Bitterroot Star - May 8, 2024

Horse Ownership 101 courses available

by John Dowd

With the West seeing growth unparalleled since the days of the Oregon Trail, some local ranchers and horse owners have noticed something disturbing, which they believe needs to be remedied. According to Jane Heath, co-founder of the Montana Horse Sanctuary, and Leslie Nalls, a rancher and horsemanship educator in the valley, there are a staggering number of new horse owners in the valley. Along with newfound ownership of equines, many more people are approaching the women with basic questions on how to care for their horses. However, the two are also seeing a lot of mistakes that can be bad for the horses these people take on.

To get ahead of this problem, Heath and Nalls have partnered to ofer horse ownership 101 classes to anyone interested in what it takes to take care of horses the right way. “Better educated horse owners keep horses longer,” said Heath. She believes that is something many people may not have grown up with, and she has started seeing the issue more and

more. She should know, because the main focus of her organization deals with horse abuse.

“It’s not like most people are being intentionally cruel, but they just may not be aware of what it really takes,” said Heath.

Montana Horse Sanctuary is based just outside of Stevensville. However, they work across much of the state to help individuals and organizations gather funding and apply for grants to care for horses that have experienced abuse. One of the main groups the sanctuary works with is law enforcement.

According to Heath, Montana has a difcult time processing equine-related animal abuse cases. This is partly because the process of seizure of the horses involved, and the subsequent care and fostering of the animals, can be extremely expensive and difcult to organize. In fact, it can be so difcult that it can slow, halt, or even prevent investigations in these cases. Once an animal is seized, the enforcement agency needs to provide for the care, lodging and often rehom-

See HORSES, page 20

Valley Drug giving cancer ‘the boot’

by John Dowd

With modern healthcare prolonging people’s lives so much more than ever, it almost seems impossible that there could be anything we have not found a cure for. Unfortunately, one of the most prevalent ailments of the human race remains uncured, and according to the staf at Valley Drug, in Stevensville, it has afected everyone on earth at some point in their lives.

Dina Kuhlman, the executive administrative assistant to the vice president of Valley Drug, said she has held this position for many years and for at least the last four years she has been the organizing force behind the business’s Colors of Cancer fundraising campaign. The event kicked of May 1, and for her and many other staf members at Valley Drug, fghting cancer is a personal cause.

“It hits home with me,” said Kuhlman. Kuhlman says cancer is prevalent in her family, and she has seen loved ones go through it. According to Kuhlman, cancer has directly afected many of the staf personally.

According to staf member Miranda Carder, cancer has hugely afected her life. Two years ago, her father-in-law, with whom she is very close,

said, can mean the world to people.

Another employee that spoke up about her experiences with cancer was Bonnie McNealy. Her husband was diagnosed with cancer, and her parents both died of cancer. She has also seen two good friends go through it as well. McNealy says, “it’s always surprising,” when someone is diagnosed.

Her husband was told he had lung cancer, but never smoked a day in his life, and a friend who has been a “health nut” was diagnosed with a cancer that generally afects those who live less healthy lives. “We don’t really know why,” McNealy said when asked about the nature of how some people get cancer and some do not. This is why she sees cancer research as so important, so the health industry can try to understand the nature of cancer to better fght it.

“It’s important to keep trying to fnd cures because some

was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After a tough battle, he is now “100% cancer free,” according to Carder. Her passion for fghting cancer includes educating people about the types of cancer and what it means for those diagnosed. She puts great importance in both that education and listening to anyone who wants to speak about their experiences with the disease in its various forms. “Just to be there if they want to talk about it,” Carder

of the treatments are awful,” said McNealy. For McNealy, she is “proud to know that our group can support this,” and “awareness is very important.” Her feelings about the monthlong fundraiser are shared by the rest of the staf at Valley Drug.

Kuhlman spoke on the Valley Drug Colors of Cancer fundraising campaign, and said, “It’s a cause I feel passionate about and I see what it does for this community and

how it brings us together.” She also explained how the campaign is frmly ingrained in the Valley Drug culture, and how staf members are excited for it every year. “It’s all about community, it’s all about family, and how we can give back,” said Kuhlman. “The whole team gets involved and it’s amazing to see what the young staf get from it and what they absorb.”

Valley Drug owner, Chad Smith, spoke about the campaign. He has owned Valley Drug for eight years and said it is one of the most important fundraisers they do. For him, it is essential because of their work in health care as a pharmacy.

“We work in healthcare, so we deal with cancer patients all the time and we see the struggle they go through,” said Smith. He also believes that, “as diverse as this community has become, this is still something that everybody comes out for and comes together behind,” because, “everyone has been afected by cancer.”

The fundraiser is for all types of cancer, and the funds go directly to the Bitterroot Health Foundation for cancer work. They have typically done this month-long fundraiser in October, but switched to spring because they felt there were numerous other fundraisers during that cancer awareness month, all of which are important. According to Kuhlman, they did not want

to take away from any of the other similar fundraisers at that time, or even other events focusing on helping individuals in the community fghting cancer. They decided on doing it in the month of May to stay clear of all of these other events.

The Valley Drug Colors of Cancer event has been going on for years, and it seems no one involved really knows exactly when it started. It was originally focused on breast cancer awareness. However, eventually it moved to supporting the cause of fghting all types of cancer, hoping to help fund research in cures for them all. The campaign has always beneftted the Bitterroot Health Foundation.

Just as in the past, there will be a rafe with items donated by the community. According to Kuhlman, by the end of the campaign the Valley Drug building will be full of tables with rafe prizes. Chances at each rafe can be purchased for either $1 or $5. The more expensive $5 tickets are for higher priced prizes, and the $1 tickets are for the lower priced prizes. Participants can then put their tickets towards whatever prize they want to win. Prizes this year already include paintings, carved ducks, fne luggage and much more.

There will also be pink buckets placed at the Soda Fountain on a special day to raise money through staf tips. All tips will be put into the buckets, along with additional donations customers want to

give. Additionally, this year they have cowboy boots at various registers. These include both women’s and men’s boots, and is part of a staf competition, the ”guys against gals,” Kuhlman described. The boots are for any extra change customers want to leave, and the winning side that puts the most efort in and raises the most will get employee appreciation at the end of the month. Though the appreciation will be something meant for the winning team, according to Kuhlman, it “rolls over to all of them, let’s be honest!”

Another new program of the campaign will be employing the help of the new Stevensville Police Chief, John Boe. In this program, participants can “buy a warrant,” which selects someone, usually a friend or family member, as part of a prank. The selected will then be “arrested and thrown in jail,” where they will need to contact people to “bail them out.” All of it is in good fun and is meant to help raise as much as possible to donate this year.

In the past the campaign generally raised about $5,000, though Kuhlman and other staf members are striving to beat that number this year. Donations can be made in cash or check, and can be written to Valley Drug. Those donations are held separate from the organization, and the end of the campaign will be put into a fund that is donated directly to the

Bitterroot Health Foundation.

Members of the Valley Drug team dress in the “spirit of the season,” to fght cancer. From left to right, George Hamilton, Chad Smith, Bonnie McNealy, Tom Sherman, Miranda Carder, Hayden Cirincione and Dina Kuhlman.

Photo by John Dowd.

Dina Kuhlman holds up one of their fundraiser buttons. Photo by John Dowd.

Leslie Nalls (left) and Jane Heath (right) stand with Rain the horse at Red Crow Ranch.

Photo by John Dowd.

Geophysical surveys over the property are also planned in which magnetic, radiometric, and gravity methods will be conducted with hand-held instruments. According to the NOI, there will be no surface disturbance associated with these surveys.

A helicopter or drone will also be utilized to collect geophysical data over the property. Data collected could include magnetic and radiometric readings and there will be no surface disturbance associated with the survey. Details regarding fight plans including the area to be evaluated, timing of the survey, specifc equipment to be used, fight elevation, and the duration of the survey will be relayed to and coordinated with the West Fork Ranger District.

Work was expected to begin on May 1, 2024. Close-out is expected to be on or before October 26, 2024. In a projection of project milestones on the Forest Service’s website, it is estimated that scoping for the project could begin by January 2025 with a decision made by January 2026 and implementation beginning by January 2027.

Ed Cowle, Executive Chairman at USCM, said, “We realized that we were going to need a lot of environmental experts and they really can’t be on the property until the snow melts. Until that happens, we can’t really get out there and do the kind of Environmental Assessment that needs to be done.”

He said, “We realized we had gotten people’s attention and we’ve got to go slow and try to be as open and transparent as possible and put a document together that either says this makes sense or this doesn’t make sense.” He said he believed a plan might be submitted by mid to late summer.

Cowle went on to say he had heard things that were being said at local meetings and the company was making plans to engage people locally. “We are not looking to spoil anybody’s recreation,” said Cowle. “We aren’t looking to have acids and bad things going into the river. These things being said are really so far of base. We are going to present things from our point of view, and I think people will be pleased.”

He said that only one third of the property had been explored and that they would spend the summer exploring the other two-thirds.

“We would rather go slow and do it the right way and also work on getting local support and show the benefts and show that the bad things being said have been overblown so much,” said Cowle. “So that’s it – we are just not ready to fle. We are way behind schedule but that’s purposeful. We will have tours this summer and show some of the technology we plan to use.”

“It’s also very expensive to drill,” said Cowle, “and we want to be sure what’s underneath. Sometimes what’s underneath doesn’t match what’s on the surface.”

Cowle said that if they are successful in getting an exploratory permit there would probably be two years of drilling and then they would look for a larger company to actually fle a mining permit and do the mining.

“A lot of this is in the future but you don’t get to the future without starting sometime,” said Cowle.

Last February, Friends of the Bitterroot, the Center for Biological Diversity, Wild Earth Guardians, and 16 other conservation and environmental organizations in the state sent a letter to the Bitterroot National Forest urging them not to invoke a

“categorical exclusion” to any submission of a plan of operation for the mine, and instead to take “a good hard look” at any proposal and allow for public participation in the process. One new organization, Bitterroot Clean Water Alliance (BCWA), was formed specifcally in opposition to the mine and has placed large billboards along Highway 93 and many small “Don’t Pollute the Root” signs all over the county. Opposition to the mine has been steadily growing. A petition against the mine posted on Change.org has gathered 911 signatures.

Dr. Philip Ramsey, one of the founders of BCWA, earned a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Montana in 2006 for studies of how heavy metal contamination afects rivers and has studied specifcally the massive Superfund clean-up of the Clark Fork River. Ramsey said, “We are not against mining. We are just against this sort of mining in this kind of place.”

Conservation groups are concerned about the potential impact to threatened and endangered species and other wildlife. The upper West Fork of the Bitterroot is home to threatened wolverine, lynx, bull trout, and white bark pine. A large portion of the claim block is in the Allen Mountain Roadless Area, raising concerns about fragmentation of a vital wildlife corridor. The mining process also requires large amounts of water and sits atop a basin already closed to new surface water rights due to over-appropriation. Concerns have also been expressed over potential radioactive contamination from the tailings as well as the possibility that the actinolite deposits in the area may contain asbestos. Research by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy has shown that regional ecosystems can be signifcantly altered by the presence of mines, both physically and chemically and states specifcally, “Site preparation, access roads, and ancillary facilities lead to direct—and often absolute—destruction of the proximate environment, while

pollution from mine processes and storage of residual tailings can lead to widespread chemical imbalances and toxic contamination. Rare Earth Element (REE) mine tailings contain processing chemicals, salts, and radioactive materials. Tailings are particularly problematic in REE mining, because of the signifcant wasteto-yield ratio.”

A report published in the Harvard International Review discussing the two primary methods for REE mining notes that, “Both methods produce mountains of toxic waste, with high risk of environmental and health hazards. For every ton of rare earth produced, the mining process yields 13kg of dust, 9,600-12,000 cubic meters of waste gas, 75 cubic meters of wastewater, and one ton of radioactive residue. This stems from the fact that rare earth element ores have metals that, when mixed with leaching pond chemicals, contaminate air, water, and soil. Most worrying is that rare earth ores are often laced with radioactive thorium and uranium, which result in especially detrimental health efects. Overall, for every ton of rare earth, 2,000 tons of toxic waste are produced.”

While China’s domination of the REE market has fueled worldwide concern and a race by governments around the globe to instigate and accelerate their own

mining and production capacity, an analysis published in Forbes in 2023 notes that they are in China’s control presently only because the mining and refnement of these metals is environmentally destructive, something that until recently China cared less about than do the developed nations of the West.

According to the Bitterroot National Forest press release, by law, processing locatable minerals plans is nondiscretionary for the Forest Service. Miners have possessory rights associated with mining claims which authorizes the miner the right to use the surface for mining purposes including use and occupancy necessary for processing. All miners are subject to U.S. Forest Service Mining Regulations 36 CFR 228 Subpart A including requirements to submit a plan of operations and post a reclamation bond. For more information, contact Dan Pliley, West Fork District Ranger, at (406) 821-3269. Or go to www. facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF.

BeautifulCustomFarmhouse Development Potential

Fourth Grade Farm Fair

At top left, Members of Dakota Wilton’s Stevensville Elementary School class Piper Wemple, Stetson Rodolph and Aubrietta Leister try chewing wheat to make gum at the FFA wheat booth run by Lilly Uskoski and Nika Hulling.

At top right, Alexia Perez (left) with the Stevensville FFA helps Emmalee Hicks’ Stevensville Elementary School class make ice cream during last week’s annual Fourth Grade Farm Fair at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds.

At middle, Local “cowboys” Kaia Morrison (left) and Russ Koppes (right) demonstrate the way of life for a ranch hand to Kristen Bogan’s class from Corvallis.

At bottom right, David Damaske with the Ravalli County Weed District quizzes Austyn Wetzsteon, Madison Adair and Seth Harmon from Jessica DeLong’s Daly Elementary School.

Photos by John Dowd.

Calendar continued

Montanans for Life

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

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

Florence American Legion

Florence American Legion Post

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

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

MS Support Group

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

North County Democrats

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

Bitterroot Celtic Society

The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members,

and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.

NV Library events

Fiber Arts Club—Thur. May 2 at 12pm

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

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

Free Range Arts & Crafts for Adults

---Thur. May 2 at 6pm

The craft vault is open and everything from needle felting to clay sculpting awaits. Enjoy a coloring book, practice with pastels, or bring your own project to fnally fnish, it’s up to you.

Spring Soiree Fundraiser – Sat.

May 4 at 5:30pm

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

Accordion Club

May 12th, Mother’s Day

Everyone is welcome. $6 fee at the door. Polka, swing, waltz and 2-step dances. Good dance music and fun for all. For more info, contact Helen Steele, 406-369-1839.

Trekker Kids programs

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

May 4: Gift of the Bitterroot/fower art and Indigenous culture

May 18: Raptors of the Rockies/ meet real raptors

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

Hamilton school board

Negotiation Committee Meeting

Tuesday – May 7, 2024

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

The Committee will be meeting with the Montana Federation of Public Employees - #4533 Employee Union

The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation Governance Committee Meeting

Thursday – May 9, 2024

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

The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation.

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – May 14, 2024

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

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

You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg

Governance Committee Meeting

Thursday – June 6, 2024

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

The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation.

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday – June 11, 2024

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

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

You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg

Lone Rock Park Board

The Lone Rock Park Board will meet Wednesday, May 8th at 7:30 p.m. at Three Mile Community Center, 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Public welcome.

Wings Pint Night beneft

A Pint Night Fundraiser will be held Saturday, May 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fin’s Tap House in Corvallis to beneft the Wings Programs Equine Rescue and Sanctuary, located in Corvallis. Wings serves the local community by being a safety net for equines in the Bitterroot Valley, especially senior owners with senior horses and donkeys. Fin’s will donate a portion of every pint sold to Wings. There will also be some silent auction items, Wings merchandise for sale, and a 50/50 rafe which gives you a chance to win half the total of ticket sales. The other half will be donated to Wings. Come enjoy a pint and some great food, and support a local rescue.

Calf Creek WMA opening date

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

In past years, the WMA opened on April 15, but elk have consistently been using the WMA later into the spring. Calf Creek WMA is important winter range for elk, so moving the opener a month later helps reduce stress to the elk and gives them time to move of the WMA and into other areas.

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

Rummage sale

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

Memorial Day Dinner

A Memorial Day Dinner and 67th Annual Service will be held May 27 at Florence Carlton Community Church fellowship hall. Come and honor our military. A fag raising ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. (indoor). Dinner will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Menu will include turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stufng, vegetables, rolls and homemade pie. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for under 12 years old. All proceeds go toward local needs and church missions.

Memorial Day activities

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

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Sports Valley softball roundup

Corvallis 1, Stevensville 19

Corvallis hosted Stevensville on Tuesday, April 30th in a spring snow squall that couldn’t cool an ofensive explosion from Stevensville who scored 19 runs on 15 hits and won 19-1. On the mound for Stevensville, Morgan Yeager got the win, striking out 6 and only allowing 4 hits. At the plate, Molly Davids went 3 for 4 with a home run, and 3 RBIs. Maddy Davids went 3 for 4 and had 4 RBIs. Jaidan Oyler went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs, Lilly Newsom went 2 for 3 for 2 RBIs, and Kenzi Frost went 1 for 3 with an RBI. For Corvallis, Jadyn Greenwood went 1 for 3 with an RBI and Emma Cashell, Ava Loran, and Sophie Cooper each had hits.

Corvallis 16, Butte Central 3

Corvallis traveled to Butte Central on Saturday, May 4th and won 16-3. Corvallis’ Jadyn Greenwood had a big game, going 2 for 3 with a home run and 5 RBIs, Caitlin Nelson went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs, and Emma Cashell, Libby Jessop, Ava Loren, Sophie Cooper, and Caitlin Nelson all had 3 hits.

Stevensville 2, Dillon 14

Stevensville hosted Dillon on Thursday, May 2nd and lost 2-14. For Stevensville, Jaidan Oyler went 2 for 4 and stole a base, Maddix Yeager went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Kenzi Frost went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Stevensville 3, Columbia Falls 9

Stevensville went to Columbia Falls on Friday, May 3rd and lost 3-9. For Stevensville, Molly Davids went

2 for 4 with an RBI, Serenity Scott went 1 for 3 with an RBI, and Layla Brushia went 1 for 2 and scored a run.

Stevensville 25, Whitefsh 4

Stevensville went to Whitefsh on Saturday, May 4th and won by three touchdowns, 25-4. For Stevensville, the whole team got in the action, Jaidan Oyler scored 5 runs, Lilly Newsom went 2 for 3 with 4 RBIs, Maddy Davids went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Morgan Yeager went 2 for 2 with 2 RBIs, Layla Brushia scored 2 runs, Emilee Ross had 4 RBIs, and Serenity Scott, Kenzi Frost, and Kacey Springer all had 2 RBIs.

Hamilton 8, Frenchtown 9

Hamilton hosted Frenchtown on Tuesday, April 30th and lost 8-9. For Hamilton, Mariah Johnson went 2 for 4 and scored 2 runs, Cierra Cole went 1 for 3 and had 2 RBIs, and Addison Flynn went 1 for 4 and stole 2 bases.

Hamilton 18, Butte Central 1

Corvallis pitcher Caitlin Nelson struck out 4 batters and got the win in Corvallis’ 16-3 win over Butte Central on Saturday, May 4th. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Hamilton went to Butte Central on Friday, May 3rd and mauled the Maroons 18-1. Haylee Beall and Cierra Cole both hit home runs and had

3 RBIs, and Addison Flynn, Dawsyn Ekin, and Mariah Johnson each had 2 RBIs. Hamilton pitcher Mel Race got the win and struck out 8.

Florence 3, Manhattan 10

Florence traveled to Manhattan on Thursday, May 2nd and lost 3-10. For Florence, Maggie Schneiter and Ava Philbrick both went 3 for 4, and Autumn Sutton and Reilley Reed both went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Mid season track musings

Track & Field is the ultimate meritocracy. The winners run faster, throw farther, and jump higher than the next person - there’s no style points, there’s no gray area, there’s no room for confusion. On top of all that, it’s an exhilarating sport to watch, so make sure to get out there and catch the action and support these student athletes.

The six Bitterroot Valley track teams are rounding into form as the high school track season heads down the backstretch - the district, divisional, and

state meets will be held in the upcoming weeks.

There are too many track athletes in the valley excelling at a high level to name them all, but the following Bitterroot Valley athletes are going above and beyond this year.

The Class A State boys shot put champion is likely to come from the Bitterroot Valley. Corvallis’ Wyatt Miles (59’7”) and Hamilton’s Andrew Burrows (56’11”) have the top two throws in the state; they have been trading 1st and 2nd place fnishes in meets all year. Burrows also has the top Class A discus throw of 175’2”. Burrows was the State Champion in the discus in 2022 and the State Champion in the shot put last year. Hamilton’s Tyson Bauder has the best javelin throw in the state this year at 199’4”. Close behind him are Corvallis’ Hunter Loesch (189’4”) and Levi Reynoso (173’ 9”).

Corvallis’ Derek Criddle leads Class A in the high jump (6”2’) and has the 2nd best Class A time in the 400m (49.72) and 3rd best 200m (22.31).

Hamilton’s Evan Bennett has the top Class A 800m time (1:55.31) and the 4th best 400m time (50.61).

Corvallis’ Olivia Lewis is the defending Class A State Champion in the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles, and the 400m. She currently has the state’s best time in the 300m hurdles (43.05), a Class A best in the 100m hurdles (14.71), the 2nd best 400m time (57.98), the 3rd best 200m time (25.77), and last week she cleared 5 feet in the high jump to give her the 5th best jump in Class A. Hamilton’s Mya Winkler has Class A’s best discus throw (131’ 2”), the 2nd best Class A mark in shot put (38’ 11”), and the 3rd best Class A javelin throw (120’ 1”).

Corvallis’ Laurie Davidson has the Class A best 1600m time (5:11.07) and the 4th best 3200m time (11:36.45). Hamilton’s Aubrey Korst has the Class A’s best girls pole vault at 11’ 6”.

Hamilton’s Annalise Lewis has Class A’s best 800m time (2:17.53), the 2nd best 1600m time (5:13.29) and the 7th best 400m (59.87).

Corvallis’ 4x400 girls relay team has the state’s fastest

time at 4:00.47.

Florence’s Bailey Kroeker has top 10 marks for Class B in the 100m (12.92), 200m (26.64), 400m (61.16), and the long jump (17’2”).

Florence’s Isaac Bates is in Class B’s top 10 in the 100m (11.38), 200m (23.05), and 400m (51.24).

Darby’s Lily Adair is in Class B’s top 10 in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m.

Victor’s Eli Jones is in Class C’s top 10 in the long jump and triple jump.

Darby/Florence

golf at Old Works

The golf teams for Florence and Darby played in the Anaconda Invitational on Thursday, May 2nd at Old Works in Anaconda. The Florence girls (Alexa McLean, Kipley Solari, Reese Briney, Lacie Ketelhut) took 2nd place. The Florence boys (Ethan Alexander, Brody Duchien, Rollie Fisher, Tyler Abbott) took 4th. The

Darby boys (Emerson Atkins, Austin Ward, Daniel Stewart, Abe Atkins) took 13th. Individually for the girls, Florence’s Alexa McLean took 3rd, Kipley Solari took 6th,and Reese Briney took 21st. For the boys, Ethan Alexander took 4th, Brody Duchien took 17th, and Rollie Fisher took 20th.

Hamilton’s Mya Winkler has Class A’s best discus throw, the 2nd best Class A mark in shot put, and the 3rd best Class A javelin throw. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence’s Bailey Kroeker, on the right, has top 10 marks in Class B for the 100m, 200m, 400m, and the long jump.

Photo by Scott Sacry.

Sports Florence free throw phenom

Note to all girls junior high basketball coaches next year - don’t send Florence’s Pressley Neuman to the foul line with the game on the line, because, chances are, she’s going to make it.

Neuman, a 6th grader from Florence, recently competed in the National Finals of the Elks Hoop Shoot in Chicago where she fnished 6th in the girls 12-13 year old division.

The Elks Hoop Shoot is an annual free throw contest for youth ages 8-13 and is organized by the Elks.

Neuman’s journey took her all over Montana and the country. She began by becoming the Missoula Lodge champion, then she won the District contest in Polson, next she became the State Champion in Livingston. This sent her to the Regional Championship in Rapid City, where she took 1st place by making 47 of 50 free throws and was named the best overall girls shooter.

Finally, she competed in the

National Finals in Chicago where she placed sixth in the nation, one of only two Montanans to make the fnals.

Neuman fgures she shot about 20,000 free throws since Thanksgiving. And when asked what it takes to be a good free throw shooter, she said, “lots of hard work and determination, but the biggest thing is that you have to believe in yourself.”

The goal of the Elks Hoop Shoot is to provide participants the opportunity to compete, connect and succeed through hard work and competition. They like to say they have been developing “gritty” kids for 50 years.

Florence’s Pressley Neuman recently took 6th in the national fnals of the Elks Hoops Shoot in Chicago. Neuman is pictured here with her awards at the Regional Championship, where she took 1st place by making 47 of 50 free throws and was named the best overall girls shooter. Photo courtesy of Bryan Neuman.

Bitterroot Baseball Blitz

Hamilton 7, Corvallis 4; Hamilton 15, Corvallis 2 Hamilton and Corvallis met twice last week on the diamond. On Tuesday, April 30th, Hamilton hosted Corvallis, then Corvallis hosted Hamilton on Thursday, May 2nd. Hamilton won both games. In the frst game, it was tied 4-4 after 2 innings, then Hamilton pulled away for the 7-4 win. For Hamilton, Tyce O’Connell went 2 for 4 with 5 RBIs, Conner Ekin went 2 for 2 and scored 3 runs, and Atticus Southwell went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. For Corvallis, Reese Earp went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBIs, Charlie Chavez went 1 for 3 and scored a run, and Adrien Cardullo went 1 for 1 with an RBI.

In the second game, Hamilton got up 10-0 early and didn’t look back, winning 15-2. For Hamilton, Boedy Tadvick went 2 for 4 with 4 RBIs, Jackson Lubke went 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs, and stole two bases, and Andrew Ricklefs went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs. For Corvallis, Reese Earp went 3 for 3, Brandon Brenneman went 2 for 3 and Bobby Truc went 1 for 2 with an RBI.

Hamilton 10, Butte High 5 Hamilton traveled to Butte High on Saturday, May 4th and won 10-5. For Hamilton, Jackson Lubke went 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs, Conner Ekin hit a solo home run, Atticus Southwell went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs, and Cash Lawrence went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs. With this win, Hamilton has now won 9 straight games.

Corvallis 14, Stevensville 3

On Friday, May 3rd, Stevensville hosted Cor-

vallis and the Blue Devils won 14-3. For Corvallis, Brandon Brenneman went 4 for 4 and scored 2 runs, Charlie Chavez went 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs, Adyn Mayn scored 3 runs, and Bennet Boelman went 2 for 4 with an RBI. For Stevensville, Jackson Guenzler, Braden Drye, and Kaden Wyant all had hits.

Stevensville 3, Frenchtown 5 Stevensville played Frenchtown on Monday, April 29th and lost 3-5. For Stevensville, Evan Montague went 2 for 3, scored 2 runs and stole 4 bases, Braden Drye went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Joey

Wheeler went 1 for 2.

Stevensville 4, Butte High 16

Stevensville hosted Butte High on Tuesday, April 30th and lost 4-16. For Stevensville, Cole Germane went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Jackson Guenzler went 1 for 3 with an RBI and stole 2 bases.

Florence 11, Whitefsh 1 Florence hosted Whitefsh on Tuesday, April 30th and won 11-1. Florence pitcher Jake Roth got the win, giving up only 3 hits. At the plate for Florence, Chase Wagner went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Levi Winters went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Caleb Katen went 2 for 2 with an RBI.

Florence 8, Dillon 3 Florence hosted Dillon on Friday, May 3rd and won 8-3. For Florence, Jake Roth went 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs, Drew Wagner scored 4 runs, and Levi Winters went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Florence 16, Butte Central 2

Florence went to Butte Central on Saturday, May 4th and won 16-2. Isaiah Testerman went 2 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBIs, and Drew Wagner, Mason Arlington, Chase Wagner and Jake Roth all had 2 RBIs. Arlington also had 5 stolen bases in the game. Florence pitcher Cole Fray-Parmantier got the win, striking out 7 batters. With this win, Florence has now won 13 straight games.

SHRINERS: annual event supports local children

Continued from page 1

er. The Shiners are a wonderful group to work with. They provided all of the food for the lunch, and the club donated all of the targets.”

Allsop’s son Marvin, who serves as the club’s director of the kid’s Bitterroot Blaster Program, stated, “This was one of the best shoots to date. The weather was good, everyone was happy and there was no drama. One of our Bitterroot Blasters, Ellie Walz, who is a junior at Corvallis High School, won high overall in ladies. She has been part of our program since she was 12 and has really come a long way.”

The day ended with an “Annie Oakley Shoot,” where shooters pay $10 to enter and shoot a target from a long distance. If you miss, you’re out and the last one standing wins the pot, which was $200 this year.

Allsop spoke of the importance of the Bitterroot Blasters program at the club. “I have received so many letters from parents telling me what a huge thing this has been in their kids life.”

On May 21, the club will team up with the Corvallis Sports and Outdoors Program to educate kids about gun safety.

“This is one more thing we do to get kids involved in the sport,” said Allsop.

On June 8 there will be another fundraiser specifcally for the Bitterroot Blasters with kids coming from Bigfork, Missoula and several other Western Montana towns to compete.

Corvallis pitcher Brandon Brenneman got the win in Corvallis’ 14-3 victory over Stevensville on Friday, May 3rd. Brenneman also went 4 for 4 at the plate. Photo by Hope Earp.

Contestents line up ready to shoot. Photo by Kristin Kruse.

Father Matthew Huber

Father Matthew Huber entered the Kingdom of God on April 25, 2024, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Matthew was born on April 1, 1959, in Missoula, Montana to parents Bill and Pat Huber. Matt was one of five children, and the family grew up at the top of Holter Street in Helena, Montana. Following high school, Matt graduated Carroll College in 1982 with a degree in theology. It was with the infuence and guidance of his family, the many faculty members, priests at Carroll College, and the St. Helena Cathedral parish that Matt felt a calling to the priesthood. In the fall of 1982, and with the support of the Catholic Diocese of Helena, he moved to Rome, Italy to attend seminary at the Pontifical North American College. While in seminary, Matt received two master’s degrees in theology, one from the Pontifical Gregorian University and a second from the Pontifical Angelicum University. Forever a student, Father Matt graduated with a degree in Canon Law from The Catholic University of America in 1991.

Upon completion of his seminary in 1986, Matt returned to Helena to serve as a deacon at St. Helena Cathedral parish. To the delight of his family and Bishop Curtis, Fr. Matt was ordained into the Catholic priesthood at St. Helena Cathedral on June 5, 1987. During his pastoral career, Fr. Matt served as a parish priest in Butte, Anaconda, Missoula, and Stevensville, Montana. For the last twenty five years, Fr. Matt served as the parish priest at Holy Family parish in Missoula, and St. Mary’s parish in Stevensville including the rural mission parishes in Florence and Lolo. Over the years, Fr. Matt touched the lives of many individuals and families with his masses, baptisms, weddings, sacred blessings, and funerals. Fr. Matt also enjoyed connecting with his parishioners in the community, in their homes, in hospitals and during convalescent care. As an active

Corinne Lee Lloyd

and sometimes outspoken community member, Fr. Matt served on numerous community and diocesan Boards and Commissions. Fr. Matt was truly a servant of God and loved to shepherd his people.

Fr. Matt served for 12 years, as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force Reserve Chaplain Corps. He served several assignments in the US and overseas throughout his dedicated service. His most memorable assignment was at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center near Ramstein Air Base Germany supporting the returning Beirut hostages following the hijacking of TWA Flight 847. Fr. Matt was proud and honored to have served his country.

Fr. Matt was a talented artist in multiple mediums including stained glass, pottery, sculpting, pen and ink sketches, and watercolor painting to name just a few. He put his artistic skills to work each holiday in his parishes, often engaging the young and teenage members to help decorate the church. Fr. Matt was also a frequent traveler having made an exchange trip to Korea while in high school followed by many trips across the European continent while in seminary and several more trips to Europe with family and leading delegations of young people to World Youth Day celebrations. Fr. Matt had strong convictions for an individual’s dignity and freedoms, and for peace among all peoples of the world. His spirit lives on through the many lives he touched.

Fr. Matt is preceded in passing by his parents Bill and Pat Huber, nephews Lyndon Huber and infant Shelby Huber. Fr. Matt is survived by his brothers and sister: Kirk (Sharon) Huber of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Mark (Cindy) Huber of Phoenix, Arizona, Colonel William “Bill” Huber (US Army retired), and Stacy Huber both of Scottsdale, Arizona. Fr. Matt is also survived by nieces Patricia (Tricia) Huber, Mariah Huber, and nephew William (Will)

Timothy Burks

Timothy Burks, 75 years old, of Corvallis, MT, a Navy Veteran, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at The Living Centre in Stevensville, MT.

He was born on January 12,1949, in Deer Lodge, MT, to the late Marie E. and George M. Burks. While Tim was only 7 years old when the family moved to Spokane, WA, he always felt Montana was home. The family moved in 1965 to Santa Maria, CA where Tim graduated from high school. After his Navy service, as a disabled veteran, Tim moved to Corvallis, MT early in the 1990’s.

Timothy was a long-time resident of Corvallis, where he, in spite of his disability, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the peace of his East Side home and

Corinne Lee Lloyd, 72, passed away peacefully in her home on March 21st, 2024. She was born in Fort Worth, TX on October 27th, 1951, to the late Mary Ellen and Henry Cushman. Corinne was full of life and found joy in everything she did. She was passionate, creative, and brought love to her community; to know her was to be inspired by her.

property. He loved the Bitterroot Valley.

Timothy is survived by his brother, Bill Steinberger, of Ocala, Florida, his sister-in-law, Susan Steinberger, and nephews Robert and David Steinberger, as well as by his great nieces, Renae and Bailey Steinberger.

In his final moments, Timothy was surrounded by the love of his family, with his brother by his side. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal service. Instead, the family requests that tributes and donations be made to The Living Centre

Huber.

Fr. Matt’s favorite afrmation:

“Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! Let us rejoice and be glad! Alleluia!”

Visitation was at Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville, Montana on Tuesday, May 7th from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The Vigil service was held at Blessed Trinity Church, Missoula on Tuesday, May 7th at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Blessed Trinity Church on Wednesday, May 8th at 11:00 am. There will be a parish luncheon following the funeral mass at the parish. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena is scheduled for Thursday, May 9th at 1:00 pm.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: Missoula Interfaith Collaborative, 2205 34th St. Missoula, MT 59801 or Carroll College, 1601 N Benton Ave. Helena, MT 59625.

Corinne was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ellen and Henry Cushman, and her son Geoffrey Trevor Lloyd. She is survived by her daughters Chelsea Lloyd and Ashley Lloyd, her son in law Rankin Holmes, and granddaughter Leland Lloyd Holmes.

A celebration of life is in the works for Friday, July 5th, 2024. Please contact Ashley @ ashley. lloyd4@gmail.com for more information. We hope to see you there.

in Stevensville, Montana, in honor of Timothy’s memory. Timothy will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in eternal peace. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Death Notices

Jessie ‘Carol’ Smith

Stevensville - Jessie “Carol” Smith, 71, passed away at her home on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Whitesitt Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Safety begins with preparation. When you wade fsh in streams, be they big rivers or small creeks, you stalk your fsh. That usually means getting into the water, staying at angles where you are concealed, and positioning yourself away from swift currents and slippery rocks as you prepare to make your frst cast.

Preparation begins with respecting the swift currents and staying out of them. That’s not where the trout are anyway. They’re along the edges of those currents.

by Chuck Stranahan

At any time of year, especially during high water, I sneak ever-so-softly along the edges, often staying on the bank and seldom getting wet above my calves. At that, slippery rocks along the edges can make a nasty fall that can leave a crippling bruise on your hip. Or shoulder. Or elbow. It can leave you feeling painfully stupid as you pick up your broken rod.

That’s why good wading gear is the frst essential for stream safety. Slick-bottomed athletic shoes won’t do. I speak from experience gained when I was young and… stupid. Got the bruises, broke the tackle.

Algae can make a rock slicker than ice – and with the current to accelerate your fall, the results can be comical for those watching, tragic for the one taking the tumble.

Safety afoot in a stream begins with purpose-built wading boots. They’re built like underwater hiking boots –that’s what they are. And like good hiking boots, good wading boots will cost some money. Bite the bullet, spend it.

Waders? When I wear them, I use chest-high breathable stocking foot

waders. Get a pair with an attached wader belt that snugs up around your midrif to keep water out in event of a tumble and use it. Every time.

If you’re budgeting, the waders can wait. The wading boots will get you by. Just pull on an extra pair of bulky socks to take up the extra space in the wading boots ordinarily occupied by the waders. The socks will insulate your feet once the initial surprise wears of. On a warm summer day the sensation of stepping into a cold trout stream iswell, let’s call it invigorating.

Add a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses that are polarized and UV protected, sunscreen and insect repellant, plenty of water and sensible snacks, a small frst aid kit, a serviceable knife, lightweight raingear and layering tops for warmth, and you’re set for a day’s fshing.

And don’t leave the cell phone behind. Reception may be spotty but it’s worth a go if you’re in trouble – or

might be, if you’re late for dinner and don’t call ahead. Buy one of the purpose-designed waterproof cellphone containers. Most fy shops sell them. It’s cheap insurance against a drowned $700 Samsung. I always advise beginners to take care of the comfort and safety checklist before they spend a bundle on fancy tackle. And for any wading angler, carry some high protein-high calorie food you don’t plan to eat, and twice the amount of water you expect to drink.

You don’t want to stay late on the stream for an unexpected caddis hatch and wreck you fshing by being horribly dehydrated (no lie – dehydration can cause you to miss strikes) or turn the hike back to your vehicle into a death march because you’re fghting through a sugar low.

Take a break, pull out the phone for some photos. Drink the water, and gnaw your way through a creative pile of good food wrapped in a cold tortilla.

I like to put thin-cut meat directly on the tortilla, condiments go on next, and I stuf the middle with veggies. Wrap the pseudo-burrito in Saran Wrap. Unlike a sandwich, it travels well. My favorites are chicken, salsa, lime juice and avocado (the middle squishes into a surprisingly good river guac after being carried around in your fshing vest for a day – delicious!) or roast beef, horseradish sauce, and sauerkraut or potato salad; ham, deli mustard, and that kind of good, crisp coleslaw that doesn’t have too much mayo. Simpler yet, the leftovers from last night’s barbecue take on new life at streamside. Use your imagination.

Once on the stream, wade safe. Look downstream – don’t step in above fast water, deep water, or downed wood. Keep your feet shoulder width apart and shufe – fnd solid footing on one foot before stepping with the other. Best wading advice: Be chicken. Chickens don’t drown.

Early season wading: Stalk your fsh, wade shallow, wade safe. Photo by Jan Stranahan

Local Growers Guide

Local Growers Guide

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

1.PINK GRIZZLY GREENHOUSE

Phone: 406-728-3370

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

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

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

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

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

• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries

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

• Fertilizer and pest control products, organic and conventional

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

• Decorative pots, gifts

• Potting soil, peat moss, soil pep bag products

• List of DEER RESISTANT plants!!!

2. WAYNE HERMAN TREES

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

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

3. BROWN’S GREENHOUSE

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

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

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

• Flowers including pack petunias, marigolds, pansies, alyssum, lobelia, etc.

• Veggies including dozens of varieties of tomatoes & peppers, cole crops, herbs, cucumbers, squash and more; pack, 4” or 6” while supplies last.

• Wide variety of 12” hanging baskets (5,000 to choose from)

* Specialty large combination baskets

• Ofcial Proven Winner Grower!

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

Hwy 93

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

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

11. Beautiful Baskets & More

246 Christoferson Lane, Corvallis

Florence Stevensville

Rd

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

509-936-2706 & 509-936-0963

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

12. K&S Greenhouse

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

13. Bitterroot Nursery

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Evans Ace Hardware

Eastside Hwy

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

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

Victor Corvallis

9. MOELLER’S NURSERY

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

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

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

93 Darby Main St. Park Popham Ln

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

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

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

15. COOKS’ Gardens, the Greenhouse 363-0212

Golf Course

177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton. Conveniently located just 2 blocks of of A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens ofers a selection of unique annuals, perennials, grasses, ornamental succulents, over 20 varieties of tomatoes, other yard art and containers. Always friendly, always helpful, we can recommend for the right spot and we’ll plant up your containers especially for you. April Hours: 10-5, Closed Sundays and Thursdays. May and June hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4

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

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

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

4. COTTAGE GARDEN GREENHOUSE

Skalkaho

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

Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds.

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

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

Sleeping Child RD

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

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

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

10. K&S GREENHOUSE

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

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

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

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

16. The Scented Garden and Greenhouse Owner Sandie Fleischmann 406-363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Hamilton (just of Grantsdale Road, 2 blocks Golf Course Road) Watch for the blue and gold signs. Open 10:30-4:30 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat, 11-3 Sunday. Organic, homegrown and hand cared for quality plants for all your gardening ing large hardy perennials, and bedding plants too numerous to mention. Gorgeous baskets, deck and container pots. Organic vegetables too! We give you ideas look, with color all year long, that adds quality to your home. Open for the season until October. If you haven’t seen our beautiful gardens, please stop by! You few gardening ideas.

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

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

Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds.

• Large selection of Montana hardy berry plants

• Locally grown annuals

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

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

• Tomatoes - 28 varieties of cherries, heirlooms & hybrids

• Vegetable starts from asparagus to zucchini

• Hanging baskets for sun or shade

• Perennials that will fourish in your landscape

• Select blooming and shade trees

Call or stop by with your ideas and questions today!

Now accepting VISA/MC.

5. SUPER 1 FOODS

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

Open 7 days a week.

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

6. STEVENSVILLE COUNTRY STORE

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

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

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

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

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

11. BITTERROOT NURSERY

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

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

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

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

Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds.

12. EVANS ACE HARDWARE

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

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

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

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

13. COOKS’ GARDENS, THE GREENHOUSE

363-0212

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

A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens ofers a selection of unique annuals, deer resistant perennials, grasses, succulents, over 30 varieties of tomatoes, other veggies, yard art and containers. Always friendly, always helpful, we can recommend the right combo for the right spot and we’ll plant up your containers especially for you.

April Hours: 10-5, Closed Sundays and Thursdays. May and June hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4

S. Kootenai Ck

Middle Burnt Fork Rd Miles Ave E. Tanner

Bitterroot Star - Spring in the Bitterroot

Book Review

Booked for the season

“The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning” by A.J. Jacobsc.2024, Crown Publishing

$30.00 304 pages

They say you have to fght for the right to party.

You also have the right to rant and the right to be wrong. You can belt “All Right Now” at full-blast, if the lyrics feel right, right now. You may have the right to turn right on a red light because you’re an upright citizen. And in the new book “The Year of Living Constitutionally” by A.J. Jacobs those are just a few of the things you got right.

New Yorkers aren’t used to seeing a guy in a tri-corner hat, carrying a musket, but if it meant living like our Founding Fathers, A.J. Jacobs was game.

His eforts started some years ago when he wrote a book, “The Year of Living Biblically,” and he noticed that the Bible had a lot in common with America’s Constitution. He’d once lived like a Levite; why not party like it’s 1787?

The frst order of business was to fnd and actually read the entire Constitution. It was a “revelation... just how much our lives are afected by this 4,543-word document inscribed on calfskin...” We’re afected so much so, even after 200-plus years, that today’s SCOTUS wrestles with centuries-old Constitutional verbiage to make modern laws. Mostly, Jacobs says, any interpretation depends on whether you prefer “living constitutionalism” or originalism. The former argues for adaptation; the latter, for literal interpretation.

Jacobs chose the latter, and living like Ben Franklin, so he learned to write with a quill pen with light from a beeswax candle. George Washington plied Virginia voters with gallons of spirits, and Jacobs appreciated the “liquid courage.” Jacobs tried to vote

out loud, but though a secret ballot isn’t a Constitutional right, it’s the law

by Terry Schlichenmeyer

today. He joined a re-enactment group and learned to shoot that musket. He took advantage of the free press and the right to assemble (in his living room). He “quartered” a soldier and petitioned Congress. And he determined that when it comes to our Constitution, “We the People” must be vigilant...

If ever there was a right time to read “The Year of Living Constitutionally,” it’s today. Our lives, our futures are being debated and decided now, in real time. It’s serious stuf. Or not so much, with author A.J. Jacobs at the wheel.

Who knew that history could be so fun? Jacobs makes it so, by bravely living like a Founding Father, even if it seemed embarrassing sometimes – and then he tells us about it.

Remember that guy in high school who’d accept any dare if there was a few bucks involved? Yeah, it’s kind of like that, only better because Jacobs also teaches his readers a thing or two about the years in which our Forefathers lived, and about a document that we can’t – and perhaps shouldn’t – stop talking about.

This is an enjoyable book, maybe a slight bit irreverent for certain readers, but surely full of humor and things you didn’t know. If you think you really need to read “The Year of Living Constitutionally,” well, you’re right.

Posting Date May 6, 2024

The Bookworm Sez, LLC

FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $4.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.

12 GA. SHOTGUN FOR SALE Remington 870 Wingmaster. Early 60’s model in good working condition. $300.00. I also have shells for sale too. Tim 760-271-3343.

BEAUTIFUL PUREBRED IRISH WOLFHOUND PUPPIES. Nice colors, male aNd female 1800.00. exceed staNdard ready. Jim 406-936-9633

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Get your deduction ahead of the year-end!

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Historic newspaper in Havre hiring for editor who leads by example, general assignment and sports reporters. Contact Joshua Wood at wood.saratogasun@gmail.com

Stevensville District Ranger announced

The Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor’s Ofce has announced that Seth Romocki is the new District Ranger for the Stevensville Ranger District. Romocki has worked for the Forest Service for 20 years, most recently as a Supervisory Forester and Timber Management Assistant on the Lolo National Forest in Missoula.

“Seth is a great leader and I’m excited to bring him to Stevensville as our new District Ranger,” said Matt Anderson, Bitterroot Forest Supervisor.

“With the wildfre crisis, forest health concerns, and increased recreation use, there are a lot of challenges on the Stevensville District, and Seth has the skills and abilities to work closely with our communities and partners to address them. He is coming to the district at a great time with a large portfolio of work on the verge of implementation. There will be a number of opportunities coming up for the community and public to meet Seth.”

As a Timber Management Assistant, Romocki worked with the

Montana DNRC to coordinate and implement Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) timber sales, as well as three projects for ski area expansions. He also served on the Missoula Chamber of Commerce Forest Resources Committee, working closely with the local timber industry, area businesses, and the community to help inform the public about land management and stewardship.

For six years, Seth led the Forest Service’s Northern Region Timber Strike Team, a national timber sale preparation workforce which provided crews and resources to national forests across the country. He previously served in a District Ranger detail position on the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho.

“I am really excited to get to work and meet with our staf, community, and partners,” said Romocki. “I look forward to fostering current relationships and building new ones as I begin my new position and continue the great work taking place on the Stevens-

ville District. I’m also looking forward to learning about all that the forest has to ofer and becoming more familiar with the places that make the Bitterroot NF such an amazing place.”

Seth and his wife Virginia, who is a nurse, enjoy anything outdoors -- skiing, camping, hunting, mountain biking, dirt biking, snowmobiling, and hiking with their two dogs. He is also the captain of a men’s league hockey team throughout the winter.

Seth graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Resource Management.

He starts his new position this week and replaces Steve Brown, who became the Darby-Sula District Ranger last fall.

WEST: group pulls together music stars in support of rodeo

Continued from page 1

doors and hunting, which he believes is where he shines. For him, it is surprising that more country music does not use this as a subject matter, given how much people try to orient their lives around the hunting season.

Laws is passionate about the old country music style of traditional storytelling, and said he seems to be seeing a comeback in that space.He believes that ties back into the American values Hudson wants to promote with this concert. According to Laws, these values come back to “patriotism, God and community. Really, people helping people.”

That last element, including people and honesty, means a lot to Laws. The young artist said he puts a lot of stock in good old fashioned integrity, and looks for that in the places he plays in. He believes there is a lot to be said about avoiding big corporate money, and making deals on a simple handshake. For him, “that trust weighs heavily on if I will come back and play a venue again,” said Laws.

This will be a huge opportunity for Laws to play with these other stars.

“I’m super blessed and grateful for this opportunity,” said Laws. He is amazed that there are not more Montana born country music stars, with the state being “so iconically country.”

These stories are what Hudson believes tie in to the importance of rodeo, and why he and others want to make it the state sport. As with music, and the personal journey to fnd oneself in the world, Hudson believes rodeo does this for young people. According to Hudson, many farm and ranch kids often do not see notoriety in any other space. Many may not play sports, or have time for after school extracurricular activities. Hudson also believes that a huge percentage of youth that compete in rodeo when they are young will continue into the sport, both professionally, or signifcantly throughout their lives. They often do this through horse-back riding, ranch work or even organizing rodeo events and working directly in the

TERRY NELSON’S RECOMMENDED PRIMARY ELECTION BALLOT

PRECINCT CAPTAINS

PCT 12 COMMITTEEMAN

MIKE SWANSON

PCT 12 COMMITTEEWOMAN HELEN SABIN

PCT 13 COMMITTEEMAN JEFF SCHLAGEL

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PCT 14 COMITTEEWOMAN CARRIE RUSK

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sport. The same cannot be said about traditional sports, where only 0.023% of student athletes will go on to play professionally, according to a study done by Ohio State University.

In rodeo, “anyone can participate,” said Hudson. He says that if a person wants to come down of the stands and pay the entrance fee, they can hop on a horse and give their best try. Though this may be ill advised for many, Hudson said this illustrates the point. “Rodeo exemplifes the spirit of America,” said Hudson, which cannot always be said about other sports where a player has to make a team to become recognized. In contrast, rodeo is an individual sport, where anyone can try and can have pride in what they accomplish. When asked about what this means to kids, Hudson believes this personal accomplishment provides for the growth of self esteem and fnding relevance in

“What can a kid do these days to be relevant?” said Hudson. He said rodeo is something that fosters personal growth, and fts with his organization’s initiative of “saving the American West,” and those traditional ideals. They hope the proceeds from this concert will help their organization gather signatures in the push to name rodeo as Montana’s state sport. “I think it’s the education of the youth that saves our country and saves our western way of life,” said Hudson.

The concert will take place at the Darby Rodeo grounds on May 11 at 6 p.m. Laws may be starting the event of early, according to Hudson, who wants to feature upcoming talent. The gates will open at 4 p.m. General admission will be $35, and VIP tables are available for eight persons at $1,000. Tickets are available online at darbyrodeo.org.

More information about Hudson’s

PUBLIC NOTICE OF SURPLUS SALE

Town of Stevensville is conducting a surplus sale.

All items are bid on through a closed bid process.

Viewing of the items and placing of bids will take place the week of 5/13, 14, 15, 16 (9am-4pm) -5/17/24 (9am12pm). Bidding is closed at 12:00 pm on 5/17/24. Opening of bids for items will take place at the regularly scheduled town council meeting on 5/23/2024 at 6:30 pm, Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870. Bid forms are located at town hall. List of items on the website through the following link: https://www.townofstevensville.com/administration/ page/public-notice-surplus-sale

Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk

BS 4/24/24, 5/8/24 MNAXLP

NOTICE OF RFP’S

The Town of Stevensville is currently advertising the following Requests for Proposals for contracted services:

• Audit Services for FY23/24, FY 24/25, FY25/26. Proposals due 5/22/24 at 5:00 pm.

• Towing Services for 2 years. Proposals due 5/22/24 at 5:00 pm. Opening of RFP’s will take place at the regular scheduled town council meeting on 5/23/2024 at 6:30 pm, Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870

Interested frms and companies can fnd additional information about the RFP’s on the Town of Stevensville’s website at: www.townofstevensville. com/rfps<http://www.townofstevensville.com/rfps>

Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 4/24, 5/8/24

Return To: Kevin S. Jones Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S

SALE

To be sold for cash at Trustee’s Sale on August 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at the Ravalli County Courthouse, north entrance, main foor lobby, located at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, all of Trustee’s right, title and interest to the following-described real property situated in Ravalli County, Montana: A tract of land in the SE1/4 of Section 11, Township 10 North, Range 19 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as Tract 11-5-B, Certifcate of Survey No. 2839. Bianca Kinsey and James Kinsey, as Grantors, conveyed the real property to First American Title Company, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Washington Mutual Bank, as the original Benefciary, by Deed of Trust dated December 8, 1997, and recorded December 15, 1997, as Instrument No. 428490, records of the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder. The Benefciary’s interest in the Deed of Trust was assigned to Personal Investment, Inc. by Assignment recorded December 20, 2017, as Instrument No. 716380, records of the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder. A Substitution of Trustee designating Kevin S. Jones as Successor Trustee was recorded March 29, 2024, as Instrument No. 794888, records of the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder.

The default of the obligation, the performance of which is secured by the aforementioned Trust Indenture, and for which default of this foreclosure is made, is for failure to pay the monthly payments as and when due.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Trust Indenture, the Benefciary has exercised, and hereby exercises, its option to declare the full amount secured by such Trust Indenture immediately due and payable. There presently is due on said obligation the principal sum of $116,466.44, plus accrued interest of $28,129.99, late charges of $1,996.02, and escrow fees of $7,252.45, for a total amount due of $153,844.90, plus the costs of foreclosure, attorney’s fees, trustee’s fees, escrow closing fees, and other accruing costs. The Benefciary has elected, and does hereby

elect, to sell the above-described property to satisfy the obligation referenced above.

The Benefciary declares that the Grantor is in default as described above and demands that the Trustee sell the property described above in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Notice.

DATED 4th day of April, 2024.

/s/ Kevin S. Jones, Trustee STATE OF MONTANA) )ss . County of Missoula) On this 4th day of April, 2024, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public for the State of Montana, personally appeared Kevin S. Jones, Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year frst above written.

/s/ Christy Shipp Notary Public for the State of Montana Residing at Missoula, MT. My commission expires May 07, 2025. BS 4-24, 5-1, 5-8-24. MNAXLP

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

Attorneys for Petitioner MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MYRON ELDON ELLIOTT II, Deceased. Probate No. DP-24-39 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

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

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

DATED this 16th day of April, 2024. /s/ Diana L. Neaves

MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC

By: Megan S. Winderl

Attorney for Personal Representative BS BS 4-24, 5-1, 5-8-24. MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Stella Tara Holm, Ashley Burgett, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-2024-17 Dept. No.: NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Stella Tara Holm to Stella Sue Burgett.

The hearing will be on May 30, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 22nd day of April, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Kimberly Provence

Deputy Clerk of Court BS 5-1, 5-8, 5-15, 5-22-24. MNAXLP

David T. Markette

MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 South First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com Attorneys for Petitioner MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ANNIE A. YENNE, Deceased. Probate No. DP-41-20240000042-IT Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

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

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

DATED this 26th day of April, 2024. /s/ Randy Maxwell MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC

By: David T. Markette

Attorney for Personal Representative

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

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

The Ravalli County Fairgrounds will be accepting proposals for:

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

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

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

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

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

3. Possible Bid Award will be made by the Ravalli County Commissioners in the Conference Room on Wednesday May 15, 2024 at 9:30 AM.

Please note: Once the Ravalli County Commissioners award the bid, the bid awardee will be required to provide the following to Ravalli County Fairgrounds Ofce PRIOR TO the deconstruction and removal:

Payment of purchase (bid amount)

Insurance coverage, to include naming Ravalli County as additional insured

Obtain a demolition permit from the City of Hamilton $50.00 (406-363-3316) The Ravalli County Commissioners reserve the right to accept or reject any or all bids.

Chris Taggart

Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 5-1, 5-8-24.

MNAXLP

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

Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF EDWARD K. PERKINS, Deceased. Case No.: DP-24-40 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Terry V. Perkins, P.O. Box 537, Stevensville, Montana 59870, return receipt requested, or fled with the

Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 29th day of April, 2024.

/s/ Terry V. Perkins, Personal Representative State of Montana ) : ss County of Ravalli )

The attached record, Notice to Creditors, consisting of one (1) page, was signed before me on April 29, 2024 by Terry V. Perkins. /s/ Kaynie Nuttall Notary Public for the State of Montana Residing at Corvallis, Montana

My commission expires October 03, 2025.

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

MNAXLP

OG-24-05-170

LEGAL NOTICE

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

BS 5-8-24.

MNAXLP

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-3181 email: wmziplip@gmail. com MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: JAMES B. PETERSON, Deceased.

Cause No. DP-41-2024-19

Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Eric B. Peterson, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 1st day of May 2024. /s/ Eric B. Peterson Personal Representative BS 5-8, 5-15, 5-22-24. MNAXLP

Daniel Browder, Esq. BROWDER LAW, PLLC 217 N. 3rd St., Ste. J Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: 406-361-3677 Fax: 406-361-2999 browderlawmont@gmail. com Attorney for Mark Porter MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LAWRENCE DEAN PORTER, Deceased. Case No. DP-2024-48 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Mark Porter, return receipt requested, ℅: Browder Law PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 6th day of May, 2024. BROWDER LAW, PLLC

/s/ Daniel Browder, Attorney for Mark Porter, Personal Representative BS 5-8, 5-15, 5-22-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE

The 2nd half of the 2023 Real Estate Taxes are due payable before 5 PM, May 31, 2024. We have a Night Drop located at North end of Administration Building in drive thru. Mailed payments, must be postmarked by May 31, 2024 or the payment will be returned for penalty and interest. Please make checks payable to the Ravalli County Treasurer. Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express cards are accepted. Also accepting online payments at www. Ravalli.us/196/Property-Tax. Paying with Credit/Debit card will include a 2.15% convenience fee and $1.25 Transaction Fee.

Ravalli County Treasurer

Dan Whitesitt 215 S 4th St Ste H Hamilton MT 59840 406-375-6600

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

NOTICE The frst half of the 2024 Mobile Home Taxes are due payable before 5 pm May 31, 2024. We have a Night Drop located at North end of Administration Building in drive thru. Mailed payments must be postmarked by May 31, 2024 or the payment will be returned for penalty and interest.

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

Ravalli.us/196/Property-Tax.

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

Ravalli County Treasurer Dan Whitesitt 215 S 4th St Ste H Hamilton MT 59840 406-375-6600

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

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

TO:

Occupant, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

Thomas N. Buchanan, 577

Main St., Victor, MT 59875

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

Patrisha P. Buchanan, 577

Main St., Victor, MT 59875

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

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

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

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

Farmers State Bank of Montana, 103 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

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

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

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

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000365 and Tax Code Parcel No. 876910 as follows: Lot 5, Block 10, Victor, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

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

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

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

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

TAXES: $ 721.16

PENALTY: $ 47.59

INTEREST: $ 146.66

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $1,196.31

6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total

amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 2, 2024, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

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

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

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

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

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

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

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

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

Occupant, 1830 Hickory St., Pinesdale, MT 59841 Heirs of Vance Allred, 1830 Hickory St., Pinesdale, MT 59841 Vance Allred, ℅ Rick Jessop, P.O. Box 410193, Pinesdale, MT 59841-0193 Unifed Industries, Inc. P.O. Box 410149, PInesdale, MT 59841-0149 Unifed Industries, Inc., attn. Glen Allred, 1242 W 165820 S, Blufdale, UT 84065 Unifed Industries, Inc., ℅ Mark L. Jessop, Registered Agent, 1340 Main, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Erin Allred, 571 14th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Brenda Andra, 1680 Teak Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Chad Andra, 1680 Teak Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Michael Fehr,1639 Dogwood Drive, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Mike Fehr, 1531 Spruce Street, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Shalae Herbert, 300 Shady Brooke Dr., Pinesdale, MT 59841 Wendy Herbert, 410 W 28th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Ben Jessop, 207 32nd Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 James Jessop, 500 East 12th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Leon Jessop, 379 Shady Brooke Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Lisa Jessop, 730 W 30th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Micki Jessop, 302 Shady Brooke Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59841

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

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

Paula Jessop, 720 W 30th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Gary Lee, 199 14th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59840 Peggy Lynch, 1388 Elm St, PInesdale, MT 59840 Joyce Mousley, 351 E 16th St., Pinesdale, MT 59841

John Powell, 151 27th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841 Stephen Stoker, 1047 30th St., Pinesdale, MT 59840 LaDaun Venema, 405 28th St., Pinesdale MT 59841 Nathan Venema, 799 W 30th St., Pinesdale, MT 59841 Rodney Venema, 373 Shady Brook Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59840

Sterling Venema, 2740

Meadow Creek Rd., Pinesdale, MT 59841 Sterling Venema, 405 28th Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841

Legals

Brook Lane, Pinesdale, MT 59840

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana

Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

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

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000640 and Tax Code Parcel No. 1494900 as follows: Improvements to the Real Property described below:

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

Deed Reference: Book 27 Deeds, page 137.

EXCEPTING THEREFROM:

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

A tract of land located in the SW¼ of Section 27, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, being more particularly described as Parcel A, Certifcate of Survey No. 724078-R.

A tract of land located in the NW¼ of Section 34, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, being more particularly described as Parcel A, Certifcate of Survey No. 717595-R.

That tract of land defned by Book 119 Deeds, page 475. That tract of land defned by Book 173 Deeds, page 880. Street address: 1830 Hickory Street, Pinesdale, MT 59841.

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

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

4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022. 5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $3,828.82

PENALTY: $ 490.32 INTEREST: $ 779.28 COST: $ 281.57

TOTAL: $5,379.99

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

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

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

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

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

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy. DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024.

By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103

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

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY TO: Occupant, 218 Werth Ln., Hamilton, MT 59840

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic

Registration Systems, Inc., 1901 E. Voorhees Street, Suite C, Danville, IL 61834 (“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., 3300 SW 34th Avenue, Suite 101, Ocala, FL 34474 (“MERS”) Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., 1818 Library St., Ste 300, Reston, VA 20190-628 Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000333 and Tax Code Parcel No. 783610 as follows: Lot 57, Werth Addition No. 3, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial plat recorded March 8, 1946.

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

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

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

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

TAXES: $ 963.03

PENALTY: $ 62.99

INTEREST: $ 195.66

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $1,502.58

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

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

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

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

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

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

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

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

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

MNAXLP

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

Occupant, 466 Queens Way, Hamilton, MT 59840

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marlene Y. Morris, 1402 Auburn Way N, Suite 2, Auburn, WA 98002

Marlene Y. Morris, 1402 Auburn Way N, Suite 387, Auburn, WA 98002

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

Larry A. Morris, 1402 Auburn Way N, Suite 387, Auburn, WA 98002

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

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

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

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000086 and Tax Code Parcel No. 179900 as follows: A tract of land in the NW¼NW¼ of Section 35, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as Tract 2, Certifcate of Survey No. 2109. Street address: 466 Queens Way, Hamilton, MT 59840.

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

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

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

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

TAXES: $ 4,193.99

PENALTY: $ 237.95

INTEREST: $ 792.12

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $5,504.96

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

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

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

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

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

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

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

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

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

MNAXLP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate No. 2020000162 and Tax Code Parcel No. 353200 as follows:

Lot 2, Iron Cap Ranches No. 1, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial plat recorded January 12, 1973, as Instrument No. 195693. Street address: 1209 Iron Cap Drive, Stevensville, MT 59870.

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

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

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

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

TAXES: $2,141.72

PENALTY: $ 139.67

INTEREST: $ 425.34

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $2,987.63

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

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

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

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

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

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

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

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

By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT,

Continued on next page

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

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

TO:

Occupant, 577 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

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

Thomas N. Buchanan, P.O. Box 104, Victor, MT 59875-0104

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

Patrisha P. Buchanan, P.O. Box 104, Victor, MT 59875-0104

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

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

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

Farmers State Bank of Montana, 103 Main St., Victor, MT 59875

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

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

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

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

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

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

TAXES: $ 721.16

PENALTY: $ 47.59

INTEREST: $ 146.66

COST: $ 280.90

TOTAL: $1,196.31

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

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

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

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

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

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

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

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

By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103 Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-8, 5-15-24. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY TO: NO OCCUPANT Ryan Duarte, 492 Roaring Lion, Hamilton, MT 59840 Ryan Duarte, 116 Alberta Way, Victor, MT 59875-9406 Catherine Duarte, 492 Roaring Lion, Hamilton, MT 59840 Catherine Duarte, 116 Alberta Way, Victor, MT 59875-9406 Amerisave Mortgage Corporation, 3525 Piedmont Rd NE, 8 Piedmont Center, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30305 Amerisave Mortgage Corporation, 1200 Altmore Avenue, Building 2, Suite 300, Sandy Springs, GA 3034 Amerisave Mortgage Corporation, c/o Corporation Service Company, 26 W Sixth Ave., Helena, MT 59624-1691

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

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

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

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

20190-6280

Westcor Land Title Insurance Company, 875 Concourse Parkway South,, Suite 200, Maitland, FL 3275 Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000391 and Tax Code Parcel No. 936890 as follows: A tract of land located in the SW¼NE¼ of Section 30, Township 8 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana and being more particularly described as Parcel B, Certifcate of Survey No. 4322-A. 2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2020.

3. The property tax lien was attached on August 2, 2021. 4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on September 23, 2021.

5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is: TAXES: $ 609.60 PENALTY: $ 38.48 INTEREST: $ 127.96

COST: $ 280.90 TOTAL: $1,056.94

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

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

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

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

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

3. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy. DATED at Billings, Montana this 8th day of May 2024. By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

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

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

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

Harold W. Sealund, 16639 Lawson Valley Rd, Jamul, CA 91935-2417 Harold W. Sealund, 4831 W 31st Ln, Yuma, AZ 85364-7413

Ronald E. Beidler, c/o Harold W. Sealund, 16639 Lawson Valley Rd, Jamul, CA 91935-2417 Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840

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

1. As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2020000466 and Tax Code Parcel No. 1070100 as follows: The S½ of N½ of N½ of NW¼ of Section 23, Township 3 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana lying easterly of east line of the North Fork of Rye Creek Road (also known as the Little Sleeping Child Fork of Rye Creek Road, Forest Services Project #321). Recording Refence Book 132 of Deeds, page 383.

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

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

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

5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is: TAXES: $ 555.00

PENALTY: $ 33.23

INTEREST: $ 99.66

COST: $ 280.90 TOTAL: $ 968.79

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

7. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 2, 2024, which is the date the redemp-

HORSES: group wants to help new horse owners

Continued from page 3

ing of the animals. The Montana Horse Sanctuary helps get the funding and aids agencies in applying for grants to care for “horses in crisis” in Montana, said Heath.

For Nalls, the issue is close to her heart as well. She volunteers with an organization called the Five Valleys Pony Club. Through that program she works with both youth and adults, and deals with horses and their owners at all ages. She has noticed more people attempting ownership that are asking basic questions about it. Those questions keep coming, and Nalls realized that it may be a growing issue across the valley.

“There’s a need for this education, and for it to be given publicly,” said Nalls.

Nalls reached out to the sanctuary seeking to do a class that might help new horse owners, or prospective horse owners, see what it takes to buy and care for equines of all kinds. She described the class as beneftting, “people moving here from out of town who don’t know about horses but want to have them.” Heath jumped at the opportunity, as their organization had already been considering the idea.

Nalls commented that “there’s not much in the way of courses on the basics of ownership.” For Nalls, it is important to “educate them frst so they don’t have problems down the road.”

Interested parties can sign up at

tion period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

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

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

1. The address of the interested party is unknown.

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

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

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

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN

TAX MT, LLC

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

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

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

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

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

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

98362

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

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

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

montanahorsesanctuary.org. Once on the site, parties can go to the education page where they will fnd information about the courses. The classes will be $50 for adults, and $25 for youth accompanied by an adult.

The partnership is trying to keep the costs down in order to keep the opportunity available for everyone.

“We make no proft, but we don’t intend to. We wanted to make these classes available to as many horse owners as possible,” said Heath.

These classes will start inside a classroom setting, with nothing hands on. The frst stage is meant to focus on the “getting started” portion, beginning with buying a horse. Nalls will teach these courses, speaking during this frst section on the entire process of getting a horse. This will include the costs, avoiding scams and fnding a horse that fts the owner’s needs. It will go into the reality of the venture, and will spare no detail. The goal is to give students a realistic idea of what owning a horse really entails. Nalls stated that ownership may not be for everybody and they need to know that before it negatively afects the health of a horse.

The second class will be on how to set up a property for a horse, and will focus on the actual care, health and management of horses. Nalls hopes these classes will give new owners a good start on horses. Both women hope there will be an interest in the

98362

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

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

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

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

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

A tract of land being a portion of Tracts A, B and D, of Homestead Entry Survey No. 946 located in Section 32, Township 2 North, Range 18 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana and being more particularly described as Parcel 4, Certifcate of Survey No. 4207A. Street address: 1554 East Fork Road, Sula, MT 59871.

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

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

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

5. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is: TAXES: $3,898.06 PENALTY: $ 232.82 INTEREST: $ 702.82 COST: $ 280.90 TOTAL: $5,114.60

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valley for these classes, and if there is then they would like to make these a regular occurrence. Eventually, they are discussing the idea of providing more oferings throughout the year. They even hope it can grow to the point where they turn to doing some courses virtually, open to the nation for everyone. According to both Nalls and Heath, they believe there are nationwide trends toward self-reliance, and the “farm lifestyle” is becoming more mainstream. Their hope is to provide this education so that everyone has the potential to be excellent horse owners, and to prevent horse

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

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

8. The business address and telephone number of

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

1. The address of the inter-

abuse.

The frst classes will be May 18 and 19, and are open to anyone who wants to register and attend. They hope this can be a strong early start for anyone who may fnd a passion in living with horses.

Heath is excited to work with Nalls, saying, “Leslie has a lot of experience and I admire her curriculum.” For Heath, everything they want to achieve is, all in the interest of the horse, and in the safety of the human.”

“Working on this class together has been awesome,” said Heath. “Horses ofer a lifetime of learning.”

ested party is unknown.

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

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

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

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Notice is hereby given that on the 4th day of June, 2024, the following ballot issues will appear on the Federal Primary Election ballot:

• Ravalli County Local Government Review and Funding (Precincts 1-25)

• Town of Darby Local Government Review and Funding (Precinct 3 Town)

• City of Hamilton Local Government Review and Funding (Precincts 8-10) Town of Pinesdale Local Government Review (Precinct 15)

• Town of Stevensville Local Government Review and Funding (Precinct 21)

All electors, as defined in Title 13, who reside in Ravalli County, are eligible to vote in the election.

An elector can request an absentee ballot by submitting a request to the Election Administrator. Absentee ballots for this election can be obtained until noon on June 3, 2024.

For electors who miss the close of registration deadline, late registration is available through the office of the County Election Administrator until noon on June 3, 2024.

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

Beginning at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Election Day, June 4, 2024, absentee 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 p.m.

Dated this 1st day of May, 2024

Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

Display

The Montana Horse Sanctuary logo on one of the group shirts. Photo by John Dowd.

by Kristin Kruse

The word “transparency” was the common theme as four candidates for the Stevensville School Board participated in a forum on Monday, April 29. American Legion Fort Owen Post 94 sponsored the forum and had prepared questions for each candidate to answer before opening up the foor to the public for questioning. Each person had three minutes to answer each question. Candidates included Nathan Bean, Mandy Conrad, Anne Marie Overstreet and Fran Schmitz.

When asked what was most important to them if elected, all candidates

spoke of “transparency” between the school board, administration and the community. Bean, a Stevensville High School graduate and local business owner, stated, “I’d like the school to get back to being a powerhouse academically. There seems to be a ‘secret society’ mentality within the current board, and I’d like to see that change. I would also like to get the community more involved.”

Another question that candidates were asked was, “What do you see as the most signifcant issues facing the board?” Schmitz answered, “Budget and teachers’ pay. There have been challenges due to enrollment that

impact the budget. Teachers’ pay needs to be part of the budget, it is important to keep quality teachers and pay them enough so they can focus on their job.”

Schmitz mentioned that several teachers are forced to have multiple jobs. Conrad, who has two sons in school, also spoke of the budget and teachers’ pay. “When enrollment is up, there’s more money in the budget. We need to focus on staf retention and recruitment. Right now it’s too easy to leave.”

Conrad has served on the baseball board, and stated that she has an understanding of funding and budgets. Overstreet, who is a certifed teacher and has served on a charter school board, said, “I am pro public education and I want to be part of the solution. There are a lot of problems to solve. I

have a passion for curriculum, it needs to be prioritized. The barriers of communication with the school board need to come down.”

Other topics of the night included bullying, gender identifcation in the school, community involvement and student accountability

“I was pleased with the agenda and I thought the questions were good,” stated Kay Gibbons with the American Legion. She also said, “A lot of these questions were hard to answer unless you have been a board member. Candidates did a good job answering to their ability.”

Gibbons hopes to facilitate these types of forums in the future. “Now it’s up to the public to get out there and vote!”

Electric Co-op receives funding for battery energy storage system

Ravalli Electric Cooperative (REC), in partnership with Pacifc Northwest Generating Cooperative (PNGC), is set to embark on an experimental project to enhance its energy reliability and resilience with a new battery storage system, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The grant funding, made possible by the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supports clean energy projects in rural communities. The project is aimed at providing critical backup power during outages and helping mitigate and ofset energy demand during peak times of use.

PNGC received $4.9 mil-

lion for the project and plans include installing a battery energy storage system at REC’s Woodside Substation serving Victor and Pinesdale. This initiative directly aligns with the cooperative’s commitment to sustainability and supporting its local community. The total storage amount will be one megawatt, which is enough generation to power approximately 800 home for four hours.

“We are excited and thankful for the opportunity to work with the grant funds and PNGC to utilize and integrate this battery storage system,” said REC CEO & General Manager Mark Grotbo. “Having this battery system

as a backup power option allows us to implement this new technology in the event of extended power outages, plus help ofset the demand on our system during normal operations.”

“This grant makes a project like this even possible, and partnering with REC on a battery storage system is an incredible way to directly beneft their local community,” said Jessica Matlock,

Artists Along the Bitterroot

Artists Along the Bitterroot will hold a Studio Tour and Art Sale in the Bitterroot Valley on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 31, June 1 and June 2.

Artists Along the Bitterroot is a coalition of artists that offer a unique opportunity to explore an artist’s workspace, view demonstrations and learn more about their tools and sources of inspiration. Tour the Bitterroot Valley’s finest art studios, only minutes away from beautiful hiking trails, fishing, scenic views, and local brews

Twenty-six artists working in a wide range of mediums are open -

ing their studios to visitors of all ages. Meet the artists, experience their working spaces and learn their stories! Artists’ mediums include sterling silver, glasswork, photography, printmaking, woodworking, encaustic mixed media, leather art, concrete sculpting, silk painting, pottery, digital drawing, sculpture, oil, pastel acrylic and watercolor painting.

Enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Bitterroot Valley as you take the Artists Along the Bitterroot Studio Tour and Art Sale May31 and June 1-2. For map and more information go to artistsalongthebitterroot.com.

President and CEO of PNGC. “Promoting clean energy projects in rural communities is exactly what these grant funds are intended for and we’re happy to work with REC to put this grant to good use.”

This project represents a signifcant step towards building a more resilient and reliable energy grid for the beneft of REC members and the surrounding community.

Annual workday at Fort Owen

The annual workday and meeting of the membership of the Friends of Fort Owen (501-3c) will be held on Thursday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be served. All current, former, and prospective members are welcome, as well as anyone who is interested in learning more about Fort Owen State Park.

just come for lunch and the membership meeting.

Work will include washing the windows and oiling the windowsills, boardwalk, foors, and the Wagner Cabin. The work will help prepare the park for the summer season and for the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony (scheduled for June 8 at 11 a.m.) to celebrate the completion of restoration and installation of the new interpretive exhibits.

Come dressed for work and bring gloves, wear a sun or rain hat and sturdy shoes. If you can’t make the work session, you are still welcome to

After lunch there will be a quick update and a business meeting. The board wants to hear your comments and suggestions for future activities. Possible ideas range from completing repairs to the entrance walls and constructing ghost bastions, to supporting living history programs, archival work, speakers series, school programs, and providing on-site volunteers.

Now that Friends of Fort Owen has accomplished what it originally set out to do when it was formed in 2018, the group is seeking new board members to help chart a new path for the organization as the Park enters a new operational era. If you are interested in becoming a new board member, contact Margaret Gorski, 406-552-2072.

Candidates Nathan Bean, Fran Schmitz, Mandy Conrad and Anne Marie Overstreet.

Photo by Krsitin Kruse.

Legion hosts Kay Gibbons and Ed Sperry. Photo by Kristin Kruse.