We Sell
licenSeS
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID STEVENSVILLE MT PERMIT 89
777-2822 4039 HWY 93 N STEVENSVILLE
OUTLET STORE
For all your ammunition & Hunting needS
www.ammoandmorestore.com
Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
Find the latest updates and information on the COVID-19 pandemic at www.bitterrootstar.com Volume XXXVI, Number 1
Drive-thru testing
’ ! l a c o est at L
‘The B www.bitterrootstar.com
Next Sale:
Kootenai Creek & Hwy 93 Stevensville
July 29th - Aug 1st
1943 Luscombe Model 8 Airplane, Vehicles, Vixen RV, Tools, Memorabilia, Antiques and more For info call Mike (520) 990-9658 • swansonsestatesales.com
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Fair victim of COVID-19 The Ravalli County Fairgrounds recently posted a notice concerning the cancellation of the main portion of the Ravalli County Fair by Ravalli County Public Health Officer Dr. Carol Calderwood. The announcement contained a disclaimer stating that the decision was not made by department staff or the County Commissioners and is re-printed here: “As some of you may have heard, 2020 Ravalli County Fair & Rockin’ RC Rodeo has been
cancelled by the Ravalli County Public Health Officer. Staff had been working with Public Health on a contingency plan in order to hold fair. However, in light of public health and safety concerns, they have chosen to cancel the event. Please understand this decision was not made by Staff or the Ravalli County Board of Commissioners. Should you wish to express your opinion on the matter, please direct your comments to the Ravalli County Public Health Officials via email at publichealthdepartment@rc.mt. gov or call (406) 375-6672. We
will post more information as it becomes available. Thank you!” A public service announcement was sent out on Monday, July 13, that stated: “It is with sadness and necessity that health officials are announcing the cancellation of the main portion of the 2020 Ravalli County fair. In light of community spread and recent increase in daily new cases such a large gathering would increase the threat of exposure, leading to rapidly increasing spread of the
Ravalli County Public Health Officer Dr. Carol Calderwood has resigned. On Monday July 20, the county’s Public Health Officer issued the following letter of resignation: It is the right time for me to step down as Ravalli County Health Officer and focus on my clinical practice. Sincere thanks to the Elected Officials, to Board of Health members, and to my numerous other county colleagues who have worked tirelessly with me through the beginning stages of the COVID pandemic. I am confident that our combined efforts, along with State and national actions, have slowed the
spread and brought our community time to establish plans and to accumulate supplies. Systems are now in place for reasonable way forward, even if our teams may shift. I believe that, locally, we still have the worst of our peak to come and that our combined social actions are probably at their most critical. Therefore, I do personally support the Governor’s Masking Directive, in part to increase chances that businesses may stay open. For my part, I will shift to focus on my contributions through the hospital, but I’m certainly available to give medical advice to the County Public Health Nursing
Office as long as needed. Sincerely, Carol Calderwood, MD Asked if blowback from her recent decision to cancel the main portion of the Ravalli County Fair was part of her reason for resigning, Calderwood said, “I think the county commissioners got most of that pressure. I gave them a letter of explanation as to why, but I think their constituency got quite a bit upset. I think they got more blow back than I did.” “I’m happy to be the one to make that decision honestly, because it’s not a political decision at all to me,” said Calderwood.
By Michael Howell
with the project. Friends of the Bitterroot and Alliance for the Wild Rockies claim in their suit that the decision was arbitrary and capricious and in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Forest Management Act (NFMA), and the Healthy Forest Restoration Act and the Administrative Procedures
Act (APA). The Gold Butterfly project is located east of Corvallis, in the Sapphire Mountains. The Forest Service project calls for commercial logging on 5,461 acres, clearcutting across wide swaths of forest, prescribed burning activi-
By Michael Howell
See FAIR, page 7
County health officer resigns
Snapshot of COVID-19 in Ravalli County taken
Above: Vehicles line up in the Hamilton High School parking lot to wait to get tested for the COVID-19 antigen. Jean Schurman photo. Below: This drone shot shows the cars snaking their way through the Hamilton High School parking lot as people line up to get tested. 873 people were tested at the site. Michael Hoyt photo.
Groups sue over Gold Butterfly project on Bitterroot Forest
By Jean Schurman
On Thursday, July 16, the Montana National Guard and the Ravalli County Public Health Department coordinated their efforts to test people for COVID19. This was the 22nd testing site the Montana National Guard has done since the onset of the pandemic. The Guard provided the set up, security, and handling of the test samples after they were administered. Those samples were then taken back to Helena where the testing would take place. The parking lot at Hamilton High School was set up to move the vehicles through in a serpentine manner with entry only on one end and only one exit on the north end of the parking lot. A
A lawsuit was filed July 10 in Federal District Court in Missoula challenging the legality of the Bitterroot National Forest’s 55,147-acre Gold Butterfly project and asking the court for injunctive and declaratory relief to stop the proposed timber sales associated
guardsman stopped each vehicle and asked if the person or persons in the vehicle were exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus like a cough or fever. If the answer was yes to any of their questions, the car was turned away. This was
Sheriff won’t enforce Gov’s mask order By Michael Howell Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton has announced that he will not be enforcing Governor Bullock’s directive issued on July 15 requiring all Montanans to wear masks in public. To slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Montana, Governor Bullock issued a directive on July 15, requiring face coverings in certain indoor spaces and for certain organized outdoor activities in counties currently experiencing four or more active cases of COVID-19. In response, the Sheriff and the Ravalli County Commissioners issued a joint statement, saying: “We encourage all residents to educate themselves and conduct their business as safely
See RESIGNS, page 7
as possible during this pandemic. We ask our residents to always treat each other with compassion, and respect each other’s right to make decisions about their own health. “Private business owners may choose to enforce the Governor’s Directive. Everyone has the right and ability to shop or patronize businesses they feel comfortable in. “Criminal citations will not be issued for violations of the mask directive. The RCSO will however, investigate and enforce trespass and disorderly conduct complaints. “Collectively, we thank our neighbors and citizens of Ravalli County for their continued diligence in helping keep our communities safe.”
testing for asymptomatic cases only. Once in line, the vehicles eventually made it to one of two testing locations that were manned by the public health department and other retired nurses. The test was self-administered with the nurse instructing the patient how to swab their nasal passage. Once done, the nurses put the swab into a sterile container to be transported to the state lab in Helena. According to Public Information Officer Joseph Hopkins, people began lining up before 8 a.m. on Thursday morning. Once the testing began at 10 a.m., there was a steady stream of vehicles with one, two, and sometimes three people in them. This particular test was a nasal PCR antigen test. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect genetic material from the virus and help diagnose an active COVID-19 infection. Karyn Johnston, public health nurse, said the testing would give the county a ‘snapshot’ of this particular time in the county of the rate of asymptomatic infection there was in the county. It also provided peace of mind for those being tested. The total tested on Thursday was 873 See TESTING, page 7
See LAWSUIT, page 14
Weston awarded Montana Law Enforcement Officer of Year By Jean Schurman
By his own admission, Detective Brad Weston of the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office is “pretty well known” here in the valley. That statement is true for many reasons, and it’s not just in the valley that Weston is well known. The former Hamilton High School athlete, University of Montana football player, basketball referee has been in the spotlight since he was a teen. Recently, another honor was added to his list of accomplishments. Weston was recently awarded the American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for Montana. Weston was nominated for the award by Sheriff Steve Holton last fall. Weston was then interviewed by Randy Beard of American Legion Post 91 in Corvallis. They covered the many aspects of Weston’s law enforcement career in the interview. “Most officers have a specialty niche,” said Weston. “I would say that my niche is people. I love people and know a lot of people here in the valley.” Weston was a member of the 1997 Hamilton Bronc football See WESTON, page 2
Detective Brad Weston of the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office holds the plaque designating him Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for Montana.
Page 2 -- Bitterroot Star
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Weston
ment. He was there for six years. During that time, he was a patrolman, a field training officer, and a school resource officer. He said as the school resource officer, he was a liaison between youth court, Department of Family Services, the students and the school. He said he was able to see the students’ perspective and build a trust with them. In 2013, Weston moved over to the Sheriff’s Office where he has come up through the ranks. As a deputy, one of his areas to patrol was the south valley. He said he would talk with someone there and bring up that he was Steve Weston’s son, and the conversation would take off from there. He moved up to patrol sergeant, and also served as the coroner for a while. He recently was promoted to a detective and for the first time in 10 years, he’s working days. “My wife was a single mom during this time,” said Weston. “I went to work at RCSO in early January of 2013 and our twins were born two weeks later. We had four kids under four at that time and I was working nights.” He said he would work all night, come home and get the kids off to daycare or school and then sleep for a few hours during the
continued
team that won the state championship. He grew up around football in the valley as his father, Steve Weston, was the football coach in Darby and then in Hamilton. He made a lot of connections here in the valley because of his involvement and his dad’s involvement in football. After high school graduation, Weston attended the University of Montana on a full ride football scholarship. His dream was always to become a police officer and so he majored in sociology and criminology. After graduation, he and his wife, Nikki, moved to Seattle where she was finishing medical school. Weston got a job as a security officer in a hospital there. “It was a huge eye opener,” said Weston. “I had traveled a lot in college and seen a lot of things but I saw every walk of life in that hospital, from a rock star to a gang shooter to someone having mental issues, and all within a few minutes. I learned to communicate and it made me grow.” When the Westons returned to Montana, he became an officer with the Hamilton Police Depart-
Hamilton’s 2020 Annual Fireworks Display was made possible by donations from the following individuals and businesses: Anonymous Donors Al Mitchell All Valley Heating, Cooling & Refrigeration Art City Aspen Leaf Yoga and Wellness ATR, Inc. Barb Lucas, LCPC Beck Builders Becky Laugel, LCPC (Haven Horses, LLC) Big Sky Grub, LLC. Bitter Root Brewing Bitterroot Antique Mall Bitterroot Community Federal Credit Union Bitterroot Turf Farm Brian and Linda Reilly Brian's Painting Core and Main Daly Leach Chapel Dan & Charlotte Harmon Darby Epress-O Deffy's Motel Diane L Nousanen & Anatole R. Bourgeois Dunk Tank Donations Erhart Construction, Inc. Evans Ace Hardware Farmers State Bank Fiesta En Jalisco First Montana Title Company First Security Bank Fox Lumber Sales, Inc. Frank J. McAtee George Whitaker Groom on the Vroom Hamilton Mortgage Services Inc. Harry & Kathleen Allacher HDR, Inc. Helen H. Buker Higherground Brewing J-5 Construction James and Diane Shaw Jane A. Seraphine Jean Roberts Kent Curtis Construction, Inc. Lost Trail Hot Springs Lynn & Donna Shulund/Valley Mini Storage Cit
Margaret Reardon Mary C. Vannuland Mary L. Butt Massa Home Center McLean Electronics, Inc. Melissa S. Collins Counseling Merry Jo Rall Miracle Ear MJ Dealer Services, LLC Montana Beeswax, LLC. Montana Rose MR Asphalt Northwestern Energy Professional Consultants, Inc. Raindrop Expressways Randall & Dianne Meyers Rapp Family Foundation Ravalli County Ravalli County Federal Credit Union Rick and Mary Borden Robert Weber Sound Improvements LLC Spice of Life Steven's Concrete Stewart's Excavating The Edge Restaurant & Sports Bar The Walker Group Trail West Bank Truco Systems, Inc. TruGreen Missoula Valley Furniture Wendy Ervin WGM Group Inc. Yesterday's Things Fireworks Fund Donation Buckets Hosts Bitterroot Drug Chapter One Bookstore Main Street Toys Massa
day. He’d pick up the kids and spend time with them, usually on a football field or a baseball field where he was also the coach, and then right after dinner head out to work, leaving his wife to handle the four kids. The kids are Cooper, Rigby, Saige, and Sloane. “She’s a saint,” he said. “She is the one who made it work, while working full time as a family nurse practitioner at the Family Medicine Center (in Hamilton).” Weston said being a detective has brought new challenges for him. When he was a patrolman, he went into a call with the idea of assessing the problem, defusing the problem, and possibly making an arrest. As a detective, he is now having to go through the process of building a case to solve a crime. But he’s up for the challenge. Throughout his law enforcement career, he has worked through almost every aspect of law enforcement but the management end of it. Through it all, he’s relied upon his identity and his communication skills to make a connection with victims, perpetrators, other officers, and the community. He concluded by saying that working in law enforcement helps people and he loves that.
Stevensville council still stalled and was sitting on up to $53,000 in unpaid claims. Council member Jaime Devlin noted that it cost the town a minimum of $125 to hold a meeting and that the current absence brings the total to $250, plus the cost of having an attorney present at the last meeting. “The town is getting the short end of the stick here,” said Devlin. “Holding government hostage is not described in our duties of office. I wasn’t elected to play a game of hide and seek. I wasn’t elected to play a game of charades. It is disgraceful and an absolute embarrassment for our town.” She apologized to the townspeople on behalf of the
By Michael Howell
On Wednesday, July 14, Stevensville Town Council members Robin Holcomb and Bob Michalson failed to show up for the second time in a row for a council meeting. Chief of Police James Marble was once again dispatched to “compel” council member Holcomb to attend the meeting. Marble reported back that Holcomb did not appear to be at home so he left a message on her phone stating that her attendance was required. Mayor Dewey noted that due to the lack of attendance by the two council members that the town was now without a budget
City of Hamilton · 223 S 2nd Street · Hamilton, MT 59840 · (406) 363.2101 · www.cityofhamilton.net
City of Hamilton ~ 223 S 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT ~ www.cityofhamilton.net ~
council. “You deserve better,” she said. “You have a voice and I hope you use that.” Mayor Dewey agreed, saying, “We are wasting money, we are wasting resources, and we are wasting time.” The meeting was adjourned due to lack of a quorum. A special council meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 and a regular council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 23, both at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Agendas and additional information can be found on the Town’s website at: www.townofstevensville.com.
Delivery Service Monday-Friday 777-4663
Sale good thru 07/28/20 Give the gift of food; A BFM Gift Card!
We Have a Pickle of a Dill for You at the Fork!! At the Fork we are loaded with fresh local produce from Hutterite Pickling Cucs to Flathead Cherries. Get out & get some fresh air & exercise & then start your grill for some BBQ fun. We are proud to sell all natural pork, the freshest produce & Black Angus USDA Choice BEEF! So head to the Fork & save time & money & keep it in the Root! Stay Calm- Stay Safe-Get Out & Enjoy Your Summer! Pickling Cucs
10
$
BFM Country Style Sausage
2
Flathead Cherries
1
99 $ 99 10 lbg
Dill 25 Cents
805 Lean
Sweet Peaches
1
$ 98
lb.
Santa Cruz Organic Lemonade
1
lb.
$ 99
Assorted
Choice/Bone-In
32 oz.
2
Black Angus Cross Rib Steaks
2
Fryer Drums & Thighs
99
69
lb.
Black or Red Plums
1
Whip Cream Me!
USDA Choice
Bone-In Valu-Pak
Great Snack
Black Angus Top & Eye of Round Steak
Fresh Corn on the Cob
Boars Head Turkey Breast
Fresh Express Spinach
Fresh Express Garden Salad
4
USDA Choice
2 1 Save!
In Our Deli
Franz Hamburger & Hot Dog Buns
Jennie-O Ground Turkey Breasts
Solo Plastic Cups, Bowls, Plates
$ 99
1
$
ears
lb.
$ 99 8 ct.
4
$ 99
16 oz. each
Save!
Grill ‘em
Food Club Pasta
Knorr Pasta Or Rice Sides
99
¢
12-16 oz.
Assorted
Budweiser & Bud Light
$
12
99
Save!
5 pak./16 oz.
1
7
$ 99
2
lb.
$ 88
15-50 ct.
4
$ 19
$ 88
Assorted
Assorted
4-5.7 oz.
Food Club Tomato Clam Juice
1
$ 99 64 oz.
Red Beer Time!
2 4 $
8 oz.
Save!
8 ct.
Hop Valley & Bayern Brews
7
$ 99
6 pak.
Assorted
$
28
$
lb.
1
12 oz.
Save!
Sanpellegrino Ocean Spray Sparkling Drinks Cran Cocktail Juices
4
$ 99 6 pak.
Save!
Gatorade Sports Drink
lb.
lb.
Delicious
Delicious
lb.
¢
¢
$ 99 lb.
99
Walla Walla Sweet Onions
$ 68 lb.
$
7
$ 99
Local Flavor
Berry Fresh Strawberries
Black Angus Rib Steaks
Assorted Newman’s Own Salad Dressings
2 5 $
16 oz.
Assorted
$
Hamms Beer
15
99
24 pak.
Bear Country
2
Montana Whole Chickens
1
$ 99 lb.
Local Flavor Black Angus Petite Sirloin Steaks
4
$ 99 lb.
USDA Choice! X-Large Bell Peppers
Champs Chicken Tenders
6
$ 99 lb.
In Our Deli Thick Cut Pork Rib Chops
$
1
99 lb.
All Natural Grape Tomatoes
4 3 2 4 $
$
for
.
12 oz
Stuff ’em
Save!
Top Care Pain Relief
Old Spice & Secret Deodorant
Assorted
2 3 Extra Strength
Assorted
Donald Duck Orange Juice
Char King Charcoal
Cracker Barrel Sharp Cheese
$ 88 64 oz.
2
$
50 ct.
6
$ 88
$ 88
Assorted
Start Your Grill!
59 oz.
Frito Lay Lay’s Potato Chips
2
$ 29
5-8 oz.
Assorted
15.4 lbs.
Water Works Local Hard Seltzer
7
$ 99 6 pak.
& Redd’s Cider
$
2
99
2
2.6-3.2 oz.
$ 69
8 oz.
Save!
Notable Chardonnay
6
$
99 750
Australia
601 Main St. Stevi • Local Flavor 7 Days a Week! • 7AM - 10PM • 777-4663 • Locally Owned
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Fair
continued Corona virus. This would significantly worsen the risk of illness and death to the general public. A high-expected attendance for the fair would make compliance with the Gov phase 2 directive essentially impossible. However fair organizers are working on a safe plan for more limited event to allow FFA and 4H events to proceed, provided cases don’t significantly worsen between now and then.” -- Ravalli County Public Health Officials A July 16 press release from the Public Health Department included the following: “The following is a letter from the Ravalli County Health Officer: To Whom It May Concern, I have made the decision to cancel most of the 2020 County Fair, with support of the Ravalli County Board of Health, solely due to an eminent threat of escalation (from current steady community spread) to exponential spread with subsequent increases in morbidity and mortality. We are at a juncture in the outbreak when our combined social actions are probably at their most critical, in shaping the upslope and overall shape of the local pandemic curve. In Public Health during this pandemic, our highest priorities are to protect the most vulnerable from uncontrolled spread and to protect the infrastructure of our healthcare delivery system. I have pondered the fair extensively, and cannot justify allowing a mass gathering at this critical time, with such potential for deleterious impact. The responsibility of making these hard decisions are mine and I cannot let the fair go forward now, with good conscience. We are also required by law to uphold the Governor’s Directives for reopening and are currently in phase 2. The Fair Board worked hard on plans, and I know outside activities are generally safer, but I do not believe in my heart that people would socially distance in this setting, and spread would be unmitigated. Tracing cases and contacts acquired at the fair would be impossible and attendees would unknowingly spread COVID more rapidly throughout the community. Please also see BOH letters
of support. Sincerely, Carol Calderwood, MD” According to Fairgrounds Manager Melissa Saville, they had talked to Public Health officials on Friday and were asked if they would consider cancelling the Fair voluntarily. “We told them that we had 100% support from the Fair Board and the County Commissioners,” she said. “We have already sold 75 out of 100 commercial booth spaces and already started some of our advertising.” She said public health officials were invited to a meeting to discuss contingency plans, “but it got wound up on social media so much that they were afraid that a big crowd was going to show up and declined to attend.” Saville said that she was not contacted by any health officials before the cancellation was announced in a PSA late Monday afternoon. She said she first became aware of the cancellation when she was contacted by a reporter asking if she had any comment. “Emotionally I’m saddened,” said Saville, “but the law gives her [the public health officer] the right to make the decision. I serve at the pleasure of the county commissioners. So, unless they tell me to break the law there’s not much I can do about it on my own.” Saville said that a lot of people are upset about the cancellation. She said that she has heard from carnival people, rodeo people and commercial vendors who are very upset. Knowing how badly it made her feel to learn about it secondhand, she said that she was going to call all of them and tell them personally about the closure although most have probably already heard. “It’s sad,” she said. “It takes an entire year to plan and execute a fair. Once a PSA goes out to every press in the state that it’s been cancelled, that’s a hard thing to recover from.” On the bright side, she said, “But now we are 75% ready for next year.” Saville said that the Fairgrounds were still open and events are planned for almost every weekend and they were working on doing something to have the 4-H animal show and auction move forward, if possible. The Ravalli County Fair Board met the evening follow-
We are glad to be back in Stevensville!
Miller Colony Farmer’s Market Saturdays • 8am - 1pm
In Front of Cenex, Stevensville
406-466-2538 x 710 Fresh Vegetables • Baked Goods • Chicken and more . . . . We now accept WIC & Sr. Farmers Market Nutrition Coupons
ing the release of the PSA. At the meeting Board Member Jean Schurman said that she was not interested in disputing the right of the Public Health Officer to cancel the fair. “Instead, I would like to address how the cancellation of the fair was handled.” She said the Fair Manager had not been notified. “She had not been given the courtesy of being told first before the media was… This is a serious decision to make but it seems to me that the party involved, the fair, should have been notified first as a common, professional courtesy, and yes, even involved in the decision,” said Schurman. She said that public comment at the meeting was varied although primarily opposed to cancellation. Some urged the board to fight the cancellation, one saying, “the fair is a way of life.” Another person said it was good for the economy and called the cancellation “un-American.” One woman then stood up and said she was a proud American and community member and didn’t see it as government overreach and that she understood the decision. She just hoped something could be done for the 4-H. In response to a man who called it “runaway paranoia,” long time superintendent at the fair, Joy McClure, asked the audience how many people volunteered at the fair, saying that it was volunteers that make it happen. “You are asking us to risk our lives,” said McClure. At one point in the meeting a member of the public asked the board to vote on the cancellation of the fair. Board member Terri Lackey, an outspoken opponent of masking and social distancing rules, made the motion to consider the cancellation. It was seconded by Jeff Carter. According to Schurman, County Commissioner Chris Hoffman and Beth Perkins, former county administrative assistant and current fairgrounds administrative assistant, and board president Margaret Yuhas noted that any such vote would not be valid since it was not on the meeting’s agenda. Schurman said after pressure from Lackey and others a vote was taken, and it was 4 to 2 to cancel the fair. She said before the meeting was over that Lackey had told chairman Yuhas that she (Lackey) was resigning from the board.
Get local!
For information about advertising in your local paper, call the Bitterroot Star at 777-3928!
30+ 25 YEARS Years!
Kickoff! Trout Season best The Bitterroot’s flies
are tied in this shop 25th Anniversary Celebration
Resigns continued
“It’s that I weighed it very carefully and I felt that I just couldn’t allow a mass gathering where we don’t know the slope of our upswing. So I think that the people that didn’t understand thought that they should have had more say. But it’s been OK on my end.” The exact reason she decided it was time to resign, she said, had more to do with the recent announcement by the Sheriff and the County Commissioners that the Governor’s directive concerning mask wearing was not going to be enforced in Ravalli County. “I think their decision on the masks after the Governor’s directive was the dividing issue. I wasn’t going to make it mandatory in our county knowing the differences of opinions. But once the Governor put out the directive, I feel that it’s not compliant with it to make it optional. I thought that that was enough of a difference between our positions. Not requiring is not consistent with the directive from the Governor and it just causes more dissension. It’s dangerous at this time when the science is coming out that the masking does make a difference in a pandemic where things can escalate, where masking can still perhaps change our local curve.” Commissioner Jeff Burrows, who also sits as chairman on the Ravalli County Health Board, said that he was sorry to see Dr. Calderwood go. “I think she was working under very stressful conditions and had to make a lot of difficult decisions as the Public Health Officer, but she did a good job,” said Burrows. Burrows said he knew she wasn’t happy about the press release that went out [see front page story] “but I thought it was benign. I thought it was just a good press release that we got out to the community. I know it created kind of a stir at the department, but I thought it was benign.” He said it was just a way of putting it out there that the Sheriff was not going to be issuing citations for not wearing a mask. He said the county and the governor were both trying to educate the public, he said, but nobody was going to get a criminal citation. County Commission Chair-
Testing continued
Ravalli County residents. It will take about 14 days for the results to come back. Those who tested negative will be notified by mail. However, those whose tests come back positive will receive a phone call and given instructions on what to do next. Hopkins said that everyone is susceptible at any time and should remain vigilant by keeping their social circle as small as possible, wearing a mask when in public or interacting with people, social distancing, and washing hands frequently and thoroughly.
Bitterroot Star -- Page 7
man Chris Hoffman said, “We are devastated to lose her, and we hold her in the highest regard and have the utmost respect for her. This has been hard on everybody that has had to be on the front lines of it ever since the very beginning. The calls that she has had to make have been hard on her, hard on her family, and hard on the community. She is totally aware of that. It’s my belief that she’s done the very best that she can with what she’s had to work with in terms of directives from the governor’s office and doing what she thinks is right in keeping the community safe. I think she absolutely attacked it very furiously with the health of the whole community in mind.” Hoffman said that he was very disappointed in the way Dr. Calderwood interpreted the press release. “There was nothing in it that she should have felt undercut her,” said Hoffman. “I’m surprised and shocked and think she’s making more about that press release than was there.” Hoffman mentioned how it had been determined that these actions in relation to the Governor’s directive would be handled as civil matters, not criminal. “It’s not the Sheriff’s job,” he said. “Trespassing and disorderly conduct he will respond to.” “I don’t see how that undermines anybody,” he said. He said that he believed she was probably hit hard over her decision to cancel the fair. “I think the press release meant, wait a minute folks let’s take a deep breath,” said Hoffman. “34 people have died in Montana. That’s .034% of the total population that they say have died of Covid. We are not New York. We are not a major metropolitan area. We’ve done a good job so far. Let’s keep doing a good job.” “She took a lot of heat for canceling the fair and she’s the one who had to do it,” he said. He said they were asked to close the fair voluntarily and they said ‘No.’ He said they had a stack of 600 letters telling them not to close it and they won’t. He said they told her it was by law her authority and if she wanted to do it was her decision to make. “I think that made her feel unsupported,” said Hoffman. Calderwood gave two weeks’ notice and said she is willing to help in transitioning to a new Public Health Officer. The Board of Health is meeting this week on Friday to consider its options. Cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Ravalli County. Here is a summary of cases for the
past several months: • March – Ravalli County had one active case. • April – Ravalli County had four active cases. • May – Ravalli County had nine active cases. • June – Ravalli County had 17 active cases. • So far, in the month of July, Ravalli County has had 26 active cases. As of 2 p.m. Monday, Ravalli County Public Health reported three new cases of COVID-19. Ravalli County now has 13 active cases of COVID-19. One active case is currently hospitalized. According to the Health Department, two of these cases remain presumptive positives due to symptoms consistent with the virus, and one of these presumptive cases has also had direct contact with family members who are active cases. Contact tracing has been performed on all cases by Public Health nurses. All active cases are in isolation and their contacts are in quarantine. Public Health nurses continue to release active cases from isolation as they recover from symptoms. Direct contacts are released from quarantine as they complete their 14-day period without symptoms. Monday’s press release also contained the following: “Ravalli County residents are all on the same team when it comes to eliminating the threat of COVID-19 from our community. The behavior of individuals in our community will be the primary factor influencing the ability for the virus to spread. The importance of adhering to Public Health recommendations cannot be overstated. “Keep yourself safe. Keep your family safe. Guard the most vulnerable citizens in our community. • Keep your social circle as small as possible • Wear a mask when in public or interacting with people • Maintain a minimum distance of six feet from other people • Wash your hands thoroughly and often If you have any questions regarding COVID-19, please call: (406) 375-6672.” As of Monday, July 20, there were 2621 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Montana, including 88 new cases reported on Monday. Total number of tests completed – 139,042 Total hospitalizations – 167 Active hospitalizations – 48 Total deaths – 39 Total recovered – 1334.
Birth Notice Bryar Marie Dewey It’s a girl for Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey and his wife Tasha. The couple’s second child, a girl, was born at 11:22 a.m. on Friday, July 17. Named Bryar Marie Dewey, the baby weighs 8 pounds 9 ounces and is 20 inches long. Tasha and baby Bryar were in good condition at Missoula’s St. Patrick Hospital on Friday afternoon.
Mayor Dewey is expected to take some time away from the office with the arrival of baby Bryar. He has planned to work from home and maintain communication with town staff as the family takes extra precautions to prevent the infection of COVID19 within the household. The Deweys have one older child, three-year-old Carter.
If your financial advisor or accountant has come up with a smart plan that fits your needs, make that plan a reality with custom drafted legal documents such as trusts and wills.
Saturday April 27, instruction 11AM to 4PM Patient, expert Burgers - Beverages - Music honest information Free Raffles - Casting & Fly Tying Events Join the fun!!!
Quality tackle without sticker shock 109 E Main, Next–tovalue Safeway Hamilton 406-363-4179 chuck@chuck-stranahan.com 109 E Main, Next to Safeway • Hamilton 363-4179 • chuck@chuck-stranahan.com
JOHN MASAR Attorney 406-625-2682 115 W 3rd Street Suite 103 Stevensville jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com www.lionwoodlaw.com Ready to help.
Page 4 -- Bitterroot Star
Bitterroot Star Editorial Board Michael Howell Victoria Howell
Opinion
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Guest Comment
Shut up, cowboy up, mask up By Marc Mentel, D.O., President, Montana Medical Association
Shut up, cowboy up, mask up, stop COVID and keep Montana open. Wearing a mask and keeping six feet apart from others is the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure Montana businesses remain open during this challenging time. We all have a role to play during this pandemic to keep our loved ones, families, neighbors, communities, and businesses safe. COVID has created a new motto to help keep businesses and their clients safe: no shirt, no shoes, no mask, no service. It is now more important than ever to remain vigilant to stop the spread of this invisible disease that has killed more than 600,000 people and sickened more than 14 million people worldwide. In Montana, we have seen a startling trend of more than 2,300 confirmed cases, 37 deaths as of Thursday afternoon, and evidence of community spread. Now is the time to act to help reduce the spread of this disease. As physicians, we strongly encourage everyone to practice three simple steps to reduce the spread to our neighbors, ensure our businesses remain open, and get kids back to school. We recommend practicing the 3 W’s: • WEAR a mask • WATCH your distance and keep six feet apart from others • WASH your hands routinely with warm water and soap, or use hand sanitizer We are now seeing a new trend in COVID cases in youths and younger adults. With school activities slated to begin it is important to talk to your children and have them wear masks, keep six feet apart, and practice the guidelines above. COVID primarily spreads through small droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. This is especially concerning when we are in buildings. Not only will a mask help prevent you from getting COVID, but it will help stop the spread
Don’t let 2 people decide our fate
So there is currently a small but vocal movement to recall my mayor, Brandon Dewey. A lot of attention is being paid to the recall effort, without any public conversation about how this all plays out if the recall is successful. Bob Michalson, as Town Council President would, in this scenario become mayor. This is the same person who was the subject of a harassment and bullying allegation and investigation several years ago. No wrongdoing was determined since the Town doesn’t have a policy against bullying - yes, you read that correctly. He didn’t get in trouble because nothing in Town policy said he couldn’t do it. Anyway, the Town is now the subject of a pending lawsuit because of Bob’s actions. Additionally, two of Bob’s council mates are currently seeking disciplinary action against Bob for his actions toward council and the public. If that wasn’t enough, our Town Clerk just resigned, also citing harassment from Mr. Michalson. Do you want a known bully serving as mayor in our Town, representing our Town? When Bob becomes mayor, someone will need to fill his council position. There are a number of options, one being the obvious choice - Jim Crews (long
if you have the disease. More than 10 states currently require a mask for public health and safety. The consequences of COVID far outweigh any inconvenience wearing a mask may bring. Just remember, it is a selfless task, to wear a mask. We also urge the public to practice social distancing by keeping six feet apart and avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people. This includes in your homes. There have been documented cases of spread through activities like church or social gatherings where entire groups have been infected, including some truly heartbreaking stories of entire families that have been sickened, or where people are left to die alone due to quarantine. Think about your actions and the consequences they may have when it comes to spreading this disease to your loved ones, family, coworkers, or community. It is far better to be six feet apart, rather than six feet under. Wearing a mask has become a state mandate now. Montana physicians overwhelmingly support this directive, and real Montanans should as well. Long before Montana was a state and had political parties, we had cowboys. True Montanans followed the Cowboy Code of Ethics. Essentially real cowboys do what they have to do to get the job done, they don’t whine, and they always help their neighbor. We are in a unique and unprecedented time, both from a public health, economic, and political standpoint. As medical professionals we rely on science and data to drive informed decision making. The data is clear: masking, social distancing, and washing hands will reduce the chances of spreading COVID. It is our best and only option to help keep vulnerable populations healthy, keep our businesses open, and get our kids back to school. I urge you to take precautions now to protect yourself and others. We are all in this together, and we are only as strong as our weakest link. So Cowboy Up, Mask Up and keep Montana open.
Letters
story short, Bob’s close friend, ex-mayor who lost the election to Brandon, who our previous council tried repeatedly to bring back into office as council member, and who is also named in our Town Clerk’s recent letter of resignation as someone who has been harassing her). Or perhaps Steve Gibson, another failed former councilmember. No matter the individual, the fact remains they will have been hand picked by Bob and Robin and not the citizens of Stevi. These men have shown time and again to be bullies, threatening anyone who stands in their way or disagrees with them, including elderly women. They can’t speak without lying. Don’t stand for their bullying, Stevensville. Support your duly elected mayor. Chris Sheridan Stevensville
For the greater good
My parents’ formative years were defined by the Great Depression and WWII. My dad served in the Pacific and my mom grew up on an isolated farm that did not receive electricity until 1947. They told me of, and I’ve read about, the home front sacrifices then. Rationing of gas, butter, milk, sugar, and not wasting food was the norm. People were expected to dress warmer so oil/fuel could
Bitterroot Star
Office: 115 W. 3rd Street, #108 • Stevensville Mailing: P.O. Box 8 • Stevensville MT 59870 Phone: (406) 777-3928 • Fax: (406) 777-4265 Website: www.bitterrootstar.com E-mail: editor@bitterrootstar.com
be used elsewhere. Doing without for the greater good was patriotic and embraced. Even if it inconvenienced them, Americans did their part. Though I was not alive then, it gives me a sense of pride that Americans pulled together for the good of all. Compare that to folks today who refuse to wear masks because it might damper their individual freedoms, even though we know wearing a mask saves the lives of Americans. I’m thankful that during the difficult times of WWII, patriotic Americans sacrificed together and the attitude of those today who won’t wear masks did not rule the day. Gary Milner Corvallis
COVID-19 social policy.” You can download and read the scientific data-rich paper for yourself, but here are his conclusions: “Conclusion Regarding that Masks Do Not Work By making mask-wearing recommendations and policies for the general public, or by expressly condoning the practice, governments have both ignored the scientific evidence and done the opposite of following the precautionary principle. In an absence of knowledge, governments should not make policies that have a hypothetical potential to cause harm. The government has an onus barrier before it instigates a broad socialengineering intervention, or allows corporations to exploit fear-based sentiments. The present paper about masks illustrates the degree to which governments, the mainstream media, and institutional propagandists can decide to operate in a science vacuum, or select only incomplete science that serves their interests.” Mandated mask-wearing harms the economy: According to the most recent U.S. census reports, out of over 34 million firms in the United States, fully 77% (about 26 million) don’t employ anyone other than the owners. Of the remaining 8 million firms, the majority (65%) employ fewer than 20 people.
Masks don’t work The following is the result of about 20 minutes of research on my part. All of this information is publicly available, is easily found, and would convince any rational adult that mandating mask-wearing is not only foolish, it causes great harm: “It’s for your own good,” is the excuse used by all tyrants. If science is allowed to speak to the issue (rather than pseudo-science and selective science), MASKS DON’T WORK. That’s the title of a scientific research paper submitted by Dr. Denis G. Rancourt, PhD: “A Review of science relevant to
Bransby Law Firm P.C.
Publishers - Michael & Victoria Howell Editors - Michael & Victoria Howell Sports Editor - Jean Schurman Advertising Sales Consultants Jean Schurman (239-4354) & Liz Cook (880-2007) Graphic Designer - Deven Monta
The Bitterroot Star is published weekly at 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, The Bitterroot Star is published weekly at 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 108, Stevensville, Montana. Subscriptions are $50 per year in Ravalli Stevensville, Montana. Subscriptions are $40 per year in Ravalli County, County, $60 per out of and county, per year out of state. $50 per year out year of county, $60and out$70 of state. The Postal Service will no longer forward the Bitterroot Star. Address changes to our mailing list are made once a month and can be made by contacting the Star office at 777-3928.
Member Montana Montana Newspaper Member Newspaper Association Association Member Bitterroot Member Bitterroot Chamber Chamber of of Commerce Commerce Member Stevensville Hamilton Downtown Association Member Main Street Association Member Hamilton Stevensville Civic Club Member Downtown Association
Ninety percent of all businesses are small family businesses. Small businesses are truly the backbones of the U.S. economy. When they fail or suffer, the economy follows suit immediately. If we wanted to destroy the U.S. economy we would simply cause widespread damage to small American businesses. Those who would weaken America (we should call these traitors) are spreading unfounded fear about the so-called COVID19 pandemic, keeping the schools closed so working mom’s can’t work, and uselessly forcing businesses to require that masks be worn by all their customers. Watch for a resulting pandemic of business bankruptcies and closures that will financially ruin families and harm their communities. Governor Bullock has (or should have) the same information I have. His decision to order mandatory mask-wearing in Montana has no health benefits, will damage Montana businesses, and appears to be serving only other interests. The interests of those who want to weaken America, destroy our once-burgeoning economy (President Trump’s strongest political asset), and ratchet government overreach and control to new levels of tyranny. Dennis Hicks Hamilton
I’ll do that for you
I’m going to ask you to do some things for me, and I’ll do the same for you in return. I’m going to ask you to be stone cold sober behind the wheel, to protect me and my family. And I’ll do the same for you. I’m going to ask you to not drive 70 mph down my residential street, to protect my kids and neighbors. And I’ll do the same for you. And I’m going to ask you to take just one little step back from me in that grocery store line, and to wear a mask, too. And I will absolutely do the same for you. I’m strong. I will climb mountains and run trails and paddle rivers and I will keep up with the best of you. But I have a weakness. All of us do. Mine happens to be my defective immune system – it just doesn’t work right, never has. And unfortunately, I’ve passed that along to my kiddo. So when you see us wearing our masks in public, please don’t assume we’re making a political statement. Instead, consider that you don’t know my weakness any more than I know yours, and just show some kindness. Maybe even some respect. I get it. I don’t like rules either. I prefer personal responsibility. But when persons aren’t responsible, then we need a few ground rules between friends. Honoring our obligations to one another doesn’t make us communist China. It just makes us decent neighbors. I’ll do that for you. Michael Jamison Whitefish
Overfocus on the ‘mask situation’ and the overlooked
One size does not fit all. The overlooked, the people who are “unable” to wear masks. Are people even aware of them? They are part of the equation. This is not a few, and they are basically being forced to be in quarantine and they are not even sick. The can’t buy groceries, get medical appointments, do laundry, get a haircut… all the things of everyday living. How long will they be
Letters Policy
Has a loved one passed away recently? We Can Help FREE CONSULTATION
777-1000
Kenneth Bransby www.bransbylaw.com
515 Main Street, Stevensville, MT
Free Consultation on 1 line as it
* Correct font to match #3
Although it is solely at the discretion of the owners/ editors, in the interest of promoting free speech it is the policy of the Bitterroot Star to print all letters as space permits, with very few exceptions. If you don’t see yours, call Victoria at 777-3928.
forced to live this way? Does anyone think of them? How would those that so easily make “blanket decisions” like to live that way? Last time I looked, I lived in a free country but now I am beginning to wonder. Kathleen Rhodes Stevensville
Plea for respect
Dear folks who find wearing a mask will take away their rights as Americans: I just want to appeal to you about something. I am a 72-yearold senior citizen, who, although I enjoy pretty good health, I am still at high risk, if I get COVID-19. I am pleading with you, never wanting to take away any of your rights as an American, but appealing to you as another human being who is concerned about getting COVID-19, when it can certainly be preventable. You see, I wear a mask so I can protect YOU, because I respect you and I care about your welfare, truly I do. So, all I’m asking is could you just possibly wear a mask to protect me. It’s that simple and has nothing to do with politics! It only has to do with human beings respecting other human beings. I wish you all good health and hope you receive this the way it is meant... and that is genuine concern for all of our health. Marilyn Thomson Corvallis
Theresa’s gun rally
Is Theresa Manzella going to teach us how to shoot the corona virus? If so, it’s so gratifying to see she’s focusing on things that will actually help us. Linda Schmitt Corvallis
Time to voice critical concerns
Corona, masks and recall, oh my, there sure is a lot going on in Stevi! For all city and county residents, be informed an application has been submitted to the Town of Stevensville for a proposed NEW subdivision and commercial complex northwest of Middle Burnt Fork Rd and Logan Lane. The proposal is for a 57.68 acre tract to build 78 single family homes, 43 multi-family units, and 16 commercial lots. The development is named Burnt Fork Estates (BFE). The new development will abut to Creekside Meadows, Phase I, which has only single family homes. BFE is totally separate, has different covenants, and is more than twice the size of Creekside Meadows especially when adding in multi-family lots. There is a long list of negative aspects with this new development impacting not only city but county residents. The developers want to open up Creekside Meadows’ streets for their residents to use as BFE will have only one residential access onto Logan, a narrow two lane secondary road with no shoulders. Their commercial businesses will have a separate access on Middle Burnt Fork Road. Think about the number of cars entering and leaving Logan Lane between the Eastside Highway and Middle Burnt Fork Rd. The potential for vehicle accidents will be tremendous. If you need to get to work on time, take kids to school, go shopping… it will be a mess. The impact on the city’s water supply is of great concern, as with the school system, police and fire services. City taxpayers will shoulder a lot of cost for this development. Will 16 commercial lots rob the city of businesses that are better for the historical down town? The BFE application, 122-page document, is on the town website for you to read or ask the town clerk for a copy although there sadly is cost. Slamming through a high density subdivision for profit is not what Stevensville needs. This proposal will destroy the peaceful, country feel we now have on the east side of town. Mayor Dewey, Town Council Members listen to your constituents. Don’t let such an unreasonable development ruin our way of life. Greg and Wendy Job Stevensville
Rosendale will defend our 2nd Amendment
As a proud gun owner and sportsman, the most important thing I consider before supporting any candidate is if I can count on them to defend our 2nd Amendment rights from the barrage of attacks from the socialist-left and their allies in the media. Matt Rosendale is a fellow gun owner, a hunter, and a lifetime member of the NRA. For him, this issue is personal. Matt will oppose any attempt to confiscate guns or add restrictions of any kind on the sale or use of a firearm. Matt believes that there is no ambiguity in “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” That’s why Matt is the only candidate for Congress who is “A” rated by the NRA. President Trump has even said that Matt Rosendale will “never let our [2nd Amendment] go unprotected.” We can count on Matt 100% to defend our Godgiven right to bear arms. The same cannot be said for Democrat extremist Kathleen Williams who is in favor of gun confiscation, and every draconian restriction on gun ownership the left can dream up. That’s why I truly believe this will be one of the most important elections in my lifetime and why I urge every freedom-loving Montanan to join me in supporting Matt Rosendale for Congress. Marty Pigeon Stevensville
Why are they so angry?
Why are they afraid? Because they don’t think there’s enough freedom and resources for all of us? Because they think immigrants and Black people and even opinionated women want to take away what they have worked so hard for? What they deserve? That’s the Myth of Scarcity,
Wednesday, July 22, 2020 which the rich and powerful use to distract us from the fact that there is more than enough for everyone if we just organize it a bit differently. Why would the rich and powerful do that? Because they have more than their fair share and don’t want us to realize it and call them to account. Are we going to fall for it? Are we going to vote for the rich and powerful to become even richer and more powerful while you and I continue to argue over the crumbs? Anger grows out of fear. November 3rd is a great day to show that we are not afraid -- not afraid to care about someone besides ourselves and to channel our anger into something constructive for the whole country. Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Hamilton
Veterans’ mural defaced
The mural at the end of the building at 102 Main Street was conceived, designed and painted to overlook and enhance Stevensville’s Veterans Memorial Park. I’m sure by now most people have noticed the new air conditioner and new painted sign that now deface that mural. The veterans whom this park and mural honor should take this as an affront. The Stevensville merchants who donated money to have the mural painted could take it as an insult. If you’re looking for a real estate advisor, or might be recommending one to a friend, keep in mind what this multi-city company thinks of our little Montana town and its veterans. Wendy Lenahan Stevensville
Support for Cooney
No good comes from a house divided so it is my hope that a middle ground can be found. It’s my aim to find a commonality in an effort to reduce single-minded
POLE BUILDING SPECIALIST
We’re really the BEST!
• snow removal • bobcat work • small concrete work • fencing • garages • garage doors • carports • decks
Call Jim • 406-381-7337 • Hamilton email: werstwconstruction@yahoo.com
Glacier Tree Service 15% off with this ad!! Free Estimates. Lic’d/Ins’d
Winter is the best time for cutting your big trees! TRIMMING • CLEARING • STUMP GRINDING
Serving the Bitterroot Valley • Ask about our spring specials
406-396-4835
2020 Ryan Keplin - Dinner/ Dance ....................................... July 18 Sam Platts & the Great Plainsmen - Dinner/Dance ... Aug. 1 Montana Rose - Dinner/ Dance .................................. Aug. 15 Band of Drifters - Dinner/Dance ................................. Aug. 29
Please go to musicranchmontana.net for the complete lineup • 406-222-2255
Switch to DISH Better
Faster
TV from
47
$
Internet
99 /mo.
from
49
$
Offer ends 1/13/21. Wi-Fi included. Restrictions apply. Internet not provided by DISH.
Eagle Satellite
Call us today! 800-386-7222
99
/mo.
intolerance aimed at public servants. The definition of transparency: free from pretense or deceit, can be found inside a dictionary. Let’s go one step further and apply this concept within the Private and Public sectors. The Private sector is governed by a CEO (Chief Executive Officer). This individual is the highest-ranking person in a company or other institution and is ultimately responsible for making managerial decisions. Private sector businesses are driven by monetary sales, whose primary goal is to enhance their stockholders’ financial standing There is a certain level of transparency and legal compliance, but in the end CEOs can and do withhold certain pieces of information for financial gain. The Public sector is managed by Government Administrators. These elected officials (Public Servants) put into effect plans, policies, or laws that apply to its citizens. The motivations and ultimate objectives of the public sector are not about money. They exist to serve we the people, in the most prudent manner. Transparency within the public sector is of utmost importance. Government programs, by law must be accessible to any member of the public at all times. Is the heroic fire fighter, the teacher who takes care of our children, the nurse who heals, the government executive who directs, any less valuable that a CEO? Political advertisements that diminish the important work public servants perform play into a false pretense. Transparency confirms that these individuals greatly serve every community for far less pay or thanks. So, when you
see commercials that depict Mike Cooney as a free loader, please understand that this man has acquired significant knowledge and experience inside government. Why must this fact be villainized and not appreciated? Just like the fireman, teacher and nurse, a particular skillset is required to run state government. We have all benefitted from Mike’s distinctive insight and wisdom despite the acrimonious commercials sponsored by a CEO turned politician. Greg Gianforte’s corporations paid a salary to approximately 1,000 employees (to include Steve Daines, an executive member). Today, this state’s Representative is one of the top three wealthiest members of Congress. He has neglected to vote on more than 90 pieces of legislation in his tenure. Mike Cooney represents 1.069 million Montanans for a comparatively moderate salary. He shows up for work every day, and loves what he does. Maybe we should consider thanking him along with the hundreds of public servants who feel slighted by Gianforte’s campaign of verbal abuse. Jeannine Brown Helena
Forest Service shows blatant disregard for Wilderness, too
Many Montanans were rightly outraged when a couple from Bozeman buzzed their helicopter up and down the South Fork of the Flathead River before setting down in the Bob Marshall
Bitterroot Star -- Page 5
Wilderness to go fishing. The Schwerins—a former banking executive and her partner—landed their chopper where helicopters are clearly prohibited by the Wilderness Act and where pilots are required to know as much. Their cavalier attitudes and irresponsible behavior certainly deserve prosecution. The U.S. Forest Service did impose a $500 fine, though that was certainly less painful for the helicoptering couple than a parking ticket would be for you and me. But it isn’t just privileged folks with helicopters at their disposal who show blatant disregard for Wilderness. The Forest Service itself is a top offender. Case in point is the Forest Service’s recent decision allowing helicopter access to Canyon Lake in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Montana. There, the Forest Service is authorizing 32 helicopter flights to haul equipment and materials for a private irrigation company to repair a dam in the Wilderness. This small dam, which was located at the stream outlet of a natural lake, was built decades ago without the use of motorized equipment. Horses and human muscle power did the work. When the dam was rebuilt in the early 2000s, the work was again largely done the same way. That’s how it’s supposed to be. When the Wilderness Act was being discussed by Congress, the issue of these small dams on natural lakes in the SelwayBitterroot and a few other western Wildernesses was discussed. The Secretary of Agriculture told Congress, “Water developments for the storage and diversion of water for irrigation, domestic, and other uses have been allowed in these
wilderness-type areas. The works generally have been constructed and maintained by means which did not involve motorized transportation.” The Secretary then promised, “We would construe the provisions of [the Wilderness Act] as permitting the continued maintenance of these existing projects by means which would not involve motorized transportation as in the past.” But, that’s not what’s happening on the ground now. Once a proud defender of Wilderness, the Forest Service has largely abandoned its commitment to doing things the Wilderness-way. It’s become cavalier in its approval of helicopter use in the Wilderness and dismissive of the impacts of such intrusions, essentially sacrificing wilderness values and traditions for convenience, as evidenced not only at Canyon Lake, but also numerous others in the Bitterroot canyons. Helicopters are replacing the pack string, and chainsaws are replacing the crosscut. The Schwerins, as wrong as they were, aren’t the only ones who show disregard for the values underlying the Wilderness Act. The Forest Service is increasingly proving itself to be the biggest violator of all and an irresponsible steward of these special places. Gary Macfarlane Moscow, ID
Gary Macfarlane is a member of the board of directors of Wilderness Watch and ecosystem defense director for Friends of the Clearwater.
Read local! 777-3928
Calendar
Page 8 -- Bitterroot Star
Hamilton Senior Center meals
Hamilton Senior Center is preparing meals for take out on the following schedule: Monday, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. call in to order meals for the week. Thursday, pick up between 12 noon and 1 p.m. For orders and info: 3635181.
AA meetings
Check for local meetings by calling the hotline 1-888-607-2000 or by visiting www.aa-montana. org.
Al-Anon
Stevensville Al-Anon Family Group meets each Thursday at 7:15 p.m. in or near the picnic shelter north of the parking lot at Lewis and Clark Park. Anyone who is affected by the compulsive drinking of a relative or friend is invited. For more information call 239-0878.
Narcotics Anon
Narcotics Anonymous meets every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Parish Center, 411 S. 5th, Hamilton (north entrance).
Free Indeed
Free Indeed is a faith-based addiction support group. Contact Donald Layman at 203-8579 or Pastor Jim Landis at 642-9849.
Gamblers Anon
Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.
WIC clinics
Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library. Income guidelines are 1-$23,107; 2- $31,284; 3-$39,461; 4-$47,638; 5-$55,815. For each additional family member add $8,177. Call 406-802-7180 for more information or see on Facebook; www. facebook.com/Ravalli-CountyWIC.
Family Shelter
The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 239-8833.
Senior shuttle
The BitterRoot Bus will be running a 6:30 a.m. Shuttle for Seniors and people with compromised immune systems on Tuesdays and Thursdays until further notice. This bus will be for seniors to get to Albertsons for 7 to 9 a.m. senior shopping. Call the BitterRoot Bus at 363-7484 to schedule your ride. You must call in advance!
Wednesday Farmers Market
A farmers market is held every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. starting June 3rd at 111 s. 4th Street in Hamilton.
Three Mile bingo
Bingo is held every first and third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Three Mile Community/Senior Center, 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Proceeds go to build a new center. For information call 7773710.
Three Mile Coffee Club Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For information call Colleen at 777-3710.
Bike, Walk, Roll
2020 Bike, Walk, Roll & WIN. Get motivated to move this summer with a chance to win prizes with the 2020 Bike, Walk, Roll & WIN virtual health incentive program by MSU Extension in Ravalli County. From June 1-August 31, 2020, log electronically all of the times you engage in physical activity - each activity is eligible for a entry into the prize raffle. The program is free and open to residents of Ravalli County over the age of 18. Learn more by calling the MSU Extension Office at 375-6611 or visiting online at http://ravalli.msuextension.org/healthandwellness.html
Story Time
Are you desperately missing your Library Story Times? Fret no more- you can join Annika from North Valley Public Library for Story Time Live Online! on Wednesdays in June at 10:3010:45 a.m. for this North Valley Public Library online program. Come enjoy fun stories, a quick early literacy activity, and a creative craft idea. Visit the website to register for this event. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For more information visit northvalleylibrary.org.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Stevensville •• 777-0028 360-2661 203Main MainSt.• Stevensville
Worship at 12:0011p.m. Sunday Worship AM In this Church there shall be no outcasts. In this Church there shall be no outcasts. charge for each day is $1.00. There must be a cell tower within range. Your computer, tablet, or smart phone must be WiFi compatible. Hotspots are filtered for content. Please conserve data usage for the next patron. Director Denise Ard says, “Hotspots are easy to use and we have included simple instructions to help you get connected. We are happy to be able to offer hotspots to our patrons that do not have internet at home.” NVPL can only check out hotspots to its card holders but other libraries will have hotspots as well, thanks to the Montana State Library. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street, Stevensville. For a list of current library services check the website at northvalleylibrary.org.
Model railroad display cancelled
The Bitterroot Valley Model Railroad Club (BVMRR) will not be running trains on First Fridays until further notice because of current COVID-19 health concerns. It is too difficult to properly monitor visitor spacing in the layout site and have younger visitors not handle areas around the trains. The club hopes to start up again after Labor Day if the situation permits.
WiFi hotspots at library
Do you need internet at your house to look for a job, apply for unemployment or a fishing license, fill out the 2020 Census? North Valley Library now has internet hotspots to check out. A hotspot is a small box that brings a WiFi signal into your home so you can use the internet. Hotspots can be checked out for seven days only. The overdue
Child care help available
Are you earning less right now due to reduced work hours? If you were previously over income, you may now qualify for child care assistance through the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship. We encourage you to call us today to find out if you are eligible! Eligibility is for 12 months, so if you qualify now, you will be eligible for the whole year, even if your hours increase again. Contact Child Care Resources today to see if you qualify at 406728-6446 or go to childcareresources.org.
Jewelry sale cancelled
The 2nd Time Around Jewelry Sale scheduled for July 25th has been cancelled by the board of the Bitter Root Humane Association, due to the continuing rise in COVID-19 cases.
Bluegrass festival cancelled
The Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival scheduled for July 24-26 has been cancelled. “With all this Covid going on, we just had to cancel the event,” said organizer Mike Conroy. “We have mostly older gate keepers and ticket takers, and we just couldn’t put them at risk dealing with hundreds of people at the gate. Next year we plan to come back with a great band line-up in our new location on the upper Heiland Ranch.”
NVPL Golf cancelled St. Mary’s Mission, Tourney The second annual Birdies for Books Golf Tournament schedMuseum open uled for August 15 at the Whitetail Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Museum is open for the 2020 season. COVID-19 health guidelines for the safety of the staff and the public are in place. You’re invited to visit the Mission for a guided tour of the historic buildings. The museum and art gallery in the Visitor Center are free for you to browse. A featured exhibit is an antique toy display. The gift shop has many new Made in Montana gift items. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 3 with the last tour at 2 p.m. Call 777-5734 for information.
Rubber Duck Reading Club and Free summer Book Bingo for meal program Kids & Teens St. Mary’s Mission Parish Spend the summer reading and win fabulous prizes from June 8-August 10! Register for Rubber Duck Reading Club and Book Bingo on the Library’s website or call the Library. Rubber Duck Reading Club and Book Bingo materials will be available for curbside pickup starting on Monday, June 1, just call! Or you can print materials on the Library’s website. The Rubber Duck Reading Club is suitable for ages 0-4 and Book Bingo is suitable for ages 5-18. North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main Street Stevensville. For more information visit northvalleylibrary.org.
• Meals can be picked up between 10:00 and 11:00 am at the side entrance of the Family Center. Contact St. Mary’s Parish Office for more information at: (406) 777-5257. St. Mary’s Mission Parish also supports the Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT) programs in Stevensville and Victor by providing sack lunches to the enrolled children while they are in session.
announces the sponsorship of the Simplified Summer Food Program for children. Meals will be made available at no charge to attending children 18 years of age and younger who have enrolled in the programs. Children who are members of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance units, or households receiving Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits are automatically eligible to receive free meal benefits at eligible program sites (enrolled summer programs or residential summer camps). Other children from families whose income is at or below the levels in the following table are also eligible for free meal benefits if enrolled in the Comprehensive School and Community Treatment (CSCT) program at Stevensville and Victor schools through the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be distributed at the following location: • St. Mary’s Mission Parish Family Center • June 8 through August 14
Golf Course, has been cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. Presented by the North Valley Public Library Foundation as a fundraiser to benefit the library in Stevensville. For more information, contact NVPL Foundation President Amy Horlacher at (480) 332-8737 or amybhorlacher@gmail.com.
Museum annual Antiques Auction cancelled
The annual Antiques Auction at the Ravalli County Museum has been cancelled due to concerns over COVID-19. The auction will be rescheduled at a later date. Ravalli County Museum is located at 205 Bedford, Hamilton, phone (406)363-3338.
Saturday, July 25 Fort Owen State Park programs
During select Saturdays in July and August, State Parks staff will be at Fort Owen State Park from approximately 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to give visitors tours of the Fort and to show and discuss artifacts from the Fort. Dates and artifact themes are as follows: July 25: unique artifacts Aug 1: construction/building Aug 8: foodways Aug 15: personal Aug 22: leisure & travel Aug 29: tools and prehistoric/indigenous The park is accessed off the Stevensville Cut-off Road.
Public invited to open forum on university design
UM News Service
The University of Montana is eager to hear what Montanans think about how UM can better serve community, business and statewide needs to realize its vision of becoming a flagship for the future. The University Design Team, a committee created this spring by UM President Seth Bodnar, is charged with delivering strategic recommendations that chart direction for UM’s long-term success and impact. This includes gathering input from stakeholders across the state. The public is invited to a free one-hour Zoom forum that seeks to garner community input and feedback on the ways the University can innovate to better deliver on its mission for continued relevance and national prominence. The forum will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 25. Participants are encouraged to register for the session at https://bit.ly/2Wrj8Lf and complete a brief survey at https:// bit.ly/3h7DpgQ before attending. “At this early stage in our process, it’s critically important we hear from our external constituencies and listen to their perspectives about the UM of the future,” said Paul Gladen, co-chair of the UDT and director of UM’s Blackstone LaunchPad. “Our community members are strongly encouraged to share their ideas and feedback about UM’s future.” Building upon recent strate-
gic planning at UM and drawing upon the perspectives of public stakeholders that include statewide community leaders, business and nonprofit leaders, admitted students and prospective students, the UDT will identify design principles and potential strategies to position the University for thoughtful change, impact and continued relevance. The team is expected to deliver a set of recommendations to President Bodnar sometime this fall. “A public university can only fulfill its mission if it’s adapting to the broader needs and demands of the stakeholder it serves,” said Adrea Lawrence, dean of UM’s Phyllis J. Washington College of Education. “A central priority of the committee is transparency with our community and state, and we encourage anyone with an interest in what the future of UM could look like to join us.” Spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic and rapid changes in higher education and technology, the UDT ultimately is tasked with delivering a strategic vision for Montana’s flagship research institution – one that serves students of the future and parlays UM’s people, programs and places into national prominence. The committee represents a cross-section of campus personnel and disciplines and includes student representation. For more information on the UDT visit https://bit.ly/3cSIyqO.
Workshops on building codes and energy use The National Center for Appropriate Technology will host two virtual workshops about building codes and energy use in residential and commercial applications. These half-day sessions are designed for architects, designers, builders, contractors, and building officials and inspectors. The first workshop, Residential Building Session: Residential Plan Review and the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), takes place on Wednesday, August 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dale Horton, AIA, will discuss how to conduct a residential plan review. Montana is expected to adopt the 2018 IECC, with amendments, in the latter half of 2020. This presentation will review the major changes in the 2018 IECC compared to the current code with an emphasis on conducting plan reviews. The presentation covers permit submittal requirements and plan review procedures and checklists. Changes to building tightness testing and duct tightness testing procedures will be highlighted. The second workshop is Commercial Building Session: Innovative Energy Efficiency Technologies and the Energy Code and will take place on Thursday, August 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jaya Mukhopadhyay, Ph.D., Leadership In Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) AP, is the presenter. The half-day course will offer results of research conducted by the Integrated Design Lab at Montana State University. Dr.
Mukhopadhyay will identify the leading energy efficiency strategies adopted by Montana design professionals for buildings across the state. The project and technology descriptions will emphasize the energy code requirements and challenges of applying the energy code provisions to these technologies. The technologies that will be discussed include dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), luminaire light level controls (LLLC), and ground source heat pumps (GSHP). Participants in each training will earn the same continuing education credits through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry as originally offered to participants who would have attended the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s cancelled Montana Building Education Conference as these are substantially the same sessions. Participants will be instructed on how to receive their certificates at the end of each session. The courses are free and registration is required. To register for the residential building session, visit https://zoom.us/meeting/register/ tJYtdOCprzguHdMXPC_hYYDy8sqEyBL77KS7. To register for the commercial building session, visit https://zoom.us/meeting/register/
Read local! 777-3928
Professional & Service Directorytt
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Don’t put off your healthcare! We are open for appointments. Telehealth appointments available.Visit with your provider from the comfort of your home. We are practicing social distancing and limiting the number of patients in the waiting area. We are sanitizing our office every 30 minutes. We provide hand sanitizer and a mask to all patients at their appointment.
Schedule an appointment today! 406-541-0032 316 N. 3rd • Hamilton
Bitterroot Star -- Page 3
Normans to celebrate 50 years There are few things Rick Norman loves more than a cold Diet Dr. Pepper, but Maggie Norman is definitely one of those things! They met and became high school sweethearts in Atlantic, Iowa. After graduating, Maggie went to beauty school to become a hairdresser and Rick attended Iowa State. They married on August 23, 1970 and will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary next month. Through the years they’ve lived in Iowa, Alaska, and Montana. The Stevensville couple has three children (Toby, Andy, and Bethany) and five grandchildren (Kensley, Connor, Caden, Carolina, and Camilla... try saying that five times fast!) Rick retired from Blackfoot Telephone in 2012. They are active in their church and Bible Studies.
Sapphire Lutheran Homes Presents The 8th Annual FREE Summer Concert Series
Band:
406
Their love for each other and their family is only surpassed by their love for their Savior, Jesus Christ. Congratulations on 50 years of marriage, Rick and Maggie!
BRIN G OR B A CHA IR L AN No B KET BQ T his Y Con ear ce
e h t e c n u o n n a o t Friday, August 7th d a ! d e l e c e are s n W a C is s e i r e Band: Who Dat! S t r ce n o C r e m m August 14th SuFriday, Band: Band in Motion
Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.
rt to ch s subjec t ang e
Claudia Driscoll Park 200 North 10th Street, Hamilton 501 N. 10th Street • Hamilton • 363-2800 www.sapphirelutheran.org
Is Mayor Dewey REALLY “bankrupting” the Town? Here are the FACTS about the Town’s financial situation: General Fund Balance
Mayor Dewey and the administration have proposed a $4.1 million budget for 2021 that includes:
$500,000.00 $450,000.00 $400,000.00 $350,000.00 $300,000.00 $250,000.00
• $850,000 General Fund, which pays for basic government services, including police, fire, parks, and streets • $2.4 million budget for enterprise funds, which include water and wastewater utilities and airport • remainder goes towards capital program, debt service and internal services like technology, accounting and finance, and fleet services
$200,000.00 $150,000.00 $100,000.00 $50,000.00 $0.00
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Spent vs budget: General Fund ending June 30, 2020 - Budgeted $732,998 / Spent $647,514 All Funds ending June 30, 2020 – Budgeted $2,718,707 / Spent $2,022,231 Mayor Dewey worked with the administration and Town Council to restore healthy reserves. Financial transparency is better. Don’t believe us? Check the budgets out for yourself: https://www.townofstevensville.com/finance
2021 budget highlights:
• Retains 4 sworn police personnel and facilitates improvements to community policing • Creates the Town’s own community development director, increasing efficiency in the planning and building divisions • Makes investments in park facilities and expands recreation programming for a healthier community • Continues with infrastructure construction to improve street system and sidewalks • Markets opportunities for economic development in Tax Increment Districts at the Airport and in NE Stevensville • Maintains healthy reserves in General Fund and Enterprise Funds
The Town of Stevensville is in a very stable financial position, due to the responsible management and leadership of Mayor Brandon Dewey and his administration “A lot of work and effort on the part of the administration has gone into maintaining reserves that can be counted on for the unexpected. Because of informed decision making, and an emphasis on performance, we’re positioned to weather the impacts of COVID-19 while continuing to provide services that citizens depend on.”-- Mayor Brandon Dewey Paid for by Sue Devlin
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Bitterroot Star -- Page 9
Bitterroot River Clean Up – not cancelled
The Bitter Root Water Forum is still hosting the annual Bitterroot River Clean Up on Saturday, August 8th. It’ll just look a little different. “From the perspective of participants, the Clean Up will
actually look very similar to previous years,” says Katie Vennie, the Bitter Root Water Forum’s Communications and Outreach Manager. “You can sign up for your spot, a floating section or walking site, on our website then
you’ll go clean up and drop your trash off with us. We just won’t be having the volunteer BBQ. This year people can come together for our River…separately.” This is the 15th Annual Bitterroot River Clean Up and the
Knox and Ike Pruitt drop off their river finds during the 2017 River Clean Up.
Bitter Root Water Forum is still hoping to have a big impact for the River. Most years volunteers pull around 2,000 pounds of trash from the Bitterroot. “Thankfully this is an event that lends its self to social distancing,” said Vennie. “Since we aim to clean up the entire River from Sula to Missoula everyone is pretty spread out and it’s just the coming together part at the end that we need to scale back on.” Visit the Bitter Root Water Forum website at brwaterforum. org to sign up. There is also spot to report trash, for those pieces that are bigger or will take more coordination to remove. Trash drop off is from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Anglers Roost just south of Hamilton. “Hosting at Anglers Roost is a throwback. When we were planning a big 15th year bash we’d wanted to take the Clean Up back to its roots. Plus, Anglers Roost provides a better location
for showcasing trash!” The Run for the River 5K a fun run/walk event that the Water Forum hosts in conjunction with the Clean Up will also go on, with some changes. The course will be set up and available from 5 pm on Friday, August 7th until dusk on Sunday, August 9th, for people to complete on their own time. Participants are encouraged to run or walk the course over the weekend using their smart phone or fitness device to track their time. “We’re working to get it set up on Strava, but any fitness tracking app can be used,” says Vennie. “Having it set up this way will spread participants out over a few days, and eliminate the need for all of the volunteers we usually bring together to make this work. We also thought it was more fun and motivating to have a specific course. This way folks can still run along the river as they Run for the River.” The course meanders
through both River Park and the new Skalkaho Bend Park along the Bitterroot River. Registration for the Run for the River is $25 and is available through the Bitter Root Water Forum website, brwaterforum.org, or the Facebook event. Participants for both events will receive a Bitter Root Water Forum neck gaiter and coupons for free treats at local businesses. “We want to thank all of the local businesses who have supported these events in the past,” says Vennie. “With the current strain many businesses are feeling from COVID, we didn’t ask them for sponsorships this year. We hope that people will help fill the sponsorship gaps by signing up for the Run or donating directly to our work for clean water”. Vennie said that the Water Forum is thankful to the local foundations and organizations who maintained or increased their continued on page 10
Jenny West cleans up the river with her sister Abby and nephew Koa in 2019.
Get your outdoor living space ready now so you can enjoy it all summer long! TIMBERTECH composite decking in stock. Many colors to choose from.
Build your own fire pit or bench. We stock everything you need.
1600 N. First • Hamilton • 363-1922 massahomecenter.com
Railroad Ties for landscaping.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Bitterroot Star -- Page 10
Don Patterson drops off his river finds during last year’s River Clean Up. support this year including the Rapp Family Foundation, Bitterroot Conservation District, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot and Bitterroot Trout Unlimited.
Get local!
For information about advertising in your local paper, call the Bitterroot Star at 777-3928!
Fresh Local Produce Fresh Fish King Salmon Halibut Cod Wild Caught Shrimp
Run for the River will look different this year spread over three days for scial distancing.
Pre-Paid Simple Cremation
JOHNSON APPLIANCE SERVICE IN HOME SERVICE SPECIALISTS
$2,200
910 N 1st . Hamilton . 363-1626
Now Providing You with Quality Speed Queen Laundry Products 363-3592 Family Owned & Operated Saving you money since 1972
406-363-1111
BUrnt Fork Vet Summer Updates DR. MAGDI NIEDERMEYER Dr. Magdi has joined us full-time as a large animal practioner! We will be expanding our large animal services and will be offering afterhours call.
SERVICING ALL YOUR KITCHEN & LAUNDRY APPLIANCE NEEDS FROM LOLO TO DARBY No Matter Where You Bought Them!
Get ready for summer!
DR. MEG PUCHLERZ Dr. Meg will be working with us part time through the summer!
OPEN NORMAL HOURS We ask that you wear a mask to enter the building and are still offering curbside service to those who cannot or wish to not wear a mask.
CALL FOR PRESCRIPTIONS Please call 406-777-3844 for prescription and food refills, we will bring all product out to you!
Coolsculpting Special COOLSCULTPING SPECIAL Buy cycles&& 2 free! Buy 44cycles getget 2 for free! Offergood good through through July Offer July17th 31st
3682 Eastside Hwy, Stevensville 406-777-3844 www.burntforkvet.com
YES YOU CAN!!! • Become a CNA in 6 weeks • Become an LPN in 2-3 semesters While working part/full time with benefits!
Come Grow With Us!
Rosalee Shorter PA-C
Expert training & 13 years experience in non-surgical facial rejuvenation
406.880.0804 406-777-5411 • 63 Main Street, Stevensville michael@livingcenter.com
293 Rodeo Drive • Florence www.rsaesthetics.net Medical Director: Dr. Jeffrey Sweat
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
DNRC adopts new sustainable yield calculation for management of forests on state trust lands Following approval from the State Land Board earlier today, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will manage the state’s 750,000 acres of forested trust lands using an updated Sustainable Yield Calculation for annual timber harvest volume, department officials said. The new Sustainable Yield Calculation of 60 million boardfeet (MMBF) per year will replace the current figure of 56.9 MMBF, which the Department has used since 2015. The new target for timber harvests will be fully implemented in July of 2022. DNRC Director John Tubbs said that while modeling produced an overall Sustainable Yield figure of 68.3 MMBF, some of the inventory consists of lowervalue Ponderosa pine located long
distances from existing markets. Taking this into consideration, forest managers recommended an annual target of 60 MMBF, classifying the additional 8.3 MMBF as “opportunity volume,” some or all of which could be harvested if markets and other variables improve in the future. “We think this additional 8.3 MMBF represents a commitment that could help incentivize the development or enhancement of markets in areas of the state where they are currently lacking,” Tubbs said. Tubbs said the increase from 56.9 to 60 MMBF is good news for the Montana wood products industry and beneficiaries of State Trusts, which include K-12 public schools. “Trust Lands have a longstanding record of excellence
in forest management. Forested trust lands account for less than five percent of all timberland in Montana but annually contribute 15 to 20 percent of the statewide harvest volume. We produce a steady, dependable and sustainable volume of timber for the wood products industry, with the revenue benefitting public schools.” State law requires DNRC to calculate an annual Sustained Yield for forested trust lands every 10 years in order to incorporate changes in forest conditions, land base, management objectives and new laws and regulations. The analysis is performed by an independent third party. The 2015 calculation coincided with DNRC’s acquisition of 67,000 acres of forested lands in the upper Blackfoot River drainage. Last year, the department took ownership of 13,000 acres of highly productive forest lands within the boundaries of the Stillwater State Forest that were formerly owned by private industry. In preparing for the new calculation, forest managers selected a different set of modeling variables for growth rates that more closely resembled on-theground conditions in Montana forests. Managers also included acreage from the central and eastern areas of the state that were not included in the 2015 calculation.
Bitterroot Star -- Page 11
Governor sues acting director of Bureau of Land Management Governor Steve Bullock has, in his official capacity as Governor of Montana, filed a lawsuit to enjoin William Perry Pendley from continuing to exercise the authority of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in violation of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and the U.S. Constitution. “I’m taking this action today not just to block William Perry Pendley’s further illegitimate oversight of the Bureau, but also to ensure that this unconstitutional abuse of executive powers does not become commonplace under any administration in the future,” Governor Bullock said. Federal law prohibits acting directors from serving while their nomination is pending. The lawsuit seeks to bar Pendley from illegally performing the duties of director until the Senate has confirmed his nomination. Pendley continues to perform the duties of the director in violation of federal law, even
while his appointment is pending. The Constitution requires that the President nominate and the Senate confirm heads of significant federal agencies—a process the Supreme Court has described as a “critical structural safeguard” of our democracy. In defiance of this constitutional tenet, BLM has been run by a series of acting directors for the entirety of the Trump Administration—most recently through the recurring Acting Appointment of William Perry Pendley for over one year. Bullock also said he hopes for immediate action by the Senate to consider Pendley’s nomination with an up or down vote. “Americans and Montanans deserve a Bureau of Land Management director who values the public’s role in managing our public lands,” Governor Bullock said. “During Pendley’s unlawful tenure, the BLM has interfered with Montana’s collaborative efforts and public access priorities. This decision-making by unconfirmed federal officials stands to
create long-lasting and irreversible injury to our state’s lands, economy, and wildlife.” In Montana, BLM’s recent decisions have undermined its longstanding commitment to collaboration, threatening our outdoor heritage, and fostering uncertainty for industry and wildlife alike. Notably, BLM violated the law when it abandoned a bipartisan agreement with Western governors that prioritizes oil and gas leasing outside of sage grouse habitat. Allowing leasing in sage grouse habitat significantly risks Montana’s economic wellbeing, as it increases the likelihood of a federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. BLM continues to violate federal law and their own requirements to consider the protection of areas that have special fish and wildlife, archaeological, and primitive recreational values in their Resource Management Plans, which will guide land management for the coming decades.
Get local!
For information about advertising in your local paper, call the Bitterroot Star at 777-3928!
We are glad to be back in Stevensville!
Miller Colony Farmer’s Market Saturdays • 8am - 1pm
In Front of Cenex, Stevensville
406-466-2538 x 710 Fresh Vegetables • Baked Goods • Chicken and more . . . . We now accept WIC & Sr. Farmers Market Nutrition Coupons
CCCCCC SSSSS “WW BBBBB
O O O O O O O AAA A A A A A A ”
30’X36’X10’ HORSE BARN W/8’ LEAN-TO
30’X40’X10’ GARAGE/HOBBY SHOP
30’X60’X12’ STORAGE BUILDING
24’X32’X10’ GARAGE/HOBBY SHOP
40’X60’X12’ GARAGE/HOBBY SHOP
30’X48’X16’ DRIVE THRU RV STORAGE
Call for your free estimate To l l F re e : 1-855-MQS Barn (677-2276)
Serving Select Regions of: Montana, Idaho and Washington [For detailed service areas, please visit our website]
w w w. m q s b a r n . c o m
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Bitterroot Star -- Page 8
Flies for midsummer fishing One of the things I enjoy most about the Bitterroot is that, most years, it offers good dry fly fishing throughout the summer. At the high flows we’re enjoying so far, that could be especially true this year. I have a favorite handful of flies I take with me every time out. They answer most of the situations I’m likely to encounter throughout the summer. The
Parachutes available. They are effective and dependable for the pale morning dun mayflies that we see throughout the summer. You can see that pink wing in a foam line, and from underneath it looks like a color trout are used to seeing as they rise to a natural. And most of the time they rise to a Ginger-bodied Spectral Parachute as readily as they do to a natural pale morning dun.
Flyfishing with Chuck Stranahan
Light Caddis Variant Despite the success of the Brindle ‘Chute and its variations, the Caddis Variant series is my favorite all-time family of flies, and the #12 Light Caddis Variant is my favorite among them. I’ve caught more fish on that fly than any other I’ve fished. I loved to tie it – it’s fun to watch the wing flare under my fingers when just the right amount of thread pressure is applied, and the way the wing flares into the hackle collar mimics the natural silhouette of a caddisfly hovering above the water. A Caddis Variant can be danced, twitched, or skated across the water to give it life and bring hefty trout up for the chase and explosive takes, or dead-drifted to lazy sippers on summer evenings. It is also my go-to fly when little yellow stones are active. The bright yellow body suspended in what appears to be a halo of beating wings can bring more aggressive takes to the artificial fly than to the naturals. It is what angling editor Joe Burke and Jackson Hole author and fly fishing celebrity Jack Dennis call a crossover pattern. Like many good flies, it serves multiple purposes. It was originally designed for light-colored early season caddisflies, and about the time they’re off the water, the littler yellow stones appear. The caddis hatches, meanwhile, turn to predominantly tan. There’s a Tan Caddis Variant as well. We’ll see if we can keep up with the Light CV’s well enough to get some Tans in the bins – after I’ve tied a few for myself.
operative word here is most, not all. A bug that can be a nonplayer one season can be important the next, or important in one place but not another. I’ll gear up for those circumstances as I discover them. The discovery is part of the fun. For the majority of the time, these are the flies I don’t want to be caught without this summer: Ginger Spectral Parachute I‘ve tied and fished this fly for years as part of a series that includes the better-known Purple Spectral. Andy Carlson hit on something when the put a purple body under a Parachute Adams umbrella. The name Purple Haze instead of Purple Adams didn’t hurt sales, and the fly has become a mainstay throughout the west. The fly works exceptionally well and Andy deserves full credit for the fly and the purple fad he started. Imitations and spinoffs are rampant. The Spectral series are different flies. The purple variation jumped out into the lead because of its association with the Purple Haze and we haven’t had enough time since to stock all the others in the shop. The fluorescent pink wings on these flies was the result of a flash of insight crossing paths with a happy accident, the bright ginger hackle came from an observation by fly designing master and celebrated author Gary LaFontaine, and mixing colors in fly bodies to replicate what trout are seeing in the water is something I started doing back in the 1980’s. The Spectral Parachutes incorporate all of these ideas. This year, in addition to the Purple Spectral, we have a limited stock of #16 Ginger Spectral
Brindle ‘Chute Ahh, yes – the Brindle ‘Chute. I won’t give it much space here; most serious anglers on the Bitterroot know about it. During midsummer a #12 or #14 Brindle ‘Chute works when it should and often works when it shouldn’t. I split my time between the Caddis Variant and Brindle ‘Chute as my go-to’s when nothing is on the water. This time of year the #12, #14, and #16 Brindle ‘Chutes can look like the siphlonorous, epeorus, and western quill mayflies among others. There’s something around most of the time that
a Brindle ‘Chute comes close to. It’s a reliable searching pattern. Some people tie one on when nothing else works, and others, like my wife Jan, starts with a Brindle ‘Chute until she sees a reason to change. Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper Ed Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper is tied of proven fish-
catching materials and has a bettersilhouette and action on the water than any other I’ve tried. That’s reason enough to fish it. I’ve taken too many trout on it to disagree with myself. It flat-out works. The combination of naturally colored materials in Ed’s original pattern bounces light around differently than monochrome dyed materials. The trout prefer the natural. These days foam bodied hoppers are more popular among anglers. They float virtually forever – and equipped with rubber legs, they can be fished to have plenty of movement in the water. On float trips, that combination of ingredients understandably gets the nod. And, you can go dry-dropper with a big foam hopper and fish a nymph that weighs as much as a small anchor underneath it. Still, when fish are on hoppers, you can do things with Ed’s Parachute Hopper that you can’t do with other flies. It sits low in the water, just like a half-drowned natural does. You can move it, twitch it, and kick up just about the same amount of commotion on the surface that you’ll see from a struggling natural. And within reason, you can fish a nymph underneath it by using a method Ed devised that lets the top fly behave naturally on the water. Ask, and I’ll show it to you. With the hot days of summer the hoppers will be here. When you see them, fish a Parachute Hopper. Author and flytyer Chuck Stranahan can be reached at chuck@chuck-stranahan.com or visit his fly shop at 109 E. Main in Hamilton.
DOWN
1. Defeat 5. Brand of sandwich cookie 9. Bored 10. Rodeo animal 11. Crucifix 12. Bread leavening 13. Debater 15. Prompt 16. Knitting style 18. Type of government 21. Fib 22. Accepts 26. Metal tip on the end of a lance 28. Potage 29. African country 30. Bunsen burner 31. Eye infection 32. Tyrant
1. Italian money 2. Scent 3. Plod 4. Tempt 5. Miner’s goal 6. Household insect 7. Result 8. Eight 10. Side road 14. List of errors 17. Clothes place 18. Cloth banners 19. Number 20. Table 23. Cooking vessels 24. Bonito 25. Box 27. Compass point © Feature Exchange
Add a ‘WOW’ to your backyard! • • • •
Want to entertain outdoors, Start with us.
Big jobs, small projects we have what you need to make your landscaping beautiful! From product to rental equipment
• • • • • •
Pavers Compost Topsoil Natural BuildingStone Dyes Stains Bark Accessories Retaining Walls Complete
Septic System Delivery Available.
• Rental Center
363-3600
Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS
Donaldson Brothers Ready Mix, Inc.
Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.
477 US HWY 93 North Hamilton, MT 59840 www.donaldsonbros.com
American Owned, Montana Owned, Locally Owned
Home Fix-up Headquarters WINDOW TREATMENTS Windows Right to Your Door! Verticals • Wood Blinds • Miniblinds Shades • Pleated • Cellular • Duette® We Beat Ads Claiming 50%-60%-70% off! FREE Measuring, Estimates & Installation Save An Extra $20 on your purchase of $200 or more! 549-2882 • Toll Free 1-888-549-2882
Western Building Center
Gift Cards Available!
The perfect gift - in any amount! 3956 Highway 93 North, Stevensville
777-1452
CARPET CLEANING
$
777-4256 APPLIANCES
Transform Your Water!
CLEANER * BETTER TASTING WATER! NOW AT 2 LOCATIONS:
Crossword Answers on page 12
CARPET CLEANING
$ave Money Repair
Don’t Replace Your Reliable Appliances
Hamilton – 406-363-1782 Missoula – 406-728-6400
363-3592
www.clearwatersystems.com
JOHNSON APPLIANCE SERVICE Parts & Service • 421 S. 1st • Hamilton
Family operated in the Bitterroot Valley for 40 years
Page 12 -- Bitterroot Star
Call
777-3928 Deadline Monday
12 noon for Wednesday
SALES/ AUCTIONS
Classified
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
51 Years of Service
Elaine’s Engraving
& Rubber Stamps
363-5193
Professional Estate and Business Liquidation since 2009
www.bluejayestatesales.com
363-1600
July 23-25 • Victor 277 Lark July 30-Aug 1 • Hamilton at the Fairgrounds Aug 13-15 • Wisdom Historic Big Hole Ranch! ALL SALES START Day One 5pm-8pm Numbers to keep place in line given at 2pm for Day One sale.
Following Days 9-12
KOOTENAI CREEK VILLAGE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE. Friday, July 24, 9-4, Saturday, July 25, 9-2. New and used items. Across from Super 1, Stevi, follow the signs. GARAGE SALE - FRI/SAT, JULY 24 & 25, 9-3. All kinds of tools, hunting, camo, fishing, camping, some furniture, metal detectors, heaters, ladder. 192-194 To Tickleme Lane, Hamilton.
FARM & GARDEN
MILL CRICK FARM STAND - 153 Dutch Hill Rd Hamilton 59840. Seasonal Certified Organic Produce. Always Open, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Mixed Greens, Kale, Chard, Broccoli and more WE HAVE DOZENS OF FRESH FARM EGGS from pastured hens, delivered daily to the Bitterroot Star, $4/doz. FRESH BATCH of Severson’s natural grass fed ground beef (1-lb packages, $5/lb). Call 777-3928 for availability or just stop by Bitterroot Star at 115 W. 3rd (blue door).
BUILDINGS AUTHENTIC TIMBER FRAMED BARNS. Residential and Commercial Timber Packages. Full Service Design - Build Since 1990, (406) 581 3014 brett@bitterrootgroup.com, www.bitterroottimberframes.com
FOR SALE STEVENSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT is disposing of various computer items. Items are as is. If interested please submit a bid to the District Office before 4:00pm Wednesday, August 5, 2020. For a list of items please contact Samantha at 406-777-5481 x137 or mewess@stevensville.k12.mt.us
123 S. 5TH Corner of 5th & State in Hamilton STEVENSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT is disposing of a 1990 Bluebird bus with a lift. Item is as is. If interested please submit a bid to the District Office before 4:00pm Wednesday, August 5, 2020. PET PUREBRED STANDARD POODLE PUPPIES. Ready to go now! Excellent companion, service or bird dogs. Super intelligent. Bred for disposition. Email triadkmg@yahoo.com or text (406) 650-8516.
RENTALS MATURE RETIREE gardener/landscaper seeks home to rent in the Bitterroot. Handywoman and long time valley resident. Will consider long term lease. Good references. Call me to discuss possibilities. 406-8803649. 5-ACRE LOTS FOR RENT. Trailer house hookups. 406-7773409.
HELP WANTED
STORE MANAGER @ Country Store - Farm, Pet & Home. The Country Store is looking for a Store Manager in Stevensville, MT. Full-Time, Salaried Position, with Benefits. Apply at https://www. countrystore.net/ If you have any questions, please email georgea@ countrystore.net STEVENSVILLE - DISHWASHER needed for weekends. Family restaurant, good pay, and friendly atmosphere. Must be dependable. Call 777-3681 for details. HOME CARE SERVICES is hiring caregivers and CNAs. Flexible schedule, competitive pay. Apply at 925 N. First Street in Hamilton. Call 375-8637. HARLOW’S SCHOOL BUS SERVICE is looking for a Transportation Manager in Stevensville! Full-Time with Benefits $42k-$48k Yearly Salary. Apply Today at www. harlowsschoolbus.com or Call Joy Ratigan (253)245-6671 for more details.
WANTED
NOTICES
LOST - Yellow kayaking dry bag. Last Thursday at Lake Como. 777-5361.
LEGAL NOTICES
lawyer
Amber E. Robertson 118 Essex Ave. Hamilton MT 59840 Petitioner appearing without a
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Marriage of: Amber E. Robertson, Petitioner and Brian L. Turner, Respondent Case No; DR-20-60/13 Dept. 1 Howard F. Recht SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Respondent Brian L. Turner You are named in a petition to dissolve your marriage and to get a final parenting plan.for your children. Unless you respond in 21 days, the court may decide against you without you being heard and give Petitioner everything asked for in the petition. You must submit your written response within 21 calendar days. The 21 day period starts the day after the last date of publication of this notice. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, you may file your response on the next business day. You must file your written response with the Clerk of District Court at 205 Bedford St, Set D, Hamilton MT 59840 and serve copy of your answer on the Petitioner. The following real property is part of this case: NA Dated this 30th day of June, 2020. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court By Mary Fliss, Deputy Clerk BS 7-8, 7-15, 7-22-20. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GARY CHARLES KUHFUSS aka GARY C. KUHFUSS, Deceased. Cause No. DP-20-64 Dept. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Patricia Marie Roschen, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 30th day of June, 2020 /s/ Patricia Roschen ADVERTISING Patricia Marie Roschen, Personal Representative 1040 Watson Street Red Wing, MN 55066 BS 7-8, 7-15, 7-22-20. MNAXLP
tative
Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Represen-
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE LOUDEN DIETZE, JR., Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-65 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Deborah Ann Sullivan, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 30th day of June 2020. /s/ Deborah Ann Sullivan, Personal Representative BS 7-8, 7-15, 7-22-20. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS E. EVANS, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-20-66 Department No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Kathryn M. Urquhart, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, ℅ Royce McCarty, Jr., P.O. Box 210, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 25th day of June, 2020. /s/ Kathryn M. Urquhart BS 7-15, 7-22, 7-29-20. MNAXLP
P.C.
David T. Markette Dustin M. Chouinard Megan S. Winderl MARKETTE & CHOUINARD,
601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattomeys,com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of BARBARA MARIE FEDYNA a/k/a BARBARA NELSON a/k/a BARBARA FEDYNA a/k/a BARBARA FEDYNA NELSON, Deceased. Probate No. DP-20-47/6 Dept. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within
four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to EDWARD J. SIMOLA, the Personal Representative, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C:, 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. /s/ Edward J. Simola MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. By David T. Market Attorney for Personal Representative BS 7-15, 7-22, 7-29-20. MNAXLP
tative
Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Represen-
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF STEVEN JOHN BACHMAN, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-72 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Catherine E. Bachman, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 15th day of July 2020. /s/ Catherine E. Bachman, Personal Representative BS 7-22, 7-29, 8-5-20. MNAXLP
tative
Michael O’Brien ADVERTISING St. Peter Law Offices, P.C. 2620 Radio Way P.O. Box 17255 Missoula, MT 59808 Telephone: (406) 728-8282 Facsimile: (406) 728-8141 Attorney for Personal Represen-
MONTANA TWENTY‑FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RICHARD B. KRASOVICH, Deceased. Cause No.: DP-20-62 Department No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said estate are required to present their claim within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Timothy Krasovich, return receipt requested, at St. Peter Law Offices, P.C., 2620 Radio Way, P.O. Box 17255, Missoula, MT 59808, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true, accurate and complete to the best of my knowl-
edge and belief. DATED this 23rd day of June, 2020. /s/ Timothy Krasovich Personal Representative DATED this 25th day of June, 2020. ST. PETER LAW OFFICES, P.C. /s/ Michael O’Brien BS 7-22, 7-29, 8-5-20. MNAXLP Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID SHANE KEEGAN, Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-70 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Kevin Keegan and Emily Keegan, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 13th day of July 2020. /s/ Kevin Keegan, Co-Personal Representative /s/ Emily Keegan, Co-Personal Representative BS 7-22, 7-29, 8-5-20. MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a floodplain permit application for a proposed project within the Regulated Flood Hazard Area of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Northwestern Energy. The proposed project will remove an abandoned gas transmission line from a side channel of the Bitterroot River. The project is located in a Bitterroot River side channel near Victor in Section 29, T08N, R20W, Ravalli County. 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 August 5th, 2020 at 5:00 pm. (Reference Application # FA-20-08). BS 7-22-20. MNAXLP
For information on publishing Legal Notices, call Victoria at 777-3928 Crossword Solution
© Feature Exchange
BITTERROOT STAR
WE BUY GUNS. Cash paid. New, used, antique or military. Call Rich, (406) 531-6702.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY COUNSELING Positive Goal Directed Cognitive Behavioral Counseling
Hank Winters, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Counselor Serving the Bitterroot since 1980 Most insurance plans accepted
363-3882 • 217 N. 3rd, Hamilton
Professional OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE RCEDA Business Center Hamilton 406.375-9416 www.rceda.org
20-Word Personal $8.50 20-Word Commercial $10.50 Each Add’l Word - 20¢ Includes Posting to Web Page
TILE & STONE WORK
JOE’S TILE
& STONE LLC.
& Handyman Services Walk-in Showers, Floors Anything Tile or Stone
777-4207 • 241-4368
FINANCIAL
PERSONNEL
Looking for WORK?
MARTIAL ARTS
APPLY TODAY WORK TOMORROW Full Time—Part Time
Starting at $9/hr
Post Office Box 402 - Stevensville MT
406.531.5005 • 406.531.9556 www.fosterandfosterfs.com Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser
WINDOWCOVERINGS COVERINGS WINDOW
Windows Right to Your Door!
Verticals • Wood Blinds • Miniblinds Shades • Pleated • Cellular • Duette® We Beat Ads Claiming 50%-60%-70% off! FREE Measuring, Estimates FREE Measuring, Estimates & Installation & Installation Save An Extra $20 on your purchase of $200 or more! 549-2882 • Toll Free 1-888-549-2882
SEE US TODAY!
A2Z
842 S. 1St St., Hamilton - 363-0723 115 W. 3rd, Ste. 106, Stevensville - 777-1662
BANKING
Located at the Canyons Athletic Club
360-5420
FUNERAL HOME
Whitesitt Funeral Home 314 Church
Stevensville
777-5711
Bill & Helen Kropp Serving the Bitterroot Since 1902
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Obituaries Willard W. Crews Florence - Will Crews left this world for heaven surrounded by his wife Mary and his five sons when he passed at Seeley Lake on July 11, 2020, a sunny Saturday morning. Three days before he passed Will and Mary celebrated their 59th anniversary. He spent his last few days surrounded by family, mountains, and the Tamarack trees he loved so much. He was blessed during his passing, holding the hands of those he loved. Even though his heart stopped beating, our hearts will carry on from this point forward. Much of what we are and have become we owe to him. Will was born in Lane, Oklahoma, on June 16th, 1939, to Amos and Velma Crews on a ranch house table, the oldest of six siblings, the son of a cowboy and redwood logger. His family moved to California in the 1940s to live in a logging camp, Camp 20, outside of Fort Bragg, CA. He attended a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade before attending Fort Bragg High School where he was active in the band. After high school, he entered the Army where he was a member of the military band playing the trombone, eventually to be stationed in Korea. While in the Army, Will was lured to the nursing student housing where he lucked out when he asked for one of the two Marys and got the right one, Mary Jean Hawes. They fell in love and were married in Harrah, Washington, where Mary was raised by her mother Vivian. Will began working for United Parcel Service (UPS) shortly after his first son, John, was born. He worked for UPS in California, Washington, and Oklahoma, and was eventually transferred with five boys to help start UPS in Montana in 1976 where he worked
Steven John Bachman
until 1980. He completed his work career at Stone Container, working for 17 years prior to his retirement. Will loved his wife and his sons. He was always one to step in and help others and was never known to shy away from difficult things, a trait that he passed on to all of his sons. Will was an active member of the community of Florence in the Bitterroot Valley. He was a member of the choir at Florence Carlton Community Church, the Missoula community band, and had a voice that made all of those who heard sit up to enjoy his deep baritone praises. He was active on the school board, as a coach, and as the caretaker of the historic Florence Carlton Cemetery where he often referred to himself as “The Mayor of the Silent City.” Will read every Louis Lamour book a few times, often saying that he liked them because he always knew the good guy would eventually win. He was a man to live his dreams and to push others to be great. One of his dreams was to build his own home. Shortly after retirement, he and Mary built a beautiful home to live in and love their grandchildren in Upper Hidden Valley
in the Bitterroot. There are few experiences like a Crews Christmas, and there were many in the house built with his hands. Will’s motto was “can do,” and it was often heard from him when faced with difficulty that “can’t never did nothing.” Will was always planning or up for an adventure. Family picture books and memories are filled with vacations, fishing, hiking, boating, hunting adventures, Alaskan floats, and weekend barbeques with Mom’s ribs and cookies. His boys continued to drag him to hunting camp with Tim (our trusty adventure mate and steadfast friend) up until his 80th year. He shot his last deer with his youngest son Scott at age 79. That same fall his boys and Tim drug him to a remote self-guided fly-in camp for pike fishing. On all of these adventures when Will wasn’t out with his boys he was always making sure they had a warm fire at camp waiting for them. We all know that the family Will and Mary raised is an anomaly. We are strange in our closeness, in the importance that we place on love and family, and in the way we came together even in his most difficult last months. His health failed, but his love for Jesus, his wife Mary, and his family never did. Will Crews was the most comfortable cutting firewood, eating a spam sandwich on the back of a pickup truck and petting his dog, “Griz.” He likely had a toothpick in the side of his mouth and a mechanical pencil in his pocket while he was doing it. He loved the woods and everything they held. Will was a pillar for his family and his community. Many times we, his sons, have
heard people tell us, “Your dad Will is a good man.” Thank you to each of you for reminding us of the uniqueness that we have been blessed with. Will was the Redwood of his family, but not the end. Will did not want sadness and tears when he passed, but sometimes, Dad, you don’t get it all. We are sad. We will continue to cry and have times of sadness mixed with happiness and loss. We will miss you and your centering support for all of us. What we can do is know that you are in heaven, rejoice in that and the life that you have led, and continue to live our lives in a way that honors the gift that our lives are. Willard is survived by his wife Mary of 59 years, his five sons and their wives and families: John and Rene Crews in Anchorage, Alaska; Jeff and Micki Crews in Lolo; Kevin and Rita Crews in Stevensville; Kirk and Lisa Crews in Stevensville; and Scott and Paula Crews in Missoula. Will and Mary have been blessed with 16 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Will is preceded in death by his brother, Weldon, and survived by his younger siblings Stella, Vicki, Dennis, and Nancy. A celebration of Willard’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1st at 11 a.m. outside at the Florence Carlton Community Church with a graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Mary & Martha Fellowship or the Sakila Mission in Tanzania, Africa, both through Florence Carlton Community Church. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Stanley Wyatt Forsyth
Barbara Jean Roehl Barbara Jean (Baril) Roehl, age 90 of Corvallis, MT, passed away in the morning, Saturday, July 18, 2020, at her home in Corvallis. Today our precious Mom left her earthly journey behind to begin her eternal heavenly adventure with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as with her late husband, Charles (Chuck) Roehl and many other loved ones with whom she is enjoying a glorious reunion! She was born January 8, 1930 in Crookston, MN, the eldest daughter of Theophile and Myrtle (Demann) Baril. She is survived by five children: Dwight (Barbara) Roehl, Hammond, WI; Pam (Russ) Trembath, Cheyenne, WY; Cindy (Jeff) Borchardt, Watertown, WI; Don (Dawn) Roehl, Corvallis, MT; and Duane (Launi) Roehl, Greenville, SC; 15 grandchildren: Becca, Lydia, Ben, Valerie, Jeffrey, Johnny, Joel, Pam, Christa, Stephanie, Blake, Lauren, Lea, Josh and Amber and 38 great grandchildren (and two more on the way); her brother James Baril and her nieces, nephews and their families. Barb (Mom) was a blessing of service to many family members and friends by her generous gifts through cooking, baking, canning, gardening, singing church specials, teaching Sunday school, reading and sharing God’s truth. Barbara Jean was a licensed registered nurse - graduating from St. Cloud School of Nursing in St.
Bitterroot Star -- Page 13
Cloud, MN on September 1, 1951 and using her nursing abilities in MN, MT, WY, and UT. Barb was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church of Victor, MT where she helped in many areas including teaching Sunday school, singing in the church choir and presenting special music. She will be missed deeply by us all. Services for Barbara will be Thursday, July 23, 2020, at the Solid Rock Baptist Church 150 Sheafman Creek Road, Victor, MT. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., with the Funeral service at 11 a.m., a reception will follow. The burial will be held at 3 p.m. at the Westeran Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Stanley Wyatt Forsyth of Cullowhee, age 73, passed away due to complications of congestive heart failure on July 15, 2020 with his daughters by his side. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on November 23,1946 to Albert and Oma (Salyards) Forsyth. He was a loving, thoughtful, and generous father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him. Following in his dad’s footsteps (who served during WWII in the South Pacific), Stan was drafted in Bucyrus, Ohio to serve in the United States Army from 1966-68 receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar. He was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War in the 32nd Air Command at the missile and radar sites. He operated and worked on radios keeping communications open between missile sites and battalions. He worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, became a plumber by trade owning his own business, then worked with his good buddies at Tuckasegee Water and Sewer after moving to Jackson County, NC in 2001 to be near his daughters and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, fixing cars, woodworking, and being with his friends and family. However, nothing gave him greater joy in life than being with his daughters and grandchildren. He was thankful to worship online with his family through Webster Baptist Church during the pandemic in his
Talk to Merle for all your Real Estate Needs! Hamilton 363-4700
mother, Catherine Bachman of Detroit Lakes; two sisters, Amy of Perham and Christine of Frazee; brother Frank of Billings, MT; his “special brother” Brad Malstrom; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dad, John, and his grandparents Fred Bachman and Frank and Bea Sharp. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 25 at 2 p.m. at the Darby Community Clubhouse, 106 N. Main in Darby.
Death Notices Lois L. Mertz
Ivan L. Roy
Hamilton - Lois L. Mertz, 85, passed away in the night, Sunday, July 12, 2020, at the St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.
Albert ‘Jim’ Anson
Hamilton - Albert “Jim” Anson, 69, of Hamilton passed away Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel.
Richard C. ‘Dick’ Holt
Hamilton - Richard C. “Dick” Holt, III, 85, passed away early in the morning, Saturday, July 18, 2020, at his home in Hamilton. No services are planned at this time. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com.
Stevensville - Ivan L Roy, Jr., 66, of Stevensville passed away Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Community Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 4 p.m. at the Ambrose Creek Community Park. Whitesitt Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Grace M. Keskeny Hamilton - Grace M. Keskeny, 58, passed away early in the morning, Monday, July 20, 2020, at her home in Hamilton. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory are honored to care for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.
Obituary Information There is no charge for publishing death notices in the Bitterroot Star. The cost for publishing obituaries in the Star is $20 which includes a photo. The best way to submit obituaries and photos is by email to: editor@bitterrootstar.com. For more information contact Victoria at 777-3928.
last months of life. Stan is survived by two daughters, Tiffany (Phil) Stack of Cullowhee, NC, and Carrie (Chris) Bailey of Knoxville, TN; nine grandchildren, Taylor (Zachary) Pyle, Meredith (Zechariah) Carter, Lindsey Stack, Joshua Stack, Eli Stack, Courtney Bailey, Ty Bailey, Maggie Bailey, Lauren Bailey; two brothers, Ronnie (Phyllis) Forsyth of Whitehall, OH, Gary (Ann) Forsyth of Plymouth, MA; sister, Linda Burkhart of Groveport, OH. Besides his parents he is preceded in death by two halfbrothers Albert and Harold Spang of Stevensville, MT. A memorial service is being scheduled and will be announced. Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva, NC is serving the family.
Price Drop!
Outstanding in his field Merle Unruh
Call today
August 23, 1958 – June 26, 2020 Steven J. Bachman, 61, Darby, Montana, formerly of Frazee, Minnesota, died June 26, 2020 at his home. Steven John Bachman was born August 23, 1958 in Detroit Lakes, MN to John and Catherine (Sharp) Bachman. He was raised and educated in Frazee and is a 1976 graduate of Frazee High School. In 1977, he competed the welding class at the Detroit Lakes Vocational College. During his working life, he worked as a welder in Virginia, MN. When the business closed, he became an electrician and worked for Malstrom Electric in Detroit Lakes until moving to Montana where he worked manufacturing log homes. Steven’s pride and joy was the building of the Seven Sisters Liquor Store near Lake Melissa. He also worked for We-Fest each summer since it started. Steve also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and his brother. Steve is survived by his
Now $399,000
Insulated barn includes office,4 stalls w/floor drains & padded, wash bay, vet area with stocks, etc., all with hot water floor heat. 48’x 72’ attached indoor arena w/ half walls. Also shed for machinery/hay storage or more stalls All on 21 acres, warm water stream in all pastures and small pond. Lovely 3 br home, hot water floor heat, propane fireplace, well designed kitchen, heated garage, and mountain view from all rooms.
Beautiful house on the east side of the Bitterroot Valley. Rare find barely lived in home built in 2004. 3BR, 2 Ba. This 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch style house is a sleeper.
Call Mark Haldorson! 381-4112 Mark Haldorson
Customer satisfaction Rating: 5.00 / 5
$889,500
CLIFF TREXLER REALTY 369-2509
Independently validated by Quality Service Certification, Inc.
Page 14--Bitterroot Star
Lawsuit continued
ties on 4,854 acres and non-commercial logging of smaller trees on 5,040 acres. The environmental groups claim in their lawsuit that the Forest Service failed to adequately assess the potential impacts of the project on endangered species such as grizzly bear, wolverine and bull trout by failing to formally consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about those potential impacts. The groups argue, for instance, that by ignoring the impacts of closed roads on grizzly bear movements, a practice condemned in the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan, the agency is misrepresenting the true road density in the area and ignoring the role that closed roads play in preventing grizzly bears from re-occupying the designated recovery area. As an example of this “misleading numbers game” they point to the fact that the Project Biological Assessment states that open road density is 0.83 miles/ square mile. However, the Forest Plan Biological Assessment & Biological Opinion used a different analysis unit and found that open road density was 1.5 miles/ square mile, which is too high to ensure species viability for grizzly bears according to the Boulanger study cited at length in the Forest Plan Biological Assessment. And, according to the Project Wildlife Specialist Report, when open road density is assessed at the scale of third order drainages, the open road density can be as high as 3.7 miles/square mile. According to Mike Garrity, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, such high open road density certainly acts as a barrier to any grizzly bear attempting to travel to the Bitterroot Recovery Zone. Yet, he claims, there is no real analysis of this issue. Garrity said that the logging plan calls for adding over 20 miles of permanent roads to the legal road system in the project area. “To put that in perspective,” he said, “to legally comply with the Endangered Species Act, the US Fish & Wildlife Service has already told the Forest Service that they can only build 17.1 miles of new permanent roads from 20192029 – and that’s across the entire Bitterroot National Forest east of Highway 93. The reason this is so important is because most grizzly bears are killed near logging roads, and the scientists and the courts have long acknowledged that grizzly bears need secure, unroaded habitat to avoid extinction. If the Forest Service doesn’t rectify its ESA violations, we’ll amend our lawsuit after 60 days to include the ESA issues.” In the case of wolverines, the groups claim that the Forest Service is using outdated scientific research. They claim that no research done after 2012 was used in the project analysis and the latest research undermines the agency’s original assumptions that oil and gas exploration, timber harvesting and burning do apparently impact wolverine populations negatively. “Accordingly, the agencies can no longer in good faith ignore the impacts on wolverine from oil and gas exploration, forest harvest, or burning. The agencies are obligated to conserve the wolverine, and to do that effectively requires ‘managing landscape development,’ not ignoring it and pretending it poses no threats to wolverines,” they state in their lawsuit. They criticize the agency for not consulting formally with USFWS over the recognized impacts that are likely to adversely affect bull trout because, although the Forest Service found that the overall effect of the proposed action is beneficial to the listed species, it also found that it is likely to cause some adverse effects. “Accordingly, the Forest Service must engage in formal consultation with FWS regarding bull trout critical habitat, resulting in a biological opinion that determines whether bull trout critical habitat will be adversely modified by the Project. The failure to
conduct formal consultation for bull trout critical habitat violates the ESA,” they claim. “Logging roads are notorious for dumping sediment into clean mountain streams and this project is no different. The new logging roads, clearcuts, and other logging will send sediment into area streams, which is in violation of the Endangered Species Act since the streams are in Federallydesignated Bull Trout Critical Habitat,” it states in the press release. The lawsuit is also critical of the agency’s suspension of the Forest Plan’s elk habitat effectiveness standards. Once again, the failure to properly assess the impacts of closed roads on wildlife plays a role in their reasoning. They claim the project analysis includes a vast roadless area and thus claims 71% secure habitat, but when compared to the analysis of elk security areas there is a dramatic difference – elk security is only 8%. The groups claim, “There does not appear to be a calculation of closed roads anywhere in the Project record. Thus, the Project area does not meet the Hillis standard now, and the Project will move the area farther away from meeting this standard. These facts are not disclosed to the public in the Project EIS or Record of Decision despite the statement or implication in the EIS that Hillis’ elk security analysis is the best available science that the Bitterroot National Forest now uses to maintain elk viability.” They claim the Forest Service fails to apply the substance of 36 C.F.R. §219.9 to the amendment, fails to determine whether the amendment substantially lessens protections for elk, fails to analyze whether elk should be treated as a species of conservation concern, fails to formally adopt Hillis as the elk standard that applies to the Project, fails to disclose what Hillis requires, fails to disclose that the Project does not comply with Hillis, and fails to disclose that Project implementation will further violate Hillis. “In summary, the Forest Service has eliminated the prior elk habitat standard (habitat effectiveness) for this Project area and replaced it with nothing; although the agency mentions Hillis, it does not actually apply that science. There is no discussion as to how the Forest Service can meet its mandate to maintain or contribute
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
to the maintenance of viable populations of elk in the area if there is no elk habitat standard at all that is actually applied to the area,” it states in the lawsuit. Impacts on old growth are also a main contention raised in the lawsuit. The groups argue that the Forest Service failed to use the Forest Plan definition of old growth and failed to demonstrate compliance with the plan’s old growth standards for retention and viability. They claim, “The Forest Service’s failure to take a hard look at this issue in the EIS and failure to fully and fairly disclose to the public in the EIS that it was applying an old growth definition significantly less protective than the Forest Plan old growth definition violates NEPA.” “As the Ninth Circuit has held time and time again, the ‘scope of review does not include attempting to discern which, if any, of a validly-enacted Forest Plan’s requirements the agency thinks are relevant or meaningful. If the Forest Service thinks any provision of the . . . Plan is no longer relevant, the agency should propose amendments to the . . . Plan altering its standards, in a process complying with NEPA and NFMA, rather than discount its importance in environmental compliance documents’.” The groups claim that by violating old growth requirements and elk habitat effectiveness and elk cover standards contained in the Forest Plan, the Forest Service cannot legally use the Healthy Forest Recovery Act to authorize the project. They claim that HFRA requires “maximizing the retention of old-growth.” “In violation of 16 U.S.C. § 6591a (e), the Project allows the logging of old growth and large trees across hundreds of acres - old growth logging will occur on approximately 750 acres. Moreover, as discussed above in the First Claim for Relief, the Forest Service refused to use the Forest Plan definition of old growth for the Project and instead used a less protective definition. Thus, although the Forest Plan requires retention of ‘large trees, generally 15 per acre greater than 20 inches dbh for species other than lodgepole pine and 6 inches for lodgepole pine’ in order to qualify as old growth, the Project analysis only required 10 trees per acre greater than 20 inches dbh in
NOW HIRING! In Stevensville!
Transportation Manager/Mechanic
Harlow’s School Bus Service • Full-Time w/Benefits $42k-48k yearly salary. Apply TODAY at www.harlowsschoolbus.com or contact Joy at joy.thomas@goharlows.com or call 1-253-245-6671for more information.
HOT SUMMER DEALS Now 45 s $23ct,7 ory Rebate After Fa
Ford EcoSp
ort Titanium Cro ssove
to 84 OAC up 0% APR R- $5,250 -O s th & Mon rd Credit factory, Fo lty Rebates ya Owner Lo
NEW 2
019
2.0L 4-Cyl, Auto, 4WD, Remote Start, Pwr Wind/Locks/ Mirrors/Heated Seats & Steering Wheel, Leather Interior, Moon Roof, Cruise, Full Screen Back-up Camera Reverse Sensing & Much More
Ford F-150
ronmental Impact Statement.” “It’s no wonder the vast majority of the thousands of people who commented opposed the Gold Butterfly project since it’s estimated to run 6,000 to 7,000 loaded logging trucks down Willow Creek Road,” Garrity concluded. “That’s a dirt road with people’s homes right next to it, which will significantly impact and endanger their lives and families. The Alliance and Friends of the Bitterroot stand with the thousands of citizens opposing this project and are exercising our first
amendment rights to challenge the Forest Service’s decision in court.” Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Matt Anderson issued a statement, saying, “We have not had a chance to read the lawsuit thoroughly as we just received it. It is unfortunate that the project, which drew community support, has been litigated. This is an important project that improves forest health and water quality, reduces potential fire severity, and is good for our local economy and jobs. We believe we did our due diligence under the law.”
Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind, P.C. Attorneys at Law
A FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM
Car Accidents & Personal Injury Real Estate & Business Divorce & Work Comp Wills & Probate Criminal Defense DUI Hamilton Office • 961-9003
(George Corn, Resident Attorney)
Missoula Office • 728-0810
Looking for a new member of the family? Come see all the wonderful animals waiting for someone special like you! Call 363-5311 Merida says “Become an ad sponsor” or visit our website at www.bitterroothumane.org - call us!
Bitterroot Star
115 W. 3rd, ste 108 • PO Box 8 • Stevensville MT Phone (406)777-3928 email • editor@bitterrootstar.com
The Bitterroot Star
Advertisers! Let our 77 years of Combined Experience work for you!
Creative
We know your market better than anyone; and we’re the biggest newspaper in the valley!
(No charge for ad development)
r
WAS $29,680
Douglas fir forest type and 8 trees per acre greater than 20 inches dbh in ponderosa pine forest type in order to qualify as old growth. “The Forest Plan definition also requires 75% canopy closure in old growth where possible, but the Project allows logging down to 33% canopy closure in old growth. In other words, by using a less protective old growth definition than what the Forest Plan actually requires, the Forest Service has minimized retention of old growth and large trees in the Project area, not maximized retention of old growth and large trees as required under the HFRA,” they wrote. The groups are asking the court to declare the project violates the law and either vacate the project or enjoin implementation of the project. The ask the court to award costs, expenses and fees and attorney fees. “Gold Butterfly is the largest, most destructive timber sale in decades on the Bitterroot National Forest,” said Jim Miller, President of Friends of the Bitterroot. “The project includes old growth logging, clearcutting, road building, destruction of wildlife habitat, and threatens spawning streams for endangered bull trout. Although it was broadly opposed by the public, the Forest Service ignored citizen input and a viable alternative that would have achieved the purpose of the project without seriously disrupting the ecological integrity of the area.” The groups also point out that the project is being implemented at a high cost. The expected revenue from the project is estimated at $1,572,054 while the estimated costs of implementing it are estimated at $5,790,869 resulting in a net loss of $4.2 million. “It makes absolutely no sense to go forward with this enormously expensive and environmentally destructive project given the nation’s current economic condition,” said Garrity. “As the Forest Service’s own data indicates — federal taxpayers will lose an unbelievable $4.2 million on the project. Significantly, this information was buried in internal agency documents, and the agency did not honestly disclose this number to the public in the Envi-
2019
Lariat SuperCrew
3.5L V6 EcoBoost Engine, Automatic Transmission, Four Wheel Drive, Remote Start, Leather Interior, Heated and Cooled Power Front Seats, Heated Rear Seats, Navigation, Power Heated Folding Mirrors, Power Adjustable Pedals, Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel, Blind Spot Monitoring, Full Screen Backup Camera, Reverse Sensing, Trailer Towing Package with Integrated Brakes and Backup Assist, Spray-In Bedliner, Running Boards, FX4 Off-Road Package and much more.
Bell McCall
300 W. Main • Hamilton • 363-2011 Competitive Prices - Hometown Services
Results Oriented No. 1 in Customer Service Totally Local
Our readers are your customers! The Bitterroot Star