Bitterroot Star - June 19, 2024

DITCHES: major upgrade to historic irrigation system completed

serve the needs of residents from Hamilton to Corvallis today. Daly then “started building up the ward,” and “[The Skalkaho Highline Ditch] is actually a ditch that he built and engineered the whole way,” said the DDID manager.

The now removed and replaced Skalkaho Highline Ditch fume was also a remnant of that early industrialization period in the Bitterroot Valley. Although DDID has removed 14 out of 15 of the time-worn fumes in its district, Meuchel admitted the siphon project presented new engineering challenges to the staf. Erik Powell, owner of Glacier Precast Concrete, and Paul LaMarche, TrueNorth Steel’s territory sales manager, joined

Meuchel during the June 12th media event to detail the process and joke about the headaches they delegated to one another over the years.

“This project was a little bit out of our scope,” said LaMarche, “but Tim approached me; he said ‘I just want to handle the construction of the project, you deal with everything else.’ That’s when we started looking for an engineering frm, and we discovered we were going to need some pre-cast inlets and outlets. We reached out to Glacier Precast. We also contracted with an NGO technical engineer to get a survey done on the site. The engineer laid everything out on plans. Then we also generated shop drawings for our structures, including the precast structures, which allowed Tim to get started on the construction of the project.”

LaMarche then presented Meuchel with a plaque showing the siphon had been named a “2024 Project of the Year” winner by the National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association, a recog-

Contributors to the planning and construction of DDID’s water siphon stand together in front of the completed project. Back row, left to right, Henry Tintzman (DDID board member), Greg Chilcott (Ravalli County Commissioner), Tim Meuchel (DDID manager), Paul LaMarche (TrueNorth Steel manager), Charley Moody (DDID board member), and Erik Powell (owner, Glacier Precast Concrete). Front row, l to r, Mary Rodriguez (DDID board member), Dennis Moore (DDID board member), and Dan Huls (Ravalli County Commissioner). Photo by Sarah Glass.

nition bestowed on 13 infrastructure projects across the nation.

“One thing I was telling these guys,” Meuchel laughed, gesturing towards LaMarche and Powell, “is

now that we know how to do it, we should do the next [fume] and be done.” This type of project should go a lot faster the second time around, he said.

Expanded alcohol use at fairgrounds gets initial approval

by Michael Howell

On June 5th, the Ravalli County Commissioners adopted on frst reading a new ordinance permitting the purchasing and dispensing of alcoholic beverages at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. If approved on second reading, scheduled for a hearing on June 25, the new ordinance will repeal and replace the current ordinance that restricts the sale, purchase and possession of alcoholic beverages to the Event Center. However, the new ordinance does contain a provision that explicitly prohibits alcohol from being purchased, dispensed or possessed anywhere on Fairgrounds proper-

ty 14 days prior to, during, or 14 days following each annual Ravalli County Fair.

The new ordinance also contains several other provisions. Alcohol may only be sold by a Montana state licensed caterer or a person or organization that possesses a state permit and a copy of their liability insurance must be submitted to the Ravalli County Fairgrounds Ofce prior to the event where alcohol is sold. The County currently has a policy requiring at least $1 million in liability insurance. Patrons attempting to purchase, possess or consume alcoholic beverages at a concession stand shall be subject to showing a valid photo I.D. and no patron shall

be allowed to bring alcoholic beverages onto the grounds or facilities without going through the Fairgrounds alcohol permitting process. The ordinance also requires any person applying for the alcohol permit to make food available whenever alcoholic beverages are sold. Anyone found in violation of the ordinance can be fned up to $500 and/or jailed for up to 6 months.

Fairgrounds manager Melissa Saville said she was excited about the initial approval of the ordinance. She said, “One reason the Fairgrounds Ofce was moving forward with this was that a lot of people have been expressing a desire to use a

lot more of the facilities than just the Event Center and we want to become a destination venue for them.” She said that ofering events the chance to do things outside on the lawn would bring a lot more revenue in. She said that both the Sherif’s Ofce and the Hamilton Police Department had been consulting and that it would mean no changes to them from their current responsibilities. She said nothing would change from the current requirements that apply to the Event Center including the need to get Fairgrounds permits as well as state and city permits for alcohol and insurance. “It’s just opening us up to be able to ofer more,” said Saville.

She said it would attract more events to the Fairgrounds, both large and small. “Someone interested in holding an outdoor barbeque, a reunion, or an anniversary party could go through the process and we could host that for them.” She said they had just started on a new project with the Fair Foundation to build an open-air pergola out on the old teepee burner ring that would add to the appeal. Saville said that public input about the changes has been very positive and the Fairgrounds recently received the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce economic development award for their eforts at hosting events that bring in more economic activity to the valley.

Workers constructing the new siphon. Photo courtesy of TrueNorth Steel.

Chamber chooses Liss as Volunteer of the Year

by John Dowd

The Bitterroot Valley is in no way short of active community volunteers, but there are always some that deserve special recognition. This year, the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce has recognized Barbara Liss as Volunteer of the Year.

“I was surprised because lots of people do lots of things,” said Liss, owner of Explore the Arts, a gallery and art center in downtown Hamilton. Liss also has her hands in a lot of other projects. Many of these are art-related, and in participation with other groups trying to bring art in some form or fashion to the community.

“Other organizations appreciate people taking the lead,” said Liss, and she mentioned that it often takes some work of their plates so the events end up better, overall, for the community.

“It takes time to participate in these things, which you aren’t paid for,” said Liss. That being the nature of volunteering, Liss said everyone’s time is valuable, and to her it is important to participate to ensure these things can happen. She also believes it’s “a lot of fun to be involved.”

Liss is involved with many groups, including Glacier Country Tourism, a Travel Montana region that spans much of Western Montana. She oversees the southern part of that range, including the Bitterroot Valley. The group is state-funded, and helps provide money to projects that promote tourism. She is also involved in the Bitterroot Rotary Club, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce and Hamilton Downtown Association, as well as

other groups and organizations that are art-centric.

Liss’s love for art started in 2016, when she began work on her concrete sculptures, which are now very popular both locally and throughout western Montana. She has at least 32 pieces scattered around Hamilton that people can fnd. She came from 34 years in real estate and property management, but was also a gardener who wanted to have art in her garden that was durable. She had access to a lot of concrete, and started there. Eventually, that evolved into other forms of art that were combined into her sculptures. She bought a building to use as her own studio, but it quickly evolved and grew to include other artists and events. The studio became Explore the Arts, and now serves as the home base for “Culture Crawl,” a community event that takes place every second Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This

event brings art experiences of all kinds to participants, completely free. Every month a diferent artist is featured. Liss said everything she does comes down to providing these “art opportunities” to people.

Another event is the chalk art contest, which is spinning up right now. The event is an extension of Daly Days, and provides participants with chalk and assigns them a square to create on. The event includes several categories and age groups and over 50 squares. “It’s so cool to see people out there creating art,” said Liss.

Explore the Arts hosts art classes, workshops, summer programs for kids, winter programs for adults and much more. The building also has

what Liss calls a “makerspace,” which is a corner dedicated to simply creating. It includes free art supplies and resources for anyone to come in and learn how to do numerous forms of art. The supplies were donated by Rocky Mountain Realty, and Liss loves to see the space used, not only by artists learning new things, but by people who may not be all that interested in art. There are several books there that talk about art history, and she has seen people there simply reading. When asked about why she developed such a passion for art and getting people creating, Liss said, “Developing the creative mind is important. It makes problem solvers.” For her, creative expression is an often underdeveloped part of the mind, and promotes mental wellbeing, open-mindedness and, especially with younger generations, helps develop humans that can adapt and help solve modern issues in the world. She loves seeing “art in unexpected places,” and art done in any medium.

Explore the Arts is located at 701 Main, in Hamilton. The studio can be reached by calling (406) 351-0073, emailing art@explorethearts.art, visiting the website at www.explorethearts.art, Facebook or by simply stopping in. The studio is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Thank You

God Bless,

Vickie Vernon

My life is so blessed with some of the most amazing people. Thank you all for being a part of my journey at the Stevensville Schools for the past 42+ years. Thank you to all who came to, brought gifts, contributed to, & celebrated my retirement celebration (at the school & the park). I cannot begin to thank you enough for all that you have done to make my life so special & memorable.

Barbara Liss was recently chosen as Volunteer of the Year by the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce. Liss is the valley’s ambassador for all things art-related. She is pictured here with some of her unique sculptures. Photo by John Dowd.

The Makerspace at Explore the Arts in Hamilton. Community members are wel come to come in and experiment with diferent art mediums. Photo by John Dowd.

Summer food drive to kick of in Stevensville

The Stevi Food Program, a local non-proft that collects and distributes food to children experiencing food insecurity in the Stevensville area, is preparing to launch its third annual Summer Program Food Drive.

According to Fran Schmitz, program director, the program is preparing to serve 50 children per week throughout the summer and that requires a signifcant amount of food.

“In the frst week we handed out

28 bags of weekly supplemental food items,” said Schmitz. “Each weekly bag weighs just under 5 pounds.”

The annual Food Drive will be kicked of at Super 1 Foods on Saturday, June 22nd and will wrap up with a table outside of Exit Realty on June 29th with information about the program as well as collection of food and monetary donations.

Some of the items needed for these food bags include individual

Stevi Food Program

Summer Program

3rd Annual Food Drive

June 24th to 29th

Find a participating business on our Facebook Page or look for our Logo at local businesses.

mac & cheese bowls, juice boxes, unfavored oatmeal packs, unsweetened apple sauce and fruit cups, canned vegans individual Slim Jims and Beef Sticks, snack packs of cheese and crackers, Chef Boyardee microwave bowls, Cup of Noodles and microwave popcorn. The goal is to provide food that is ultra-easy to prepare but still nutritional and that kids are likely to want to eat.

“Since starting our program in the summer of 2022, our volunteers have handed out over 2500 non-perishable food bags to children in our community through our Summer Program and Weekend Backpack Programs,” said Schmitz.

Local businesses will be participating as collection drop-of locations; look for window signs. The Bitterroot Star, 115 W. 3rd, #108,

will be a collection site. The program is funded through individual donations as well as grants, such as from Town Pump and the Rapp Family Foundation, and annual donations from the Stevensville Booster Club and Stevensville Parent Teacher Club. Grooves Dance Studio has also donated funds from their 50/50 rafe for the past three years. For more information, visit stevifoodprogram@gmail.com or call 225-304-3947.

Lueck named MT Law Enforcement Offcer of Year

American Legion Post 47 Commander Deb Strickland is proud to announce that Hamilton Police Ofcer Chris Lueck was selected as the American Legion Law Enforcement Ofcer of the Year for the State of Montana.

Ofcer Lueck was nominated by his supervisor Lieutenant Don Niemeir and Police Chief Steve Snavely for the American Legion Ravalli Post 47 (Hamilton) 2024 Law Enforcement Ofcer of the Year Award. He was selected by the Post and advanced to the American Legion of Montana State level.

Lueck has been with the Hamilton Police Department for four-and-a-half years and serves as the School Resource Ofcer (SRO) for four diferent schools in Ravalli County. Hamilton High School Principal Marlin Lewis recognizes “the importance of an SRO’s visibility on campus and during special events as it increases overall safety and awareness” and highly praised Ofcer Lueck for exceeding their expectations. Lueck works proactively in the schools every day assisting school administration and teachers as well as interacting with the students. He “observes their [safety] drills

and provides thoughtful and detailed feedback” for improvement.

Lueck is married to Kacey Lu-

eck and is also an active member of the Montana Army National Guard, 1049th Fire Fighting Tactical Group

at Fort Harrison in Helena where he serves with distinction as Fire Chief, with the rank of Sergeant First Class. According to Lieutenant Niemeir, Ofcer Lueck successfully balances his police profession, his duties as an SRO, military service, and family life in “exemplary fashion” due to his strong work ethic and high moral character. He bridges the gap between being approachable to the students while earning their respect, especially as he diligently conducts criminal activity investigations that are thorough, fair, impartial, and complete. In addition to his police duties, Lueck is also known for participating in everything from classroom instruction to reading books to children at a local daycare.

“Thank you, Ofcer Chris Lueck, for your caring and stellar service to our city and schools,” said Deb Strickland, Commander of Hamilton American Legion Post 47. “Congratulations on your well-deserved Ofcer of the Year Award.”

Lowell Long, American Legion of Montana State Commander, left, presents the 2024 Law Enforcement Ofcer of the Year Award for the State of Montana to Ofcer Chris Lueck of the Hamilton Police Department at the American Legion of Montana District 5 Spring Conference hosted at Hellgate Post 27 in Missoula on April 21. Photo by Linsey Strickland.

Successful ‘Trout in the Classroom’

As the school year drew to a close, graduates from a number of Bitterroot valley classrooms literally headed for the water! These piscine pupils are the little trout from Bitterroot Trout Unlimited’s (BRTU) Trout in the Classroom program and they told their bipedal colleagues and instructor farewell as they dove into the pond at Hieronymus Park.

This was the fourth year that BRTU has sponsored the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program in the valley. The teachers and schools that participated are Rose Nyimba at the West Fork Job Corps, Andrew Shulstad at Darby High School, Vanessa Hafich at Hamilton High School, Joe Rufatto at Hamilton High School, Jef Kaiser at Corvallis High School, Sarah Daman at Stevensville Middle School, and Marlene Wolstad at Florence High School.

In the fall, BRTU provides each participating school with a 55-gallon aquarium, a chiller to keep the water at 53 degrees, plus all the pumps, chemicals and other items necessary to raise trout, as well as additional support as needed. Once the aquaria are up and running, BRTU delivers approximately 100 fertilized

Participants in the most recent ‘Trout in the Classroom’ program sponsored by Trout Unlimited gather for a photo at Hieronymus Park pond in Hamilton after releasing the young trout they raised over the school year. Photos courtesy Trout Unlimited.

rainbow eggs from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP) hatchery in Arlee.

The class then monitors the eggs daily to ensure they are kept in

optimum growing conditions and watch over the course of the school year as their aquatic classmates hatch and develop into fry and fngerlings. The students also must monitor the water chemistry and temperature daily, learning how critical water temperature and water quality are to trout survival. The amount of food the fsh receive is optimized to avoid excess food that would decay in the tank and cause potentially lethal problems. By the end of the school year, the trout are large enough

to “graduate” into the pond.

This year all the classrooms successfully raised trout and released them in the pond. Jason Lindstrom, local MFWP Fisheries Biologist, monitors the program and assists with the licenses for the eggs which are required by MFWP.

BRTU would like to congratulate all 2024 Bitterroot Valley graduates, but particularly the ones – both the ones that will walk and the ones that will swim- that have made TIC such a successful and educational program.

For more information about BRTU or TIC, contact BRTU chapter president Dave Ward (dward0451@gmail. com) or check out www. bitterroottu.org

Job Corps’ Ames takes top honors in spelling

Trapper Creek Job Corps has announced that Cat Ames of Kalispell is the distinguished recipient of the Best Speller award for the year 2024. Throughout the months of April and May, Cat demonstrated exceptional mastery in spelling, achieving an outstanding average score of 99.6% on the weekly spelling tests.

Under the guidance of Recreation Supervisor Clarence Ferguson, Cat’s remarkable performance has garnered well-deserved recognition. The curated tests, comprising words meticulously selected by Gordon Havens over seven years, challenged students with a compilation of the 120 most commonly misspelled words in the English language.

Havens, the architect behind the challenging tests, notes that Cat’s achievement is unprecedented. Despite the rigorous standards, Cat’s dedication and profciency have propelled her to the pinnacle of spelling excellence, making her a shining example of academic prowess at Trapper Creek Job Corps.

Cat’s accomplishment not only highlights her individual brilliance but also refects the dedication and commitment of the Trapper Creek Job Corps community to academic excellence. As Trapper Creek celebrates Cat’s achievement, they also applaud the unwavering support and guidance provided by her mentors and peers.

Job Corps is a program administered by the United States Department of Labor that ofers free education and vocational training to young people ages 16 to 24.

Changes to state’s water nutrient standards on hold

by Michael Howell

The Montana state legislature’s attempt to do away with the scientifcally-based numeric nutrient standards that have protected Montana’s rivers and streams from nutrient overloading for almost a decade has hit a snag. One third of the river miles in the state have been determined to be impaired by nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate. Nutrient overloading can lead to the formation of toxic algal blooms and deoxygenation of the water, compromising the aquatic ecosystem and killing fsh. Montana led the nation by adopting objective, numeric-based standards for nutrient impairment in 2014 and many states have since followed suit. In 2021, however, the legislature reversed course and passed Senate Bill 358 in an attempt to jettison those numeric standards and fall back on a form of “narrative” standards. Sponsor of the bill, Sen. John Esp of Big Timber, argued at the time that the numeric standards were too stringent, and that the technology required to meet the standards was too expensive and not yet available.

Tasked with developing a new set of narrative standards, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) established a Nutrient Work Group, including representatives of environmental organizations, municipalities, industries and the general public, and initiated a rule making process.

Following a long and contentious efort and the closure of the public comment period, DEQ published a draft set of rules on April 26, 2024. But the draft was met with strong objections from most members of the Nutrient Work Group itself, including the Upper Missouri Waterkeepers, the Montana Mining Association, the Montana Petroleum Association, the Treasure State Resources Association and the Montana League of Cities and Towns. While some objected that the new rules were designed based on purely economic considerations and not on the health of the ecosystems, others claimed that the new rules themselves would be too expensive to meet and were too difcult to interpret as well as being too vulnerable to litigation.

As a result, DEQ announced last week that it is putting the process on hold while it conducts further review of the comments.

“I said when we published the draft rules that we would continue listening and we did,” said DEQ Director Chris Dorrington. “In addition to receiving feedback from the Nutrient Work Group, DEQ has worked closely with the Legislature’s Water Policy Interim Committee to take a thoughtful approach to implementation of Senate Bill 358. The pause in rulemaking will allow DEQ more time to consider the substantive comments received and means that the proposed rule package will not move forward to adoption. I would like to thank Senator Esp, and the Water Policy Interim Committee for their thoughtful approach to hearing all sides of this complex Montana issue, and Chair Walsh for his leadership.”

“Montana’s waters are a precious resource and integral to our way of life and nutrient pollution is a complex issue for our state,” said DEQ Water Quality Division Administrator Lindsey Krywaruchka. “DEQ applied the best available Montana-based science in developing this rule package. The work group provided valuable perspectives about treatment costs and the need for fexibility. But it’s clear we need more time to carefully consider the feedback we’ve received regarding this complicated subject.”

According to the agency’s press release, “the goal of the process is to continue working toward the narrative standards and adaptive management option required by Senate Bill 358, in a manner that is at least as protective of water quality as the numeric standards previously approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”

In the meantime DEQ is continuing to operate under the numeric standards previously approved by the EPA.

Democracy is bipartisan

Having proudly served as former Secretaries of State in Montana, we understand how important democracy is to the people of our state. It’s not a matter of what side of the aisle you stand on – it’s a matter of what you value.

Recently our state’s Supreme Court reafrmed that Montanans’ right to cast a ballot is not a mere privilege – it is a right guaranteed by our Constitution. A coalition of lawmakers in Congress, including Montana’s Senator Tester, are working to uphold the integrity of our democracy through the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

The reintroduction of both these important bills comes at a critical moment. These measures are designed to combat voter suppression, restrict dark money in politics, and support transparency across the board. They work to ensure that Montanans, and all Americans, can cast their ballots without interference from special interests, out-of-state infuence, and endless hurdles. These bills ensure fair and honest voting practices and are something all citizens, including our Congressional delegation, can unite behind regardless of party.

By supporting the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, we can ensure that Montana continues to set an example for maintaining the integrity of our elections. We are onboard with this. It’s the Montana way.

Linda McCulloch (D)

former MT Secretary of State Bob Brown (R)

former MT Secretary of State

Recovering the Republican Party

When I was nominated and voted into the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee (RCRCC) in about 20172018, there were older Voting Precinct people who had served 20 and 30 years as Central Committee (C.C.) members. Those people were a treasure of history, information, drive and knowledge of what C.C. was all about.

Not all 24 Voting Precincts had C.C. members (one man, one woman), but we all worked together to recruit candidates for county, state and Federal ofces, and raised funds to support the candidates in the November Elections.

Then there was a shift of the RCRCC towards the extreme right in Christian, Conservative and Constitutional values. We lost some of the older C.C. members through natural causes in life, which left more empty C.C. seats.

More people of the John Birch Society entered the C.C. membership, as did more Libertarian leaning “republicans,” who soon began to nominate and vote in more of their members than the established real Republican C.C. members could push back, and our real Republican C.C. was stolen.

Suddenly good became evil, and evil became good. The God of the Bible was replaced with the god of “Politics.”

After the RCRCC was stolen, I found the meetings and extreme shift to the Right totally irrelevant to what the RCRCC existed to accomplish and I quit attending the meetings, but I never resigned.

The thieves who stole our RCRCC are described in St. John 10:10 in the KJV of the Bible; the thieves come “to steal, kill and destroy…”

Since January of 2024 I have witnessed the thieves in the RCRCC steal

from, kill and destroy committed and dedicated Real Republican Statesmen and Stateswomen by stealing their pure characters, killing their innocence, and not yet satisfed, the thieves have almost successfully destroyed the Real Republican men and women who had run as candidates for ofce to oppose the “Political” thieves’ agenda.

Proverbs 24:1-24 (KJV Bible) describes how evil prevails when good men do nothing. It also outlines what happens in the end to those who do the evil--not good news for them.

Ravalli County now has 25 Voting Precincts. Because this is a Presidential Election Year, all the C.C. seats were open for fling if someone wanted to run as a candidate for the Voting Precinct they reside in. Good and Real Republican men and women did fle for those seats and won. Those elected in the June 4, 2024, election will be verifed June 11 at the RC Administration Building at 11 am. And will be sworn into their respected C.C. Seats at the next monthly meeting of the RCRCC July 9th, 2024. The meeting starts at 7 pm at the Solid Rock Baptist Church, 150 Sheafman Creek Road.

Newly elected Real Republicans, let nothing or anyone stop you from being sworn in to your C.C. Seats. Thank you, community members who have voted and elected us Real Republican men and women and given us the opportunity to recover our RCRCC in order to serve you as true and Real Republicans.

Susan McCreary Stevensville

Four-way stop

It amazes me that drivers in Stevensville constantly do a rolling stop or just fat out drive through the stop sign at Main & 3rd. We have had clients come into our ofce that told us that while walking in the crosswalk they were nearly hit. My employer was nearly hit twice at this same location. This needs to STOP before someone is hurt or killed. I am requesting that the Stevensville Police Department do something before it’s too late.

Lance Broshar Stevensville

No honor in Manzella’s victory

Turnaround is fair play. Just as Trump supporters believe he didn’t lose the 2020 election, I don’t believe that Wayne Rusk lost his primary bid for SD 44. Everyone can play that game. Theresa Manzella, if I were you, I wouldn’t be proud of your victory over Wayne. Although your campaign tactics may be technically legal, they are decidedly unethical and downright sleazy. In 2020, you basically bribed people to put up your signs on their property with the promise of winning a gun. In this primary, you allowed your supporters to sling mud about Wayne’s past without revealing the shameful acts of your own past. You spout untruths and fact-free stories about your fellow legislators’ records. You set up electioneering stations at many of the polling places, just shy of the 100 ft marker but clearly in the face of voters, violating the intent of the law not to unduly infuence and intimidate voters.

But worst of all, you or your supporters perpetrated a fraud on Democratic voters. As the Ravalli County Democratic Central Committee learned, an innocent young man was taken advantage of and either coerced or hoodwinked into fling to run for an ofce in which he apparently has no intention of serving. While it is true that voters have a responsibility to research the candidates before they vote,

you nevertheless are complicit in deceiving voters. You or your supporters helped create a false choice for the sole purpose of playing to Democratic party line voters to ensure they did not cross over and vote Republican in this primary. (To the 1300 Democrats who voted for Cade Scatollini; shame on you for falling for this ploy. Mr. Scatolini was not known by Ravalli County Democrats. He had no conversations with any Democrats in the valley and provided no information about who he is or why he fled to run for the State Senate.)

Ms. Manzella, you continually spout that you are a Christian, Conservative, Constitutionalist, Republican, in that order. I don’t know what Chrisitan teachings you grew up with, but I grew up being told not to lie; that the ends don’t justify the means; that if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all; but most importantly, may he who is without sin cast the frst stone.

These are the reasons I believe, as do the many other Democrats and Republicans I have spoken with, that there is no honor in your victory. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you “won.” You may have gotten the most votes, but you didn’t “win” this primary election. And neither did the rest of us. Your campaign deceived and defrauded many of the voters in this District. Shame on you. Margaret Gorski Stevensville

Thank you

Thank you to the primary voters of Legislative District 88 (Stevensville and Florence) for my 54% victory in the June 4th primary.

As the Republican nominee from the primary, I will face Democrat Evan Schroedel in the November general election. Traditionally the Republican nominee wins the November election in Ravalli County.

I met so many great people when I was door belling and at community events. I really learned what makes the people of Stevensville and Florence tick. There’s no substitute for talking to several hundred people to understand what they think. This will make me a better legislator because representing the people of Stevensville and Florence is what the job is.

My Republican primary opponent, Kim Dailey, ran a good campaign. I will gladly represent those who did not vote for me in the primary.

My campaign volunteers and I knocked on approximately 5,000 doors and talked with voters. I attribute the victory to our hard work. That’s the same work ethic I’ll bring to Helena when I represent people in House District 88. Greg Overstreet Stevensville

Grade school lessons

Most of us were taught in school that our government has checks and balances and that everything works as we are taught. Politicians are elected by the people and they represent you and your values.

Then we grow up and most of us fgure out that our government does not really work that way. The ideas were words on a page about how things were supposed to work. We were not told about the realities of money and corruption and political machines. Ideals and realities are two diferent things, but most people fgure this out when they grow up.

To blame corporations or to blame our neighbors is a nice cop out and an easy way of avoiding the uncomfortable problem of coercion and allowing a system of force to rob from our children and our children’s children! They are furious

about this theft as they watch you and your comfortable life while they scrape for any crumbs leftover. Most grow up and see things as they are not as we were taught in school!

Let’s try to grow up for our children’s futures!

Kris Bayer Hamilton

Border crisis

Border crisis demands teamwork, innovative tactics.

Imagine one morning a homeowner discovers that overnight his basement has fooded.

The frst step is to pump water out of the basement. That done, a couple of options remain: keep pumping the water out or, more logically, discover the source of the leak and stop it before it foods in.

I propose this simple scenario can be a metaphor for dealing with our crisis at the southern border.

Many refugees seeking asylum in the United States come from the so-called northern triangle of Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

According to the American Council on Foreign Relations, governments in this trio of poor nations have made eforts to mitigate the violence, poverty and symptomatic corruption that spurs thousands of their disadvantaged citizens to seek haven in the United States.

Despite what extreme politicians would have us believe, the United States remains a powerful and infuential nation that can sway foreign governments to help solve mutual problems.

Some recent presidential administrations have attempted to address the issues in this trio of nations including changes in foreign aid and other diplomatic means.

In fact, President Biden has proposed a $4 billion plan to address the cause of migration from Central America and, at the same time, has supported a promising strategy to stimulate international private-sector economic investment in the northern triangle.

These three nations are economically poor but resource rich. They are blessed with mineral resources including gold, silver, copper, coal and iron ore, forest resources, fsh, hydroelectric power, and considerable tourism opportunities. The right foreign investment can help distribute national wealth, thus removing much of the reason for the poor to undertake a hazardous journey north.

Such innovative political, diplomatic, and business tactics ofer hope for at least partial solutions to the crisis on our southern border.

Having said this, I know we must face tough realities. Republicans alone cannot solve the problem. Democrats cannot either. Lawmakers cannot legislate the problem away and law enforcement can’t arrest or detain our way to a solution. These entities must work together to craft a workable solution that is humane, fair, and efective.

Most importantly we must not demonize these desperate people who often walk thousands of miles with their families seeking a safe, more prosperous life in the United States.

Of course, some criminals inevitably join this northbound fow, but I believe - and immigration statistics support this - most of these refugees are law-abiding poor people who only want to seek safety here and be allowed to earn their place in this country.

As a nation of immigrants, I hope we never lose our ability to view these refugees objectively and with simple human compassion.

Evan Schroedel candidate for HD 88 Florence

A Course of Love study group

Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480

Florence American Legion

Florence American Legion Post

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

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

MS Support Group

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

Bitterroot Celtic Society

The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.

NV Library events

Board Meeting – Wed. June 19 at 3pm Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and the Public Participation are posted on the website. If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@ northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly. A link to Trustee contact information can be found at Montana.Gov.

DIY Herb Drying Rack – Thur. June 20 at 6pm

During this adult craft night we will make a beautiful and easy indoor rack to dry herbs and fowers. Finally, a convenient way to dry and store your garden’s bounty right where you need it: in the kitchen! Materials provided. Learn with a Firefghter (ages 5-10)—Tue. June 25 at 10am

This is a fun and interactive family event exploring wildland fre safety geared for kids aged 5-10 . Bitterroot Firefghters will facilitate a reading, craft, science experiment, and hopefully a fre engine! You never know when those engines need to go fght a fre, so they may need to dash away. We also have Smokey Bear swag, coloring books, and prizes for kids attending, as well as preparedness education packets for

parents who are interested. Smokey Bear might even swing by to say hello, since his birthday is just around the corner! Organized by Fire In The Root, Montana DNRC, and the US Forest Service.

spectrUM Summer of Science –Tue. June 25 at 1:30pm Join spectrUM for hands-on science fun! Content suitable for ages 6-12 but all ages welcome.

Film Noir 101 – Thur. June 27 at 6:30pm

A decidedly American style, flm noir developed in the 1940s and is a result of, and a response to, the anxieties of WWII and the post-Depression Era. With historical context in mind, we will discuss this genre’s themes, archetypes, and how it speaks to social issues. We will also touch on the debate over whether flm noir is a genre at all, how to recognize neo-noir today, and some of the classic flms that gave us the femme fatales and moody cinematography we love today.

Bitterroot Public Library

Contact: Daniel Ray, Community Librarian at community@bitterrootpubliclibrary.org, Annika Riley, Youth Services Librarian at youthservices@ bitterrootpubliclibrary.org; Mark Wetherington, Library director at director@ bitterrootpubliclibrary.org

Thursday, June 20: Little Explorers, 10 to 11 a.m., meeting room. Registration recommended. Explore process-based art and sensory play through a new program for toddlers through preschool. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress to get messy!

BITTERROOT PUBLIC LIBRARY

SPEAKERS: Unpacking a History of Systemic Racism in the American Education System with Tifany Jewell. Noon to 2 p.m. on Zoom. Registration required. Join us as #1 New York Times bestselling author Tifany Jewell highlights the inequities Black and Brown students face from preschool through college as she presents lessons and knowledge from her new book Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School.

Artful Thinking, 2 to 3 p.m., meeting room. Registration required. Program occurs weekly on Thursdays through the summer unless otherwise noted. Join us to unlock your inner artist. Learn about artists, style, technique, and work with a wide variety of mediums! Ages 6+.

The Reel World: A Documentary Film Series, 6 to 8:30 p.m., meeting room. Registration required. Join us in The Reel World! Come to the library meeting room for light refreshments and a documentary flm. June Movie: Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West Friday, June 21: One on One Tech Help, 10 a.m. to noon. Registration required. Meet with Community Librarian, Daniel Ray, one on one to discuss any tech issues you might be facing. Register in advance and briefy describe the issue you are facing so that staf have a chance to research and better help you.

Preschool Story time, 10:30 a.m., west lawn. Registration required. Join Kat for stories, activities and games. Ages 3 to 5.

ABC Acres Permaculture Tour, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ofsite at the farm south of Hamilton. Join ABC acres farm staf as you walk the entire farm while learning about Permaculture systems applied throughout. Visit livestock, planting destinations, and ongoing operating systems as we delve deep into ideology behind ABC acres’ Permaculture, Regenerative-Ag practice.

EPIC ENCOUNTERS: D&D in the library, 3 to 5 p.m. Registration required.

Join the ranks of the fercest warriors at the Library’s Epic Encounters D&D group. This epic campaign will span the summer months and meet on the frst and third Fridays of the month. All adventurers must be 12-18 years of age and SHOULD sign up for all six meetings.

Saturday, June 22: Truck Day! 10 a.m. to noon, outside the library on 4th street. Have you ever gotten up close to a vacuum truck or wanted to climb on board a fre truck? Join us for this great opportunity to explore large vehicles and discover how they work.

Bird Window Decal Take Home Kit. First come, frst served grab bag kit. Kit includes all materials and instructions to have fun at home.

Tuesday, June 25:

Coloring Club for Adults, meeting room, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Indulge your creative side and social network the old fashion way. Coloring pages and pens provided.

Backyard Birding for Kids, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., west lawn. Registration required. Join us for three hands-on discovery sessions as we explore bird habitat, investigate what birds eat and how to attract them, see how many birds we can identify, and more. See other programs 6/25 and 7/02.

Socrates Café, 6:30 to 9 p.m. meeting room. No registration required. Revive the love of questions that Socrates inspired long ago and join the community of inquiry.

Wednesday, June 26:

Baby and Toddler Storytime, west lawn, 10:30 a.m. Registration required. Join Annika for a story, fnger plays, rhymes and songs. Ages 0-2.

S.A.G.A. Summer Afternoon Group Activities, 3 to 5 p.m. Registration required. Limited to 16 participants. The S.A.G.A. continues! Join us for another summer of Summer Afternoon Group Activities (S.A.G.A.) and participate in a wide array of activities, games, and projects! We’ll meet every week on the West Lawn. Ages 8+.

Trivia Night at Big Creek Cofee, 6 to 7 p.m., ofsite at the cofee house in Hamilton. Join the Bitterroot Public Library at Big Creek Cofee Roasters for trivia night. Bring a team or drop in on your own. Participants compete for free drinks at Big Creek Cofee by answering a challenging range of questions about most anything. Teams are limited to six participants each.

Quantum Discussion Group, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., meeting room. Does Wave Particle Duality keep you up at night? Do you think that moving faster than the speed of light may be possible? Then join the Quantum Discussion Group at the Bitterroot Public Library to meet others with the same interest, discuss theoretical physics and the metaphysical aspects of these questions.

Bitterroot Baroque concert

Bitterroot Baroque will present a free concert, “Bird Fancier’s Delight,” on Wednesday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton. Baroque composers were just as inspired by birds as birders are today, listening to the songs of nightingales, cuckoos, ravens, swans, and chickens, incorporating them into their music. Inspired by a book of pieces for solo recorder titled Bird Fancyer’s Delight which promises the listener that they will get to ‘hear these little animals warble out their Celestial Harmony.’ This program features works by Biber, Rameau, Handel, Walsh, and Couperin paired with poetry from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Stevi school board

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a work session on June 21 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the MPR Choir Room.

Gem & Mineral Show

The Bitterroot Gem and Mineral Society invites you to the 2024 Treasures of the Universe Show, Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds Event Center. Admission is $3 per person with 12 and under free. In addition to displays of crystals, fossils and gems, there will be fint knapper demonstrations, kids activities, silent auction, rafe table, and geode cutting.

The Bitterroot Gem and Mineral Society is a non-proft organization. Their purpose is to promote interest and education in various earth sciences, including geology, mineralogy, paleontology, lapidary and faceting arts and other related subjects. For more information check out their website at www.bitterrootgemandmineral.org.

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, June 21 at 12 noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be David Sanders. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Many Abilities Superhero

Fun Run & Festival

Big Sky Autism Project (BSAP), a Townsend based nonproft with board members across the state, has partnered with HEARTism Community Center in Hamilton to host the 3rd annual Many Abilities Superhero Fun Run & Festival 1K & 5K in Stevensville on June 22. The Fun Run & Festival will be headquartered at the Stevensville Public School, 300 Park Street. Registration for the 5K will be open at 8 a.m. with the run starting at 9 a.m. Registration for the 1K will also start at 8 a.m. but participants can register up to 11:45 a.m. with the 1K run starting at 12 noon. Superhero costumes are encouraged.

The festival area will be open all day until 4 p.m. and will include vendors and family-friendly activities such as BSAP program demonstrations, yoga sessions, no-contact boxing demos, and more.

BSAP and HEARTism have been working for the past year to make the fun run possible in the Bitterroot Valley by gathering sponsorships, securing in-kind donations, and networking throughout the community.

The following vendors have been confrmed: Frost Dragon Delights, Montana Bookstore Trail, Sweet Links LLC, Bitterroot Health, Juniper Juicing, Sara McEvoy Photography, Baking Bad MT, Forward Montana Foundation, and Heidi’s Kitten Rescue.

The public is asked to use caution when traveling along the following streets as runners will be on roadways.

5K Route – Park Ave to Middle Burnt Fork Rd to Main St to Valley View St to Smith Ave to South Ave to Charlos St to Ravalli St to Charlos St to W 2nd St to Buck St to W 4th St to Main St to E 4th St to Pine St to E 2nd St to Railroad Ave to E 3rd St and back to Park Ave.

1K Route – Park Ave to 5th St, turn around at Pine St back to Park Ave. Crossing guards will be posted at all major intersections. Ambulance

and EMT services will be provided by Bitterroot Health. For more information on BSAP or HEARTism visit these websites: www.BigSkyAutismProject.org and www.Heartism406.org

Celebrate Life Montana

Montanans for Life invites everyone to attend a special celebration on Sunday, June 23rd. Celebrate Life Montana will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at The River Church, 354 Cooper Lane, Hamilton. The event is free of charge. Lots of family fun and activities are

Republican Women

Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, June 25 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speakers will be Charles Garner, author of “A Canary in a Coal Mine” and Sonia Shearer-Hiett, who is working on a study guide for the book. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Driver safety class

Bitterroot Health Hospital, located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, will host an ALL NEW AARP Driver Safety Class on Friday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. This program features laws and up-dates specifc to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, New Vehicle Technologies to name a few. Class size is limited;

For class sign up: call Jones Korman Insurance at 406-363-6583. For further information: call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 406-369-0149. Beneft turtle race

Adopt a turtle for $5.00 for a chance to win $500.00!

On June 29th at 2pm, at Hieronymus Park [next to the Dairy Queen] in Hamilton, Soroptimist International of Hamilton will have a turtle race to beneft SAFE – Supporters of Abuse Free Environments.

Cute plastic turtles can be adopted in any amount from 1 to as many as you want. Simply go to the website theturtlesarecoming.com. Prizes are $500 – 1st place, $250 – 2nd place, and $100 – 3rd place. Or, create your own unique turtle. For $25.00 you can buy – and keep – a 9” turtle that you can modify however you want – motor, sails, etc. The prize is a highly coveted trophy and prizes. More information about adoption, purchase etc. is available through the website theturtlesarecoming.com. The best part… you do not need to be present to win, you will be called and or receive an email. Help us, help our community and SAFE.

Calendar postings are free to non-proft groups. Submit by emailing to: editor@bitterrootstar.com

Stevensville Schools receive fag donation

by Kristin Kruse

A gauntlet of American fags lined the hallway to the gym at Stevensville High School on May 22nd as students entered to attend an end of the year awards ceremony. Due to a collaboration between several local organizations, 116 fags were donated to the Stevensville school district. Kay Gibbons, with American Legion Fort Owen Post 94, spoke of the importance of having fags displayed in classrooms.

“The American fag symbolizes respect for the United States, its people, laws, and traditions,” said Gibbons. “Displaying it in the classroom sends a message to students that they should have pride in their country and respect for all those who have fought to serve it. Stevensville classrooms did have fags in most classrooms, but they were of varying sizes and placed in various areas of the classroom. It was decided that uniform sized fags that could be placed in front of all of the classrooms would be a good project.”

The United States fag code is a federal law that requires public schools to display the American fag in every classroom. It is not mandatory though, stating that this is only if the school can aford the fags or get them donated. The code was written by the American Legion and over 60 civic organizations on June 14th, 1923. Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Elsie Arntzen, partnered with the American Legion of Montana to ensure that every Montana classroom has a United States fag. This is known as The Stars and Stripes Initiative. It is because of this code that Tony Hudson, Stevensville School Board Trustee and founder of Save the American West, decided to partner with American Legion Fort Owen Post 94 to donate 116 fags to the Stevensville school district so that they would be in compliance with the United States fag code, according to Gibbons.

“There will be enough fags to have one in every classroom as well as the common areas of the primary, middle

and high school,” said Gibbons.

In addition to the fags themselves, poles, stands and toppers were donated and need to be stained. Gibbons and her husband have been chipping away at them but 116 fagpoles is a lot.

Gibbons stated that she approached the high school shop teacher to see if he could get kids to help out with the staining, which she feels would give them a sense of ownership in the

project.

“I feel that it is very important to instill pride and patriotism in young people,” said Gibbons.

The American Legion and the VFW are comprised of former service men and women who have served their country, and these organizations were created so that we can continue serving, said Gibbons.

Partnering with the American Legion and Save the American West was Victor VFW Post 1507. Generous donations were also given by the North Valley Pachyderms and the Ravalli County Democrats. Representatives from each organization were in attendance at Stevensville High School on the 22nd for the presentation of the fags.

Pictured at left: Gauntlet of fags lining the hallway to the gym at Stevensville High School. Photo courtesy of Kay Gibbons.

Pictured below are representatives of American Legion Fort Owen Post 94, Victor VFW post 1507 and North Valley Pachyderms. Not pictured are representatives of Ravalli County Democrats.

Photo courtesy of Kay Gibbons.

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Sabres Soccer U18 Boys are state champs

The Stevensville Sabres U18 boys soccer club team won the state title in the U18 Division at the Montana Cup Soccer Tournament in Helena on June 7-9. They defeated Polson 4-1 in the fnal game to earn the title. The Sabres boys team also won the same title last year. In the championship game, the Sabres were comfortably ahead 3-1 before a Polson player got a red card and the Sabres fnished the game with a one man advantage.

Ralph Serrette, the Sabres Club president, said, “The U18 boys championship game was well played on both sides of the ball.

Polson created good scoring opportunities, and the Sabres responded with an impressive defense. It was a brilliant chess game played on a soccer pitch. The diference in this chess game was that there were no ‘kings’ or ‘queens,’ just 11 sol-

id players on both sides who showed strength, brilliance and determination with every move and counter move.”

The Sabres defeated Real Billings, Montana Rush, and Flathead Valley United to reach the fnal game.

The Sabres were coached by

Mayson Palen, and the team’s players came from all over the Bitterroot Valley and western Montana. From Florence and Stevensville were David Beames, Cole Fowler, Evan Montague, and Umar Sodogar. From Hamilton were Dane Hayward, Miles Hughes,

Alex Koch, Zach Olbricht, Haven Osher and Kellen Yockey. There were also two Missoula players and three Frenchtown players.

The Sabres are one of over 20 Montana soccer clubs who participated in the 2024 Montana Cup. The Montana Cup is the culminating event for soccer clubs who participate in the Montana State Spring League as part of the Montana Youth Soccer Association.

The Sabres had four teams at the Montana Cup. Besides the U18 boys, they also had a U17 boys team, a U15 boys team and a U18 girls team.

Serrette said of the weekend, It is my hope and expectation that back-to-back State Titles at the U18 Boys Division is sufcient to steer more players to the Stevensville Spring Soccer Program. We are a small, fun-loving organization that is fnding tremendous success. Join us!”

Bitterroot Legion Baseball – Bucs, Red Sox results

The two Bitterroot Valley American Legion teams, the Bitterroot Bucs and the Bitterroot Red Sox, are swinging into form for the 2024 Legion season. As of June 16th, the Bucs have a 12-6 record, while the Red Sox are 114. Both teams were busy last week.

Bitterroot Bucs 4, Bitterroot Red Sox 8 On Tuesday, June 11th, the two squads played each other, with the Red Sox defeating the Bucs 8-4. For the Red Sox, Conner Ekin, Boedy Tadvick, Atticus Southwell, and Toby DeMoss all had an RBI, and Jackson Lubke went 2 for 4. Cash Lawrence had 5 strikeouts and got the win. For the Bucs, Jake Roth, Drew Wagner and Levi Winters all had RBIs.

had a triple and scored 2 runs. The Red Sox won 25-15 in the second game. They scored 8 runs in the top of the 1st inning and it was a slugfest from then on. For the Red Sox, Reese Earp went 3 for 4 and had 5 RBIs. Jackson Lubke went 2 for 4, scored 4 runs and had 4 RBIs. Conner Ekin went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Charlie Chavez went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and Toby DeMoss went 2 for 5 and scored 3 runs.

Bitterroot Bucs 0, Gallatin Valley Outlaws 8

On Friday, June 14th, the Bucs were blanked by the Outlaws 0-8. The Bucs got hits from Jake Roth, Chase Wagner, and Trapper Oster.

Bitterroot Bucs 10, Vauxhall Spurs 9

On Friday, June 14th, the Bucs beat Vauxhall 10-9. For the Bucs, Chase Wagner and Joey Wheeler both had 3 RBIs. Jake Roth had an RBI and scored 3 runs, and Levi Winter and Trapper Oster each scored 2 runs.

Bitterroot Bucs 8, Havre 7

On Saturday, June 15th, the Bucs defeated Havre 8-7. Jake Roth went 2 for 4 and with 2 RBIs. Joey Wheeler went 3 for 4 and scored a run, Braelon Bahn went 3 for 4 with an RBI, and Mason Arlington and Drew Wagner each had two hits. Trapper Oster struck out 5 batters.

Bitterroot Bucs 2, Lewistown

Locals play in Shrine Game

The West defeated the East 48-20 at Wendy’s Field at Daylis Stadium in Billings on Saturday, June 15th, in the 77th edition of Montana’s Shrine football game. As always, the Bitterroot Valley was well represented.

Six athletes from the Bitterroot Valley played on the West squad. The Hamilton players included linebacker Lucas Lant and defensive end Andrew Burrows. The Florence players includ-

ed safety Tyler Abbott, defensive tackle Arie McLaughlin, and defensive end Ethan Alexander. And for Corvallis, Isaac Stoker played as a guard. Florence’s outgoing head coach, Pat Duchien, was the West’s head coach, while Florence’s new head coach, Adam Goodnight, was on the West’s coaching staf. And, of course, these players make their presence felt in the game. Hamilton’s Lucas Lant and Florence’s Tyler Ab-

bott both returned interceptions for touchdowns late in the game to help seal the West’s victory.

The Montana Shrine Game is the state’s premier all-star football game. Every year since 1947, the top outgoing seniors from all Montana high schools are selected to compete in a game to raise money and awareness for the Shriners Hospital in Spokane. Over the last 10 years, the game has raised nearly $1 million.

Redbirds 12

On Saturday, June 15th, the Bucs were defeated by Lewistown 2-12. For the Bucs, Drew Wagner went 2 for 2, and Levi Winters, Trapper Oster, Chase Wagner, Jake Roth and Mason Arlington all had hits.

Bitterroot Red Sox 8, Dillon 9; Bitterroot Red Sox 25, Dillon 15

On Thursday, June 13th, the Red Sox won one and lost one to Dillon. There was plenty of ofense. In the frst game, the Red Sox lost 8-9. Hunter Harrness went 3 for 4 and had 3 RBIs. Boedy Tadvick went 2 for 4 and scored 3 runs, and Reese Earp

Bitterroot Red Sox 5, Cranbrook Bandits 2; Bitterroot Red Sox 12, Cranbrook Bandits 5

On Sunday, June 16th, the Red Sox defeated Cranbrook twice. They won the frst game 5-2. For the Red Sox, Reese Earp went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs, and Jackson Lubke, Atticus Southwell, and Hunter Harrness all had hits.

They won 12-5 in the second game. For the Red Sox, Boedy Tadvick went 4 for 4, scored 3 runs and had 2 RBIs. Jackson Lubke went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and Conner Ekin went 2 for 3 and scored 3 runs.

The Stevensville Sabres U18 boys soccer club team won the state title at the Montana Cup Soccer Tournament in Helena on June 7-9. They defeated Polson 4-1. Photo courtesy Ralph Serrette.

Hamilton Red Sox’s Conner Ekin (#11) slides safely into home against Dillon on June 13th. The Bitterroot Red Sox are 11-4 this summer. Photo courtesy Bitterroot Red Sox Baseball.

Florence players Harrison Shepp, Tyler Abbott, Ethan Alexander and Arie McLaughlin at the 2024 Montana Shrine Game in Billings on Saturday, June 15th. The West won 48-20. Photo courtesy Florence Football.

Marilyn Edith Sharon

Marilyn Edith Sharon passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024 of natural causes.

She was born on March 3, 1936 in Whitehall, MT to George “Ray” and Eva J. (Ballard) Brenner, being the youngest of fve children. She was a direct descendent of Granny Yates (Mary Wells Yates) The Brenner family moved from Milligan Canyon to the Ranch at Little Bear Creek, south of Gallatin Gateway in 1936. She had so many wonderful memories growing up on the ranch, riding horses and exploring the mountains. She was proud to have been one of the last two students at Little Bear School, which is now a museum.

After graduating from Gallatin County High School, she married Dennis Chaney and they started their family. They later divorced. She married Earl Sharon in 1967 and moved to New Mexico where Earl worked in the logging industry. Logging brought them back to Montana, frst in St. Regis and fnally to Darby in 1969 where they raised their family.

Mom always enjoyed her beloved animals, dogs, cats and horses. She was a self-taught piano player and was blessed with a beautiful singing voice. She was also a talented artist and cook and loved spending time with family and friends. Her father instilled

Lois E. (Paulson) Howard

Stevensville - Lois E. (Paulson) Howard passed away on June 3, 2024 at the age of 91, at the Missoula Health and Rehab Center after a rapid onset illness.

Lois was born on July 29, 1932 in Poplar, MT to Clarence and Irene Paulson (Erickson). At a very young age she moved with her family to Sunset Bench in Stevensville. She attended Upper Burnt Fork Elementary School and then Stevensville Public Schools until she graduated high school in 1949. She went on to become an elementary school teacher and proud alumni of the University of Montana, touching young lives in Deer Lodge MT, Reno NV, Missoula, and Stevensville. She completed her Masters of Education to become the Principal of Lone Rock Elementary School in 1969. She then joined her beloved husband Ivan, in numerous business ventures to include Red Ranch Realty, partner in “The Wye” convenience store, and Red Ranch Mini Storage in Stevensville. Her greatest love was

James W. ‘Bill’ Lamb

James W. (Bill) Lamb, 80 years old, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024 from a valiant battle with cancer, in the shadow of Blodgett mountain at his home on the west side of Hamilton, Montana. Known as a kind gentleman with a soft southern drawl, Bill never met a stranger and had many friends wherever he lived. He often greeted someone with “Hey, buddy, how y’all doin’?”

Born in Atlanta, Georgia on December 7, 1943, to Jimmy and Ruby Lamb, he lived in the south until he was able to follow his dreams of living in Montana. Even as a small young boy he was always a cowboy and westerner at heart.

With Judy, his wife, by his side, they moved to Montana in 1987 and did some outftting in the Selway for a bit with Wilderness Outftters on the westside of Victor. Bill embraced the plumbing trade which he learned from his father. After further education and work experiences he attained an associate degree and a master’s plumbing license. Upon moving to Montana, he worked for several compa-

Albert E. ‘Skip’ Webster III

Born 9/17/1956. Passed 6/2/2024

Stevensville - Skip was a guy who loved his family and friends. He was full of compassion and would do anything to lend a hand. His passions were fshing, foating the river, and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting. He was a jokester, always, and loved to make people laugh.

There will be a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the American Legion Fort Owen Post #94 in Stevensville. An additional notice will be posted in early September in the Bitterroot Star to remind everyone of the Celebration of Life. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

a love of cards to her and her kids; pinochle and cribbage were her favorites. Mom had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed people which made her a great bartender for many years. She also talked proudly about her times as a school bus driver and then a security guard at the Sawmill in Conner. She will be missed by her children: Wade & Bobbie Chaney of Burbank, WA; Denise & Randy Hill of Stevensville; Cindy & John Merkel of Whitehall; also her beloved grandchildren: Angela Chaney, Candace Rusnook, Christopher Chaney, Leslie Hill, Randon Hill, Kristy (Dustin) Hinson, Scott (Katie) Merkel, Carson (Kaycee) Merkel, Jake (Jane’a) Merkel and 16 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Jean Brenner and Judy Brenner, and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl; brothers, Jack, Dick and Don; sister Georgie Badgley; brother-in-law OB Badgley; sister-in-law Erma Brenner; and grandson Jeremy Chaney.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 28 in Hamilton, MT at the Darby Clubhouse. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com

for her husband and family, travel, horses, ranching, bowling and golf. Her love of teaching and business gave great meaning to her life.

Lois had trouble understanding why her family had all left her behind and could not understand how anyone could live to be 91 years old. She was a great woman and professional in all of her adventures in life and touched many young minds to remind them “you are not working up to your potential.” She will be missed and loved by her remaining family and friends… in remembrance of Lois, please try to enjoy life and help others whenever possible.

A service will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville. Ivan and Lois will be interred at a private service at Sunnyside Cemetery. She will then be with the family she loved so much.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

nies estimating plumbing and heating jobs in the Missoula and Bitterroot valley area until retirement. He was a people person so working with people ft him just fne.

He was always able to have a little land around him where he lived so he did some irrigating and haying as he often gazed at the mountains. Animals were his second-best friend, having dogs Hoss and Belle and his horses around to enjoy and care for.

Bill enjoyed all the treasures a Montana lifestyle ofers and always found time for a fshing or hunting trip, packing up the camper, hiking when he and Judy could, foating the river and exploring the mountains on a backcountry road trip.

JW (Bill) is survived by his wife Judy of 36 years, his three sons Mike, David and Chuck, step-children Virginia and Jason, sisters Susie and Sherry, grandchildren and many friends he treasured so much.

Funeral arrangements have been handled by Daly-Leach Funeral Home in Hamilton; no service is planned.

JOIN US IN Celebrating

THE LIFE OF

JOYCE L BRADER

OCTOBER 21, 1938 - JANUARY 16, 2024

Fr iday, July 5, 2024 at 11:00 am

Riverv iew Cemetery

Hamilton, MT

Reception and light lunch follows service at 106 Canyon Creek Dr., Hamilton, MT. Or just stop in before 4:00 pm to visit.

Tom and family would love for you to join us as we share stories and favorite memories of Joyce.

Nielson; two beautiful daughters and a son, Stephanie Swenson (Gary Hindman), Alexandria Webster (Tieg Gibbs), and Shephard Webster; and three wonderful grandchildren, Saylor, Brayden, and Landon.

Obituaries

Edna Marie Anderson

Edna Marie Anderson, aka Edie Anderson, (82) of Hamilton, Montana passed away on February 18, 2024.

Edie was born to Edna and August Bohling on July 19, 1941 in Tecumseh Nebraska. Edie is survived by her three children, Terri, Bill (Polly) and Mark. She is also survived by her grandchildren Bryce and Kelsie. Edie is preceded in death by her four brothers, Lee Bohling, Ike Bohling, Pete Bohling and Willie Bohling.

Edie’s father, August Wilhelm Bohling, sailed from Hamburg, Germany to America in 1922 just after World War I. He worked as a farmer (indentured servant) in Nebraska to pay for his passage to America. August met his wife Edna Marie Bohling in Auburn, Nebraska (no, they were not related). Edie was raised on their farm and attended a oneroom schoolhouse in the country. She milked cows, helped her mother bake pies and bread, worked in the garden, and twirled the baton in her high school marching band.

Edie met Paul (Bill) Anderson (recently deceased) in high school in Tecumseh, Nebraska. Edie worked at Mutual of Omaha and KPMG Peat Marwick to support Paul through medical school at the University of Nebraska. Edie worked as a secretary in a typing pool back in the day when women had few options (secretary, teacher, nurse and librarian) and she had to raise her hand and be approved to make a trip to the restroom (yes, we have come a long way!). When Paul was drafted by the Air Force, she also supported him and her children as he worked in San Antonio, Salt Lake City and Denver. Eventually Edie and Bill discovered Montana and made their home in Hamilton.

After Edie and Paul went separate ways, she overcame challenges that single mothers face, and she became an ophthalmic technician and ofce manager for Dr. Joe Kupko in Hamilton where she worked for about 16 years. She loved the mountains

Birding Journal

and her favorite thing was to ski with family and friends. She ultimately became a ski instructor at Lost Trail Pass where she passed along her passion for skiing. She also enjoyed hiking in the Bitterroot Mountains, gardening, and playing bells in the Presbyterian Church. She was dedicated to her three children, and extended family (brothers, sistersin-law, nieces and nephews who also grew up in Nebraska).

Edie traveled to Germany with her brother Pete and his family. She skied the Swiss Alps, visited the farm in Neuenkirchen where her father grew up, flled up on those tasty German breads and pastries,

and cruised down the Autobahn with “Herman the German” in his BMW. Edie also enjoyed a cruise down the inside passage of Alaska with her children, her brother Pete and his family, Polly and her father. She loved Glacier Bay, watching Orcas, eating lots of great seafood, and sitting in the hot tub on the top deck with her family watching the beautiful scenery pass by.

When Bill and Polly were dating, Polly drove from Bozeman to Hamilton to spend time with Bill who was working for the US Forest Service and fghting fres at the time. This was back in the day before cell phones, and Polly often arrived in Hamilton to fnd out Bill had been dispatched to a fre. Edie was there to greet Polly and spend time with her. They hiked Blodgett Canyon, sat in the hot tub at the River Bend Health Club and ate dinners at the Cofee Cup Cafe.

Edie was excited about the arrival of her two grandchildren, Bryce and Kelsie. Her family has fond memories of her interactions with them as they grew up. Bryce told his Grandma Edie that she was “giving him a headache” as she tried to correct his behavior. When Kelsie was 4 years old, Bill’s family was skiing with Edie, and Kelsie got ahead of everyone else. She was headed for a hazard on the ski hill, and Polly couldn’t catch up but Speedy Edie skied ahead of Kelsie and pushed her over to keep her from hitting a rock. Kelsie was upset with her Grandma Edie, and shouted back “Grandma knocked me down!”

She leaves behind many good memories, words of encouragement, and that stubborn German persistence that set an example to not give up on your goals and dreams. She is greatly missed by her family but her spirit lives on, and she is with us still.

The First Presbyterian Church of Hamilton will host a funeral service on July 5 at 1 pm. In lieu of fowers, please consider making a donation to the Presbyterian Church in Edie’s name.

Big ‘B’ or little ‘b’, what’s that about?

With all the Internet programs and phone apps, bird watching is rapidly changing. One of the big issues years ago was to obtain an up-to-date list of birds for a state, county, WMA, NWR. Today that is relatively easy. You google an area and search for the corresponding checklist. It does take planning ahead as some of the more remote birding areas don’t have cell service or WIFI. Many of these areas have a printed checklist at the kiosk at the main entrance. That is true of the Warm Springs Ponds. This is thanks to Atlantic Richfeld (AR) and their desire to see the public use the area for fshing, small arms hunting, walking, and of course, birding. The larger Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area is a unique WMA as part is owned by Atlantic Richfeld and the rest of the area by several Montana state agencies including Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the state hospital, and highway department. In all, there are 6,400 acres with the portion owned by AR at 2,400 acres. GoBirdMontana, LLLP (owned by my grandson Caleb and I) just updated the checklist this spring and put copies in four diferent entrances into the Warm Springs Ponds. We have documented 247 species of birds that have been seen using the WMA. Not all bird species use the area in the same way, so there is a code behind each species indicating its use.

by Gary Swant

grant. “Y” is a year-round bird, “W” is winter only, “C” for common, “R” for rare, and “V” is vagrant (out of range) such as the Crested Caracara, a central American species found near Grant on May 5th.

The most confusing for beginning birders is “B” and “b”. “B” means the bird breeds in the area by evidence of a nest, eggs in a nest, nestlings or juvenile birds found. Some will also use an adult bird carrying a morsel of food in its beak as evidence of feeding young in the nest. The small “b” indicates the bird probably breeds in the area, but no one has been able to fnd substantial evidence of the “B” qualifcations.

Dutchman Wetlands provides such a habitat in part of the 6,000-acre area. The land is owned by AR, is open to the public, but not to agricultural use. The dryland grass areas of the Dutchman Wetlands provide a perfect habitat.

On April 24, Caleb was doing feld bird counts and fushed a Short-eared. After looking around he found the nest with 9 eggs! The “b” has now become a “B”! Field science by either professionals, or amateurs who love to watch birds, can bring new understanding to local ornithology.

My question is, how long have Short-eared Owls been breeding in the upper Clark Fork Valley? We know their frequency has increased, and now we know at least one pair has been breeding and nesting.

Some beginning birders are confused by the list and can’t understand why the list is not alphabetical. The list is organized taxonomically by family and then sub-taxonomic order within each family. That simply means the list is arranged by genetic similarities between families and species with families. Back to the codes. Typically, the legend for the code is on the front cover, as it is on ours. Capitol “T” means the bird is transient or a migrant to the area. Some checklists also show either an “S” for spring or “F” for fall or “SF” for mi-

Over the last several years, Caleb and I have been seeing singles and pairs of Short-eared Owls in our valley. I have recorded the Short-eared 37 times over the years across Montana. My frst observation locally was in 2021 on the Dutchman Wetlands, northeast of Anaconda in the spring. This made us wonder, were they breeding in the area or just a “T”? I even saw a juvenile in the fall, but does that constitute a “B”? It could have been fying through.

The Montana Natural Heritage Program shows no breeding records in either Powell, Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, or Granite counties for the Shorteared. Deer Lodge and Granite counties showed indirect evidence or “b”.

Short-eared owls need an extensive area of undisturbed grasslands for ground nesting. The

Short-eared Owl. Photo by Gary Swant.

Short-eared Owl ground nest. Caleb Lashway photo.

“Chuck, what are you doing?”

We had just launched on a not-quite-treacherous stretch of water. It was too early in the day, and possibly too early in the season to expect much dry fy fshing with the salmonfy hatch. It could happen, we told ourselves. There were telltale nymph shucks on the rock near the high water line and in the willows. We had seen some adults fying around.

The ever-hopeful guy in the front seat started with a big salmonfy dry. He was busy fshing –hitting the slow-moving seams and pockets near the big rocks along the edge. The guy at the oars was giving me his usual hard time.

I tried to confuse him further with an answer he’d have to ask me to explain. We both enjoyed the banter.

“Tracers,” I said.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Kind of like anti-aircraft automatic gunfre,” I answered, without looking up. I was smearing small bits of Strike Putty, a Playdough-like strike indicator material onto my 2X leader tippet at four-inch intervals.

The tippet was about fve feet long and attached to a heavily weighted #4 salmonfy nymph with an accurate silhouette and plenty of built-in wiggle.

For this kind of fshing, I want to graduate quickly from the tippet into the taper. The strands must be about the same diameter with the taper graduating up immediately above the knot – usually a three-turn Surgeon’s knot. Overall leader length might wind up at about ten feet, maybe more.

The tracers, as I call them, start about two feet above the fy. Each one carries only enough Strike Putty to put a visible stain on the leader. The heavy fy will pull the tracers underwater, and that’s what makes this rig so efective. The tracers drift naturally and add underwater visual contact with the fy.

I lob short and easy casts above the

lies I want to fsh. I want the nymph to be at the depth where the fsh are when it gets there. I high-stick, or lift the rod enough to have no slack in the line above the water. I watch the tracers, focusing on the deepest one I can see. When I lose sight of that one, I watch the one above it.

If my fy were tethered at a set depth below a bobber it wouldn’t drift naturally into the lie.

When anything stops or moves where the current didn’t take it, I set up. When I see the tracers move I’m onto fsh that often wouldn’t move a bobber.

I’d barely fnished explaining this to the guy at the oars when a tracer

about three feet deep moved upstream. I set up and hollered, “Pull out!” He saw what had happened and beached the boat. A few minutes later he netted a big rainbow, well over twenty inches long and weighing about four pounds.

I see what you mean,” he said.

I’m not totally against strike indicators. Don’t get me wrong. But they’re not always necessary and when relied upon habitually they can cost fsh.

My tracers are, technically, strike indicators. But they don’t foat and so I don’t use or think of them as strike indicators. Some Euro-nymphing leaders setups, either self-made or pre-packaged, do the same thing: they add a dimension of visual contact to the nymphing game.

When I renew my vest contents this season I’ll make sure that I’m carrying fresh Strike Putty – the stuf tends to dry out and become useless over a cou-

ple of seasons. Mine is at least that old.

I also carry a couple of the rubber core twist-on bobbers (indicators, pardon me) or small, ball-shaped threadon indicators and the New Zealand yarn setup with special took to attach small tufts of yarn to the tippet.

I also carry a couple of bigger yarn indicators, the kind with rubber rings to attach to the leader. I can trim them out as necessary. Too much yarn indicator is like trying to cast a hummingbird – and on windy days it’s worse.

A key principle with indicators is this: don’t use more indicator than necessary. When I see YouTube videos of guys fshing #18 Perdigons two feet under a ping-pong ball bobber, they’re usually catching small fsh.

There are better ways to go – and using no more indicator than you need, or possibly none at all, is a good place to start.

Stevensville Living Legacy Garden rehabbed

Chris Voss of Voss Plowing and Skidsteer and his two helpers worked all day on May 9th to rehab two areas in the Stevensville Living Legacy Garden located at the beginning of the walking path near the Stevensville Ranger District ofce. They manually removed old landscape fabric topped with 5 inches of old mulch, dirt and weeds, then replaced it with new fabric and rock mulch and trimmed up the remaining plants. This Stevensville Garden Club project was funded by a Rapp Family grant and a Town Pump grant.

GARAGE SALE: 1590

SLEEPING CHILD RD, HAMILTON Friday, 6/21

8-3pm, Saturday, 6/22

8-1pm. Household, Tools, Furniture and more! All sales beneft our schoolhouse!

YARD SALE. 300

TYRA LEA LANE, HAMILTON, Friday, June 21 & Saturday, June 22. 8:00am - 2:00pm. Household misc, tool, power washer, etc

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

For Sale - 750+ lbs BUTCHER PIG, $500, Call for more info (406) 6426234.

TRAEGER BARBECUE SMOKER, wood pellets, only used ONCE, advertised new for $1000, come see it, make an ofer! Call (406) 777-9968 for more information.

BEAUTIFUL PURE-

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

able, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® (www.happyjackinc.com).

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-762-1508

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-995-3572

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Of for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1855-601-2865

Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5Gand 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-419-7978.

Get your deduction ahead of the year-end! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855- 901-2620 today!

FOUND - Set of drill bits near Cenex in Stevensville. Call to identify. 406-777-3928.

When veterinary care is unavailable or unaford-

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-762-1508

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ica’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service.

Legal Notices

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of James S. Gonzalez, James S. Gonzalez, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-24-157

Dept. NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from James S. Gonzalez to James Salvador Gonzalez.

The hearing will be on June 27, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 20th day of May, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Catherine Di Gleria

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 6-5, 6-12, 6-19, 6-2624.

MNAXLP

MONTANA TWEN-

TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCINE COLET BRIGGS, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-2024-59

Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Donald Goldtrap has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Donald Goldtrap, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

Dated this 4th day of June, 2024. /s/ Donald Goldtrap, Personal Representative c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC

/s/ Scott McLean, Esq. Montana Legacy Law, PLLC

BS 6-12, 6-19, 6-26-24. MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY

Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840

E-mail: countyattorney@ rc.mt.gov

Phone: (406) 375-6750

Fax: (406) 375-6731

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF:

Z.E.C., A YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE Cause No. DN-24-3 Dept. 2

SUMMONS / CITATION FOR PUBLICATION

TO: VITAL JOSEPH CASTILLO YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an Amended Petition for Emergency Protective Services, Adjudication of Child as Youth in Need of Care, and Temporary Legal Custody (“the Petition”) regarding, Z.E.C., the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been fled in Cause No. DN-24-3 in Montana Twenty-First Judicial District Court, in Ravalli County by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 108 Pinkney St, Hamilton MT 59840. The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Emergency Protective Services; Adjudication as a Youth in Need of Care; a Determination that Preservation / Reunifcation Eforts Need Not be Provided; Termination of Parental Rights; and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Amended Petition is fled with the Clerk of District Court for Ravalli County, (406) 375-6710 and is hereby served upon you at this time. The child who is the subject of the proceedings, Z.E.C., was born on September 6, 2017. The child’s mother is Shawna Renee Sorenson. The child’s father is Vital Joseph Castillo.

NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to

appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 11th day of July, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., at the Ravalli County Courthouse located at 205 Bedford St., Hamilton, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition.

NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitute a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have the right to be represented by any attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to aford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you.

WITNESS the Clerk of Court and the seal of the Court afxed this 3rd day of June, 2024.

/s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court

/s/ Barbara Beavers, Deputy Clerk BS 6-12, 6-19, 6-26-24. MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY

Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 rcaoservice@rc.mt.gov

Phone: (406) 375-6750 Ravalli County Public Administrator

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DANNY H. CARR, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-24-58

Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Ravalli County Public Administrator, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

Dated this 3rd day of June, 2024.

/s/ Bill Fulbright Ravalli County Attorney BS 6-12, 6-19, 6-26-24.

MNAXLP

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

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHESTER L. ANGEL, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-2024-63

Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

Claims must either be mailed to Cherrie Louise Angel, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 6 th day of June 2024.

/s/ Cherrie Louise Angel, Personal Representative BS 6-12, 6-19, 6-26-24. MNAXLP

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

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARVEL JEAN

ANGEL, Deceased.

Case No.: DP-41-2024-62

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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Cherrie Louise Angel, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 6 th day of June 2024.

/s/ Cherrie Louise Angel, Personal Representative BS 6-12, 6-19, 6-26-24. MNAXLP

PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO PROTEST TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF Montana

All-Alcoholic Beverages License SAPPHIRE PONY, LLC (Andrew Pace, Owner) has applied for a Corporate Structure Change for Montana All-Alcoholic Beverages License No. 13-829-6846-001 to add Nicola Pace and Randall Richards to the ownership of this entity. The public may protest this license transfer in accordance with the law.

Who can protest this transfer? Protests will be accepted from residents of the county of the proposed location Ravalli County, residents of adjoining Montana counties, and residents of adjoining counties in another state if the criteria in 16-4-207(4)(d), Montana Code Annotated (MCA), are met.

What information must be included? Protest letters must be legible and contain (1) the protestor’s full name, mailing address, and street address; (2) the license number 13-829-6846-001 and the applicant’s name SAPPHIRE PONY, LLC; (3) an indication that the letter is intended as a protest; (4) a description of the grounds for protesting; and (5) the protestor’s signature. A letter with multiple signatures will be considered one protest letter.

What are valid protest grounds? The protest may be based on the applicant’s qualifcations listed in 16-4401, MCA, or the grounds for denial of an application in 16-4-405, MCA. Examples of valid protest grounds include: (1) the applicant is unlikely to operate the establishment in compliance with the law; (2) the proposed location cannot be properly policed by local authorities; and (3) the welfare of the people in the vicinity of the proposed location will be adversely and seriously afected.

How are protests submitted? Protests must be postmarked to the Department of Revenue, Ofce of Dispute Resolution, P.O. Box 5805, Helena, Montana 59604-5805 on or before July 6, 2024.

What happens if the transfer is protested?

Depending on the number of protests and the protest grounds, a public hearing will be held in Helena or Darby. All valid protestors will be notifed of the hearing’s time, date and location. Hearings typically are scheduled within 90 days. A protester’s hearing testimony is limited to the grounds in the protester’s letter. Following the hearing, the Department of Revenue will notify the public whether the license transfer is approved or denied.

How can additional information be obtained? The cited MCA statutes are online at leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/. Questions may be directed to Breanna Gill, Compliance Specialist for the Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, at 444-0710 or Breanna.Gill@mt.gov.

BS 6-19, 6-26-24.

MNAXLP

REQUEST FOR BIDS: The Trapper Bunkhouse Duf Mound Removal Project

The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners are soliciting Request for Bids (RFB’s) for The Trapper Bunkhouse Duf Mound Removal Project.

1. Sealed Bids must be received by the Ravalli Coun-

ty Clerk & Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second foor) Hamilton, Montana 59840 no later than MONDAY, July 1, 2024 by 4:00 p.m.

2. Bids will then be opened and read aloud in the Ravalli County Commissioners Conference Room at 21 5 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana (Third Floor) on TUESDAY, July 2, 2024, at 1:30 PM.

3. Possible Bid Award will be made by the Commissioners in the Commissioners Meeting Conference Room at 21 5 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana (Third Floor) on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 12:00 PM.

4. Please mark the outside sealed bid envelope “RFB for Trapper Bunkhouse Project”. Ravalli County reserves the right to accept or deny any, part, or all of the bids as submitted.

For a copy of the Full Treatment Plan (Scope of Work), contact the Ravalli County Forester, Gary-Allen Oram at #406-375-6511 during regular business hours or email: countyforester@rc.mt. gov

For questions concerning the Request for Bids Process/ contract, please contact Chris Taggart at the Ravalli County Commissioners Ofce - 406375-6500. Email: ctaggart@ rc.mt.gov

Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 6-19, 6-26-24.

MNAXLP

REQUEST FOR BIDS: North of Como and North of Chafn Creek Fuels Reduction Projects

The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners are soliciting Request for Bids (RFB’s) for the North of Como and North of Chafn Creek fuels reduction projects.

1. Sealed Bids must be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second foor) Hamilton, Montana 59840 no later than MONDAY, July 1, 2024 by 4:00 p.m.

2. Bids will then be opened and read aloud in the Ravalli County Commissioners Conference Room at 21 5 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana (Third Floor) on TUESDAY, July 2, 2024, at 1:00 PM.

3. Possible Bid Award will be made by the Commissioners in the Commissioners Meeting Conference Room at 21 5 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana (Third Floor) on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 11:30 AM.

4. Please mark the outside sealed bid envelope “RFB for Fuel Reduction Projects”.

Ravalli County reserves the right to accept or deny any, part, or all of the bids as submitted.

For a copy of the Full Treatment Plan (Scope of Work), contact the Ravalli County Forester, Gary-Allen Oram at #406-375-6511 during regular business hours or email: countyforester@rc.mt. gov

For questions concerning the Request for Bids Process/ contract, please contact Chris Taggart at the Ravalli County Commissioners Ofce - 406375-6500. Email: ctaggart@ rc.mt.gov Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 6-19, 6-26-24.

MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY, MONTANA

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT FOR SEPTAGE TREATMENT AND BIOSOLIDS COMPOSTING FACILITY

Ravalli County Commissioners invite proposals from qualifed frms to submit their qualifcations for providing engineering services for a new Ravalli County Septage Treatment and Biosolids Composting Facility.

Disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) are encouraged to apply.

SECTION 3 OF THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1968

Consistent with the requirements of Section 3 of the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1968, to the greatest extent feasible, opportunities for training and employment arising in connection with project activities will be extended to local lower-income residents. Further, to

the greatest extent feasible, business concerns located in or substantially owned by residents of the project area will be utilized. Opportunities for contracting will be extended to minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged (“DBE/MBE/ WBE”) businesses. DBE/MBE/ WBE frms are encouraged to register on Montana’s DBE Registry at https://www.mdt. mt.gov/business/contracting/ civil/dbe.shtml. Registrants will receive targeted outreach for opportunities pertaining to assisted projects that are covered by DBE/MBE/WBE.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The proposed scope of work includes professional services related to the design, for a new Ravalli County Septage Treatment and Biosolids Composting Facility. It is anticipated that the work will be completed as follows:

Phase 1 (30% Design):

The persons/frm selected will provide consultative and engineering services necessary to identify an appropriate site or sites and provide initial design (approximately 30%) for a septage treatment and composting facility to serve Ravalli County. This is a collaborative project between Ravalli County, the three municipalities (Hamilton, Stevensville, and Darby), and its sewer districts, Corvallis and Victor.

The Preliminary Engineering Report will follow the requirements of the most current UNIFORM APPLICATION for Montana Public Facility Projects. The UNIFORM APPLICATION will be completed and part of the fnal deliverable.

It is anticipated that the Phase I services will specifcally include the following items:

• An accurate estimate of septage that requires pumping each year and the number of septic systems in the county

• Population projections

• Alternative analysis and selection of the septage treatment and bio solids composting processes

• Development of sizing/ design criteria for all major treatment processes

• Identifcation of potential sites to locate the facility and development of a recommended alternative

• Development of a fnal site plan for the recommended facility

• Development of a detailed project cost estimate based on the recommended treatment processes and recommended site

• Development of a fnancial evaluation and business plan based on estimated costs and fees.

• Assistance with land acquisition

• Coordination with all partners identifed in the RFQ and those that may not yet be known

• Impact of future regulations and Interlocal agreement

• Development of Preliminary Design Report and 30% set of construction drawings

• Funding assistance and grant administration, if needed PROJECT DELIVERABLES

The project deliverables for this project include, but are not limited to:

• Draft (90%) PER Document: Six bound hard copies and 1 electronic copy in .pdf format.

• Final PER Document: Six bound hard copies and 1 electronic copy in .pdf format.

At the sole discretion of the Ravalli County Commissioners, the consultant selected for Phase 1 may be retained to provide professional services for Phase 2 which is related to the construction of the facility.

SUBMITTAL OF PROPOSALS

1. To be considered, six copies of the Sealed Proposals must be delivered by 4:00 p.m. MST on July 17, 2024 to Ravalli County Clerk & Recorders Ofce, Ravalli County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C” (Second Floor), Hamilton, Montana 59840.

2. PLEASE write on the outside of the envelope: WW RFQ

3. Proposals will be opened at 10:30 a.m. (MST) on July 18, 2024 at Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “A” (Third Floor), Hamilton, Montana 59840.

4. Possible Bid Award is scheduled for 11:00 AM (MST) on July 23, 2024 at Ravalli

County Board of County Commissioners, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “A” (Third Floor), Hamilton, Montana 59840.

QUESTIONS/ CONTACT Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, Julie Foster at (406) 375-9416. This request for proposals is being ofered in accordance with the State of Montana statutes governing the procurement of professional services. Ravalli County reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation commensurate with the scope of the work and the services proposed, as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed to be unqualifed, incomplete, unsatisfactory or inappropriate.

A Copy of the Full Request for Qualifcations may be obtained at the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Suite A, Hamilton, MT, 59840. Telephone at (406) 375-9416 or via e-mail at julie@rceda.org BS 6-19, 6-26-24. MNAXLP

CALL FOR BIDS (RFB) Skalkaho Rush Skeletonweed Description of work: Skalkaho Rush Skeletonweed Treatments The Ravalli County Weed District will be accepting bids for herbicide and mechanical treatment of Rush Skeletonweed in the Skalkaho area of Ravalli County. Known infestations will need chemical treatment as well as mechanical removal of all bolting and fowering plants. The contractor will need to search out new infestations in the area, and known areas will be given to the contractor as a starting point. Multiple forms and education materials will be provided to the contractor to be given to landowners. The contractor will work with Ravalli County Weed District and the Bitterroot National Forest throughout the project duration. Sealed bids must include the following information in the standard format provided with the contract packet.

• Copy of bidder’s commercial applicator’s license • Proof of insurance

• List of equipment

• The amount necessary to provide all labor and equipment and incidentals needed to perform the specifed work and all work must be completed by November 30th 2024

• Description of qualifcation of past experiences 1. Sealed bids must be received at the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorders Ofce at 215 S. 4th Street, Second Floor, Hamilton, MT. 59840 by: MONDAY, July 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM. 2. Bids will then be opened and read aloud in the Commissioners Meeting Conference Room at 215 S. 4th StreetThird Floor on TUESDAY, July 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM. 3. On MONDAY, July 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM, Possible Bid Award will be made by the Commissioners in the Commissioners Meeting Conference Room.

4. PLEASE mark the outside sealed bid envelope “Skalkaho Rush Skeletonweed (Description of work) AND YOUR COMPANY NAME. Ravalli County may accept any, part, or all of the bids as submitted. To be mailed the complete specifcations of the contract, contact the Ravalli County Weed District at (406)777-5842 and it will be mailed or emailed to you as soon as possible. If you have any questions on the bid process contact the Commissioner’s Ofce at 406-375-6500 or the Ravalli County Weed District at 406-777-5842. Description of Work to be completed: This project is to treat all found Rush Skeletonweed by chemical and mechanical removal of bolting or fowering plants in the Skalkaho area of Ravalli County. Mapping of all infestations will be required.

Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 6-19, 6-26-24. MNAXLP

freeboard for the low chord of the respective bridge during the 100-year food event. Rock will be placed around the abutments for erosion protection. Construction at the site will be performed during low/no fow conditions to minimize erosion, sedimentation, and turbidity. The project is located at 419 Gunfre Echo Road, Darby, MT 59829 in Section 04, Township 1 N, Range 21 W (Tax ID 1037920). Information regarding this application is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered

or emailed (planning@rc.mt. gov) and must be received by Wednesday July 3rd, 2024 at 5:00 pm. (Reference Application # FA-24-01). BS 6-19-24.

MNAXLP

To: All property owners within the Victor Sewer District

Subject: Proposal to raise monthly fees and connection fee for Sewer District NOTICE

The Board of Directors of the Victor Sewer District will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 5:00 pm, for the purpose of considering and taking public comment on proposed increases to the District’s sewer connection fee and monthly service rates. The District proposes new rates and fees to apply to all properties serviced by the District, to become efective and beginning on July 1, 2024. The public hearing to consider these proposed increased charges will be held at the Victor Sewer District Shop at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, at the end of Martinell Lane, Victor, MT 59875.

The base rate wastewater service fee for residential use is currently $21 per month (63.00 per quarter). The District proposes to increase the residential base rate to $29 per month ($87.00 per quarter).

The proposed increased rate is made necessary by the District’s sewer improvement project (the “Project”). One condition of funding the Proj-

ect is that the District charge additional fees sufcient for expenses and debt service that the Project entails.

In the course of two duly noticed public meetings on April 13, and April 27, 2022, the District’s consulting engineer, Morrison-Maierle, Inc., presented District Board members and the public, alternatives for addressing defciencies in the District’s aging facilities. The District chose various improvements, constituting the Project, for which Morrison-Maierle has since provided engineering, design, and budgeting, and has assisted the District in applying for funding from a variety of sources.

Morrison-Maierle calculated that, to cover expenses and service debt for the Project, the District requires an increase in its monthly residential rate of $7.57 per residential user per month, which the District proposes to round up to an increase of $8 per month (an additional $24 per quarter).

The District proposes to raise other, non-residential monthly service rates by the same percentage as residential rates (rounded to the nearest dollar) as follows.

Barber/Salon/Pet Groomer: from $94.50 per quarter to $130 per quarter;

Bar/Tavern: from $126 per quarter to $174 per quarter;

Cafe/Restaurant, fewer than 10 tables: from $126 per quarter to $174 per quarter;

Cafe/Restaurant, more than 10 tables: from $189 per quarter to $261 per quarter;

Daycare: from $126 per quarter to $174 per quarter; School: from $4 72.5 per quarter to $652 per quarter.

The current connection fee for new hookups to District wastewater services is $3,125.00 per connection or living unit. To accommodate projected population growth and the need for improved facilities, the

or