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

’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B ‘The

Volume XXXV, Number 48

All about bitterroots

www.bitterrootstar.com

Find the latest updates and information on the COVID-19 pandemic at www.bitterrootstar.com Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Stevi approves water & sewer connection without annexation By Michael Howell

The Stevensville Town Council balked once again at annexing a 26-acre parcel of land next to the Town of Stevensville’s well field and instead approved the connection of the future residence on the property to the town’s water and sewer system without annexation while they “research the issue” of annexation. Discussion of the annexation request began with a couple of questions from Councilor Jaime Devlin who asked what precautions were being taken to ensure the town’s water quality was being protected and what steps

were being taken to protect the pond and wetlands located on the property. John Kellogg from PCI Engineering, who is helping property owner Jesse Reeves navigate through the town’s annexation process, told the council that each of the town’s wells was protected by an established zone and all lie within the town’s ownership on town property. He said the wells were also over 400 feet deep and that the wells were also protected by state rules and regulations from negative impacts. He said the best protection for the town’s wells at this point was to annex the property and zone it under C-2. He said

as far as the pond goes, the water right permit for the pond is for fish and wildlife and those are the values protected by the permitting system. Mayor Brandon Dewey clarified for the council that its options in response to the request included annexing and zoning into C-2; C-2 with conditions, or Residential, or with whatever interim conditions they may propose. Councilor Dempsey Vick moved to approve annexation under Interim R-1 zoning that would allow Reeves to run his home-based construction business. See STEVI, page 3

Stevensville recall election set

Johnny “Bitterroot” Stroud has a passion for all things Bitterroot, especially the bitterroot flower (Lewisia rediviva) that our valley is named after. Stroud works tirelessly to ensure the survival of this unique plant. Stroud needs help to collect bitterroot seeds this season. The plants bloom the first three weeks of June. Seeds get harvested three weeks after they bloom. John will teach anyone interested how to do this. Call 880-8286 or 777-5054. John doesn’t sell these seeds; he gives them away in order to make sure the bitterroot plant will not become extinct. He’s shown here at the Stevensville Farmers Market, sharing his knowledge of the Montana state flower with anyone who will listen. Victoria Howell photo.

The Special Election to Recall Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey is scheduled for August 4, 2020. Registration for the election will close at 5 p.m. on July 6, 2020. Dewey has submitted his response to the recall allegations. The recall petition alleges that Dewey violated Montana law, and municipal code and his oath of office by making an illegal contract deal for the town’s IT services without council approval. The mayor’s response, which will appear on the ballot along with the recall language, reads: “The Mayor did not violate Montana Law, Stevensville Code, or his oath in authorizing the purchase of IT services needed for the Town. The Town’s Attorney investigated and determined that all purchasing activities were done legally and compliant with laws. “Montana law has a process for bidding when dealing with “other than professional, technical, engineering, or legal services.” This process does not apply to IT services. According to MCA 7-5-4301 contracts for professional, technical, engineer-

ing, or legal services are excluded from certain provisions. “The Council adopted a Purchasing Policy in 2014 to delegate authority to departments and the Mayor for purchases in varying dollar amounts. Though this policy, the Council puts trust in the Mayor to spend within the budget without direct oversight. “The purchasing policy states that for other professional services, including non-construction services totaling between $1,501 - $25,000 per agreement, purchases contained in the current fiscal year budget …, Department Supervisor’s need only get confirmation by the Mayor prior to purchasing.” “With Council’s approval in the 2019-2020 Budget, the services totaling less than $25,000 in FY2019-2020 was consented to by the Town Council. The Council had authorized several payments to the vendor after the Mayor authorized the purchase.” If Stevensville residents miss the regular registration deadline, they may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office up to

By then, the family had expanded and expanded again. Now David Huls worked the farm along with his father, milking cows, raising hay and grain, and kids. The dairy became a ‘Grade A’ dairy, according to Tim Huls, one of David and Jennie’s sons. “I don’t know if it was the first but it was one of the first Grade A dairies in the valley,” said Tim. The milk was sold to the Missoula Community Creamery at that time. There were quite a number of Grade A dairies in the Corvallis area and so they formed Western Dairy Lines and sold their milk to Safeway in Butte for several years. Other plants that Huls Dairy shipped its milk to over the years were the cheese factory in Corvallis, the Creamery in Stevensville, Ravalli County Creamery in Hamilton, and for the past 35 years, Country Classic Dairies Co-Op in Bozeman. Dave and Jennie’s family grew as the dairy grew. Dan, Bruce, Tim, Julie, and Jeff joined their parents in working on the farm. All graduates of Corvallis High School, some went off to college. But, as properties around the dairy were put up for sale, the boys purchased these acreages and came home to work. The work was divided up according to the property purchased as well as who

was more suited to do the different duties. Dan and Bruce handled much of the farming, planting, irrigating and harvesting alfalfa and grain. In 1977, Dave and Jennie purchased Howe’s Creamery in Hamilton. They continued the tradition of making great ice cream. In addition, they added the Hamilton House bottled milk and a full line of dairy products. That same year, Tim and Jeff purchased the home place and continued on with the milking. There is more to milking cows than just milking them. Baby calves must be fed, replacement heifers raised and ongoing breeding. There are a lot of records to keep on all the cattle so that the best cows are kept and they are milking to their best effort. Tim’s wife, Trudy, handled much of the cattle management and then became the bookkeeper for the business. Dave passed away in 1985 in an auto accident but the family continued on with the dairy. In 1990, the farm was incorporated into Huls Dairy, Inc. with Dan, Bruce, Tim and Jeff as the owners. The property that each of the boys owned was then leased by the corporation and the property owned as tenants in common was transferred to the ownership of Huls Dairy Inc., according to

and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, they can complete and submit a voter registration card, but will need to return in person to the Ravalli County Election Office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. All qualified active and inactive electors of the Town of Stevensville are entitled to vote in said election. Ballots will be mailed to Active Electors only on July 15, 2020. If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot. Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Ravalli County Election Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the Ravalli County Election Office.

‘Another one’s gone’ – Huls Dairy stops milking By Jean Schurman

The last cow was milked on Memorial Day at the Huls Dairy barn located on Simpson Lane, northeast of Corvallis. It was the end of an era that began in 1910 when Spencer Smith Huls and his wife, Inez, began milking cows on the farm located on Sutherland

Lane, directly west of the current dairy location. The dairy at that time was a Grade B dairy which meant that the cream was more valuable as it was used for butter and ice cream. The remaining liquid, whey, was then fed to hogs on the farm. In 1924, A. Spencer Huls, Inez and Spencer, along with his

wife, Marie Sutherland, joined the family farm and continued farming and milking. In 1948, Spencer and his son, Dave, continued the tradition of a family partnership and began working together. The dairy continued operating this way until the early 1950’s when the rules governing milk production changed.

This family photo hangs on the wall of the milking barn at Huls Dairy along with many other awards and family photos. Shown are Dave and Jennie Huls with their children: Tim, Jeff, Julie, Bruce, and Dan.

hulsdairy.com. Working closely with family can be a good thing or it can be a bad experience. Dan said his dad had showed them how to get along and how important it was for each of them to communicate with one another. “It’s not for everyone,” concluded Dan. The next few years was a time of expansion and improvements for the dairy. They purchased the property just to the east of the main farmstead and built a new milking barn, one that was state-of-the-art. The milking barn not only was a milking barn but also the data center for the entire dairy. Each cow had an ID and they were tracked for how much they were eating as well as how much milk they were giving. The old dairy on Sutherland Road became the nursery and place for the younger heifers. Among the many awards they received over the years, the 2000 Montana Family Business of the Year award is probably one of their most coveted. They received the award from Montana State University in the oldest family business category. The Huls family then set upon their next project, the waste management system consisting of a methane digester, settling See HULS DAIRY, page 2

Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Huls Dairy continued

pond with gravity flow irrigation supplementation, solids separation facility and a generator system for heat and power. The project was completed in 2008. The by-product of this, the solids, was bagged and marketed throughout the valley as Afterburner Boost. This garden and lawn fertilizer was also available in bulk. Dan ran this part of the operation for the most part. “There have been times that a 100 pounds of compost has been worth more than 100 pounds of milk,” said Dan. However, as Tim put it, the secret to any successful farmer is a wife who works in town. Dan’s wife, Joan, had worked in Hamilton for many years. Jeff also worked off the farm for Ravalli Electric Co-op. Bruce had passed away in 2010 and their sister, Julie Huls Zsupnik passed away in 2003. Everyone was getting older and it

didn’t seem as if any of the next generation wanted to take on the operation. Expenses have grown and grown but the income has not, said Tim. For the last few years, the milk has been transported to Bozeman to the Dairy Cooperative. This is a farmer-owned co-op with about 600 dairy farmers in the Northwest as members. The freight costs for 270 miles to the plant are expensive and there are more and more hoops to jump through all of the time. The decision to stop milking cows didn’t come easily. Not only was family involved but so were about eight others, the milkers, who would lose their income. “It’s a ripple effect,” said Tim. “Now we won’t be needing the feed stores as much, or equipment, and on down the line.” Dan said the decision to cease milking was a difficult one to make but both Tim and Dan stressed that it was a business decision. This year, they ran out of After Burner Boost early and Dan said that more people were concerned about that than about

the dairy closing. (There will be more next year.) Even though the milk cows are gone, there are still quite a number of young stock to be fed. There are fields to planted and harvested and irrigated. Tim plans on doing quite a bit of reclamation work and cleaning around the place. Dan will become a county commissioner next January. They are all looking forward to spending a little more time with the family and maybe even traveling a little. With the passing of Huls Dairy, there are now just two dairies left in the valley, Big Creek Dairy and Lifeline Dairy. Tim, who has become a poet in the last few years, wrote a poem when Claire Griffin closed his dairy a few years ago. At the time he wrote the poem, “Another One’s Gone,” Tim said he knew deep down that the time would come for Huls Dairy to be ‘gone’ as well. (“Another One’s Gone” can be found on YouTube.)

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continued George Thomas, Director of Public Works, raised some issues concerning the motion saying, “In the past the town has not annexed any property until all the infrastructure was in place.” He said they were first told the annexation was for one house, but the current application is for two. “More than one house and you need streets, curbs, gutters and sidewalks,” said Thomas. “If you zone it commercial how many other businesses are going to want to put in houses?” Jeff Standard, who also worked for Reeves, said that in Missoula someone outside the city can contract for water and sewer services. “Why not here?’ he asked. He said it would address the concerns over water right and septic problems. Dempsey then withdrew his original motion and moved to allow Reeves to hook up to the town’s water and sewer system while they do some research on the annexation issues. Without much discussion that motion passed unanimously. The next motion on the agenda, the approval of the Fire Department Volunteer Roster, also got unanimous approval as well as an accompanying motion to approve back pay to the Assistant Fire Chief starting from April 1. The council was divided down the middle on the rest of the agenda, with the vote being split between Michalson and Holcomb on one side and Vick and Devlin on the other with the Mayor breaking the tie and in each case voting with Vick and Devlin. The first disagreement began at the first part of the meeting when Vick proposed a 3-minute limit on the public comment portion of the agenda where the public may comment on anything under the town’s jurisdiction that is not on the meeting’s agenda. At the previous meeting one member of the public spoke for about half an hour about various issues concerning the Mayor and

Council President. In response to some comments about infringing on the public’s right to speak, Vick stated that his intention was not to limit anybody’s right to speak, but to help ensure that everyone who wanted to speak had some chance. Michalson and Holcomb voted against the motion and Vick and Devlin voted in favor. The Mayor broke the tie in favor of adopting the 3-minute limit. The vote was also split over approving the claims as submitted along the same lines and the Mayor once again broke the tie in favor of paying the claims. A similar schism in the council arose over the question of creating a permanent full-time position of Parks and Recreation Director. The Mayor indicated that by making the position full-time instead of seasonal it would allow the addition of winter duties that would include to coordinate and have ready a summer program schedule and to work on a Master Plan for all the parks as well as creating and supervising winter programs for both youth and adults. Michalson said he was in favor of a seasonal position but not a full-time one. He and Holcomb voted against the motion. Vick and Devlin voted in favor and the Mayor broke the tie in favor of creating the position and authorizing the compensation. The next motion to create and fund two seasonal positions in the Parks and Recreation Department ran the same course. The Mayor stated that the positions would be funded through the CARES Act. Michalson said that no jobs should be created on the hope that a grant will come through. Town finance officer Robert Underwood explained that it was not a grant. It was a fund set up to reimburse local governments for such expenses. He said it was not a process like a grant application that may or may not be awarded. It was an application for reimbursement of expenses. Following a vote split as before, the Mayor broke this tie also in favor of approving the

positions and authorizing the compensation. During council comments, members revisited an issue raised at a previous meeting about Michalson and Holcomb having ex parte communications with a downtown property owner, David Laursen, who was seeking approval of a variance from the Board of Adjustments on which all the council members serve. At the Board of Adjustments meeting, after a discussion in which both Michalson and Holcomb denied having any secret communications with Laursen and then voted for approval of the variance, Devlin revealed that she had copies of Michalson’s personal emails between him, Laursen and Holcomb that prove they did have illegal communications and were lying when they said they hadn’t. Michalson, who claimed that his rights were violated when his council emails on the town’s server were made public previously [emails between council members about public business are legally available to the public upon request], said, “I’ve sat back and watched as another email issue has come before us. These are the facts. On May 17, I sent an email between me and Dave Laursen on my personal account to Robin [Holcomb] and Dempsey [Vick]. I stated these words: I will be asking to grant a variance of fee because I think the Laursens have been treated very unfairly. That was my ex parte.” Michalson said that a few days after sending the email he was contacted by Town Attorney Scott Owens and told that the attorney had evidence of ex parte communications between him and Laursen. “This is your town attorney, mind you,” said Michalson. He said the attorney told him that the email did not come from the town’s server. Then Michalson wondered why, if he and Holcomb were implicated, Dempsey Vick wasn’t. “He even went with me to the site,” said Michalson. “Devlin

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claims she didn’t hack my emails, but if someone robs a bank and someone is standing on the street corner with the money, it doesn’t make them innocent.” Holcomb said, “Looks like I have to defend myself again.” She said she listened to the tape again and “when I said yes that I did get an email from Mr. Michalson I did not mean that I replied. I just meant I did get an email and that was it. I never said I didn’t get any emails from Mr. Laursen, just Mr. Michalson. And I did say that the reason I voted the way I did was because of what I heard that night at the meeting. “Then I went on and I changed my vote and I never said to Laursen that if you applied for a permit then you should just build. That was in emails between Michalson and Laursen. I never made any back door offers to Mr. Laursen. What I did do, yes, I did get emails from Dave Laursen, but it was because he wasn’t getting

an answer from the mayor. So I became this middle person and every time I received an email from Laursen I emailed [Mayor] Dewey to see if he had responded to him and I would ask him again at meetings. But I was cut off when I was trying to say that. “So do I think that Laursen was mistreated?” continued Holcomb. “Yes. Then when I changed my vote, which I wish I didn’t but you know someone would have just found a bad reason for why I voted yes for it, I did say that I changed my vote because I didn’t think that my emails would be an issue and I didn’t want to make an issue or a problem within the town. “I have all the emails here and I just want to say again I never accused you [to Devlin], I never accused anybody. All I ever asked was how my emails were given to Ms. Devlin. There is a protocol. I’m sorry. I did not lie. I did receive an email from Michalson,

but I did not reply to it.” Devlin said, “To clarify, I did not access your emails. I received a copy of Michalson’s personal emails. It all came from Michalson’s emails. I didn’t ask for anybody’s emails.” She said when she went to work she found the emails in her box in a blank manila envelope and has no idea who placed them there. “But I didn’t ask for anybody’s emails and I didn’t do anything wrong. “I didn’t ask for them. I didn’t ask anyone to get them. It’s that simple. There’s nothing hard in what I’m saying. Don’t do anything illegal and you won’t get caught,” said Devlin. “It’s that simple.” As to Mr. Vick not being included in the allegations of ex parte communications, Devlin said, “Mr. Vick disclosed at a meeting that he had been to the site. He did not give Laursen permission to build. Michalson did not disclose his emails.”

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Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star

Bitterroot Star Editorial Board Michael Howell Victoria Howell

Opinion

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Guest Comment

Open letter to Stevensville Town Council By Chris L. Grove, Sara Grove, Jim Notaro, Kathleen Notaro, Bill Perrin, Janet Perrin, Joseph W. Moore, Catherine Ahlin-Moore, Annemarie McCormack, Meghan Hanson, Jessica Shourd, Patrick Shourd, John D. Grove, Darlene L. Grove, Dale A. Dufresne, Kathleen R. Dufresne

Mr. Michalson, Ms. Devlin, Ms. Holcomb, and Mr. Vick; The purpose of this letter is to express our deep dissatisfaction and objection to the way the Town Council has been conducting the business of serving the citizens of Stevensville. The constant bickering, interference in day to day administration, mistreatment of employees, and inability to work with each other and with Mayor Dewey are the antithesis of public service. There appears to be little interest in resolving this in a civil and mature manner - quite the opposite. Not only has the council been embarrassingly dysfunctional, one member seems determined to expand the dysfunctionality and conflict beyond the council. One member, in particular, seems more interested in generating strife and failure than successfully serving the citizens of Stevensville. Our assessment is that he has allowed his personal animosities, lack of emotional control, and disregard for chain of command to preclude his public service obligations as a council member. Unfortunately, other council members have been unable to curb or moderate his counterproductive behaviors. As citizens, we expect council members to focus on public service and be committed to resolving the challenges Stevensville faces. Further, we expect you to have the ability to stifle your ego, set aside your biases, control your emotions, quash your animosities, and act in the best inter-

Enough is enough

Enough is enough! I am a Stevensville resident for now over 50 years. I yearn for the years when I would visit with a close friend and council member whose only concern was getting things right with the fire department. The turmoil that we are seeing with our present council is tearing our special town apart and it is heartbreaking. Following the last mayoral election, it was shared that every employee of the town was ready to resign had Brandon Dewey not been elected. Just recently all town employees signed a letter because of bullying and harassment by the council president and concern over how the council was governing. Because I could go on and on, I am writing to ask Bob Michalson and Robin Holcomb to take a step back and begin working as a unit with the Mayor. Bullying, harassment, lying and general animosity can no longer be tolerated. If returning to a harmonious unit is not possible, then resignation is a good option. Having said that, I have known Brandon Dewey since HS days as a former student and I believe he is honest, hardworking and trying to do what is right for Stevensville. Brandon, please take every step carefully and correctly. To our community members, it is also time for civil discourse to take the lead. Yelling at people as they leave the council meetings and online threats are absolutely the wrong way to bring our community together. It is time to remember that we can agree to disagree while we work for our town. I urge all Stevensville community members to start asking questions to many and stop listening to the general gossip. Know the facts. Please take an active role in what is going on in our local

ests of our community. Our assessment is that the council has moved Stevensville backwards instead of supporting efforts to improve our community. Examples include interfering with and actively diminishing the morale of town employees, use of the council as a political stage, dividing our community, and failure to support the Main Street Association. Recent actions taken by the council appear to place personal beliefs and biases above the best interests of the community. You are in the Town Council to work together and with Mayor Dewey to improve our community. We realize and understand this is challenging, especially given the budget you have to work with. However, current behaviors do not inspire confidence, cooperation, or volunteerism. This only makes the goal of improving our community harder to attain. Your function is not to supervise the Mayor in the daily operation of the town. You are here to represent the community in the development of policies that guide and enable efficient operation and administration and that improve the quality of living in our community. If the energy put into strife, conflict, and dysfunction was instead focused on improving our community we would all be better off. You should be making Stevensville a place we can all stay proud of and are happy to call home.

Letters

government. Enough is enough! Kathy Dufresne Stevensville

Bad behavior needs to stop

I recently read the Stevensville town employees’ open letter to residents of Stevensville and our elected officials with great sadness. (It can be found here. https://bitterrootstar.com/2020/05/ open-letter-to-stevensville-towncouncil-members-and-citizens-ofstevensville/) The behavior they write about is not acceptable. It’s an embarrassment and a black eye to the Town of Stevensville that they were frustrated enough to pen such a letter. These employees are our friends and our family. They are someone’s spouse, mother, father, child, brother or sister. Ask yourself if you would sit by and allow your friends and family to be disrespected and tormented as they described? I think we all agree that the answer is “No”. We cannot let our Council members and their citizen mouth pieces continue with this negative behavior and treatment of our town’s employees. Further, the constant harassment of our mayor by these same citizens and council members needs to stop immediately. Also, please keep in mind that if the harassing council members continue this behavior, residents of Stevi have the power to recall them or to elect someone else when their term is up. Bullies have no place in town government, but public apathy has allowed them to harass mayors since at least 2011 that I know of. Let’s make sure they know it will no longer be tolerated. Mark Harris Stevensville

Bitterroot Star

Office: 115 W. 3rd Street, #108 • Stevensville Mailing: P.O. Box 8 • Stevensville MT 59870 Phone: (406) 777-3928 • Fax: (406) 777-4265 Website: www.bitterrootstar.com E-mail: editor@bitterrootstar.com

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

Member Montana Montana Newspaper Association Member Association Member Bitterroot Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Member Commerce Member Stevensville Hamilton Downtown Association Member Main Street Association Member Downtown Association Member Hamilton Stevensville Civic Club

Five reasons why I won’t resign

Our budget is balanced. Our reserves are stable. Our community is experiencing growth and opportunity even despite effects of COVID-19 and I am committed to accomplishing what I was elected to do. Yet a handful of activists with a dangerous agenda to divide our community are trying to overturn the definitive will of Stevensville’s voters and bring broken government to our Town with this recall effort. The last thing Stevensville needs is another wasteful special election, supported by those who demonize Stevensville’s people and attack Stevensville’s values. As we stand together in solidarity, as a community, I want to make it clear why I am not resigning from office. I will not be bullied into carrying out self-serving agendas or stepping aside to make room for those who will. I have demonstrated my commitment to the success of our community, and that has not changed as we face distractions designed to precipitate controversy and a fundamentally misplaced lack of trust in the good generated by the dedicated team at Town Hall. The recall is wrong, and the allegations asserted in Leanna Rodabaugh’s petition are false. Instead, facts released by the Town and verified by the City Attorney prove that I did nothing illegal. It was explained publicly at the March 12th Council Meeting, which Leanna attended, that the Town’s purchasing policy outlines provisions for purchasing services, as does State law. The issue was investigated by the City Attorney prior to the recall petition being filled, and all allegations were disproven. There are some in our community who maintain that

the Council cannot delegate the authority in the purchasing policy; the fact remains that the Council can delegate purchasing authority. Robin Holcomb and Jim Crews were both on the Town Council that adopted the purchasing policy, which has been in place for many years. The majority of our community does not support a recall. Supporters of the recall have suggested that I resign because “it is embarrassing to have the community lose faith in you as an elected official.” Having over 250 signatures on a petition does indeed make a statement, as that number makes up 20% of our local electorate. It also means that 80% of our voters have not yet officially weighed in on the issue. In my daily work within our community, it is abundantly clear that there is a good number of citizens who do not support the recall and continue to support me as your Mayor. 250 signatures seeking my recall is not something to resign over. In fact, I won the election with 272 voters choosing other candidates. Former Mayor Gene Mim Mack won his 2013 election with 271 voters choosing other candidates. These numbers show that while there are opposing views in our community, voters show up to the polls to elect mayors with proven leadership and integrity. The alternative is ugly, and we all know the real goal behind the recall petition and any demand for my resignation. We can acknowledge the short list of who would likely succeed me if I were to resign, since it has been a goal of some to force my resignation from day one of my administration, as admitted by Councilmember Bob Michalson on multiple occasions. This recall is a direct effort to put “their guy” in office. Your choice and vote will be

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reversed, and your voice silenced. Upon resignation, you will not have a vote in who replaces me, the person you chose to lead this community forward. Once the vacancy exists, it is the Town Council who will appoint someone to fill the vacancy until the next general election. This means that person could hold the office for over a year before an election would reverse whatever decision the Council makes in appointing the vacancy. Your Mayor is stronger than you think. Misinformed detractors will claim that we have a “weak mayor” form of government. In truth, though, the Mayor has certain powers and authorities that put us in a “strong mayor” category of the Council-Mayor form of government. For example, the office of Mayor has the power to exercise absolute control over all departments and divisions of the town. Laws and technical terms aside, you elected me during a time when what we had for representation in Town Hall wasn’t working. The community chose to restore the same responsible management and accountability that existed under previous successful administrations by electing me. We knew it would be hard, and we knew it would require change. What we are experiencing today is that change, the hardest kind where upstanding values and high morals clash with mismanaged egos and clandestine motives. My resiliency, integrity, and commitment to the best outcome possible for our community is what has kept me strong and in office through what we thought were our worst days. Deceitful politics aside, there is much more to accomplish together as we usher in an era of growth and improved livability for our community. The staff and I are driven to continue working with members of the Town Council in materializing your aspirations for more open, responsive, and sustainable government. We are accomplishing so much together; we cannot let irrelevant issues and ridiculous accusations with no basis impede the progress we have made. Mayor Brandon E. Dewey Stevensville

Demand more from our leaders

Today’s demonstrations and riots bring back memories of the 60’s: Martin Luther King speeches; place names like Love Canal, Watts and Kent State; Lake Erie burning; Los Angeles choked in smog; fish killed by acid rain and bald eagles pushed toward extinction by DDT. For many this is history, but not for people my age and older. I thought those days were over, but some of today’s political leaders appear content with relapsing into those difficult, contentious and unhealthy days. There are many similarities between then and now. Hidden racial prejudices are playing themselves out in the streets. The invisible enemies to our health (pesticides and pollution) persist, but are eclipsed by COVID-19 and global climate change. Potential consequences for the economy and jobs continue as obstacles to correcting many of our health and environmental problems. The major difference between the 60’s and today is that back then our leaders, albeit reluctantly, really tried to resolve problems. They heard the grievances of the marchers, demonstrators and, yes, those who sometimes broke the law. They listened and eventually took action. They passed civil rights, public health, and environmental laws. Racial tensions temporarily subsided, the air and water got cleaner and threatened fish and wildlife headed toward recovery. Our economy stayed strong. We remained the respected leader of the free world. Contrast that with today. Arguably, we are even more divided than in the 60’s. We have a self-serving President who views the world as Reality TV and who is more concerned with appearances than truth. He is masterful at casting blame and denies the critical social, health and environmental problems facing our country. Concurrently, we have members of Congress who refuse

to check the President and even enable his overreach and deception. They divert attention and obfuscate instead of legislate. They fail to act while social unrest deepens, the rich get richer as the poor get poorer and the middle class shrinks. They deny that man has any responsibility for climate change or that climate change actually exists. Adding insult to injury, they and the President want to dismantle the very laws (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act) and regulations that help keep us safe and the environment healthy. These unacceptable conditions have to change! We must demand more from Congress and our President. Congress has to reclaim its authority and accept its responsibility; renew its willingness to compromise; honestly seek solutions and follow through by passing meaningful and forceful legislation. As responsible voters, we must ask the hard questions, critically evaluate candidates, elect people who are committed to problem-solving and hold them accountable. If we choose poorly, we’ll have only ourselves to blame and shouldn’t be surprised in being haunted by the same familiar, difficult and contentious issues. The only difference will be that the problems will be bigger and more difficult to fix. We cannot let that happen. We deserve better. America deserves better. Skip Kowalski Stevensville

Glass half full

The federal administration has taken a new and aggressive approach to how our nation’s public lands are managed - a singular focus on poorly-planned energy development above all other uses, while disregarding the public and established science. Is the glass half empty or half full? Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue visited Missoula on June 12 to announce a “new vision” of increasing productivity from our National Forests. It will surely evoke howls from environmentalists and overly optimistic cheers from industry. Is this directive good or bad? Well, it depends on what you want from your National Forest. During my long career in public land management, I worked under six Presidents and as many or more Agriculture Secretaries. Every administration leaves a legacy by issuing Directives or Executive Orders to highlight their political views or to please their voters. I frequently felt whipsawed, especially if he was from a different party, as I carried out my new bosses’ orders while trying to follow through on the commitments I had made to the public under the prior administration’s priorities. Cynics will say that Secretary Perdue’s visit is election year politics, merely a photo-op to elect Representative Gianforte as Governor and re-elect Senator Daines for another term. Others will describe it as an effort to circumvent environmental regulations, create jobs by increasing logging, mining, grazing, and bring in more revenue for local governments. This view shows the glass as half empty. I prefer to see the glass as half full. If the Forest Service spent less time and money on environmental documentation, there would be more time and money available for the programs that are currently underfunded. We could reduce the risk of life and property loss by wildfires through a regular program of cross boundary prescribed burning and more fuels reduction projects. More seasonal jobs and businesses could be added to our economic mix in the valley by permitting more commercial recreation services. Wildlife habitat improvement projects could be designed to increase big game herds and help fill our freezers. And the Forest Service could do a better job of providing recreationists safe drinking water, clean toilets, and maintained roads and trails. So when you the read the directive that tells the Forest Service to increase productivity and customer service, that is great news! However, we’ll have to

Calendar

Hamilton Senior Center meals

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

AA meetings

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

Al-Anon

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

Narcotics Anon

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

Free Indeed

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

Gamblers Anon

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

WIC clinics

Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads,

wait and see what happens. Since this directive doesn’t come with more funding, something will have to give, but what? “Washington DC” is telling us it is up to us to figure it out. This is exactly what is happening on the Bitterroot National Forest. I am a member, along with numerous other valley residents, of one of the two active Ravalli County Citizens’ “Collaboratives”. We are each a diverse group of volunteers who donate our time listening to each other and providing input to the Forest Service. We seek solutions and advise the Forest Service experts to try new ways to do work and to make environmental analysis documentation more efficient and effective. Instead of spending countless hours and money making environmental documents bombproof to litigation why not dedicate that time and money listening, reaching compromise, and building trust between the collaboratives, the Forest Service, and the public. Local Forest officials could then be able to design projects that meet our collective wants while complying with our environmental laws. This shouldn’t be asking too much. Working together would go a long way to breaking down the gridlock in getting things done and reduce the polarization that exists between environmental groups and commodity interests. It has the potential to not only restore confidence in the Forest Service, but also help free up funds to implement historically underfunded programs while achieving some of the efficiencies and cost savings that we would all like to see. Margaret Gorski Stevensville, MT

grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. Income guidelines are 1-$23,107; 2- $31,284; 3-$39,461; 4-$47,638; 5-$55,815. For each additional family member add $8,177. Call 406-802-7180 for more information or see on Facebook; www. facebook.com/Ravalli-CountyWIC.

Family Shelter

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

Senior shuttle

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

Wednesday Farmers Market

A farmers market is held every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. starting June 3rd at 111 s. 4th Street in Hamilton.

Mother Goose Sings & Swings

Tune in to North Valley Public Library’s Facebook Live

Just asking

Reference headline Sunday Missoulian 6/7/20 “Listen” They had reported responses from a cultural cross section of the community. If black lives matter, why are black babies being aborted? If Native American lives matter, why are Native American babies being aborted? If all lives matter, why are any babies being aborted? Do we hear the responses from these little ones? Are you listening? I’m just asking. Rod Nielsen Hamilton

Glorification of treason

I am the child of immigrants from two British countries who met and married in the Port of Entry, NYC, where I grew up. For over twenty years, employment took me to live and work in five Confederate States, where I witnessed generationally taught animosity towards the rest of the US. My NY accent prompted endless snarky comments about ‘Yankees’ and non-confederate states. I saw: 1) monuments to ‘our confederate dead’ on the grounds of numerous state, county and city buildings; 2) an old slave auction market being maintained at the heart of one city; 3) confederate battle flags still being flown; 4) many statues to confederate generals who fired on the flag of the United States and who caused the deaths of tens of thousands of American soldiers. We must end tolerance of treason. It is complicity. Based

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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

Worship at 12:0011p.m. Sunday Worship AM In this Church there shall be no outcasts. In this Church there shall be no outcasts. on Mondays, June 22, & 29 at 10:30 a.m. for interactive songs and rhymes, a story, and maybe even some dancing! Mother Goose Sings and Swings is planned for babies to 3 years of age, accompanied by an adult and is designed to promote early literacy skills in the very young child. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street Stevensville. For more information visit northvalleylibrary.org.

Bike, Walk, Roll

2020 Bike, Walk, Roll & WIN. Get motivated to move this summer with a chance to win prizes with the 2020 Bike, Walk, Roll & WIN virtual health incentive program by MSU Extension in Ravalli County. From June 1-August 31, 2020, log electronically all of the times you engage in physical activity - each activity is eligible for a entry into the prize raffle. The program is free and open to residents of Ravalli County over the age of 18. Learn more by calling the MSU Extension Office at 375-6611 or visiting online at http://ravalli.msuextension.org/healthandwellness.html

Story Time

Are you desperately missing your Library Story Times? Fret no more- you can join Annika from North Valley Public Library for Story Time Live Online! on Wednesdays in June at 10:3010:45 a.m. for this North Valley Public Library online program. Come enjoy fun stories, a quick early literacy activity, and a creative craft idea. Visit the website to register for this event. North on my personal experiences in confederate states, I absolutely support removing the names of confederate generals from all United States military bases and facilities. Having no family ties to either side of that Civil War, I was appalled at the widespread glorification of treason fifty years ago, and still am. This must end. Claire L. Kelly Stevensville

Consequential election

It’s no exaggeration to say that this is the most consequential election facing Montana voters in my lifetime. On November 3rd, Montanans will make a choice between building on hard fought progress made for Montana families, or electing a slate of candidates who have abandoned them. Montana Democrats, led by Governor Bullock and Lt. Governor Mike Cooney, have driven every bipartisan success we’ve seen in the last years, fighting and winning big for Montana’s working families — from expanding Medicaid and bringing health coverage to more than 90,000 working Montanans, to passing a comprehensive package to address the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Montana Democrats have also fought for rural broadband and hospitals, secured disaster relief for farmers and ranchers, and secured the first infrastructure package in a decade — and the jobs that come with it. All while balancing our state budget, year after year. Montana Democrats fight for Montana’s working families, and we have results to show for

Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information visit northvalleylibrary.org.

Rubber Duck Reading Club and Book Bingo for Kids & Teens Spend the summer reading and win fabulous prizes from June 8-August 10! Register for Rubber Duck Reading Club and Book Bingo on the Library’s website or call the Library. Rubber Duck Reading Club and Book Bingo materials will be available for curbside pickup starting on Monday, June 1, just call! Or you can print materials on the Library’s website. The Rubber Duck Reading Club is suitable for ages 0-4 and Book Bingo is suitable for ages 5-18. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street Stevensville. For more information visit northvalleylibrary.org.

WiFi hotspots at library

Do you need internet at your house to look for a job, apply for unemployment or a fishing license, fill out the 2020 Census? North Valley Library now has internet hotspots to check out. A hotspot is a small box that brings a WiFi signal into your home so you can use the internet. Hotspots can be checked out for seven days only. The overdue charge for each day is $1.00. There must be a cell tower within range. Your computer, tablet, or smart phone must be WiFi compatible. Hotspots are filtered for content. Please conserve data usage for the next patron. Director Denise Ard says, “Hotspots are easy to use and we have included simple instructions to help you get connected. We are happy to be able to offer hotspots to our patrons that do not have internet at home.” NVPL can only check out hotspots to its card holders but other libraries will have hotspots as well, thanks to the Montana State Library. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For a list of current library services check the website at northvalleylibrary.org.

it. While our opponents have worked to demonize the progress we’ve made, Democrats have been eager to roll up our sleeves and get things done for our state. The choice facing Montanans this November is clear, all the way down the ballot. The race for the U.S. Senate is about leadership. Governor Bullock is a strong leader with a proven track record of standing up to special interests to get things done for everyday Montanans and leave our state a better place for future generations. During the COVID-19 crisis, he has displayed leadership, listened to experts, and put politics aside for the good of our state. Steve Daines, on the other hand, has been dishonest with Montana voters. Even as the coronavirus pandemic was spreading, Daines joined his party leaders in voting against paid leave and expanded unemployment benefits for hard-working Montanans and opposed efforts to provide Montana hospitals with the resources they need. The best part? He had the nerve to claim credit for the very measures he voted against! In the race for U.S. House, Kathleen Williams has a long history serving the people of Montana. Her nearly four decade career in natural resources and public service traverses the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Throughout her career, she has worked with people of all political stripes to find win-win solutions to Montana’s most pressing problems including healthcare, job creation, and Montana’s outdoor heritage. Meanwhile, her opponent, Maryland Matt Rosendale, has fought to roll back protections for Montanans with pre-existing

Model railroad display cancelled

The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroad Club (BVMRR) will not be running trains on First Fridays until further notice because of current COVID-19 health concerns. It is too difficult to properly monitor visitor spacing in the layout site and have younger visitors not handle areas around the trains. The club hopes to start up again after Labor Day if the situation permits.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 5 14

• Meals can be picked up between 10:00 and 11:00 am at the side entrance of the Family Center Contact St. Mary’s Parish Office for more information at: (406) 777-5257. St. Mary’s Mission Parish also supports the Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT) programs in Stevensville and Victor by providing sack lunches to the enrolled children while they are in session.

St. Mary’s Mission, Child care help Museum open available Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Museum is open for the 2020 season. COVID-19 health guidelines for the safety of the staff and the public are in place. You’re invited to visit the Mission for a guided tour of the historic buildings. The museum and art gallery in the Visitor Center are free for you to browse. A featured exhibit is an antique toy display. The gift shop has many new Made in Montana gift items. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 3 with the last tour at 2 p.m. Call 777-5734 for information.

Free summer meal program

St. Mary’s Mission Parish announces the sponsorship of the Simplified Summer Food Program for children. Meals will be made available at no charge to attending children 18 years of age and younger who have enrolled in the programs. Children who are members of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance units, or households receiving Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits at eligible program sites (enrolled summer programs or residential summer camps). Other children from families whose income is at or below the levels in the following table are also eligible for free meal benefits if enrolled in the Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT) program at Stevensville and Victor schools through the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be distributed at the following location: • St. Mary’s Mission Parish Family Center • June 8 through August conditions, rubber-stamped rate hikes for insurance companies, and carried out political favors for his campaign donors while serving in his official capacity. In the race for the Governor’s seat, Montanans are choosing between a dedicated public servant, and a man who’s failed to even show up for work. Mike Cooney is one of Montana’s most trusted and effective leaders, having spent his entire career fighting for Montanans. Mike has been there for every major breakthrough for Montana working families, and as Governor, he’ll continue to fight for access to health care, good jobs, and ensuring public lands remain in public hands. Meanwhile, Greg Gianforte has missed more votes than 93% of Congress, failing to do the bare minimum of what we sent him to Washington to do — but that

Are you earning less right now due to reduced work hours? If you were previously over income, you may now qualify for child care assistance through the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship. We encourage you to call us today to find out if you are eligible! Eligibility is for 12 months, so if you qualify now, you will be eligible for the whole year, even if your hours increase again. Contact Child Care Resources today to see if you qualify at 406728-6446 or go to childcareresources.org

Bitterroot seed collection

Johnny “Bitterroot” Stroud need help to collect bitterroot seeds this season. The plants bloom the first three weeks of June. Seeds get harvested three weeks after they bloom. John will teach anyone interested how to do this. Call 880-8286 or 777-5054. John doesn’t sell these seeds; he gives them away in order to make sure the bitterroot plant will not become extinct.

Wed, June 17 RCEDA

The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority Finance Committee will meet Wednesday, June 17 at 2:15 p.m., followed by a Board meeting at 3 p.m. The meetings will take place at the RCEDA Conference Room located at 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. Both meetings are open to the public.

continued on next page hasn’t stopped him from collecting taxpayer checks. Gianforte has proven that he’s a no show Congressman — Montanans can’t afford to elect him as our no show Governor. Up and down the ticket, Montana Democrats have put forward a slate of candidates ready to fight tooth and nail for Montana’s working families and build on the progress we’ve made. Time and again, Democrats have rolled up our sleeves and gotten things done for Montana — and we’re ready to keep fighting for a brighter future for Big Sky Country this November and beyond. Robyn Driscoll, Chair Montana Democratic Party

Professional & Service Directorytt

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Page 6 -- Bitterroot Star

Calendar continued

North Valley Library Board

The North Valley Library Board of Trustees meets the third Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. at the library at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. Meetings are open to the public and public input is welcomed. The agenda is posted on the front window of the library and on the library’s website at least 48 hours prior to meetings: https://www.northvalleylibrary. org/docs

Thursday, June 18 Bike Yard Sale

The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office will have a Bike Yard Sale on Thursday, June 18 at 211 Kayne Road in Hamilton. The sale will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All bikes will range in price between $5 and $25.

Friday, June 19 Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, June 19 at 12 noon at The Frontier Café, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Matt Anderson, Bitterroot National Forest

Supervisor. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Sunday, June 21 Bingo

Lolo Community Center will reopen for bingo on Sunday, June 21. Doors open at 12 p.m. with limited seating; games begin at 1 p.m. Masks are encouraged.

Tuesday, June 23 Stevensville Civic Club

The Stevensville Civic Club will be meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall. The location will allow for social distancing ourselves. Plan to attend as the group will be discussing moving forward on its declared project for a Splash Deck in Lewis and Clark Park and Father Ravalli Park. People who are interested in helping with this project for the community can plan to attend the meeting or call Joan Prather, President, at 531-8401 with your contact information and the club will keep you posted and advise areas of help needed to make this project happen. Together as a community we can make this happen! It will be exciting to watch this project come to reality.

Wed, June 24

Monday, June 29

Bitterroot Quilters Guild

Monarchs Matter Part 2: Bitterroot Monarch Butterfly Project

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the Bitterroot Quilters Guild will meet Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the Grandstands at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, where social distancing can be maintained. Attendees should be prepared to climb stairs, and bring something to sit on to protect their clothing. No refreshments will be served. Masks are optional. There will be a short business meeting, followed by voting and installation of the 2020-2021 slate of officers and Show and Tell by the members. Tena Chapman, Membership Chair, will be collecting annual dues of $20 per person. Membership is open to quilters from beginner through advanced. To learn more, the public is invited to attend the June meeting as a guest. The Guild does not meet during the summer months; the next general meeting is planned for September. For more information, visit the Bitterroot Quilters Guild on Facebook.

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On Monday, June 29 at 6 p.m. the North Valley Public Library will host part 2 of this series via Zoom. “This will be much more hands-on about what folks can do to support the Monarchs’ migration through the valley,” explains, Maggie Hirschauer, Bitterroot Monarch Project Coordinator. Monarch butterflies feed on nectar from many different wildflowers but only lay eggs on milkweed. Milkweed is a required food source for their larvae. There are several species of milkweed native to Western Montana. Showy milkweed is the most widespread and numerous in the Bitterroot Valley. The Field Crew transplanted around 1,000 showy milkweed root cuttings across the MPG Ranch in late April 2019. Volunteers can help map milkweed and survey results. Throughout the season crews scout roadsides and parks from Missoula to Stevensville for milkweed. When monitoring milkweed, they walk a grid pattern searching all surfaces of every milkweed plant for signs of monarchs. To hear more about Monarch butterflies and/or to volunteer to help map milkweed join the Zoom presentation. Registration is necessary to receive the Zoom link for the talk. Go to NorthValleyLibrary.org and click on the Calendar. Find the event/date and click; a registration window will open. For more information about current offerings and events at the library check the website at northvalleylibrary.org.

Blood drives

For a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. At the same time, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations

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as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments that require blood products. Antibody testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Donations will be tested using samples pulled at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also undergo routine infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. COVID-19 antibody test results will be available within 7-10 days in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. The test has been authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “As an organization dedicated to helping others, the Red Cross is pleased to provide more information about COVID-19 to our valued donors,” said Dr. Erin Goodhue, executive medical director of direct patient care with the Red Cross Biomedical Services. “If you are feeling healthy and well, please schedule an appointment to not only help saves lives but also learn about your potential exposure to COVID-19.” The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. Donation appointments can be made by downloading the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease

NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION

Control and Prevention public guidance. Upcoming blood donation opportunities, June 15-30: Hamilton 6/30/2020: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Ravalli County Fairgrounds, 100 Old Corvallis Road Stevensville 6/22/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Stevensville Fire Department, 150 Kinsman Drive Missoula 6/25/2020: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., University of Montana Continuing Ed Building, The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive 6/25/2020: 12 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., TroyStrong Blood Drive at Missoula Red Cross Donation Center, 2401 N. Reserve St. Suite 6 6/26/2020: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Southgate Mall, 2901 Brooks 6/30/2020: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Consumer Direct Care Network, 100 Consumer Direct Way About blood donation All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood. org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross. org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for the Town of Stevensville Municipal Mayor Recall Special Election to be held on August 4, 2020, will close at 5 PM on July 6, 2020.

Saturday, July 4

*NOTE: If you miss the regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the county election office up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return in person to the Ravalli County Election Office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot.

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All qualified active and inactive electors of the Town of Stevensville are entitled to vote in said election. Ballots will be mailed to Active Electors only on July 15, 2020. If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot. Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Ravalli County Election Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the Ravalli County Election Office. Dated this 10th day of June, 2020. Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

Please join the City of Hamilton in celebrating Independence Day at Ravalli County Fairgrounds! Traditionally, the 4th of July has been enjoyed with backyard barbeques and fireworks. This year put your feet up, let us do the cooking and enjoy an amazing Fireworks show! Enjoy the open space, fresh air, delicious food available for purchase from our local vendors, while visiting your neighbors, friends and family (while practicing social distancing). Come and celebrate your independence at the Fairgrounds! If you would like to donate funds for the show, send to the City of Hamilton, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton MT 59840; Memo: Fireworks

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 7

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Online series will highlight people, places of Montana MSU News Service

Montana State University Wonderlust and the MSU Alumni Foundation will host a series of online programs in June and July that highlight the state of Montana. “Montana Faces and Places 2020” is four two-part programs offered through the Wonderlust Travel Series. The program is designed to deepen participants’ knowledge and appreciation of the diverse people, communities and landscapes in the state. Each program will be broken up into two one-hour sections. The presentations are as follows: “Finding Adventure, Beauty and New Friends on Montana’s Open Roads” June 29 and 30, 10 to 11 a.m.: Based on their recent 22-day, 2,000-mile circular road trip within the state, outdoor enthusiasts Jeff and Sara King will share ideas for creating lively and meaningful travel experiences on and near Montana’s open roads. “Montana’s Remote Centennial Valley and Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge”

July 7 and 9, 10 to 11 a.m.: Bill West, a retired manager of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, will lead a virtual visit through Centennial Valley and outline its history, including the establishment of the refuge. “In the Spotlight: Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Hamilton, Montana” July 14 and 16, 4 to 5 p.m.: Dr. Marshall E. Bloom of the Rocky Mountain Laboratory will discuss its century-old history, its transition into a National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases under Dr. Anthony Fauci and its vital role in the coronavirus pandemic. “Montana’s Sibanye-Stillwater Mine: An Overview of Best Mining Practices by a Global Palladium and Platinum Producer” July 20 and 21, 9 to 10 a.m.: Paul Holick, senior development geologist at the mine, will outline the mining history of the Stillwater Complex in southcentral Montana, while Randy Weimer – who supervises the environmental group at the mine – will address environmental and economic impacts and

Governor announces $8.7 million in emergency grants to education entities

modern mining practices. More information on the programs and presenters can be found at ato.montana.edu/continuinged/. These programs are open to the public, but advance registration is required. For Wonderlust members and MSU alumni and retirees, the cost to enroll for one two-part program is $15, or $50 for all four. For everyone else the cost to enroll for one twopart program is $25, or $65 for all four. To register, please visit www.montana.edu/wonderlust/. After registering, participants will receive an email with the Webex link, instructions to join the program and additional programrelated information. For more information, contact Bobbi Geise at 406-994-6550 or bobbi.geise@montana.edu. Wonderlust is a program of Academic Technology and Outreach at MSU. ATO works across the university to support and advance its land-grant mission through unique and innovative opportunities for outreach and engagement.

Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund will provide grants to education related entities impacted by COVID-19

may have fallen behind, upgrade critical technology infrastructure, and ensure students have access to remote learning opportunities.” The U.S. Department of Education created the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund and gave governors the authority to distribute the funds to local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and other education related entities with emergency assistance to respond to COVID-19. Montana’s allocation from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund is $8,764,495. This funding is separate from the $1.25 billion Coronavirus Relief Fund. The Montana University System received $6.5 million in funding that will be used for the One-Two-Free program to offer free dual enrollment courses to high school students, fund technology upgrades, and offer workforce training. The Montana Digital Academy received $230,000 to expand enrollment opportunities for students, extend remote proctoring services for credit recovery

Governor Steve Bullock today announced $8.7 million in federal grants will be distributed to education entities across the state to ramp up remote learning opportunities, technology infrastructure, and workforce training opportunities. “Our teachers and professors across the state have remained committed to providing Montana students with a high quality education during these challenging times and this funding will provide schools and educators with the resources they need to continue doing so this fall,” Governor Bullock said. “Emergency grants will immediately address needs for students who

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students, identify and address mathematics gains and barriers to prepare students for the fall, and provide EdReady Montana support for the ACT test. Several colleges received funding for remote learning and technology upgrades. Carroll College received $500,000, Rocky Mountain College received $60,000, and the University of Providence received $30,000. The Montana State Library received $500,000 to expand its mobile hotspot and mobile device lending programs. Grants were evaluated based on need and criteria considered included if entities experienced revenues declines, if they already received other forms of assistance, and if funds would assist in ensuring students have equitable access to learning. K-12 schools in Montana have already been allocated $41 million through the federal Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund. The remaining $944,495 will be reserved until the fall to address other potential issues that arise.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 9

Woody Debris Task Force assesses, mitigates river hazards

By Michael Howell

The Woody Debris Management Task Force, assembled by the Bitterroot Conservation District in collaboration with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, was primed and ready to conduct its first official early spring float to inspect for potentially hazardous woody debris in the upper part of the river when they got word about a major “strainer” log spanning the river just below Rombo Campground. The Task Force leader, Bitterroot Conservation District board member Kent Myers, said news of the strainer led to a change of plans. They decided to visit the site and see if they could assess it and make some response. The Task Force was formed last January to specifically address the issue of unauthorized cutting of woody debris in the river in the West Fork. Myers said that issue of unauthorized cutting of woody debris has been a problem for a long time. “You just have to float it and you can see,” he said. “You see cut trees all along the way, some recent and some very old.” He said the narrowness of the upper West Fork makes it especially prone to log jams. It is easy for a tree to fall across the whole river. Besides members of the

BCD and FWP, the task force includes other “stakeholders” such as the Forest Service, Ravalli County Floodplain Administrator, guides and outfitters, non-profit organizations and private citizens. A plan was put together that included two basic elements. One, to make early season assessments with floats on that stretch to identify any woody debris issues or potential obstructions. Secondly, to come up with a way of mitigating the hazards. “This was new ground,” said Myers. “Clearly there were things we could do. There are devices such as a grip hoist, a powerful come-along that is used in some states to move hazardous logs; or maybe a minimal amount of cutting, the minimal to let boaters get around. “Primary, though,” said Myers, “is not to create any harm to the river itself. That’s why it’s important to have people with hydrology backgrounds and fisheries backgrounds as part of this team.” He said BCD was trying to be proactive but hadn’t really taken any steps until the task force was created. He said when the District got the request for a 310 Permit to remove the log on the West Fork on Friday, he was excited about the task force having a chance to show how it could respond. If they

went to the site on Monday and made an assessment and devised a plan they could get approval for a permit from the Conservation District board on Tuesday and go implement the plan on Wednesday. Myers said he didn’t think they would be able to go on Monday because the river was so high and dangerous but by Monday it had gone down a bit and they decided to try it. Local fishing outfitters Eddie Olwell and Jenny West each took a boat and each carried a couple of companions. A couple of other boats were utilized, one carrying FWP biologist Jason Lindstrom and FWP Fisheries manager Pat Saffel, the other carrying the Ravalli County Flood Plain Administrator and Trout Unlimited Project Director Christine Bissel. The rest of the group walked to the site. Myers said when they approached the site on the right bank side of the river they saw that the log had apparently come loose and settled against the river’s left bank across the way. “We felt it was fortuitous and had a good meeting,” he said. “We agreed that in a case like this the log could be manipulated in an appropriate way without causing any ill effects to the river itself.” But then, he said, the people in boats went across the river to examine the log more closely and

When the Woody Debris Task Force arrived on Monday to assess the hazard, it had already been cut away.

A boater is pictured here on Friday approaching a log that had fallen across the upper West Fork of the Bitterroot. found that it had been partially sawn off. “We were fast,” said Myers, “but we were not fast enough. Somebody had already been in and done some cutting.” FWP fisheries biologist Jason Lindstrom echoed Myers’ assessment and his disappointment. He called the task force’s response “fairly rapid” but said when they got there “somebody had already monkeyed with it.” “It was one of those situations, we were being as proactive as possible but it wasn’t enough,” said Lindstrom. “It’s hard to gauge whether we have folks out there who are still not interested in following the 310 Law or if they are just still unaware of it.” He said that’s one reason they are trying hard to get the message out there. He said in his opinion the message is getting to the outfitters, but he’s not sure about the general public. “You just don’t know if it’s malicious or if someone is just

uninformed. But it’s still frustrating either way.” Lindstrom said that in his opinion if they had been presented with a 310 Permit to do this action as it was done, he would have recommended permitting it. He said the log was largely left intact with just the tip end cut into a bit. It broke off with the water pressure and just swung around. “And it wasn’t cut out of a place where we would have wanted that log to stay. “ Both Lindstrom and Myers are quick to note that not every log jam should be removed or every obstructing log cut out. Logs and log jams create excellent fish habitat especially for some of our most threatened species like Bull trout. Lindstrom said that from that standpoint what happened was not that detrimental to the habitat, “but it is still frustrating that the process wasn’t allowed to run its course.”

Lindstrom did say that they floated a good portion of the upper river that day from above the Nez Perce to Applebury they did not see too many potential hazards. He said they found a few places they will keep their eyes on as the river levels drop, “but for the most part we didn’t find too many issues on the woody debris front up there.” Both Lindstrom and Myers noted, however, that one windy day can change everything on the river, especially up the West Fork. “We really don’t want anybody to think that because we are out there looking and because we didn’t find much to be worried about in our assessment that floating that stretch of the river will be safe,” said Myers. “The river is dangerous and the dangers change daily.” He said no matter who has been before you, a person needs to rely on their own abilities and be prepared to deal with unexpected hazards.

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Page 10--Bitterroot Star

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

High Water Chronicles, Vol. 5 Gear Up for River Safety I have a friend who flew combat helicopters for the U. S. Army. He served multiple tours in the Middle East. When he’s stateside, he visits here and fishes the Bitterroot. Where he’s stationed in North Carolina he enjoys getting around on his motorcycle. He keeps the bike in top condition, and inspects mechani-

Flyfishing with Chuck Stranahan cal and safety gear regularly. When he rides, even a quickie convenience store run, he suits up with the latest and best helmet, leathers, and a jacket with broad fluorescent chartreuse stripes. That routine once got him a ribbing from a younger soldier. “Look!“ he shot back, “I’ve survived hundreds of combat missions with bad guys shooting at me because I assessed the risks going in, and stacked all the odds I could in my favor. That’s what I’m doing now. I’m not about to get careless and end it here because a soccer mom with a load of kids in her SUV, talking to another mom on her cell phone, didn’t see me.” That mindset keeps him alive and it’s well worth adopting as we approach the river. Start with first aid An up-to-date first aid course trains you for what to do in the event of a mishap. The confidence and peace of mind you carry along with that first aid card is worth it. All licensed guides in Montana are required to maintain up-to-date first aid training. Guides are also required to carry a spare oar and a life jacket for each passenger. A safetyconscious guide won’t hesitate to call for a buckle-up; nor should the casual boater. Like that combat pilot, you can stack the odds in your favor. The well-equipped dry bag(s) All guides are required to carry certain things in their boat. Most use a dry bag, or several. I was in the latter camp during my guiding days. My bags were

color-coded. For clients, I had two small yellow bags. Their extra clothing, cameras, etc. went in those individual bags. There was a blue bag for my gear – extra ponchos, sets of XXL sweats and a towel (welcome if someone takes a dunking,) my own raingear and jacket, and room on top to keep corn chips, snacks, and fresh rolls warm until lunch time. Nothing spoils a streamside lunch like cold soggy bread straight from the cooler. At the beginning of each trip, I drew everybody’s attention to the most important bag of all: the red bag. It contained the following: • First aid kit, fully stocked for river and flyfishing use. • Patch kit and duct tape. I once had an emergency duct tape repair on my raft hold up for eleven years. It was still holding, although it made some of my fussier clients uneasy, when I finally replaced it. Duct tape is good stuff. • Rope and carabiners. A throw bag combines both in a form that can be tossed to someone who is stranded. Heavier rope and carabiners can be used to right an overturned raft, work as a pulley arrangement to get a raft out of a jam, or rope a raft past an obstruction. • Plastic tarp, nails, and a length of baling twine. Sometimes you need to pull out and stay dry as you wait out a sudden hail or thunderstorm. • Fire starting material. There are now some great options available. Pick one, learn how to use it. And learn where and how to build a small fire. • Ten feet of red surveyor’s tape. If you come upon a hazard, pull out and go upstream. Find a conspicuous spot to hang three strips of the red tape from trees to warn other floaters of the hazard below. • And last but not least (drumroll…) toilet paper! A note here: please, please, be discreet. Go to an unobtrusive spot. Kick a deep-enough trench before you start and cover it completely when you’re done. Carry your cell phone in a purpose-built waterproof cell phone container. Ziploc baggies don’t cut it. You can’t reach 911 with a wet phone. Stack the odds in your favor, and enjoy the ride.

The wading checklist When I do a class or clinic I urge attendees to think of safety gear and comfort first, fishing tackle second. Safety begins with preparation. I won’t get too deeply into the how-to’s of safe wading this

week; for now suffice it to stay on the banks or in ankle-deep water where there are no hazards downstream. When you flyfish in rivers and streams you stalk your fish. You position yourself before making your first cast. Pre-think your stalk before you make it – and don’t go beyond your pre-set limits. Algae can make a rock

slicker than ice – and when the current accelerates your fall, the results can be comical for your friends who are watching, tragic if you’re the one taking the tumble. Safety afoot in a stream begins with purpose-built wading boots with felt or studded soles. Your choice – I won’t get into that here. Get a pair that is real comfortable and built to last. Spend about what you would on a high quality pair of hiking boots. Don’t skimp. Waders? Go with chesthigh breathable stocking foot waders. Get a pair with an attached wader belt that snugs up to keep water out in event of a tumble and use it. Every time. You can leave the waders home on warm summer days. The wading boots will keep you safe, and knee-deep cool water in a trout stream is refreshing on a hot day. Suiting up in your chesthighs and poaching in your own juices is a horrible alternative. Add a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses that are polarized and UV protected, sunscreen and insect repellant, plenty of water and sensible snacks or an energypacked lunch, a small first aid kit, lightweight raingear and extra layers for warmth when you need it, and you’re set for a day’s fishing. I always advise beginners to get this stuff before they spend a bundle on fancy tackle. Maybe that’s why I’m not a rich fly shop owner, but at least I sleep nights. Author and flytyer Chuck Stranahan can be reached at chuck@chuck-stranahan.com or visit his fly shop at 109 E. Main in Hamilton.

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Page 12--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

UM geosciences program awarded $1.4M for mountain watershed research UM News Service

As mountain watersheds store and release water, the Earth’s shape changes ever so subtly. The University of Montana Department of Geosciences now can track those changes by GPS, thanks to a $1.4 million cut of a multi-institutional collaborative award from the National Science Foundation. The total value of the award, part of the NSF’s Frontier Research in Earth Sciences program, is $2.43 million. The project is headed by UM Geosciences Assistant Professor Hilary Martens, who has a background in space science, planetary science and geophysics. After earning not one but three prestigious scholarships – the Presidential Leadership, Marshall and Goldwater – at UM, she received masters’ degrees in space science at University College London and volcano seismology at Cambridge. Martens earned her doctorate in geophysics and geodesy from the California Institute of Technology in 2016, where she used GPS to measure how Earth’s surface depresses and rebounds with cyclical ocean tides. She will apply the same concept to measuring ground deformation in mountain watersheds. For the new project, the team will use GPS to track changes in the shape of the Earth from the storage and flow of water. GPS receivers can determine sagging of Earth’s surface under the weight of water to the accuracy of 1 mm, and the team will use that information to estimate the total amount of water added or removed from a watershed daily or over a period of years. Martens will process and analyze the GPS data, as well as develop models to predict changes in the Earth’s shape due to the differing water amounts. “Deepening our understanding of water in mountain watersheds is crucial, because mountain watersheds serve as

Hilary Martens, an assistant professor in the UM Department of Geosciences, will head a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation to study changes in the Earth’s shape in mountain watersheds. critical reservoirs of fresh water for human communities and other natural ecosystems worldwide,” Martens said. Other UM Department of Geosciences researchers on the project include Assistant Professor of Hydrology Payton Gardner, Professor of Geophysics Rebecca Bendick, graduate students Mason Perry and Noah Clayton and postdoctoral scholar Lia Lajoie. Perry, who will complete a Ph.D. soon, uses GPS to study long-term tectonic deformation and how snow loads influence earthquakes in the Northern Rockies. “I’ve been lucky to do a lot of field work in my time at UM, and my experience in the field installing and maintaining GPS stations will hopefully allow for the project to get up and running relatively quickly,” Perry said. He will help with GPS processing in the NSF-funded watershed project. Zachary Hoylman, a research scientist in UM’s W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, and Zachary Rossmiller, the executive director for cyberinfrastructure at UM, also will contribute to the project. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California-San Diego and the NASA Jet propulsion Laboratory have teamed up with UM for the project to bring more expertise.

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“The project is multidisciplinary by design to push the boundaries at the frontiers of Earth sciences,” she said. “We have specialists in hydrology, geodesy, meteorology, computer modeling, Earth structure, and water management participating in the project. The project would not be possible without such a diverse team.” The project investigates three watersheds: the SelwayLochsa in Montana and Idaho, Russian River in California and the Upper San Joaquin River in California. The team will measure crustal displacement, streamflow, snow depth, precipitation and atmospheric conditions at all locations. “I’m really excited to see what comes out of this project,” Perry said. “I think GPS has huge potential to monitor hydrologic processes at watershed-size spatial scales, and it’s really exciting to play a role in cutting-edge research that is expanding the capabilities of a tool that I use regularly.” Martens hopes the information from the project will assist local communities in managing water resources and using GPS to forecast flood and flash drought risks. “With increasing demands on water resources from human consumption coupled with rapid changes in global climate, new advances in water-resource prediction and management are essential for socioeconomic sustainability and prosperity,” she said.

Areas open temporarily for firewood cutting The Bitterroot National Forest will temporarily open several roads this summer for the public to access personal use firewood. To learn more about each area and view maps of the locations, visit our website, call, or stop by any Forest Service office. The 2020 firewood cutting areas are: · Forest Roads 740 & 739A (Silverthorne Loop) – Stevensville Ranger District · Forest Roads 1327 & 13142 (Bear Creek) – Stevensville Ranger District · Forest Road 1321 (Smith Creek) –Stevensville Ranger District · Forest Road 728 (Andrews Creek) – Darby/Sula Ranger District · Forest Roads 73288 and 73293 (Mink Creek Saddle) – Darby/Sula Ranger District · Forest Roads 5757, 13355, and 73274 (Meadow Creek) – Darby/Sula Ranger District · Forest Road 73604 (Swift Echo) Decked wood- Darby/Sula Ranger District · Forest Road 49 (Castle Creek) – West Fork Ranger District

· Forest Road 13417 (Devil Creek) – West Fork Ranger District The forest will open these designated areas in an effort to provide more accessible firewood beginning today, Monday, June 15th. The areas are scheduled to remain open until Friday, October 16th or sooner depending on fire conditions and restrictions. Woodcutters are reminded of the requirements to have a spark arrester on their chainsaws and to carry a shovel, bucket, and fire extinguisher at all times. Please use wide shoulders and turnouts for parking. Not all roads have turn-arounds for trailers. As with wood cutting elsewhere on the forest, no trees are to be felled onto the roadway and all slash must be piled. Firewood gathering is prohibited in all developed recreation areas, campgrounds, and within 150 feet of streams, creeks, and waterways. Law enforcement will be monitoring the roads. Forest officials advise woodcutters to drive defensively and notify them of any downed trees or road damage. You can obtain a firewood

The Montana Business Adaptability Program is now accepting applications from Montana-based, for-profit and nonprofit businesses of 50 or fewer employees for reimbursement of expenses associated with keeping staff, operations and customers protected during the Covid-19 pandemic. Eligible expenses include (but are not limited to) costs related to communication, remote work equipment, cleaning supplies, tools to enhance social distancing and sanitation, and travel/ hotel costs related to quarantining workers. Total funding available is $20 million; the maximum reimbursement amount per business is $5,000 for expenses incurred. Itemized receipts and proof of payment are required for reimbursement. This financial assistance is funded through $1.25 billion in federal emergency relief through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act;

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permit by calling any Bitterroot National Forest office, Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The permits are free and allow for up to 12 cords of firewood for your personal use. Your hard-copy permit will be issued by mail and is good through December 31, 2020. Firewood maps are available at Forest Service offices or can be downloaded at: www. fs.usda.gov/main/bitterroot/passespermits/forestproducts Remember, you can help continue the success of this program by removing firewood debris from road surfaces and ditches and by respecting other forest users and natural resources. Thank you for your responsible use of National Forest System lands! For more information contact your local Bitterroot National Forest office or visit www.fs.usda. gov/bitterroot Stevensville Ranger District, (406) 777-5461 Darby/Sula Ranger District, (406) 821-3913 West Fork Ranger District, (406) 821-3269 Supervisor’s Office – Hamilton, (406) 363-7100

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June 18-21 • Libby 26117 Hwy 2 June 24-25 • Hamilton 1110 W. Main June 25-27 • Grantsdale 755 Wall Street July 2-4 • Darby Address soon. July 9-11 • Hamilton Address soon. Aug 13-15 • Wisdom Historic Big Hole Ranch! ALL SALES START

123 S. 5TH Corner of 5th & State in Hamilton Roy, MT. Great hwy. access; near Missouri River. Bidding closes 7/1/2020 www.ShobeAuction.com (406) 366-0472 HOBSON & GEYSER, MT REAL ESTATE, ONLINE ONLY AUCTIONS. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - Geyser & 38 city lots (6 +/-ac.)- Hobson. Bidding closes 6/25/2020 www.ShobeAuction.com (406) 366-5125.

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WE HAVE DOZENS OF FRESH FARM EGGS from pastured hens, delivered daily to the Bitterroot Star, $4/doz. Severson’s natural grass fed ground beef (1-lb packages, $5/lb). Call 777-3928 for availability or just stop by Bitterroot Star at 115 W. 3rd (blue door).

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ATV’s, Tools, Guns, Ammo, Reloading, Fishing Equipment, Coins, Antiques, Collectibles, Sailboat, Mounts, Furniture, Outdoor, & Much, Much MORE! RLP AUCTIONS 406-369-2640 • www.rlpauctions.net

UNUSUAL, INTERESTING SALE--CRANSTON PLASTICS ESTATE! 410 CHURCH ST.. STEVI 6/18--9 TO 4, 6/19--9 TO 1. Partial rolls of vinyl, every kind of buckles, grommets, rolls of rope, large and small tarps, interesting car parts, office supplies, tools, compressor, file cabinets, dressers, lamps, occasional table, space heaters, backpack, carpet, shelving, and more household items, plus more. Don’t wear white, there are 7 stalls with lots of dust and stuff to dig through beyond the main building. Not everything is priced; make an offer!! We encourage you to wear masks and bring trucks and boxes. You will need to bag or box your items. No earlies. Cash only. ESTATE & SALE Darby Fri&Sat 6/19-20, 9-5. Antiques, crystal, quality furniture, housewares, garden, tools, washer/dryer, Honda CR-V. Judith Ln. off Tin Cup Road. HUGE MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE SALE, Friday & Saturday, June 19th & 20th, 9 AM-4 PM, 839 Bighorn Lane, Stevensville. BOHEMIAN CORNER ONLINE ONLY LAND AUCTION - 450 +/- ac. in 3 parcels, near

FOR SALE 2005 FORD E450 SHUTTLE BUS. Seats up to 14 with commercial wheelchair lift. V8 automatic transmission, diesel. New valves, gaskets and fuel pump. Less than 130,000 miles so good for another 250,000. Near Hardin. Wife drove disabled husband with ease. A bargain at $12,000. Call (406) 665-5321 or email warrd0351@ gmail.com.

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HELP WANTED

HOME CARE SERVICES is hiring caregivers and CNAs. Flexible schedule, competitive pay. Apply at 925 N. First Street in Hamilton. Call 375-8637. EMPLOYMENT: Western Ag Reporter has an open position for a marketing representative. This is a full time, salary, in-office position, located in Billings, MT. Email cover letter and resume to Jared Murnin, jared@westernagreporter.com or call (406) 259-4589 for more information. SEEKING MONTANA CERTIFIED ELEMENTARY TEACHER. Send application from our website www.troutcreekeagles.org , 3 letters of reference, resume, and transcripts to principal@troutcreekeagles.org; 406-827-3629.

WANTED WE BUY GUNS. Cash paid. New, used, antique or military. Call Rich, (406) 531-6702. WANTED: portable dishwasher in good shape. 369-2509.

LEGAL NOTICES

tative

RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Attorney for Personal Represen-

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Estate of: JACQUELINE MARY STERRETT, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-42 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 said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jim Sterrett, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A.Weber, 345 West Main, Hamilton, Montana 59840, ADVERTISING or filed with the Clerk of the aboveentitled Court. Dated this 26 day of May, 2020 /s/ Jim Sterrett Personal Representative of The Estate of Jacqueline Mary Sterrett

tative

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JIMMY LOUIS HENDRICKSON, also known as JIM HENDRICKSON, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-45 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Susan K. Hendrickson, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 27th day of May 2020. Susan K. Hendrickson, Personal Representative BS 6-3, 6-10, 6-17-20. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JODY L. CANTARINI AKA JODY LYNN CANTARINI, Deceased Cause No. DP-20-44 Dept. 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 said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Carol A. Cantarini, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 27th day of May, 2020 /s/ Diana Lee Davis, Personal Representative 122 Laird Creek Rd. Conner, MT 59827 BS 6-3, 6-10, 6-17-20. MNAXLP

P.C.

Dustin M. Chouinard David T. Markette . Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD,

601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DustinC@mcpcattorneys.com Attorneys for Petitioner MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of RANDALL ROBERT KELLER, Deceased. Probate No. DP 19-129/19 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 first publication of this notice·or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Ernie Keller, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 30th day of May, 2020. /s/ Ernie Keller, Personal Representative MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC /s/ Dustin M. Chouinard Attorney for Personal Representative BS 6-10, 6-17, 6-24-20. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN L. HEDMAN aka HELEN LOUISE HEDMAN, Deceased. Cause No. DP-20-48 Dept. 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 said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Whitney C. Hedman, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 4th day of June, 2020 /s/ Whitney C. Hedman, Personal Representative 1200 S. 3rd Street ADVERTISING Hamilton, MT 59840 BS 6-10, 6-17, 6-24-20. MNAXLP

tative

Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Represen-

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN T. RAYMOND, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-51 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Thomas J. Raymond, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 8th day of June 2020.

/s/ Thomas J. Raymond, Personal Representative BS 6-17, 6-24, 7-1-20. MNAXLP

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MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DELMON REESE KENNEDY, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-50 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Christopher V. Kennedy, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 8th day of June 2020. /s/ Christopher V. Kennedy, Personal Representative BS 6-17, 6-24, 7-1-20. MNAXLP. Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Aliyah Celeste, Aliyah Celeste, Petitioner Cause No. DV-20-191/3 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Aliyah Celeste to Celeste Ann Fideldy. The hearing will be on July 9, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated: May 26, 2020 /s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court By: Janenne Sorenson, Deputy Clerk of Court. BS 6-3, 6-10, 6-17, 6-24-20. MNAXLP Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Rebecca Rene Lloyd, Rebecca Rene Lloyd, Petitioner Cause No. DV-20-203/5 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Rebecca Rene Lloyd to Rebecca Rene Wheeler. The hearing will be on July 16, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated: June 1, 2020 /s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court. By: Janenne Sorenson, Deputy Clerk of Court. BS 6-10, 6-17, 6-24, 7-1–20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The Stevensville Town Council will hold a public hearing at 6:30pm on June 17, 2020 in the North Valley Public Library Community Room located at 208 Main St. Stevensville, MT 59870 for the purposes of obtaining public comments regarding the

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town’s community housing need (public facilities, economic development, and housing need), including the needs of low income persons, to be served by the proposed development of a low income multifamily housing project known as Burnt Fork Place Apartments located on a currently vacant parcel of land on Box Bird Lane located in and being a portion of Lot 2, Block 6, May Addition to the Town of Stevensville, and being more particularly described as Parcel B, Certificate of Survey No. 466881-TR (the “Project”). The Project, which is intended to provide a community benefit, is being developed in conjunction with District XI Human Resource Council, Inc., a Montana nonprofit corporation and Burnt Fork Place, LLLP, a Montana limited liability limited partnership and will utilize Low Income Housing Tax Credits allocated to the Project by the Montana Board of Housing as well as other funding sources which target low income housing projects. The public hearing is being hosted by the Town Council to gather and hear comment from the community. This project is not currently subject to the approval of the Town Council and no decision is expected to come before the Town Council regarding the proposed development. BS 6-3, 6-17-20. MNAXLP

CALL FOR BIDS JUNK VEHICLE HAULING – RAVALLI COUNTY The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners has issued a call for bids for the Junk Vehicle Hauling Contract. An acceptance of a bid would result in a one year contract, with the ability to renew the contract for two subsequent years. Contracted services will be for the removal of junk vehicles from private property throughout the county and placement in the vehicle graveyard. Instruction to bidders can be obtained at the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department 215 S. 4th Street (Second Floor), Suite D, Hamilton, MT, or by calling the Environmental Health Department at 375-6565, or email a request to RCEH@rc.mt.gov. Seals bids must be received no later than June 29, 2020, at 10:30 AM at the Clerk & Recorders Office, 215 S. 4th Street, (Second Floor), Hamilton, MT. 59840. If you have any questions about the bid process, call Chris Taggart in the Commissioner’s Office at 375-6500. Chris Taggart Administrative Assistant Commissioners Office BS 6-10, 6-17, 6-24-20. MNAXLP

PUBLIC HEARING PRELIMINARY BUDGET HEARING FOR RAVALLI COUNTY The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on the Preliminary County Operating Budget beginning June 22, 2020, at 9:00 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT. on the 3rd Floor. The Commissioners have compiled the Preliminary Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 and the budget is on file and open for inspection in the Ravalli County Commissioners Office located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite A, (3rd floor), Hamilton, MT. Budgets can be taken out of order listed below, and may be continued into the next date and/or time session if necessary: Commissioners, Justice Court #1, Justice Court #2, General Fund Variable Costs, Treasurer, Clerk & Recorder/Records Preservation/County Supt of Schools, Finance, County Attorney, Office of Emergency Management, Public Health Nurse/PHEP/ MCH/Immunization, Environmental Health, Information Technology, Human Resources, Central Supply, Contributions to Communities, Facilities, Road, Bridge, Weed Control, Fair, Airport, Clerk of District Court, Juvenile Detention, Comprehensive Insurance, Parks, Library, Cemetery, Planning, GIS, Mental Health, Valley Veterans, Economic Development, Extension, Public Safety, Jail Diversion, Animal Protection & Control, Records Retention, Old Courthouse Maintenance, Ravalli County Museum, and 911 County & Enhanced. Any taxpayer or resident may appear at the hearing and be head for or against any part of the proposed preliminary budget. The Final Budget will be approved and adopted by Resolution on Wednesday, September 3, 2020, at 2:30 PM. If you have any questions, please contact the Commissioner’s Office at 375-6500, email at commissioners@rc.mt.gov or at the above address. Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 6-10, 6-17-20. MNAXLP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ASPHALT SEAL COAT The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners is soliciting Request for Proposals for asphalt seal coat to be conducted throughout various County roads in Ravalli County Proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second Floor) Hamilton, MT. 59840 until Friday 4:00 p.m. June 26, 2020. Proposals will then be opened by the Ravalli County Commissioners at 9:30 a.m. on June 29, 2020 in the Commissioners Conference Room (Third Floor) at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT. For a copy of the Full Request for Proposal and Specifications for the construction seal, contact the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, MT. during regular business hours or by calling 406-363-2733. For questions concerning the Request for Proposal process, contact Chris Taggart at the Ravalli County Commissioners Office – 406-375-6500. Glenda M. Wiles Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 6-10, 6-17-20. MNAXLP REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PAVEMENT MARKINGS The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners is soliciting Request for Proposals for pavement markings to be conducted throughout various County roads in Ravalli County. Proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second Floor) Hamilton, MT. 59840 until 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2020. Proposals will then be opened by the Ravalli County Commissioners at 10:00 a.m. on June 29, 2020 in the Commissioners Conference Room (Third Floor) at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT. For a copy of the Full Request for Proposal and Specifications for the pavement markings, contact the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, MT. during regular business hours or by calling 406-363-2733. For questions concerning the Request for Proposal process, contact Chris Taggart at the Ravalli County Commissioners Office – 406-375-6500.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 6-10, 6-17-20. MNAXLP INVITATION TO BID AGGREGATE MATERIALS The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners is now accepting proposals for the delivery of 2020/2021 AGGREGATE MATERIALS SUPPLY. Sealed proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, until Friday 4 P.M. MST on JUNE 26, 2020. The proposals received will be publicly opened and read aloud at 10:30 a.m. MST on Monday, June 29, 2020 by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third floor), Hamilton, MT. Contract documents may be examined or obtained at the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department office at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840. Questions relative to the standard and special provisions may be directed to the Ravalli County Road Department at (406) 363-2733. Questions relative to the bid process may be directed to the Ravalli County Commissioners Office at (406) 375-6500. No proposal may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of proposals, which is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. MST on Monday, June 29, 2020. Ravalli County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities therein, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible proposal determined to be in the best interests of Ravalli County. Chris Taggart, Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 6-10, 6-17-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a Public Hearing to receive citizen comment on a Material Modification to move a property boundary between The Stock Farm Common Area B and The Golf Course Parcel A. The property is located in Sections 23, 24, 25 & 26 T6N, R20W, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana.The applicant is The Stock Farm Homeowners Association. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Office, in the Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. The Public Hearing will be held Tuesday, June 30th, 2020, at 1:30 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Administrative Center. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, prior to or at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting will be considered in the decision. BS 6-10, 6-24-20. MNAXLP NOTICE OF PENDING ATTACHMENT OF A TAX LIEN (MCA 15-17-122) On Monday, August 3, 2020, by 5:00 pm, the Ravalli County Treasurer will attach a property tax lien to property on which the 2018 taxes are delinquent. The delinquent taxes, including penalties, interest and costs are a lien upon the property and that unless delinquent taxes, penalties, interest and costs are paid prior to August 1,

2020 a tax lien will be attached and may be assigned to a third party. A complete list of all property on which taxes are delinquent is on file in the office of the Ravalli County Treasurer and is open to public inspection and examination on Monday thru Friday from 8:15 am to 5 pm. For further information please contact the Ravalli County Treasurer at 215 S. 4th St., Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 or at 406-375-6580. BS 6-17, 6-24, 7-1-20. MNAXLP NOTICE OF PENDING ATTACHMENT OF A TAX LIEN (MCA 15-17-122) On Monday, August 3, 2020, by 5:00 pm, the Ravalli County Treasurer will attach a property tax lien to property on which the 2019 taxes are delinquent. The delinquent taxes, including penalties, interest and costs are a lien upon the property and that unless delinquent taxes, penalties, interest and costs are paid prior to August 1, 2020 a tax lien will be attached and may be assigned to a third party. A complete list of all property on which taxes are delinquent is on file in the office of the Ravalli County Treasurer and is open to public inspection and examination on Monday thru Friday from 8:15 am to 5 pm. For further information please contact the Ravalli County Treasurer at 215 S. 4th St., Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 or at 406-375-6580. BS 6-17, 6-24, 7-1-20. MNAXLP ment

Ravalli County Planning Depart-

Legal Notice for Proposed Open Lands Project Publication Date: Wednesday, June 17th and July 1st, 2020 Billing Information: Ravalli County Planning Department Account LEGAL NOTICE The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a public hearing for a Ravalli County Open Lands Bond project on Tuesday, July 7th, 2020 at 9:00 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) of the County Administrative Building located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. The proposal is known as the C. Ben White Memorial Fishing Access Site Application. The project is a single parcel with 96 acres and the property is located on the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, six (6) miles south of Darby, and is located south of the intersection at West Fork and Conner Cut-Off Road. Bitter Root Land Trust is the applicant. Information describing the proposals are available for inspection at the Planning Department, located at the County Administrative Building, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the public hearing and will be forwarded to the BCC for consideration at the public hearing. The public may comment verbally or in writing at the hearings. Comments and information submitted at the public hearing will be considered in the decision. Submit email comments to: planning@rc.mt.gov, and questions can be asked by phone at 406-375-6530. BS 6-17, 7-1-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Board of Health (BOH) will conduct a Public Hearing to receive public comment on the first reading of the proposed revisions to the Ravalli County Subsurface Wastewater Treatment and Disposal

Regulations, previously approved by the Ravalli County Board of Health on December 20, 2010, and effective January 1, 2011. The first reading will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Administrative Center located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. The meeting will be live streamed via Granicus. Comments and information submitted to the public meeting will be considered in the decision on the proposed changes. Information describing the proposed revision will be available for inspection on June 15, 2020, at the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite D, Hamilton, MT 59840, and on the Ravalli County website. For questions relating to these meetings, please contact the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department at 375-6567. If you would like to request an electronic copy of the proposed draft, please send a message with the request to rceh@ rc.mt.gov. BS 6-17, 6-24, 7-1, 7-8-20. MNAXLP PUBLIC NOTICE The Ravalli County Transportation Committee will meet (via email) on the 24th of June, 2020 to approve/ make adjustments to school transportation routes and approve any individual transportation contracts for the 2020-21 school year. If you have any questions or comments regarding any school district’s bus routes, please send them to the Ravalli County Superintendent of Schools, 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 or email them to recorder@rc.mt.gov or call Regina Plettenberg 375-6555, before June 24th. BS 6-17-20. MNAXLP NOTICE The 2020 Personal Property Tax bills have been mailed. Taxes are due payable before 5 PM are due June 30, 2020. Mail payments must be postmarked by June 30, 2020 or the payment will be returned for additional charges. Please make checks payable to the Ravalli County Treasurer. Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover are accepted. Now accepting On-line payments at www.ravallicounty. mt.gov Ravalli County Treasurer Dan Whitesitt, Treasurer 215 S 4th St. Ste H Hamilton MT 59840 406-375-6600 BS 6-17-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE Samuel Brown, Angela O’Connell, notice is now given, that pursuant to the provisons of MC 70-6601, et. seq., and the contract you signed, the contents of your storage unit are now subject to an operators lien. Unless the accruing balance is paid in full, before 12 noon, June 19, 2020, the contents of the storage unit will be removed and sold at Fairgrounds Rd RV & Mini Storage, 537 N. Daly Ave., Hamilton, MT 59840, at 10 AM on Saturday, June 20, 2020. BS 6-10, 6-17-20. MNAXLP. (RFP)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

worked with an outside IT provider and incurred services on an as needed basis. The Town has identified the need for a comprehensive 3rd party IT service in order to meet the growing digital operations of the municipality including the IT and security needs of local police/criminal justice, water, wastewater, airport, fire department and community pool. Vendors understand that in addition to serving the operational IT needs of the Town, that the organization also needs to improve its cybersecurity and continuity posture given its role in criminal justice, key local infrastructure and data sets: personal/financial/payment information. Full details for this request for proposals can be viewed on the Town’s website at www.townofstevensville.com by clicking on Resources and BIDs/ RFPs. Proposals are due via email to Finance Officer Robert Underwood at robert@townofstevensville.com by 5:00pm on Friday, June 26, 2020. BS 6-17, 6-24-20. MNAXLP REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL The Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists is accepting bids for clearing and construction work for the creation of mountain-bike designed trails on the Bitterroot National Forest. The project area is approximately six miles north of Darby, MT on the south side of Lake Como. The work will be split among 7 trail segments totaling approximately 8.5 miles. Contracted work will be prioritized to make use of funding available to complete whole segments that fall within our budget. The work consists of clearing and removing trees and limbs within specified clearing limits. Design tread width will be 18” to 36” optimally leaving a 24” – 30” full bench. Trail corridor clearing and tread construction may be performed with a trail machine and finished as necessary with hand tools. Safety, schedules, and quality assurance of specifications will be inspected by the Forest Service representative. Contractor and machine operator must have experience or be familiar with International Mountain Biking Association trail building techniques and Forest Service Standards and Specifications for trail construction. Contractor must be licensed and insured in the State of Montana. Contractor shall provide equipment, maintenance, and transportation to and from the project locations. The contractor will be responsible for lodging, per diem, fuel, and maintenance and repair of all equipment. Bids will be accepted on a per mile basis for each of 7 trail segments. Bids must be received by July 3, 2020 and will be awarded on or about July 10, 2020. Bid packages are available by email from jkernmt@gmail.com or by telephone at 406-381-7903. BS 6-17, 6-24-2020. MNAXLP

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Obituary Arthur Hammersley Stevensville - Art was born November 5, 1943 in Denver Colorado. He died of a sudden heart attack at home on May 3, 2020 at his home in Montana. He attended high school in Lakewood, Colorado and then joined the Army. He served in the Army and the Reserves. He lived in Colorado, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Montana. He settled in the Bitterroot Valley in 1973. He earned his living as a certified welder. He also tried short-order cook, golf caddy, car wash attendant, factory worker, farm and ranch hand, sawyer and log peeler. On November 24, 1961, Art married Bonnie Mae Baker in Aiken, South Carolina. They had a son and daughter and later divorced. On December 21, 1970, Art married Faye Lindquist in Denver, Colorado. They were married 49+ years when he went to meet the Lord. They had a daughter and son. Art had many interests in his lifetime but his heart was being in the mountains hiking, camping, cooking outdoors, gathering firewood, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, target shooting, bowling and occasionally golf. He had many hobbies including taking pictures, drawing, painting, playing ukulele and guitar, leather and wood working. He got the most enjoyment from working with metal and tinkering. He shared his father’s love of gold panning and later discovered digging for gemstones and learning to facet them. He was a big fan of Mexican food, pizza, and lasagna. Art loved his family and grandchildren and was looking forward

to meeting his great-grandchildren. He felt blessed to add two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law to his family. Art was always eager to learn new things. He went to welding school, took a basic automotive course, blueprint reading, drafting and art classes. Art belonged to the Fort Owen American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville. Art was the head Scout Master of Troop 117 for multiple years and was proud to help some wonderful Scouts make it to Eagle Scout. He belonged to Community Baptist Church and loved to help with Jr Church, Awanas, and Vacation Bible School. He had a deep faith and was a faithful prayer warrior. Art was preceded in death by all of his grandparents, uncles and aunts, his parents Arthur Ray Hammersley and Mildred Eudora Hammersley, his stepmother Lola Hammersley, first wife Bonnie Hammersley and daughter Wendy Mingus, his brother Thomas Ray Hammersley and brother in-law Greg Lindquist.

The

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Death Notices Rose M. Wilson

He is survived by his wife Faye Hammersley, his brother Don Hammersley, and brother in-law Larry and Darleen Lindquist; his son and daughter-in-law Wade and Laura Hammersley; daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Alex Paul; son Ray Thomas Hammersley; his granddaughters Heather Hammersley, Lacey Hobert and boyfriend Jade Miller, grandson Jessie Mingus; his great grandchildren Edan Hobert, Elijah Hobert, Greyson Miller, Keira Miller and Kyan Dorin; nieces and nephews Lynn Larsen, Mathew Hammersley, Paula Hardin, Mary Ann Schaum, Vicki Rowan, Valerie Lindquist, and Vincent Lindquist; adopted sons David Hubbel and Jason Rennels; adopted daughters Kimberly Corrigan, Christina Short, and Melissa McFarland; adopted granddaughters Rita Bundren, Tara Penny, Hiedi Bennet, Amanda Spencer, and Jessica Horsfall. A celebration of life will be held at the Community Baptist Church in Stevensville on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. The family asks that donations be made to either the Community Baptist Church, Western Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, American Legion Post #94 or Samaritan’s Purse. The family would also like to send a special thanks out to the first responders, especially 3 Mile Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office, Marcus Daly and Whitesitt Funeral Home. Arrangements under the direction of Whitesitt Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Hamilton - Rose M. Wilson, 72, passed away in the morning, Sunday, June 14, 2020, at the St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory is honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

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Page 16--Bitterroot Star

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