouse, celbrating 25 years of business. This family owned greenhouse specializes in friendly and helpful attention to each and every customer. Sisters Charlene Riggle and Margie Cook share their enthusiasm with locals and newcomers, selling Proven Winners, hardy perennials, bedding plant favorites, time tested vegetables, and beautiful hanging baskets all selected for the Bitterroot’s special growing climate. Patented and seeded varieties provide a great selection. Services include custom planted containers, a unique Hold & Grow program, and delivery. Crafted garden art and containers. Check out our plants at cooksgardensthegreenhouse.com or watch for specials on our Facebook page cooksgardensbitterroot. Located conveniently 2 blocks east of the railroad tracks at 177 Golf Course Road in Hamilton. 363-0212

13. THE SCENTED GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE

Owner Sandie Fleischmann 363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Hamilton (just off Grantsdale Road, 2 blocks south of Golf Course Road) Watch for the blue and gold signs. Open 10:30 - 4:30 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat, 11-3 Sunday. Organic, homegrown and hand cared for quality plants for all your gardening needs, including large hardy perennials, and bedding plants too numerous to mention. Gorgeous hanging baskets, deck and container pots. Organic vegetables too! Now: onsite consulting at your property for your landscaping needs for your deck or yard. We give you ideas for your unique look, with color all year long, that adds quality to your home. Open for the season from April until October. If you haven’t seen our beautiful gardens, please stop by! You might even get a few gardening ideas.

Bitterroot Star -- Page B5

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Montana crop farmers get With beef backlogged and the market in flux, Montana cattle COVID bump, questions By Johnathan Hettinger Montana Free Press

At Cyndi Johnson’s farm near Conrad, spring planting preparations are continuing as in any other year. Johnson and her husband are getting their equipment in order, leveling a spot where they got the sprayer stuck a couple of years ago, and finalizing seed, fertilizer and chemical contracts for the season. At first, there was some uncertainty over whether those inputs would be available. But so far she’s been able to secure seed, fertilizer and chemicals for her wheat, peas and garbanzo beans at reasonable prices. Even so, the coronavirus has thrown a wrench into the market for most U.S. farmers, raising questions about how crops will be transported, how those crops will be used, and whether international trade will remain viable. For example, surplus vegetables stranded by the shutdown of commercial customers are rotting in fields in Florida. Corn, often used for biofuels and animal feed, has dropped about 15% in price as Americans drive less and fewer cattle are being put on feedlots. China is importing fewer soybeans during the pandemic. But most of Montana’s major commodity crops haven’t seen a significant drop in prices, said Anton Bekkerman, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Montana State University. That’s because Montana’s farmers generally grow food that is consumed by humans, he said. Montana produces more pulses — a broad term encompassing legume crops harvested for their dry seeds, like lentils, garbanzo beans and peas — than any other state in the country. The state ranks second in barley and canola production, and third

in wheat production. “We all eat food,” Bekkerman said. “When a lot of consumers are staying home, there has been this bump in how much various goods are being bought up.” Typically, about 56% of consumer dollars spent on food are spent at restaurants, said Jayson Lusk, an agricultural economist at Purdue University, in a FarmDoc Daily webinar April 21. As a result of the pandemic, people are spending about 10% more of their food dollars at grocery stores than at this time last year, Lusk said. For example, people are buying baking flour and pasta, which is made from wheat. They’re spending more on alcohol, and most of Montana’s barley is used to make beer. Many people have stocked up on storable items that are high in protein, like beans and lentils, Bekkerman said. The demand has kept commodity prices for Montana crops relatively stable. Wheat, for example, has seen about a 3% drop since the beginning of the year, compared to corn, which has dropped about 15%. “So far, we’ve been luckier than most,” Johnson said. It’s unclear whether that demand for pulse crops will continue, Lusk said. Did customers stock up on such staples just once to prepare for staying at home, or will they continue to buy them as stay-at-home orders and restaurant closures are rolled back? Bekkerman said the longer the pandemic continues, the more demand will increase for beans, peas and lentils, but uncertainties remain for Montana farmers regardless. For example, about 80 to 85% of Montana wheat is shipped overseas, and it’s not clear how international trade may be impacted by COVID-19. Also, the continuing availability and cost of fertilizer and chemicals, which are manufactured around the world, are not guaranteed.

Other factors raise additional questions, Bekkerman said. The United States’ major wheat competitors, Russia and Ukraine, have ceased exports, which could lead to new demand for Montana wheat in international markets. At the same time, the value of the U.S. dollar has also increased, driving the price of U.S. exports higher, which could decrease demand. Another potential impact on Montana farmers is the prospect of a labor shortage during harvest season. Some Montana farmers rely on temporary foreign workers on H-2A visas to help with harvest and other farm tasks. In response to the pandemic, the federal government has stopped issuing new H-2A visas. But Montana’s agricultural sector is largely mechanized and therefore less reliant on foreign labor than many states, Bekkerman said. Ultimately, he said, the pandemic simply layers more uncertainty onto an already volatile sector of the economy. “In the spring, I get a bunch of questions: ‘What are markets saying producers should do?’ It depends on the producers. It’s always kind of a chickenand-the-egg question at this point every year, and this year is obviously complicated by this big economic demand shock,” Bekkerman said. “I don’t envy being a farmer right now.”

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ranchers face tough choices By Johnathan Hettinger Montana Free Press The beef supply chain in the United States typically starts on a ranch like Marty Malone’s, in Paradise Valley, with the birth of calves. After a summer of grazing, a cow reaches about 500 to 700 pounds. Then the cow is sold to a feedlot in the Midwest or Great Plains, where it eats feed like corn and barley to fatten up. At about 1,200 pounds and 18 months of age, it’s slaughtered at a nearby packing plant. Then it’s shipped to a wholesaler, who sells the meat to a restaurant or grocery store, where an end customer purchases it. One month into nationwide stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19, that supply chain has been disrupted in the middle, with many of the nation’s largest packing plants shutting down due to COVID-19 outbreaks at their facilities. That means fewer cattle are being slaughtered, which means fewer are being taken off feedlots, which means fewer are being purchased from ranchers like Malone. On Friday, April 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported 23% fewer cattle were put on feed in March 2020 than in March 2019. Regardless, Malone and other ranchers still have the same amount of cattle. And in what was anticipated to be a record year for beef producers, prices are now down about 30% since the beginning of the year. “It depresses the market, and there’s a backlog all the way back to the cow-calf guy,” Malone said. Though cow-calf production is a year-round business, most Montana ranchers calve their herds in the spring and sell in the fall. They will soon face a tough choice regarding their 2.5 million cattle: skip this year’s paycheck

and keep the cattle on their land and buy more feed for winter, or sell at about $111 less per head than pre-pandemic prices. “There is so much uncertainty in where the market lies,” said Jay Bodner, executive vice president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. “That is the No. 1 thing on our mind right now: how can we try to fix what’s going on?” Montana ranchers aren’t alone. Nationwide, cow-calf producers are expected to lose $8 billion in 2020 and beyond, according to a study from Oklahoma State University. In other parts of the country, with packing plants slowing down, hogs and chickens are being euthanized, having become essentially worthless. But cattle are worth more and take longer to grow to market weight, said David Anderson, a professor of agricultural economics at Texas A&M. Earlier this month, Congress passed a relief bill that includes $19 billion for the agriculture industry, but which producers get what share is still being determined, Anderson said. In Montana, ranchers will likely breed less this coming fall. “We are likely going to see reductions in herd sizes,” said Anton Bekkerman, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Montana State University. “It stinks a lot, because those decisions can’t be made right now because cows are already calving.” The majority of America’s meat is slaughtered at a small number of plants, so shutdowns or slowdowns have a large impact on the amount of meat produced nationwide. With COVID-19 outbreaks at different plants, overall meat production is down about 20%. As a result, Tyson Foods, JBS and Smithfield, the nation’s largest meat producers, have projected that grocery stores will see meat shortages in as little as two

weeks due to the reduced amount of meat coming out of packing plants. With production down, wholesale beef prices reached record highs last week. That price increase will likely be passed on to consumers, Anderson said. There are no large meat processing plants in Montana. When Montana cattle reach about 500 pounds, they’re sold to feedlots closer to slaughterhouses in states including Iowa, Nebraska and Colorado, because it’s cheaper to haul a 500-pound calf hundreds of miles than a 1,200 pound cow, Bodner said. Four major meat processing companies — Tyson, Cargill, JBS and National Meat — slaughter about 80% of U.S. cattle. Even though these companies are facing outbreaks at their plants, they still stand to make record profits because they are paying about 30% less for live cattle and receiving record prices for processed beef, Anderson said. Earlier this month, the Montana Stockgrowers Association joined with organizations in 21 other states to ask the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether those companies are manipulating prices. The USDA had already begun investigating the allegation after beef prices surged during the pandemic. After Tyson said it was considering closing 80% of its meat processing facilities, President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday, April 28, to keep the plants open under the Defense Production Act, a law used to compel industries critical to national well-being to continue operations regardless of lost profits. The law also prevents the companies from price gouging.

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Page B6--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Fast Facts on Reopening

Helpful Phone Numbers: â€¢ Ravalli County Health Department:

375-6672 375-6650 For more information follow us: https://ravalli.us

RAVALLI COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH . 205 Bedford Suite L . Hamilton, MT 59840 . (406) 375-6672