Bitterroot Star - June 28, 2023

RIVER: Access site pays homage to BRTU board member

Continued from page 1

gest serving District Ranger in Region

One of the US Forest Service. Dave was widely known in the Agency for his advocacy on behalf of public process, wilderness, natural wildland fre, native species (especially fsh!), and responsible recreation on the West Fork. Following his retirement, Dave joined the BRTU Board where he continued to make considerable contributions in all these areas. His advice was invariably sound and his approach always collaborative even in the face of contentious issues.

BRTU worked closely with Tanya Neidhardt at the West Fork Ranger District to develop interpretive displays (see photos) about the Native Fish species on the West Fork and to recognize Dave’s contributions.

The dedication will feature remarks by current Forest Service staf followed by remarks from BRTU and Dave’s family and friends. Dave was an avid guitar player, and there is also a possibility of some acoustic music. Trapper Creek Job Corps has generously ofered to provide some light refreshments.

The dedication is open to the public. Contact Tanya Neidhardt or Marshall Bloom for additional information.

Looking for a new member of the family?

Call 363-5311 or visit our website at bitterroothumane.org

Scout is Friendly, Loyal, Gentle, Afectionate, Playful, Smart, Protective, Curious, Brave, Couch potato, Loves kisses. Short Coat. Vaccinations up to date, spayed / neutered.

GOOD IN A HOME WITH Other dogs & children.

First Presbyterian Church

1220 West Main Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 Church Ofce: 406-363-1232

Above, BRTU Board member Dave Campbell providing casting instruction to a young girl at a youth expo. Source: BRTU.

The other Native Fish sign depicts all the native species found on the West Fork. One of the 2 Native Fish interpretive displays at the new West Fork River Access Site. Dave’s eforts on behalf of native fsh are recognized. Source: Bitterroot National Forest.

Nomination for Lifetime Conservation Award

Recently, a Stevensville resident was awarded the 2023 Lifetime Conservation Award. Nominated by Tom Powers , George Bettas was recognized for decades of conservation work. Co-Nominators included Gary Wolfe and Lance Schelvan. In a press release, Tom Powers wrote, “Greetings Missoula Conservation Round Table members, It is with great pleasure that we nominate George Bettas for the Lifetime Conservation Award. We believe that George is an excellent choice for this award because of his outstanding conservation leadership and administration experience.”

Powers contends that the majority of Bettas’ “decades of work and sharing were given by George as a volunteer.” The works Powers referred to include: State of Washington Department of Wildlife - Wildlife Advisory Council, 19881990, The Mule Deer Foundation - One of the 10 founding members of this conservation organi-

zation in 1988, Vice President, President 19881990, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - Board of Directors, 1995-2001, Chairman of the Board 2000-2001, Boone and Crockett Club, Missoula, MT - Executive Director, April 2001 to March 2007, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Foundation - Development Director, 2007 to 2010; Executive Director, 20112014 and Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust - Trust Manager, 2011- 2015. Bettas is also credited with working for One Montana Foundation as Lead Instructor in the Montana Hunter Advancement Program, also called Master Hunter Program from 2018-19. He is currently Lead Instructor for the Hunter Enhancement program and Vice President of the Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association.

Powers said, “This is a very special award given because of this person’s dedication to conservation with a strong emphasis on our next generation. He lives right here in

the Stephenville area and has for many years.”

Powers continued, “What also makes this award so special is he has Leukemia and a few months ago he thought he would be gone now, as there is no remission from this terrible disease.

I truly believe that our daily prayers and his will to live have helped turn the corner on his well being,” added Powers.

Some of Bettas’ most enduring contributions and legacy have been in the area of youth conservation education. Powers worked with George since 2014 on many projects related to funding for conservation and education for our youth. Powers explained that Bettas has helped “secure funding for some of the summer camps when we started them, and also helped by instructing classes when asked to do so.”

Powers also explained, “In 2013, we started with our frst camp at the Theodore Roosevelt Ranch. In 2014 when George became involved, we added several more camps at Jack Creek Preserve and Raised at Full Draw. From then on, we have added more camp opportunities. This year we will have reached 22.” In 2019, the camp organization run through Montana Matters was able to send over 200 kids to the conservation related summer camps.

Powers continued, “I have to say that much of this can be attributed to the help and guidance that George gave us along the way.” Those camps now extend from The Theodore Roosevelt

Saturday, July 1st cont.

6pm - Eagles Demolition Derby @ Lemhi County Fairgrounds, gates open @ 4pm

Sunday, July 2nd

11am-7pm - Hospice Ice Cream Wagon @ 506 Van Dreff next to Hospice Office 4pm - Goat Roping @ Lemhi River Cowboy Church

Monday, July 3rd

Business Hours - Sidewalk sales

11am-7pm - Hospice Ice Cream Wagon @ 506 Van Dreff next to Hospice Office 6pm-8pm Peace in the Park w/ L.A. Recording Artist Bob Peace @ Railroad Park next to Saveway, Brought to you by GSVC, Sponsored by Saveway

Tuesday, July 4th

7am-11am - Leadore’s EMT’s

- Vintage Craft Fair @ Paulette’s

11am-7pm - Hospice Ice Cream Wagon

@ 506 Van Dreff next to Hospice Office

11am-9pm - Party at the Brewer’s Block with music on Andrews St. between Highlander & Bertrams, Brought to you by GSVC, Sponsored by Bertrams & Highlander

12 pm - Duck Race @ Kid’s Creek

Ranch at Dupuyer, to the Magruder Ranger Station, along the banks of the Selway River in Idaho.

According to Powers, Bettas has left his footprint on numerous conservation organizations and projects over many years (both locally and nationally), has positively infuenced an untold number of young conservationists and hunters and is truly deserving of recognition with the Missoula Conservation Roundtable’s Lifetime Conservation Award.

Tom Powers (right) presents Geroge Bettas (left) with the 2023 Lifetime Conservation Award. Photo courtesy Tom Powers.

SACAJAWEA: speakers recognize her contributions

which he described as a “Land Acknowledgement.” According to Findley during Mihelish’s introduction, “Bruce is going to give the presentation that should have been done a long time ago.”

Mihelish started of by reciting some of the native people’s names for pertinent areas related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition events that occurred in and around what we now call the Bitterroot Valley. Mihelish also explained “We recognize that these people took extreme care of these lands,” and “This expedition really came to dire straights, here.” Mihelish told the background of what happened and led the Corps of Discovery to the area and the situation they found themselves in. Aided once by the Shoshone people, who’s chief by chance was the brother of Sacajawea, and once again by Chief Three Eagles of the Salish, the party were profoundly lucky. After the Salish Chief told his people “do them no harm,” according to Mihelish, the expedition was supposedly gifted at very little cost enough animal stock to continue their journey with 39 ponies, one mule and three colts. “Without those two encounters,” said Mihelish, “these people would not have accomplished their mission to get to the pacifc.”

The next speaker was Myrna Dumontier, the cultural coordinator for the Salish and Kootenai tribes of the Flathead Nation, and representative to receive the thank you on behalf of the Salish people. She began, “My people have been here since time immemorial.” Dummontier spoke on her peoples’ history of kindness and aiding others in desperate situations. “The Salish people have always had a generous heart. That’s our way, we are generous.” She talked on the backstory of why her people helped the expedition and her love for history and its importance to all people. “Together, we have enough information to come to the truth and land where we land with that, and come to our own conclusions.”

After her speech, Dummontier gave the foor to the prime speaker of the morning, the descendant nice of Sacajawea herself. Rose Ann Abrahamsen is related through the very chief of the Shoshone that helped the Corps, and who shared parents with Sacajawea. Cameahwait, whose Shoshone name was actually Chief Black Arrow, gifted the expedition their frst group of horses to help them traverse the western stretch of the Rockies.

Abrahamsen started of her presentation introducing herself in her own native dialect, which she explained is dying. This dialect was the same as would have been spoken by Sacajawea, herself. Abrahamsen then told the story of Sacajawea, and her capture by the Hidatsa, near Dillon, at only 12-years-old.

According to Abrahamsen, her people were traditionally named, at three-years-of-age, after life events, accomplishments or often in humor at the recipient’s expense. Sacajawea’s came from the carrying of a “burden basket,” and roughly translates to “That Is Her Burden.” Abrahamsen explained that in Shoshone, Sacajawea’s name is pronounced with a “J” and not with a “G.” She also quoted text from William Clark’s “Cash Book,” where the member of the Corps clearly wrote about Sacajawea’s death at 24 years of age and that her name was actually pronounced with a strong “J.”

Abrahamsen was a school teacher for college undergraduates, high school students and even at the elementary level. Throughout her presentation she called upon her educator background and asked numerous members of the audience to help her act out various scenes of the story. The scenes were meant to further show the situations with humor or violence, and were extremely efective at personalizing Sacajawea’s story. Abrahamsen said she strongly relates, both as an ancestor and as a woman, to her Great Aunt’s life. According to Abrahamsen, when speaking about Sacajawea, “In her short life, she exemplifed all the qualities a woman needs to show in life.” Abrahamsen’s shortened version of Sacajawea’s life spoke on Sacajawea’s capture, enslavement, trade as a “snake wife,” bravery in the expedition, abuse by her husband, return to her family and ultimately her decision to stay with the expedition. Abrahamsen left her audience with a vocal desire to learn more about the young woman. She encouraged others to travel the route the expedition took, as she has, and to try to understand and respect their own ancestor’s histories. According to Abrahamsen, she discovered her family history and ties to Sacajawea through her “precocious” nature, and she likely believes others who look into history may also be interested in what they fnd.

Crossword Puzzle

Jayne Azzarello talks about the upcomming mural at Sacajawea’s rest Park, in Darby and in the shadow of a statue of the historic woman.

Photo by John Dowd.

Steep Canyon Rangers to perform at Daly Mansion

The renowned Steep Canyon Rangers are set to take the stage at the historic Daly Mansion on Saturday, July 8, 2023, in the 2nd annual outdoor concert presented by the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council (BPAC). This highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable evening of bluegrass and Americana music.

Nestled in the heart of Hamilton, the Daly Mansion provides a picturesque backdrop for this outdoor concert. With its rich history and stunning architecture and landscape, the mansion’s grounds will transform into a haven for music enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As the sun sets over the Bitterroot Valley, the melodies of the Steep Canyon Rangers will resonate throughout the grounds.

The Steep Canyon Rangers, hailing from North Carolina, have established themselves as one of the foremost bands in the contemporary bluegrass scene. Known for their exceptional

musicianship, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious energy, the Grammy-winning group has garnered a dedicated fan base across the country. This Montana performance is part of a highly lauded nationwide tour, and local audiences are in for a treat.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Larry McCloskey, Director of Operations Jacque VanDenburg, and Box Ofce Manager Deanna Read, the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council continues to expand and raise the bar for cultural experiences in the region. The BPAC’s passion for the arts and commitment to showcasing worldclass talent have contributed to the council’s success in fostering a thriving artistic community.

“We are thrilled to present the Steep Canyon Rangers at the Daly Mansion for our 2nd annual outdoor concert,” said Larry McCloskey. “Their unique blend of bluegrass, country, and folk perfectly embodies the spirit

we’re looking for in this event. We’re excited to create another unforgettable evening of music at the Mansion.”

Jacque VanDenburg, Director of Operations, added, “The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council takes great pride in curating exceptional performances that resonate with our community. This outdoor concert at the Daly Mansion is an opportunity for audiences to come together, celebrate our love for music, and experience the beauty of Montana.”

The Steep Canyon Rangers, in partnership with the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council, invite you to join them on July 8th for a truly remarkable concert experience amidst the splendor of the Daly Mansion grounds. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of bluegrass or new to the genre, this performance promises a fun evening for all. Mark your calendars and get ready

Hamilton freworks regs

Changes to the City of Hamilton’s Fireworks Ordinance were passed by the Hamilton City Council at the February 18, 2022 City Council meeting.

The amended ordinance became efective March 18, 2022 changing the number of days residents will be allowed to set of freworks in the City of Hamilton.

The amended ordinance makes it unlawful to shoot, discharge or fre any permissible freworks within the municipal limits of the City of Hamilton except from ten a.m. on July 4th and ending by one a.m. on July 5th.

The City’s previous ordinance allowed freworks to be discharged from June 24th through July 3rd from ten a.m. until ten p.m. and on July 4th from 10 a.m. and ending at one a.m. on July 5th.

The amended ordinance also changes the lawful hours that freworks can be discharged in the city limits on New Year’s Eve. Fireworks may only be discharged from ten a.m. to twelve p.m (midnight) on Dec. 31st and 12:01 a.m. to one a.m. on January 1st.

No additional changes to the ordinance were made.

Before adopting the amendments to the freworks ordinance, the Hamilton City Council carefully considered the issue. A voluntary electronic survey of city residents was done and the results overwhelming favored restricting the days and times that freworks could be discharged tin city limits. Click on the link below to see the survey questions and results.

for an evening of toe-tapping rhythms, heartfelt harmonies, and unforgettable moments. Gates to the Daly Mansion grounds open at 4:00pm, and the music starts at 6:00pm.

Tickets for the concert are available through the Bitterroot Performing Arts Council’s website or at the box ofce. With limited seating at this outdoor venue, music enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their tickets early to avoid missing out on this extraordinary event. Plan for an extraordinary night under the open sky, as the Steep Canyon Rangers hit the stage and create memories to last a lifetime.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.bitterrootperformingarts.org or call 406-363-7946.

Back Country Horsemen partner with FS on trails

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen (BRBCH) and the Bitterroot National Forest are partnering on some trail clearing projects this season.

One project was scheduled for June 23-25th at Boulder Creek Trail #617 on the West Fork Ranger District. The group did general trail maintenance including clearing blow down and cutting and removing brush along the trail. Volunteers and stock camped over the weekend at 7-mile Meadow.

BRBCH) and the Bitterroot National Forest also partnered on a trail maintenance project at Coyote Coulee Trail #127 and #511 on the Darby Ranger District on June 17th. They did general trail maintenance and cleaned both loops of the trail. Volunteers cleared downfall, improving water bars, brushing, and clearing downed trees from the trails.

Coyote Coulee is a popular hiking and horseback riding area that provides the novice rider (both horse and bicycle) and hikers with a relatively easy trail that is close to Highway 93 and accessible most of the year.

BRBCH was established more than 40 years ago and was one of the frst chapters in the nation. Their goal is to ensure that stock users can continue to access backcountry and wilderness trails. The club annually contributes over 600 personal hours and 425 stock hours on projects, most on the National Forest, that create signifcant benefts for all trail users and for the natural resources. The group also provides annual pack/re-supply support for volunteers stafng the historic St. Mary’s Fire Lookout.

For more information visit www.bchmt.org/ bitterroot.

43 Club House Way, Stevensville. Guests are welcome, including men. Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:10 a.m.; meeting follows until 10:30. A program on sensible eating and weight loss is presented every week along with incentives for weight loss. TOPS is an afordable non proft weight loss support group. For more information call Diana Grifn at 406-531-0785.

Ravalli Dems North

Join North Ravalli County Democrats for “Burgers and Beer” on Thursday evenings from 4 to 6 at The Backyard Taphouse, 281 Rodeo Drive, of the Eastside Hwy in Florence. Check online at ravdems.com/newsletter for any changes and other information or on Facebook. All welcome.

Lone Rock Community Network

1st & 3rd Sunday of the month - all year long, 6 to 8 p.m., Lone Rock Bible Church, 1142 Three Mile Creek Road, Stevensville. Education and discussion about how to be sustainable as a community in our food, our economics and our choices. A supportive and active community group.

Lone Rock Farmers Market

Every Saturday - June 3rd through Sept 28th, 4 to 7 p.m., Ambrose Creek Community Park, 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Rd., Stevensville.

A special and unique market providing fresh, local produce, a variety of handmade goods, delicious food, baked goods, artisan products, new items regularly, park recreation, and scheduled family events nearly every week. Come check it out!

St. Mary’s Mission tours

Historic St. Mary’s Mission is now open for tours. Take a full guided tour of the Historic Chapel, Chief Victor’s Cabin and Fr. Ravalli’s fully furnished cabin. Tours ofered from 11:00am2:00pm. Gift Shop, Museum and Gallery is open from 11:00am-3:00pm - Tue-Sat. 315 Charlos St. Stevensville, (406)777.5734.

North Valley Library activities

Science Squad for Ages 8-12 – Wednesday, June 28 at 4pm

Explore the universe, both micro and macro, and learn the science mysteries behind the natural world. Expect fun activities with Legos, paper planes, food, and more. Children will soon be formulating their own hypotheses, experiments, and documentation in order to participate in a gradefree science fair at the end of the summer. Registration required. This program is for ages 8-12.

Community Cleanup

Day – Thursday, June 29 at 6pm

Check-of a box on your Summer Reading Challenge Bingo card and show your community some love during this outdoor event. Please bring work gloves and wear walking shoes. We will meet at the Library and walk from here. Registration required.

NVPL closed July 4 North Valley Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. The Library will resume regular hours on Wednesday, July 5, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Creamery Picnic volunteer meetings

The Stevensville Civic

Club is looking for volunteers to help out with the Creamery Picnic which takes place at the beginning of August. Help is needed for set up, kids games, beer garden, info booth and clean-up. Shifts will take place between August 3rd and 6th and are mostly in two-hour blocks. Informational meetings will be held Wednesday, June 28 at 6 p.m. at the State Farm Insurance ofce, 300B Main and also on Sunday, July 16 at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville. You can also fnd more information on the internet at stevensvillecivicclub.com or on the Creamery Picnic facebook page.

Dances of Universal Peace

The Dances of Universal Peace are happening Sunday, July 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Homestead Organics, 175 Skalkaho Hwy, Hamilton. Inspired by the world’s many spiritual traditions! Simple words, movements, and songs are taught each time, creating an atmosphere of acceptance and joy. No partner or experience needed, kids welcome. Bring a chair and water. All are welcome! For more info contact Star Jameson, 406-546-5344.

Stevensville Garden Club

The Stevensville Garden Club will meet on Wednesday, July 5 at 1 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 184 Pine Hollow Rd, Stevensville. The schedule for Ag and Floral Departments at the county fair will be presented and tips on making winning entries with the possibility of a club entry. Come and join in the fun of supporting the Ravalli County Fair in August.

Trapper education feld day

Montana Fish, Wildlife &

Parks will host a trapper education feld day in Missoula on Saturday, July 8 from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the FWP ofce (3201 Spurgin Road).

Students must register for the feld day in advance: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/ trapping. Students must also complete the free online education course prior to the feld day.

To purchase a Montana resident Class C trapping license, residents 12 and older must now complete a Montana trapper education course or have purchased a trapping license in at least three prior years in Montana or another state. This course also satisfes the requirement for wolf trapping.

Montana resident trappers who have taken a wolf trapper education course but haven’t been a licensed trapper for three years will need to complete the full trapper education course to be able to trap wolves in 2023 and beyond.

Montana’s trapper education program includes online coursework and a mandatory in-person feld day taught by volunteer instructors, where students can learn from experienced trappers about trapping ethics, avoidance of non-target species, fur management and safety.

Other feld days will be ofered in other communities around the state. For more information and to register, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/trapping.

Rotary Club

On Monday, July 10, Rotary speakers will be Pete Dunn, PhD, and Emily Holznagel RN Rotary is an international service organization of over one million members that focuses its service and fnancial support on public health. Rotary meets Mondays at noon at BJs restaurant. Guests and prospective members are welcome.

Emergency Preparedness Classes

The Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly

Emergency Preparedness classes. They are held at 7 p.m. at the Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: July

13: “Can’t Use Your Stove?

Cooking With Alternative Methods Using the Cookers

We Assembled Earlier As

Well As Other Methods”;

August 10: “Water Bath Canning & Pressure Canning”;

September 14: “Basic First

Aid & Kits: What to Have and How To Use Them”. You can attend any or all classes.

Classes typically run 60-90 minutes. For the “Alternative Cooking Methods” classes, class size is too large to complete assembly in class, so sign ups will be made during class for items to be made/completed at a later date. Call 513-312-5494 with questions.

Lutheran VBS

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool of Stevensville announces that Vacation Bible School—VBS—is planned for July 16-21, with times running from 9 to 11:30 a.m. daily. Come about 15 minutes early on Monday morning to sort your children into classes and meet their teachers. The youngest eligible children should reach the age of four by September 10. There will be a class of age 4 through frst grade and another of children

grades 2-5. Older children may assist with lessons and crafts if they wish. Call 777-5625 weekday mornings Monday-Thursday for more information.

The theme is “Unicorns and Dragons”—just for fun— at playtime. Our Savior VBS gets serious with the Word of God, but when it’s time to let loose, they go for all-out fun!

Our Savior, a member congregation of the Lutheran Church––Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road, south of Stevensville of the Eastside Highway.

Medicare 101 workshop

A Medicare 101 Education Workshop will be held at Marcus Daly Hospital - Ravalli Conference Room. There are 2 sessions: Sept. 14th and Nov. 28th, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. There is no charge to attend. This is for anyone seeking knowledge about how Medicare works. Ideally, if you are turning 65, new to Medicare, getting ready to retire or already on Medicare but don’t really understand it - you should be there! Bring a friend!

Overview: Come to a Medicare workshop to talk about Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. What they cover and don’t cover. When you can enroll. How eligibility works. RSVP: if you can to 406-852-4988 or charlene@ medicareadvocates.com.

146 Crooked Pine Road, Stevensville, MT 59870 Tel: (406) 625-2620 • Cell: (406) 239-1716

MONEY MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

FULL TIME • $13

Work for a local non-proft to help clients prepare and manage a budget and pay bills on time. #18251

DELIVERY DRIVER

FULL

Booked for the Season

“Rocky Mountain High: A Tale of Boom and Bust in the New Wild West” by Finn Murphy

c.2023, W.W. Norton & Company

$27.95

The dirt that’s in your garden is like a bed in a fairy tale: not too hard, not too soft, just right.

Yep, now’s a good time to put that dirt to use by setting plants in the ground – but planting isn’t the only part of a successful harvest. There’ll be ongoing maintenance to do. As in the new book “Rocky Mountain High” by Finn Murphy, you’ll also need to be weed-ing.

Fifteen years after ending his gig as a long-haul mover, Finn Murphy was living in Colorado and thinking about something exciting: growing hemp was newly legal there, supported by research and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. By just knowing this, he had a very good chance of “making some serious dough.”

Even better: land was relatively cheap and he had funds available.

THC. It’s used as medicinal “smokable fower” and CBD.

That kind of crop, he says, was the plan. Alas, though the government seemed eager to ofer support, paperwork delays made him miss the plant-

he waited to spot one, he spent time learning about “the Hemp Space”–and that was when he saw it: hemp farmers were anticipating high yields in the fall, but they had no way to process the harvest.

by Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

hired his godson as foreman and a fellow gig-worker to act as supervisor. Then he watched his bank account leak money, as the work increased and time ran out.

The payout: possibly “almost $2 million” for “weedwhackers.”

For Murphy, quite a diferent number...

Well, another day, another dollar. That kind of shrug comes through plainly inside “Rocky Mountain High,” and that makes this a highly unusual book.

Let’s say you’ve (ahem) done hemp farmer on a small scale. If you’re thinking about buying land and trying to legally go big, there’s lots to learn and author Finn Murphy tells it plain. He shares his experience here, some process, some pitfalls, problems, prices, and the big picture in detail. Often, despite the number$, that comes with a wink and an aura of eyebrow-raising calm that wavers only sometimes.

“Hemp,” says Murphy, “is Mother Earth’s super-plant...” with what experts say has 25,000 diferent uses. One in particular is legal in some states and ofers reduced levels of

ing deadline in his very frst year. This made Murphy angry but not too much; an entrepreneur from way back, he knew that in any boom, there are other opportunities. While

Seizing the moment, Murphy had to fnd somewhere to construct three gigantic hoop buildings, fnd certain kinds of workers, and purchase the equipment to do the harvesting. He

Readers might be a little surprised that this book on hemp farming can feel like it belongs on a business shelf. It’s flled with workplace advice, and Murphy’s philosophy on hiring and second chances is worth a read for anyone in a supervisory position. Even if you’ve never smoked in your life, even if you don’t inhale, even if you have a brown thumb, that makes “Rocky Mountain High” a winner. You’ll really dig it.

Finn Murphy, author of “Rocky Mountain High.” Photo: Jack Green Photography.

James ‘Jim’ Russell

James (Jim) F. Russell of Hamilton, Montana, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2023. He died in his home on a beautiful afternoon with his wife and daughter beside him.

Jim was born in Queens, New York, on Sept. 4th 1944. In his early 20’s, he moved from New York to CA. and was drawn to San Diego where he could be near the ocean. After working on fshing boats for awhile, he eventually bought a little sail boat and took up the craft of sailing and scuba diving. Later he moved to the town of Escondido. Among his many accomplishments were master plastering, leading him to do special mold work on various hotels in San Diego. Other talents were home building, hypnotism, and Martial Arts. After hard work and practice, he became a Black Belt in Taekwondo.

A few years after meeting his wife, Mary, together they founded the Hypnosis Training Institute of San Diego. Jim acquired a special distinction as a Hypnotherapist and he and Mary taught classes in Adult Education for many years. Jim’s interests spread to aviation where he obtained a pilot’s license, bought a small plane, and he and Mary few all around the United States, Canada, Baja California, and many of the islands of the U.S. coasts.

Services

Elaine Severson

Stevensville - Elaine (Meuchel) Severson, 83, of Stevensville passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the Living Centre. A vigil service will be held on Friday, June 30 at 6:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Parish. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 1 also at the church. Condolence and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

WILLIE RUTH HOFFMAN

A memorial service for Ruth Hofman will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 10:30 am at St. Francis Xavier in Missoula, 420 W Pine St. There will be a reception to follow.

Ruth passed away on December 12, 2020, in Missoula. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at: www.gatheringus. com/memorial/willie-ruth-hofman/9714

Dorothy Parpolia

Hamilton - A Memorial Service for Dorothy E. Parpolia will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hamilton. The service may be live streamed at www.stfrancishamilton.org. Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel.

In mid-life he and Mary moved to Conner, Montana, where he enjoyed hunting and fshing, built spec houses, became an electrician, and eventually created Jim Russell’s Electrical Exam Training. His training seminars were well-known around Montana and surrounding states. Jim helped many an electrician pass their exam. Jim also was a favorite speaker at the Sunday Museum Series in Hamilton.

Years later, Jim built their dream home and he and Mary moved to Hamilton where they have lived for the last 17 years, enjoying the beauty of the valley. He became a Mason at Hamilton Ionic Lodge 38 and in 2014, served as Worshipful Master. He felt it was a great honor to serve.

In the last few years of his life Jim and Mary were members of Socrates Cafe and The Quantum Group of the Bitterroot. He especially enjoyed the intellectual stimulation and friendship of those groups.

Jim’s outstanding characteristics were his dynamic personality, his sense of adventure, his creative talents, generosity, and love for his family.

Jim is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Michelle Eckert of Missoula, his two grandchildren, Bobby and Jake Eckert, his sisters, Lorraine and Joyce, his step-children Lynn, Robert, Katherine, Carey, Nick, and frst wife, Patricia Howard.

GATES OPEN AT 4PM

Daly

Keith McCaferty, green drakes, and other mysteries

When I frst met him, Keith McCafferty wanted to be the fshing editor for Field and Stream. He wrote for them regularly then, and freelanced in other publications.

He eventually became their Survival and Outdoor Skills Editor. Along the way he discovered a more lucrative calling writing novels, with a focus on the characters and wide-open lifestyle of his adopted home in Montana.

He wrote a mystery, and it sold. Then he wrote another, and under contract to a major publisher, has written one a year since. The Gray Ghost Murders, The Royal Wulf Murders, Crazy Mountain Kiss, Bufalo Jump Blues and other titles fowed. And according to the awards and reviews Keith has received since, the books keep getting better.

went on Keith denied that the name chosen for the main character in his books, Sean Stranahan, had anything to do with me.

Fair enough.

Keith’s prose style

by Chuck Stranahan

It was over thirty years ago when Keith and I fshed together on the Fall River in California. Keith made the move to Montana before I did, and for several years after that we continued a correspondence that I treasured but abandoned as life took one of those quirky turns that sapped me of all energy not directed toward my immediate survival.

Flash forward a quarter-century: I didn’t recognize him when he visited my booth at a sports show in Bozeman a few years ago. Eventually he made it known that he was a writer, that he had written a few fshing articles (hint) but was now writing mystery/fyfshing novels (hint-hint,) and eventually, when I asked, he told me his name was Keith McCaferty.

At that revelation I had an attack of compounded amazement and stupidity at not recognizing him. When my brother-in-law showed up he and Keith knew and greeted each other, and together they planned a fshing and camping trip as they stood in front of my booth. At least I recognized my brother-in-law. As the conversation

I’ve always appreciated Keith’s prose style and the unique point of view that he brings to anything he writes. One of my favorite pre-novelist McCaferty articles about the fabled green drake hatch on the Henry’s Fork in Idaho appeared in Fly Fisherman magazine. In the intro he described the anglers gathered at the gate of the Harriman Ranch, waiting for word that the hatch had commenced. He described their uniform appearance, the name-branded choices in waders, vests, hats, and fshing shirts. The image in his last sentence sticks with me: their wooden landing nets inscribed tear-drop-shapes on their backs while they stood there... looking good.

Not predictable, but an important hatch

Some years on the Henry’s Fork the green drakes are all over the place and the trout go nuts. Other years it doesn’t come of. Most years are somewhere in between and ofers good fshing to those who know how. Green drakes are like that.

The same thing holds true on the Bitterroot. Look for plenty of green drakes, once they start, on cloudy days. On sunny days there might be a few, but as they overlap with golden stones, pale morning duns and little

yellow stones, you might want to keep an eye out for those hatches, or simply

nymph as a dropper or by itself, moving it in steady pulls on the retrieve.

Then, when the surface action reaches a certain point, the trout that were eating the emerging nymphs underneath go on a rampage. Throw a big fat green Quigley Cripple in the water and hang on...

tie on a Brindle ‘Chute or Yellow Stimulator in any size from #10 to #14 and go for it.

Best fies, approaches

When green drakes might be out and fshing is slow during the middle of the day, I’ll fsh a #10 dark green

When the drakes are hatching steadily, from about ten o’clock in the morning until as late as two in the afternoon, you’ll score well on the cripple or a parachute style green drake dry. On some mornings the green drake spinners, adults that have shed their hatching skins to reveal their new mating colors, will return to the water to lay eggs. If there are enough of them, the trout will hunt them down. I discovered by accident that the best fy I could strap on for this kind of fshing was a #10 or #12 Brindle ‘Chute. This time of year, it seems to work for nearly everything.

DNRC Painted Rocks water report

The snowpack is basically gone, and the runof cycle and lower fows rates are about three weeks ahead of normal. If it wasn’t for the timely rains the fows would probably already be lower, near the July levels. Most forecasts are calling for about 65% of normal fows for the season. Hopefully, we will continue to get the frequent cloudy rainy weather pattern that will help keep the water cooler and help keep things green.

While the reservoir is currently spilling, the infows are starting to steadily recede. The current infows/ outfows are at 487 cfs and declining at an average rate of approximately 30 cfs per day. Therefore, barring any rain, the infows will probably decrease into the base range of 75-100 cfs within two to three weeks.

In preparation for the lower infows the DNRC will begin making a series of gate adjustments within the next few weeks to gradually transition the reservoir from spillway control to low level outlet control. The frst adjustment may occur as early as the middle of next week.

Currently about 70% of the out-

fows are coming out of the low-level outlet and 30% is fowing over the spillway. As the infows continue to recede the percentage of water going over the spillway will decrease and the percentage of outfows from the low-level outlet will continue to increase.

The dam will be operated in a manner to ensure that the outfows match the infows, with only a small amount of water fowing over the spillway, and the bulk of the water coming out of the low-level outlet. This will ensure that the West Fork will always be receiving a good supply of cold water.

The “infow equal outfow” status will remain in efect until contract water deliveries are called for by the MT Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP), and/or the Painted Rocks Water Users Association (PRWUA).

At this time, the DNRC would like to remind everyone how Painted Rocks Reservoir is managed, who the primary stakeholders are, and how water releases are determined:

1. Painted Rocks Reservoir and Dam is a State Of Montana water storage facility. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) regulates the reservoir thru the Water Resources Division’s

State Water Projects Bureau. I am the primary DNRC contact for information regarding Painted Rocks Dam and my contact information is contained in this email:

The DNRC ensures that the reservoir is flled in a timely fashion and kept full until water is requested by the contract holders.

The DNRC is charged with flling the reservoir and managing it in such a manner as to be able to fulfll the contractual requirement to release the stored water when requested by the contract holders.

The DNRC does not determine when contract water is delivered.

The 25,000 acre-feet (AF) of water in the reservoir has been sold under contract to two principal entities: the MT Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP), 15,000 AF, and the Painted Rocks Water Users Association (PRWUA), 10,000 AF.

Contract deliveries are dependent upon weather and river conditions.

The FWP contracts are primarily used to ensure that fows remain in the Bitterroot River at Bell Crossing. Prior to purchasing contract water from Painted Rocks Reservoir in the late 1980’s, it was no uncommon for the Bitterroot River to go dry at Bell Crossing. The FWP contract water also has a secondary use of helping to keep

temperatures lower in the West Fork, depending on the river conditions at Bell Crossing. Questions regarding this contract water and their deliveries should be directed to the FWP.

The PRWUA contracts are used for agricultural purposes and releases are dependent upon crop irrigation requirements. Questions regarding irrigation contracts should be directed to the PRWUA.

Whenever possible, gate adjustments will be made mid-week, and releases will generally be made in 5075 cfs increments.

2. Decisions regarding the timing and size of the contract water releases are made by the contract holders in consultation with the Ravalli County District Court appointed Bitterroot River Water Commissioner. If questions arise regarding the timing or quantities of the releases of contract waters from the reservoir, they should be directed at the individuals listed below.

Fisheries Contract Water: Jason Lindstrom, FWP, 363-7169, Jason. Lindstrom@mt.gov

Irrigation Contract Water: Roger Raynal, PRWUA Vice President, 3691730, tcr@chsmgt.com

Bitterroot River Water Commissioner: JR Iman, 360-8686 calljriman@yahoo.com

Help pets fnd their way home

Statistics indicate that missing pets rarely fnd their way home. Approximately 10 million pets are lost or stolen in the United States each year and more than 6 million wind up in the nation’s animal shelters. Given that dogs and cats in shelters without ID are much less likely to be reunited with their owners, identifcation is the only way these lost pets will fnd their way home.

The Bitter Root Humane Association (BRHA) wants to reduce those numbers and in celebration of “National ID Your Pet Day” will be ofering reduced prices on micro-chipping and engraved ID Tags at their second low-cost “Chip and tag Day.” Saturday, July 1, from noon to 3pm, the public may

have their pet micro-chipped for $10 and the frst 100 ID tags are free. They are $7 each after that. BRHA encourages pet owners to do both, with no appointment needed. For pet safety, please have all dogs leashed and cats crated.

Today and every day, BRHA encourages pet owners to make sure their pets are equipped in the event they get separated. It can be truly heartbreaking to lose a pet, but by tagging and micro-chipping owners are more likely to be reunited with their four-legged family members. Visit BRHA’s “Chip and Tag Day”, at 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton and turn “lost” into “found” for your beloved pet!

KEEP YOUR PET SAFE

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Area athletes of to college

Bitterroot Valley schools have a tremendous amount of talented athletes every year. This year was no diferent, and a large number of area athletes will play sports in college next year. This is a great accomplishment and opportunity - we wish the best and thank them for all the memories.

By the numbers, Montana Tech had the highest number of Bitterroot signees with seven, followed by Carroll College and the University of Providence with 3 each. 20 of the students are going to Montana schools, while 16 are headed out of state.

The following Corvallis students received sport’s scholarships:

Riley Herbstritt, Carroll College, Track & Field

Nate Davis, Montana Tech, Track & Field

Kaitlin McCartney, University of Jamestown (ND), Softball

The following Darby students received sport’s scholarships:

Will Martin, Montana Tech, Track & Field

Hooper Reed, Montana Tech, Track & Field

The following Florence students received sport’s scholarships:

Ryan Winters, Montana Western, Football

Jonathan Luhmann, Montana State, Football

Josie Lewis, Spokane Community College, Soccer

Patrick Duchien, Montana State, Football

Samuel Adams, Crown College (MN), Football

Colten Rice, Montana Tech, Football

William Wagner, Montana Tech, Track & Field

Sean Larson, Fontbonne University, Football

Gabriel Philbrick, University of Maine, Baseball

Rogan Hanson, Ohio Dominican University, Track/Cross Country

Brodie Hinsdale, Chemeketa Community College, Baseball

Rylee Yeoman, Mesa Community College, Softball

Jesse Padilla, Experience Prep Academy, Basketball

The following Hamilton students received sport’s scholarships:

Layne Kearns, Seattle Pacifc University (WA), Basketball

Asher Magness, Lawrence Technological University (MI), Basketball

Max Cianfone, Montana Tech, Golf, Track & Field

Hudson Bain, University of Providence, Track & Field

Cameron Richie, Montana Tech, Golf

Simona Rizzon, University of Providence, Soccer

Derrick Saltzman, Carroll College, Football

Jacob Westberry, Montana Western, Football

Chesnee Lawrence, University of Montana, Track & Field

Jesse Anson, Providence, Wrestling

The following Stevensville students received sport’s scholarships:

Beller Kellan, Montana Tech, Football

Gum Hunter, Carroll College, Football & Track

Claire Hutchison, University of Montana, Track & Field

Cole Olson, Midland University (NE), Football

Sophie Berning, Wenatchee Valley College, Softball

Jefrey Berryman, Midway University (KY), Football

Daphne Engel, Hastings College (NE), Volleyball

Victoria Uskoski, Walla Walla Community College, Soccer

Florence seniors signing to play college sports next year. Left to right: Sean Larson, Gabriel Philbrick, Rogan Hanson, William Wagner, Brodie Hinsdale, Rylee Yeoman. See story for the full list of Florence signees. Photo by Florence School Activities.

VIRGELLE MERC

ANTIQUES presents its outdoor FLEA MARKET

Sunday July 9th. 9 a.m.5p.m. Over an acre of Antiques and Collectibles. Located of Highway 87 between Loma and Big Sandy. Lunch available and vendor spots available 1-800-426-2926/406 3783110 web VirgelleMontana. com

Start your own Mini Horse Ranch. Stallion, 11 years. 3 Mares, 6,5, 4 years. 406-239-4030.

family and food, and win some great prizes.

SWITCH AND SAVE up to $250/year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with fexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time ofer - get $50 of on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-877-324-0193.

DISH NETWORK: Only from Dish- 3 year TV Price Guarantee! 99% Signal Reliability, backed by guarantee. Inludes Multi-Sport with NFL Redzone. Switch and get a FREE $100 Gift Card. Call today! 1-855995-3572.

Residential Electrician, licensed and insured. Forsaken Electric 406-880-5996. Call us today!

Corrine Campbell, Physical Therapy/ Myofascial Release, 406-777-2679. Elizabeth Harper-Schurman, Counseling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy. 406-3042517. 5501 Hwy 93N, Ste. 101, Florence, MT.

DONATING YOUR VEHICLE? Get more! Free towing. Tax Deductible. Plus a $300 restaurant voucher and a 2-night/3day hotel stay at one of 50 locations. Call Heritage for the Blind to donate your vehicle today - 1-855-9012620.

variety of maintenance and cleaning tasks. To work well in this role, you should have basic maintenance knowledge around building repairs, cleaning, and other janitorial work. The job description will be discussed in the interview. Pay DOE. Please send resume to Eagles Lodge, Hamilton,

HARLOW’S SCHOOL

BUS SERVICE transports the country’s most precious cargo, and they want you to join them at their community picnic - Wednesday, July 19th from 4pm to 8pm - at the Stevensville High School. OPEN TO ALL - So come down and join Harlow’s as they celebrate fun,

WANTED BAR MANAGER. Must possess an alcohol server certifcation valid in the state of MT or obtain one within 60 days of hire. The Eagles Lodge in Hamilton, MT is looking for an energetic Bar Manager with management experience, new ideas and small-town kindness. The job description will be discussed in the interview. Pay DOE. Please send resume to foe1693secretary@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. Thank you for applying. We need a great person to join our outstanding team.

WANTED JANITOR/ MAINTENANCE PERSON

Applicant will perform a

Legal Notices

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Nova Lee Adair, Jordin Vegoren, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-41-20230000107-NM

Dept. 1

Notice of Hearing on Name Change of Minor Child

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Nova Lea Adair, to Nova Lea Vegoren. The hearing will be on July 19, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 8th day of June, 2023.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Tim Nydell Deputy Clerk of Court BS 6-14, 6-21, 6-28, 7-5-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Hamilton will hold a public hearing on July 5, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding a proposal by Housing Solutions LLC, to develop Riverstone Senior Residences, an afordable multi-family rental housing complex on the site at the southwest corner of Flower St. and Skeels Ave. (roughly 223 Flower St.) Hamilton, Montana 59840. This complex will consist of 17 one-bedroom units and 6 two-bedroom units for elderly persons. The development is being proposed by Housing Solutions LLC, PO Box 2099, Missoula, Montana, 59806, Phone (406) 203-1558, a for-proft organization, and Hearthstone Riverstone LLC, through its sole member, Hearthstone Group, a nonproft corporation specializing in the preservation and development of afordable housing. The purpose of the hearing is to solicit comment on whether the proposed qualifying low-income rental housing property meets a community housing need in the City of Hamilton. Comments may be given

orally at the hearing or submitted in writing to the City Clerk before July 5, 2023. The public hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 223 S. 2nd Street, Hamilton. The public hearing also will be available remotely through the online/phone conferencing platform Zoom. Instructions on joining and participating in the public hearing are available on the City of Hamilton’s website www.cityofhamilton.net or by emailing cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.

Anyone who would like more information or who wants to submit written comments should contact Rose Allen, City of Hamilton City Clerk, at (406) 363-2101 during regular ofce hours, or by mailing to City Clerk, City of Hamilton, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 or via email cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.

The City of Hamilton will make reasonable accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in this public hearing. Persons needing an accommodation must notify Rose Allen no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023 which will allow adequate time to make needed arrangements. BS 6-21, 6-28-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Hamilton will hold a public hearing on July 5, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the City’s overall community development needs (public facilities, economic development, and housing needs), including the needs of low and moderate income persons. The Hamilton City Council will also seek the views of citizens on the activities that should be undertaken to meet the identifed needs and their relative priority. The City of Hamilton may apply for funding from the Montana Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program (federal funding

administered by the Montana Department of Commerce) and other state and federal funding sources to deal with local housing, public facilities, or other community needs and would like comments or suggestions from local citizens regarding the City’s needs and the type of projects which should be considered.

Comments may be given orally at the hearing or submitted in writing to the City Clerk before July 5, 2023.

The public hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 223 S. 2nd Street, Hamilton. The public hearing also will be available remotely through the online/phone conferencing platform Zoom. Instructions on joining and participating in the public hearing are available on the City of Hamilton’s website www.cityofhamilton.net or by emailing cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.

Anyone who would like more information or who wants to submit written comments should contact Rose Allen, City of Hamilton City Clerk, at (406) 363-2101 during regular ofce hours, or by mailing to City Clerk, City of Hamilton, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 or via email cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.

The City of Hamilton will make reasonable accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in this public hearing. Persons needing an accommodation must notify Rose Allen no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 3, 2023 which will allow adequate time to make needed arrangements.

BS 6-21, 6-28-23.

Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212

Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES M. SANTOS, Deceased. Case No.: DP-23-73

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 Bette Santos, 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 15th day of June 2023.

/s/ Bette Santos, Personal Representative BS 6-21, 7-8, 7-5-23.

LEGAL NOTICE Housing Solutions LLC, PO Box 2099, Missoula, Montana, 59806, Phone (406) 2031558, a for-proft organization, and Hearthstone Riverstone LLC, through its sole member, Hearthstone Group, a nonproft corporation specializing in the preservation and development of afordable housing, hereby notifes all interested persons of Hamilton, Montana, that we are planning to develop Riverstone Senior Residences, an afordable multi-family rental housing complex on the site at the southwest corner of Flower St. and Skeels Ave. (roughly 223 Flower St.) Hamilton, Montana 59840. This complex will consist of 17 one-bedroom units and 6 two-bedroom units for elderly persons. There will be a public hearing to solicit comment on whether the proposed qualifying low-income rental housing property meets a community housing need at the Hamilton City Council Meeting on July 5, 2023 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, 223 S. 2 nd St., Hamilton, MT. You are encouraged to attend and comment. BS 6-21, 7-5-23.

LEGAL NOTICE

Housing Solutions, LLC, PO Box 2099, Missoula, Montana 59806, Phone (406) 203-1558, a for-proft organization, hereby notifes all interested persons of Hamilton, Montana that we are planning to develop, Riverstone Senior Residences an afordable multi-family rental housing complex on the site at the southwest corner of Flower St. and Skeels Ave. (roughly 223 Flower St.) Hamilton, Montana 59840. This complex will consist of 17 one-bedroom units and 6 two-bedroom units for elderly persons. This Project will be exempt from property taxes.

An application will be submitted to the Montana Board of Housing for federal tax credits fnancing. You are encouraged to submit comments regarding the need for afordable multi-family rental housing in your area to the Montana Board of Housing, PO Box 200528, Helena, MT 596200528; FAX (406) 841-2841, or electronically at https:// housing.mt.gov/Contact. Comments will be accepted until 5 PM on October 2, 2023. BS 6-21, 7-5-23.

CITY OF HAMILTON

PUBLIC HEARING

WATER AND SEWER

RATE ADJUSTMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Hamilton, Montana intends to adjust the Water and Wastewater (Sewer) rates for the users of the Hamilton Municipal Water and Wastewater systems. Efective July 26, 2023 the monthly base rate charge for water, the monthly base rate charge for wastewater, the water usage charge, and the wastewater usage charge will each increase 8%. Pursuant to Resolution #1218, Section 4, and Resolution #1219, Section 3, both efective July 1, 2015 the City Council may adjust each of the rates in an amount not to exceed the annual change in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers. These annual rate adjustments will automatically go into efect on July 1st each subsequent year unless the Resolution specifes a diferent efective date. The City of Hamilton City Council will hold a public hearing at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 5, 2023 in the City Council Chambers, City Hall, 223 South Second Street, Hamilton, MT, to take public comment regarding the CPI adjustments to water and wastewater rates. The public may also participate via the online/phone conferencing platform Zoom. Instructions

on joining and participating via Zoom are available on the City of Hamilton’s website www.cityofhamilton.net or by emailing cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.

Further information regarding the hearing may be obtained from, and written comments may be submitted to, Rose Allen, City Clerk, City of Hamilton, 223 S. Second Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, 406-363-2101 ext. 230, cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.

Rose M. Allen City Clerk BS 6-21, 6-28-23.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MILL CREEK IRRIGATION DISTRICT MEETING

An annual meeting of the Mill Creek Irrigation District will be held at the Corvallis Grange Hall on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 6:00 pm. The Grange is located at 130 Dutch Hill Road. The status of Mill Lake Dam and repairs, setting the annual share amount, annual fnancial report, meeting the new water commissioner (ditch rider) and other relevant business will be discussed.

For more information, please contact Board Members Tim Abney (406-3813198), Matt Bischof (406880-2364), or Geof Mahar (406-360-6496). BS 6-28,,7-5.

CITY OF HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

DATE CHANGE

The Hamilton City Council will hold its frst regular meeting of July on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 7:00 pm. There will not be a meeting on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 due to the Independence Day holiday.

Rose M. Allen City Clerk BS 6-28-23.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Southwest Land Ofce Hamilton Unit is in the preliminary process of developing a vegetation treatment southeast of Sula in the Sula State Forest. The proposed project would harvest up to 5 -6 million board feet on approximately 3,600 acres. 3,500 acres of non-commercial thinning would also occur, along with noxious weed management, and tree planting. This land is School Trust Land, and the harvest would provide revenue to the Common School Trust, Capital Buildings Trust, and Montana Tech Trust. The department is seeking comments from interested parties. Comments are due August 3, 2023.

Please direct comments to:

Thayer Jacques DNRC Hamilton Unit P.O. Box 713 Hamilton, MT 59840 Or: tjacques@mt.gov BS 6-28-23.

INVITATION TO BID

Separate sealed bids for construction of the Bitterroot Public Library Emergency Repairs will be received by The City of Hamilton at the ofce of the City Clerk, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, until 3:00 p.m. local time on July 13, 2023, and then publicly opened and read aloud within the Community Room at City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT.

The project consists of:

Reconstruction of the main entrance to the Bitterroot Public Library, located at 306 State Street in Hamilton, Montana. The building is listed on the National Historic Register of Historic Places and shall be reconstructed to match the historic condition. Repairs shall be made as shown in the plans and specifcations for construction.

The contract documents consisting of plans and specifcations may be examined or obtained at the City of Hamilton Public Works Building, 920 New York Ave., Hamilton, MT 59840 or requested by email to the Director of Public Works at dpw@cityofhamilton.net. Potential bidders shall notify the Director of Public Works prior to bidding on the project, so all addenda may be sent to prospective bidders.

In addition, the plans and specifcations may also be examined at the following locations:

The Missoula Plans Exchange, 201 N Russell Street, Missoula, MT 59801 There will be a Pre-Bid Conference at Bitterroot Public Library at 10:00 a.m. on July 6, 2023. Interested CONTRACTORS are encouraged to attend. CONTRACTOR and any of

the CONTRACTOR’S subcontractors bidding or doing work on this project will be required to be registered with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Forms for registration are available from the Department of Labor and Industry, P.O. Box 8011, 1805 Prospect, Helena, Montana 59604-8011. Information on registration can be obtained by calling 1-406-444-7734. All laborers and mechanics employed by CONTRACTOR or subcontractors in performance of the construction work shall be paid not less than the latest Montana Prevailing Wage Rates. A copy of the applicable wage rates are included in the bid set. The CONTRACTOR must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Each bid or proposal must be accompanied by a Certifed Check, Cashier’s Check, or Bid Bond payable to the City of Hamilton, in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid. Successful BIDDERS shall furnish an approve Performance Bond and a Labor and Materials Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount. Insurance as required shall be provided by the successful BIDDER(s) and a certifcate(s) of that insurance shall be provided.

Bids shall be sealed and marked “Sealed Bid – Bitterroot Public Library – Emergency Repairs” with the Contractor’s name and address and be addressed to the City of Hamilton Clerk’s Ofce, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840.

This project is funded in whole by the City of Hamilton and is subject to all applicable state regulations, as indicated within the specifcations. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of bids, which is 3:00 p.m. local time July 13, 2023.

All questions relative to this project shall be directed to the Director of Public Works, Donny Ramer at City of Hamilton Public Works, 920 New York Ave., Hamilton, MT 59840. Telephone 406.363.6717 or email dpw@cityofhamilton.net.

The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of not to exceed sixty (60) days, and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid which is in the best interest of the OWNER. Rose Allen, City Clerk BS 6-28, 7-5-23.

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Amy Lynn Elliott, Amy Lynn Elliott, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-41-20230000214-NC Dept. 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE