Bitterroot Star - July 26, 2023

ments as “a pretext to fre him.”

Procedurally, the Town of Darby was shown to have injured Linton by failing to follow its own written personnel policies. The frst letter Linton received from Mayor Locati, for example, stated that disciplinary actions “would be taken,” regardless of the fact that the investigation had not yet occurred. Secondarily, Linton was not allowed access to any investigation into his own hearings, a fact that Browder says is a clear violation of the state constitution. Browder attended a grievance hearing with Linton, and expected a swift conclusion.

“Considering all the things they (the Town of Darby) did wrong, we assumed they would give him his job back,” said Browder. “But they didn’t. They doubled down at every stage.”

One example Browder gave as the ‘doubling down’ came in the form of Councilor Bill De Spain’s comments to the Bitterroot Star in November of 2022. In that interview, De Spain says that he’d been at the meetings wherein, “Terry was basically fred,” and that “he was caught in multiple lies and he admitted it and there is no

way that he can get out of it.” Those comments, along with the allegations made by Mayor Locati about Linton’s apparent theft of taxpayer funds, are the very points that the jury found to be slanderous.

“They did not care what they did to this man’s ability to make a living,” said Browder about the Town of Darby. Browder points out that Darby is a small community, and the last two years of carrying the accusations have been a heavy weight to bear for Linton.

“He’s a tough guy,” said Browder, but added that the reading of the verdict was still an emotional relief. It seemed to Browder that the opinion of the jurors was the vindication Linton had been looking for.

“The jury felt like he had been mistreated and slandered.”

Naional Forest moves to ‘very high’ fre danger

Hot, dry conditions continue to dry fuels out, prompting the Bitterroot National Forest to raise fre danger to “Very High” efective immediately.

Very high fre danger means that fres start easily from all causes, and immediately spread rapidly. Small fres can quickly become large fres and exhibit extreme fre intensity. These fres can be difcult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fres.

“Spring rains have resulted in a tall, thick crop of grasses that are drying and curing, increasing the likelihood of a larger, more intense fre,” said Fuels Specialist Dave Tingley. “Heavy fuels, like standing dead trees and logs, are also extremely dry. Continued hot and dry weather is predicted for the next several days, including a chance of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.”

Given the conditions, residents and visitors alike should exercise caution when recreating outdoors. Please follow these fre safety tips:

- Keep campfres small and completely extinguish them before leaving camp. The best method is to douse the fre with water, stir the ashes and douse again, making sure that all ashes are cold to the touch. It is illegal to have unattended campfres.

- Smokers should light up only in areas cleared of all fammable debris. Dispose of smoking materials in vehicle ashtrays or crush smoking materials and matches dead out on bare ground. Cigarette butts should never be thrown from vehicle windows.

- Those exploring the forest and backcountry in vehicles must stay on established roads and trails and avoid driving over dry grass and brush that could be ignited by hot exhaust systems.

- Ensure safety chains on trailers or other equipment do not drag, causing sparks.

- Make sure all mechanical out-

door equipment, such as chainsaws and of-road vehicles, are equipped with properly working mufers, spark arresters, and bearings.

- Fireworks are illegal on public lands: every forest, every campsite, every day. Never light freworks in the woods.

- Recreational shooting? Take precautions! Never shoot into dry vegetation and always make sure you’re shooting in a safe location, away from roads, trails, campsites, and occupied areas. Be aware that shooting exploding targets is prohibited on National Forest System lands. For more information, visit https:// www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-beforeyou-go/shooting.

- Know before you go. Always check with your local Ranger Station prior to your trip to get the most upto-date information on fre danger

and fre restrictions for the area.

Outdoor burning season is closed

in Ravalli County, so burn permits are invalid. Visit www. freintheroot.org to learn more about outdoor burning seasons, rules, and fre prevention tips.

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, should never be fown near or around wildfres. To learn more about Forest Service policy regarding UAS visit www.fs.usda.gov/ managing-land/fre/aviation/ uas/responsible-use.

This year, frefghters on the Bitterroot National Forest have extinguished three human-caused fres and 14 lightning fres.

We can all make a difference in reducing human-caused fres this season. Remember, One Less Spark Means One Less Wildfre. For the latest on fre restrictions and local fre information across the state, visit www. mtfreinfo.org. For more information about fres in Montana and other fres across the country, visit http:// inciweb.nwcg.gov or follow on Facebook at www.facebook. com/DiscoverBitterrootNF for local fre information.

The Town of Darby lost wrongful termination and slander lawsuit to ex-employee, Terry Linton. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Photo courtesy National Forest Service.

A river runs through it; thoughts on the Bitterroot River

by Nathan Boddy

Fed by high mountain lakes and thousands of square miles of wilderness, the Bitterroot River is the idyllic

ribbon that strings this valley together. Whether foating, fshing or wading, the Bitterroot’s meandering curves and stunning backdrop of mountains is the stuf of the silver screen, literally. Luckily for visitors and residents alike, the Bitterroot River hosts many public access points along its entire reach. Many access points are spaced at convenient intervals allowing foaters and tubers to easily plan a four or fve hour foat on the water during a hot summer afternoon. Fly shops in the valley have up to date information on fow levels,

potential hazards and the best fies to use when fshing. Most are glad to make suggestions based on how much time and experience you have.

It is important to note, however, that although the river is stunning and may appear tranquil, it can actually be quite dangerous. Spring foods move and realign logjams, and fallen trees can form ‘strainers’ any time of the year. The relatively calm fow can lure foaters into a lack of attention or false sense of security. Always be aware that a dangerous obstacle can be around any corner, and conditions can change from day to day.

If foating is not your style, walk-in access to the river can be just as enjoyable, especially when combined with some lawn chairs, fshing equipment and a cooler. Some of the more popular sites include the Demmons Bridge at the west end of Main Street, as well as River Park, Skalkaho Bend Park, and Steve Powell Park in Hamilton. Further north, Woodside Bridge

west of Corvallis and

Studies preparing soldiers for environmental extremes

by Cary Shimek, UM News Service

Last year University of Montana scientist Walter Hailes was on top of the world – literally. An experienced climbing guide, he summited Mount Everest, enjoying spectacular 360-views of the highest mountains on Earth.

Hailes said the memory is hazy. Even with sufcient oxygen, the mind plays tricks at that ultimate altitude. He can’t precisely remember how long they lingered on top. Maybe a half hour? But it was wonderful up there: sunny, little wind and a balmy (for Everest) -25 F.

“It was perfect,” Hailes said. “I even took my gloves of to take pictures.”

Hailes often works with high altitudes at UM. He is part of the Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism (WPEM), which recently earned $9 million in grants from the U.S. Air Force and Army to investigate ways to improve the performance of service personnel working in extremes of altitude, heat and cold.

A big part of the work is to understand any diferences in how male and female bodies deal with such challenges.

The center is directed by Brent Ruby, a former Ironman triathlete who has long studied the limits of human endurance among wildland frefghters, soldiers and athletes. The center’s modern WPEM exercise lab was tacked onto McGill Hall in 2007 and includes a 10by-10 climate-controlled environmental chamber. WPEM also employs a series of solar-powered Airstream trailers as mobile labs for feldwork.

“We’ve been doing lab and feldbased research funded in part from the U.S. military since 1996,” Ruby said. “We’ve shown we can work faster and much cheaper, and we are a lot more fexible in how we can get these big projects done. It’s also challenging to do these projects with service personnel, so we fnd surrogate populations.”

The scientifc stand-ins for America’s elite military personnel usually are super-ft male and female athletes. Ruby said they are working on a heat adap-

tation study that will be done in their campus lab. An altitude-adaption study already launched last summer at Hawaii’s Mauna Kea volcano. Another cold and physical stress study will happen in Alaska.

Getting more data on females during these projects will be groundbreaking.

“I would say 90% of the data out there is with 18- to 24-year-old men,” said Robert “Trey” Coker, another WPEM researcher. “There is a huge gap in knowledge when it comes to energy expenditure, how muscles maintain their resiliency in these environments and what happens when you add ridiculous amounts of physical activity.”

Heat

The WPEM environmental chamber can crank to 120 F. Researcher

Dustin Slivka said the military wants strategies to help personnel of both sexes adapt quickly to extreme heat. During a seven-day study, research subjects will go into the heat chamber. One group will come in once a day for an

See STUDIES, page 10

Bell Crossing northeast of Victor are popular areas for swimming and fshing. River access can also be gained through the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville, as well as the John Owen Fishing Access Site at the Stevensville Bridge and at the Florence Bridge on the Eastside Hwy.

Crossing the Bitterroot River.

Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Waders enjoy the cooling water of the Bitterroot River upstream of Demmon’s Bridge in Hamilton. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

MINE: Potential mine near Sheep Creek worries Bitterrooters

viability of the mine is uncertain. For many in the room on a recent Wednesday night, that unsettled future presents an opportunity to thwart the mine’s prospects.

Friends of the Bitterroot, a local non-proft dedicated to environmental advocacy, spearheaded the gathering and was joined by various groups, including the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Clearwater, and the Montana Environmental Information Center. Following the flm, several speakers shared their concerns about the mine, the corporations that hold the claims and what they view as potential pitfalls.

“Hard to imagine that someone would even think of digging a big pit up there,” said Larry Campbell, a retired geologist.

Campbell conceded that momentum for the mine is strong, especially given the backing of federal legislation such as the Rare Earth Elements & Critical Minerals Act, which aims “to support the development of domestic supply chains for rare earth elements and other critical materials.”

“It’s very difcult to stop a mine,” Campbell said. “Almost the only way to really stop a mine is if they go bankrupt or if you can get congressional

support.”

Nonetheless, those gathered made clear that many residents fear how the mine may harm the local economy, the community and their way of life.

Philip Ramsey, lead scientist and general manager of MPG Ranch, a biological research station in Florence, told the crowd that while the company is named US Critical Materials, it is Canadian-owned.

“The more you look at this, the crazier it seems,” he said. “If it were up to me, we wouldn’t issue these guys a fshing permit, much less a mining permit.”

Bonnie Gestring, the northwest program director at Earthworks, shared her concerns about the unforeseen impacts mining operations often have on water quality. For example, she pointed to the Montana Tunnels Mine near Jeferson City, which fled for bankruptcy in 2022. That mine had been inoperable since 2018 when it failed to post an adequate bond, Gestring said, and is now considered abandoned by the Department of Environmental Quality. Since its closure, the pit has widened and is threatening to overtake nearby Clancy Creek, Gestring said,

“I do think it’s really important to talk about how difcult it is to predict

water quality impacts, even today with modern mining,” she said.

Gestring said that Earthworks and Montana Trout Unlimited commissioned a study of 12 major operating mines in Montana that all began after the implementation of modern federal and state mining regulations in the 1980s.

“We found that 90% of those mines resulted in water quality impacts that were not predicted when the mines were permitted,” she said.

Each speaker echoed the importance of mobilizing to oppose the Sheep Creek Mine and to submit comments to the Forest Service before what they fear will be a short and expedited permitting process.

Although no representative of USMC spoke at the event, Chris Gammons, a professor of geological engineering at Montana Tech who also serves as USMC’s academic advisor on the Sheep Creek project, was in the audience and provided a written statement to Montana Free Press about the potential mine.

“We really don’t know at this point whether there is a large deposit of REE there that could ever be mined,” Gammons wrote. “This type of evaluation typically requires several seasons of drilling, and, to my knowledge, there

has not been any drilling on the property yet. Of course, any proposal for a mine will need to go through rigorous environmental review, and the property’s location at the head of the West Fork Bitterroot River will no doubt raise the level of public scrutiny.”

Vicki Watson, a retired University of Montana Environmental Studies Department professor, shook her head in disbelief over the proposal. She fears the public will be left paying for the cleanup if bonds fall short and the companies fall into bankruptcy.

“Whatever can go wrong, will,” she said. “When will we ever learn?”

Ramsey from the MPG Ranch said he does not want the fght against the proposed mine to become political. The issue should have nothing to do with a person’s politics but instead should boil down to weighing the risk against the viability of the community’s economy and health. And the risk, he said, of mining in an agricultural valley at the headwaters of a highly valued blue-ribbon trout stream is too signifcant.

“If 500 thousand gallons of radioactive waste spills into the West Fork, it’s going to dramatically change everybody’s life in the Bitterroot,” he said. “You’ll kill a sustainable, thriving economy.”

Bitterroot National Forest announces approval for project

The Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) has announced that it has received approval for emergency actions from Forest Service Chief Randy Moore to implement the Bitterroot Front Project.

Earlier this year, the Secretary of Agriculture invoked the emergency authority, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Section 40807), across 250 high risk fresheds in the western United States. The law authorizes the Forest Service to take emergency actions to protect public health and safety, critical infrastructure, and natural resources on National Forest System lands from destructive wildfres.

The Bitterroot National Forest con-

tains fve of the highest risk fresheds in the nation, four of which are in the Bitterroot Front Project area. The Montana Forest Action Plan has identifed the area as having high wildfre risk to communities and infrastructure and signifcant forest health concerns. Ravalli County has the highest risk to structures from wildfre of any county in Montana.

The project, which was announced last year following a series of public meetings, is a proposed fuels reduction, vegetation management, and forest health improvement project on the Stevensville and Darby Ranger Districts. The project planning area extends the length of the main Bit-

terroot Valley along the front of the mountains from McClain Creek on the northern end of the forest to Trapper Creek on the southern end.

Use of emergency authorities must be approved on a case-by-case basis by the Chief of the Forest Service. As a result of the Emergency Action Determination, the Bitterroot Front Project will not be subject to the pre-decisional objection review process. Using the right tools in the right places, the emergency authorities would provide the BNF the opportunity to accelerate the implementation of these critical fuels and forest health treatments. The work will be done in full compliance with the National Environmental Pol-

icy Act (NEPA) and all other applicable laws. The project scope has been narrowed to focus only on emergency fuels treatments, including prescribed fre, non-commercial thinning, and commercial harvesting.

The project aligns with the USDA Forest Service’s “Wildfre Crisis Strategy” that works with partners to protect communities and improve the resilience of America’s Forests. This crisis is being driven by declining forest health in the West, which is due to a combination of overgrown forests following a century of fre suppression and a warming climate with re-

See FRONT, page 10

Birding Column

Green Heron in Deer Lodge?

Adding new state birds to your life list is fairly easy when you first start birding. Thirty years ago I could add 10 to 20 new state birds on a single bird trip. It was exciting and I was learning the many species that dwell within the borders of this great state.

If you continue to bird you hit a ceiling at 250 species and it gets hard to find one more of our 446 known species. If you’re totally smitten by birds and bird seriously, you hit another ceiling at 300 and after that it is downright hard to find a new species.

Of the 14,595 birders that have submitted a Montana checklist to eBird there are only 54 birders who have seen more than 300 species in the Treasure State. I currently sit at 382 species and no one has seen more than that. A birder from Billings is close behind me with 380. The top ten birders in the state include folks with more than 357 species. It is a lot of work and includes many hours in the field. It also necessitates thousands of miles of driving.

Some years I will put around 15,000 miles on my truck in search of a new species and often have few new species for my effort. In 2017 I saw 8 new Montana species, 2018 -2, 2019 – 2, 2020 – 3, 2021 – 1 and 2022 -4. This year started off with a great sighting in Dillon of a Scott’s Oriole on May 25. I was not the first person to see the Scott’s and it was the first record for the species in Montana. What a great addition to my Montana life list.

On June 19 a birder posted that he had seen a Green Heron across from Arrowstone Park just south of Deer Lodge. I saw the post and said, “No way, it must be some new birder with a misidentification.” New birders see a lot of birds that no one else ever sees and I dismissed it. The next day my grandson called and said, “Did you see there is a Green Heron at Arrowstone Park?” I replied, “I saw the post but doubt the identification. There has only been 29 records state wide.” Grandson says “I guess you didn’t see the picture that was posted, it is a Green Heron.”

I got off my phone and immediately drove .25 miles south of town. It was posted as seen along Valley View Drive on the east side of the park. The first drive down the road did not produce the bird. On the return trip I thought I saw a cat in the wet meadow, but it was indeed the Green Heron. The picture with this article is of the bird crouched down and trying to avoid being seen. I still can’t believe I have Montana bird number 382 less than a

mile from my house! I have traveled many miles to add a bird species over the years, and have missed on 3 species across the state. What a rare easy to get bird – and it was in Deer Lodge! How do we distinguish this heron from others? Ten heron species have been seen in Montana with the most familiar the Great Blue Heron. The Green Heron is separated from others by being rather small, dark, blue-green back, rusty-colored neck and black cap. Behavior wise they are often crouched in wet vegetation as was this one. In flight the necked is tucked in tight to the body.

Their typical range is eastern states to the middle of the Dakotas south to Texas and then along the west coast. They are typically absent from the interior western states.

I immediately called my grandson and he drove down from Butte and observed the heron as well. By the next day the bird was gone and as

by

Gary Swant

far as I know only three people saw it. The original person who posted the bird (I don’t know the birder), myself and my grandson. This is what makes birding so fun, it’s like a scavenger hunt that goes on all year long. I hope you get as much fun out of seeing birds as I do. Retirement would be a lot less enjoyable without my feathered friends.

Remember a great aid in understand birds is my My Montana Birds book ($39.95). Email me for a copy – birdmt@charter.net.

Crouched in the wet grass to avoid detection. Photo by Gary Swant.

DEQ: limited development on controversial site approved

Continued from page 1

International Paper Company. The company has made several steps over the years, including a cleanup of the main site. It was cleaned up to an industrial level, which is among several DEQ qualifcation clean-up levels. These levels refer to what would be considered safe use. The levels range from very strictly regulated to lower levels of regulation. One of the most strict is residential, considering use by a person living on the site for many years and having almost continuous and unlimited exposure to the site. Industrial would consider a person working on the site every day, but for limited stints of time. This means that the average level of contaminants ingested by the person over the course of a 24 hour day, or other stretch of time, would not exceed levels considered safe. In other words, when cleaned to an industrial level, only industrial use should be considered safe, according to DEQ. These are equivalent to nationwide standards in most cases.

The next step for the site, according to Roll, is to complete the feasibility study. He estimated that this will be done within the next year. Though DEQ cannot approve or disapprove of any uses on the site ofcially, they submit regulation violations to enforcing parties. “We just work with development to keep from making the contamination worse,” explained Roll.

According to Roll, by owning a Superfund property, the party also has the possibility to incur liability, and so it is in their best legal and moral interest to do everything possible not to make the contamination worse.

This was said in response to questioning by the general public, done through written questions on note cards turned in. These questions were answered aloud by Roll and other DEQ staf. One such card raised a question as to what ensures that the process will be done responsibly. Roll claimed that, as long as basic construction practices are followed, and contamination is not worsened,

liability will not be incurred. He also mentioned during his presentation that every process needs to meet DEQ regulations and limitations, otherwise there is legal risk to the developing party. According to Roll and DEQ, there is great risk on the shoulders of the developer. “Redevelopment is a goal. We want to see the properties put back into positive economic use,” added Kevin Stone, with DEQ.

When the question of threats to the water supply for the surrounding area, and the town, was brought up, Roll answered, “The groundwater plume is moving away from the water supplies.” He also said that the closest town well is located to the south of the site, and away from the interpreted direction of contamination fow.

One of the site properties does already have development on the horizon. According to Darby mayor McKinney, the property next to Farmers State Bank, which also saw the least of the contamination, is seeking to develop. During a Darby Town Council meeting on Wednesday, July 19, after the presentation was given by DEQ, the council voted to approve the development, and to connect to water and sewer on the site, according to Resolution 725.

According to McKinney, the town invited DEQ to come out to do the presentation because of the confusion, both on the side of the general public and among the council. The presentation was meant to address many of the concerns about possible development and any threats the site may or may not pose to the general public.

ple have felt that space to have been an eyesore,” said McKinney. She also added, “We didn’t want them to build a private well because of the issues there.” Though

is proposed is away from the direction in which the plume is traveling. She also wanted to mention, “At this time, the only approval that has been given is for a restaurant, bar

in its July 22 issue regarding the possible Bitterroot Lodge Resort, McKinney said, “Approval has been given for one building only. No approval for housing, temporary or

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Apollo is a very sweet and gentle giant. He is a 4 year old English mastif. He does great with kids of all ages. Apollo needs to be the only pet, as he is not fond of other animals.

When asked about the decision, McKinney explained that there were several considerations made beforehand. One of these was that “peo-

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there was concern about the site’s history, McKinney wanted to reafrm that the site where the development

and casino.” To this approval, numerous conditions are attached.

So far, according to Mayor McKinney, DEQ has approved the site for safe use up to the level of commercial and industrial use. This would include the possibility of a hotel. However, the town has not approved such a use.

Contradicting a report made in the Ravalli Republic

otherwise, has been given,” and “anything else would need to go back through for review, recommendation and approval.”

“The choice is theirs, it is private property,” said McKinney, “as long as they follow all the rules and regulations.” Anything beyond what was approved above would need to go through the approval process again, would need to address any other public concerns and there could be further restrictions applied, depending on what is proposed.

Bob Roll addressing the town of Darby, Tuesday July 18 at the Darby Community Clubhouse. Photo by John Dowd.

Image of the proposed Bitterroot Lodge to be constructed on part of the Superfund site. Image from proposed plans, submitted with Resolution 725, courtesy Town of Darby.

Lone Rock

Farmers Market

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

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

RCEDA

The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will be holding its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 19 beginning at 3 p.m. in the RCEDA Conference Room. There will be no meeting in August.

NV Library activities

Library Board Meeting –

Wednesday, July 19 at 3pm

Library Board of Trustees Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and Zoom links to attend virtually are available at https://www. northvalleylibrary.org/ board-information.

Science Squad for Ages 8-12 – Wednesday, July 19 at 4pm

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

Bug Out Bag Basics featuring Bug Out Montana –Thursday, July 27 at 6pm

In a disaster situation,

what would you take with you? Where would you go if you were forced to leave your home?

What items would benefcial to have ready and waiting...

JUST in case it was time to leave with only a few moments notice? All these questions are covered and more in Bug Out Bag Basics featuring Bug Out Montana. They’ve used the gear and spent the money and time testing it out so you won’t have to. This program is an eye-opener and could save you money by learning what works and what doesn’t. They will also explain the top 10 mistakes people make while building a bug out bag. Registration required.

North Valley Pachyderm Club

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

Rotary Club

On Monday, July 24, Rotary welcomes Larry Mylnechuk, Pres of Sons of American Revolution. Rotary is an international service organization of over one million members that focuses its service and fnancial support on public health. Rotary meets Mondays at 12 noon at BJ’s restaurant at 900 N. 1st in Hamilton. Guests and prospective members are welcome.

Call to Worship

Call To Worship in Caras Park, Saturday, July 29th, 11 am to 8 pm. A day of worship to the most High God with multiple bands. A day of testimony with multiple personal testimonies interwoven

throughout the day. Local non-proft recovery groups available with information.

A full day of fun and food with food/dessert trucks available. Come one, come all. See you there!

Music at the Mission

Historic St. Mary’s Mission presents: Music at the Mission with Lisa Weber: “Music from the Heart.” Join us Sunday, July 30 at 7 p.m. in the Historic Chapel at 315 Charlos Street, Stevensville. Pie and ice cream will be served after the performance. Donations will help raise funds to rebuild the blacksmith shop.

ProLife Bitterroot

Monthly meeting, Tuesday, August 1st, at Kodiak Jax. 514 Main Street, Stevensville, at 6 p.m. For more information, call (406) 407-1254.

Emergency Preparedness Classes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly Emergency Preparedness classes. They are held at 7 p.m. at the Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: August 10: “Water Bath Canning & Pressure Canning”; September 14: “Basic First Aid & Kits: What to Have and How To Use Them”. You can attend any or all classes.

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

Medicare 101 workshop

A Medicare 101 Educa-

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

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

Historic St. Mary’s

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

Health and wellness classes

A free Health & Wellness Series with Dr. Cage is held on the 1st Thursday each month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton. New presentation on natural healing topics followed by questions and answers. Website: drcagesays.org. RSVP 406-361-8073.

For Women Only

Introduction To Defensive Handguns August 26 & September 23 2023

This 2 day course is for women with little or no experience with handguns, who may be frightened of

handguns or who are considering acquiring a handgun. The frst day course is designed to assist you in choosing the right handgun –for you. It will also introduce you to the facilities of the Whittecar Range. There will be discussions on handgun safety, basic operation of revolvers,semi-automatic handguns, and the cartridges used in each type of handgun. The legal aspects of the use of force will be presented and discussed.

Handguns will be provided so that you may handle the diferent types and models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fre session on the range. A self defense book, specifcally for women, will also be provided. The second day course will teach basic defensive shooting using the students own equipment. Safe gun handling will be taught and stressed. Various types of ammunition and the performance of each type will be

discussed. The class will be held at the Whittecar Range on Blodgett View Road. The class is limited to 10 participants. For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or Jim at 3608392. Successful completion of this two day course meets the education requirements for application to the state for a concealed carry permit.

Stevi school board meetings

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold the following Board meetings at 7:00 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir

FRONT: Bitterroot Front Project receives emergency approval

Continued from page 4

cord-breaking drought. The problem is compounded by expanding development in fre-prone areas. The strategy includes an increase in fuels and forest health treatments by up to four times current treatment levels in the West.

“Every summer we are all crossing our fngers hoping that we don’t get a fre start anywhere along the Front,” said Steve Brown, Stevensville District Ranger. “We know that the current situation is dire, with much of the area in need of fuels reduction work now if we want to have any hope of success at suppressing those fres when they do happen.”

“With each passing year the problem gets worse,” said

Abbie Jossie, Darby/Sula District Ranger. “That is why the Secretary has declared an Emergency in the highest risk fresheds, to give us the tools to get out in front of this problem.”

Project planning is moving forward in collaboration with local partners including the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT).

“The Bitterroot Valley is a homeland to the Salish and Qlispe people,” said Tony Incashola Jr., CSKT Director of Forestry. “It holds a deep meaning to our tribes. There is a lot of history in the valley and the Bitterroot range. Protection of that history for current and future cultural use is of high importance to

us as a people. The Bitterroot National Forest plan to treat the front area will help ensure that protection. With coordination from our tribal preservation and resource specialists we are aiding their eforts to not only improve forest health and conditions but also reduce the risk of large wildfre potential.”

In 2021, the BNF and CSKT signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to partner in the planning of vegetation treatment projects. The MOU ensures that forest management objectives of the CSKT are considered in all BNF project planning eforts.

The Bitterroot Front Project is also supported by

the Ravalli County Collaborative (RCC), a diverse group of volunteers whose mission is to promote the wise use and management of public natural resources within Ravalli County.

“The RCC believes that a landscape-level management strategy is warranted along the Bitterroot Front to address the potential for loss of life, catastrophic wildfre and subsequent damage to private property. Wildfre damage potential is very high in these areas because of forest fuel loads, rapid suburban development adjacent to BNF lands, and climate changes.” (April 12, 2022 - RCC News Release).

Following a robust scop-

ing comment period in 2022 (400+ public comments, most in favor), the next step for the Bitterroot Front Project includes release of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA), scheduled for this summer.

To learn more about the Bitterroot Front Project and to view maps visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=57341. To see a video about the project area visit https://vimeo. com/569513796.

For more information or questions concerning the project, contact Steve Brown, Stevensville District Ranger at (406) 777-5461 or Abbie Jossie, Darby/Sula District Ranger at (406) 821-3913.

STUDIES: UM experiments to help military seek top performance for personnel

Continued from page 3

hour and a half. Another group will come in three times a day for shorter sessions.

“We are trying to see what is the best strategy to get them to a heat-tolerant level that’s the most efcient,” Slivka said.

They will monitor the subjects with skin and rectal monitors. (Slivka said rectal is the gold standard for this type of work.) They also use swallowed thermostat pills that provide temperature data to a watch over a 24-hour period.

“We have found in a previous study that women do acclimate diferently than men,” he said. “This has made some researchers say, ‘Hey, we have to be more careful with females in the heat.’ But some of our data suggests women may be better at acclimating to heat than men. Female body cycles already require them to deal with more temperature changes than men, and we are investigating what is diferent

about females that may allow them to acclimate better than men.

“Anytime the data doesn’t look like men, some assume it’s worse. But we think that those with that interpretation should be cautioned. We’ll learn more.”

Cold

What does extreme cold exposure do to overall energy expenditure in combination with physical activity, and is it diferent between the sexes?

UM will investigate this during two upcoming endurance races in Alaska and the Yukon.

The Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic is an unsupported cross-country ski race lasting fve to seven days that crosses an icy mountain range. The Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra is 430 miles of skiing, biking or hiking that is marginally supported over 12 to 14 days. Temperatures can plunge to -50 F and colder.

Only about 20 extreme athletes do each race, and usually half of those sign up to be studied by UM’s Coker and his crew. The athletes agree to provide regular urine samples as they compete.

“It’s easy to store urine at that temperature – it freezes pretty quick,” Coker said.

“We will have them drink a harmless stable isotope that is like a tracer bullet. This labels their hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen comes of in a predictable way, but the oxygen changes in proportion to energy expenditure. The method helps us trace metabolically what is taking place in real time.”

Ruby said they have used the isotope-tracing technique on other projects but never before in an extreme cold environment.

“It’s underrepresented in the literature,” he said.

Altitude

Most U.S. military bases

are located at sea level. During the War in Afghanistan, troops would fy from places like Florida to forward operating bases at 9,000 feet, where they would carry heavy loads on missions to heights at 14,000 feet with few days to acclimate.

“We don’t want them presenting with acute mountain sickness or pulmonary edema and all the other bad things that can happen to them,” Slivka said.

In summer 2022, WPEM conducted experiments in Hawaii. Research subjects from Missoula (elevation 3,200 feet) slept at 9,000 feet and then took daily hikes on the slopes of Mauna Kea, which rises to almost 14,000 feet.

Everyone slept with a tent over the bed, with half getting extra oxygen pumped into the tent and half getting normal room air. Hailes said their working hypothesis is that those with boosted oxygen will

sleep and perform better atop the volcano.

“The big negative is that maybe those people won’t acclimate as well because they are not getting as much time with lower blood oxygen,” he said. “They are spending nine hours in a tent with oxygen, so maybe it hampers their long-term acclimation. Maybe we’ll fnd it’s better to sufer for three days, and then you perform better than those who didn’t sufer.”

As the studies progress, UM will provide strategies that should help the military achieve peak performance for its personnel – male or female – no matter the environment.

Upcoming UM research will study the implications of loads and environmental and nutrient stress on protein synthesis and muscle metabolism. The work may improve performance among military personnel, extreme athletes and others.

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

B-ball

camp helps athletes develop sports, life skills

Summer is the time for camps in the Bitterroot Valley - especially sports camps. One of the best in the valley is the McCarthy Basketball Camp, which was held in Stevensville on July 17-20. The camp is for boys and girls entering K-9th grade and is in its 3rd year.

“We had a great turnout this year, “said the camp’s founder, Frank McCarthy. “We had 167 total campers and they were such a great group of kids!”

As most parents know, summer camps can be expensive. But McCarthy feels it is important to keep the cost as afordable as possible. The cost of the McCarthy Basketball Camp for four days of instruction was only $75, and the campers received a water bottle, a camp t-shirt, and a basketball, and,

more importantly, they learned important basketball and life skills.

Frank McCarthy began coaching basketball in 1979 at the St. Labre Indian School, then coached MSU-Billings for 10 years, MSU for two years, then spent the last 16 years of his career at Sheridan College in Wyoming. From there his family moved to the Bitterroot Valley.

McCarthy wanted his campers to come away with better basketball skills, while also learning valuable life skills. Campers practiced basketball fundamentals like shooting, passing, jump stops, defensive, and rebounding. They also learned the importance of looking someone in the eye, making a good handshake, and having good

manners. They learned the importance of having a good attitude, practicing gratitude, and pursuing your goals and dreams.

At its best, sports makes athletes better overall people. The top coaches make this connection. This is the connection that McCarthy teaches in his camps.

On July 19th the campers got a treat. Mike Doleac, a 10-year NBA player and Bitterroot Valley resident, spoke to the campers and took questions. Doleac’s talk emphasized the importance of knowing your role on a team, and, by extension, excelling in your role in life. In his own journey, Doleac was a star player and a benchwarmer and everything in

between. Throughout it all, excelling at his given role was paramount for success. The campers seemed awed to hear him speak.

McCarthy is quick to credit others for the success of the camp.

“The Stevensville school district was gracious enough to host the camp and the facilities were amazing,” said McCarthy. “I’m especially thankful to Clayton Curley for all his help. We have some great sponsors to keep the cost down, like Donaldson Bros, Tire Rama, Albertsons, Big Sky Eyecare, Carroll Ortho, and Michele Meehan Dentistry. And as always we had a great group of coaches who did a fabulous job teaching and creating a positive environment for the kids.”

Warm water prompts hoot-owl restrictions

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks is advising anglers that the entire main stem of the Bitterroot River (from the confuence with the Clark Fork near Missoula, to the confuence with the East and West Forks) is now under hoot-owl restrictions, efective Monday, July 24, due to warm water conditions. Hoot-owl restrictions close fshing daily from 2 p.m. to midnight.

overnight low of 52°. West northwest wind 5 to 13 mph. The record low for tonight is 38° set in 1963. Thursday, skies will be partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, high of 88°, humidity of 32%. South southeast wind 5 to 13 mph. Thursday night, skies will be mostly clear, overnight low of 53°. Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This

FWP’s drought policy provides for angling restrictions when fows drop below critical levels for fsh, when water quality is diminished, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout. Restrictions of this nature are designed to protect fsh that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when conditions like this exist.

The hoot-owl restrictions for the upper Bitterroot (Veteran’s Bridge at Hamilton to the confuence with the East and West Forks), which have been in efect since July 19, are based on more conservative criteria for cutthroat trout (temperatures that reach or exceed 66 degrees for three consecutive days). The East and West Forks of the Bitterroot River remain out of restrictions.

Anglers anywhere can also help reduce stress and mortality for fsh by following these practices when catching and releasing fsh, though fsh mortality may still occur:

Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted.

Keep the fsh in water as much as possible.

Let the fsh recover before releasing it.

If high temperatures and extremely low fows persist, anglers may want to consider fshing areas with less stressful temperatures and conditions, such as larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation waterbodies.

For the latest waterbody restrictions and closures, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures.

Boys camp photo from the annual McCarthy Basketball Camp, which was held in Stevensville on July 17-20. A total of 167 kids attended camp and learned how to be better in basketball and life. Photo by Amy McCarthy.

Girls camp photo from the annual McCarthy Basketball Camp, which was held in Stevensville on July 17-20. A total of 167 kids attended camp and learned how to be better in basketball and life. Photo by Amy McCarthy.

David Campbell: Catch, Revive, and Release

“Instead of catch and release, our posters ought to say catch, revive, and release.”

David Campbell, the late USFS West Fork District Ranger and I were sitting outdoors, having a conversation over morning cofee in 2016 shortly after his retirement. As usual, we were discussing the health of the West Fork fshery.

Dave took a comprehensive view of the resources under his watch. Over the course of his career, he contributed much to their well-being. Just recently he was memorialized with a fshing access on his beloved West Fork named for him.

fnding. Their chances of survival were slim to nonexistent. They may appear to swim away and appear to be “just fne,” then fail to regain equilibrium and roll belly-up on the bottom.

by Chuck Stranahan

We were concerned, that morning, with the dead cutthroat trout that Fish Wildlife and Parks biologists Chris Clancy and Leslie Nyce found in the Darby stretch of the Bitterroot River. Water temperatures then, as now, had been climbing with the onset of hot weather.

David and I agreed that those trout didn’t just up and die from the heat – they were most likely subjected to multiple stresses that included exhaustion from being played too gingerly when hooked, and not being fully revived before release.

That latter item, in our view, was critically important.

A fsh that is already stressed by high water temperatures, then further stressed by being hooked, played, and landed, is in mortal danger.

I’ve winced as I watched too many foaters net and unhook a trout, then slip it over the side of the boat without frst reviving it fully. Those fsh, I thought as I listened to David, were the ones that Chris and Leslie were

To insure that those trout survive, please do the following: Play fsh promptly. If small, strip the fsh in and get it back in the water “right now.” If large, let it go wild for the frst couple of runs and jumps, then don’t let it relax. There is nothing ‘sporting’ about delicately exhausting a big, wild fsh beyond its capacity to recover. Use enough rod, and once the battle is engaged, be forceful with it.

Keeping an exhausted fsh in the water while unhooking does not constitute revival. Even though the fsh may appear to swim of unharmed, the lactic acid built up in its system through the fght can kill it unless dissipated.

Land and unhook fsh quickly Use a net rather than exhausting a fsh to hand, only to be mishandled. Don’t squish the innards! Use forceps and get the fy out NOW, and if you can’t do that, clip it of. Keep the fsh in water facing upstream for as much of this operation as possible. Turning it upside down sometimes helps to immobilize it.

If you want a photo, revive the fsh frst. Try for a shot with the fsh underwater or partially submerged while reviving. For a ‘squat and grin’ fsh picture, have the photographer compose and focus while the fsh is underwater. Then the formula is

“quick grin, back in”, as you momentarily lift with both hands under the fsh. Holding a sixteen-inch fsh aloft with one hand under the abdominal cavity can damage its internal organs.

The frst move, when submerging any fsh that has been lifted from the water, should be to point its head down until you are sure it has released any air that might be trapped in its upper gills.

Revive fsh patiently, thoroughly, gently. Spend some time. Take a frm grip in front of the tail with one hand, gently cradling the trout’s body just behind the front fns with the other. Hold fsh facing upstream in gentle current. If you’re foating, pull over or drop

anchor as soon as any decent-sized fsh is hooked. The raft tends to move at current speed – rendering the practice of holding a fsh facing upstream over the side of a moving boat virtually useless. The same goes for letting the fsh swim out of the net when the boat is moving. That fsh needs the current to move water through its gills.

Take your time. Don’t believe that frst spasm. Wait until rhythmic breathing has returned, and the dorsal fn is standing upright. Then, and only then, gradually release your grip at the tail. When that trout swims of under full power, headed for the lie where you hooked it, you’ve done your job well.

Revive before release. Head down to evacuate air from gills, then fully submerge and hold trout in current for as long as it takes to revive fully Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Friday Aug. 4 3pm - 10pm

Main Street

Kids Parade 6pm

Shōdown 7pm to 10pm

LewiS & CLark Park

Tightline 7pm to 10pm

Saturday Aug. 5 9am - 10pm

Main Street

Grand Parade 11am (line up starts at 9am at Stevi High)

LewiS & CLark Park

Joan Zen 7pm to 10pm

Local Breweries:

Blacksmith and Wildwood

Kids Activities

Friday & Saturday!

Pig Races

Beer Garden

Friday 4pm-10pm

Saturday 12pm - 10pm

Local Breweries!

Theme: Food & Craft Vendors Young Entrepreneur Vendors!

Booked for the season

“The Crow Valley Karaoke Championships” by Ali

Bryan c.2023, Henry Holt Books $27.99 304 pages

The acoustics in your car aren’t the best there is, but they’ll do.

Who need fancy equipment, a stage, or even a microphone when you’re belting out songs for an audience of a few passengers or for just yourself? Who even needs to know the right words? In your car, you’re singing for fun or for joy, you’re not, as in the new novel “The Crow Valley Karaoke Championships” by Ali Bryan, singing for your sanity.

Dale Jepson should’ve been there.

This was supposed to be his year. He was supposed to sing his heart out and win the karaoke contest in the small town of Crow Valley, but that would never happen. Dale was a firefighter and he died last year, helping someone else.

Roxanne, Dale’s widow, couldn’t shake the idea that Dale was coming back. She couldn’t raise her boys alone. She couldn’t fix the deck or mow the lawn. In the meantime, she kept Dale’s ashes in a thermos, and she talked to them all the time.

Molly Chivers felt responsible for Dale’s death, but she didn’t dare say it out loud. She said she ran out of gas and he died bringing her more – but she lied. She didn’t run out of gas, she just said she did and she wasn’t sure why. Mothering four rambunctious boys was more than she could take. Motherhood sucked her life away.

Over at the Crow Valley Correctional Institution, Officer Val Blanchard wondered how the karaoke competition was going. Her husband, Brett, was supposed to sing and Val wasn’t sure if she cared or not. He had an affair awhile back, and Val wasn’t sure if she wanted her marriage anymore, either. What she really cared about

was finding another drink. She also thought too much about Marcel, one of the inmates at the Institution. He knew it, too, but he was more inter -

by Terry Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

ested in watching his captors, because the minute Val or someone else looked away, he was going to run...

Here’s the best advice you could get, regarding the story inside “The Crow Valley Karaoke Championships”: don’t overthink it. Enjoy the characters and the situations in which they’ve found themselves. Fall in love with one or two of them. Look for the spit-out-your-drink, clever bon mots that author Ali Bryan sneaks into random scenes. Just don’t overthink the plot.

If you do, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed. There’s a lot going on inside this novel and while that’s not an unpleasant thing, it can make you wonder if there’s ever going to be a point to this tornado-like madness. There is, and it arrives, but in bits and pieces until everything comes into focus. This is a book that takes patience. You won’t be sorry if you give it that. The loose-ends tie up nicely, eventually, and don’t be surprised if at least one of them takes your breath away. Don’t be surprised, either, if you end up loving “The Crow Valley Karaoke Championships, or that you’ll sing its praises.

4-IN-1 ESTATE SALE

Warehouse is full, bring a trailer!! July 28, 29 & 30 9am-2pm. 2590 Murphy St Missoula.

Fifth Wheel Hitch. 16K, Pullrite, heavy duty hitch. 928-420-9234.

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

Use Happy Jack® mange medicine to treat horse mane dandruf & lice. At Tractor Supply® (www.happyjackinc.com)

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

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

new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-877-324-0193

CASH for old clothes Woman’s & Men’s (406) 381-7186

FLORENCE/STEVI:

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOUSE,

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, nSurvivor Benefts, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus ofer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today!

1-866-585-6456

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

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The City of Wolf Point, Mont., is accepting applications for a full-time Public Works Director. Salary is negotiable based on education and experience. Benefts include retirement in the Public Employees Retirement System, health insurance paid for employee with family plans available, vacation, sick leave and paid holidays. Wolf Point is located in the heart of northeast Montana and offers some of the best hunting for upland birds, deer, antelope and, if drawn for tags, elk. Fort Peck Dam is 45 minutes west of Wolf Point and is the home to trophy walleye, northern pike, lake trout and small mouth bass. For application packet, contact ctywlfpt@nemont.net. Closing Date: Aug. 31, 2023.

Legal Notices

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Patricia Dee Cloud, Patricia Dee Cloud, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-23-45

Dept. 2 ORDER RESETTING

HEARING ON NAME

CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Patricia Dee Cloud to Ava Patricia Cloud. IT IS HEREBY

ORDERED that the hearing on the Petition for Name Change currently scheduled for Thursday, March 23 at 1:30 p.m. is VACATED and RESET for Thursday, September 7 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 15th of February, 2023.

Electronically signed by

Hon. Judge Jennifer B. Lint BS 7-19, 7-26, 8-2, 8-9-23.

John D. Greef

Attorney at Law

302 W. Main St. Sidney, MT 59270 (406) 360-8117

Attorney for Personal

Representative MONTANA TWENTY

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT

COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Gregory Alan Yockey Deceased.

Cause No. DP-23-77

Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to John D. Greef, attorney for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, 302 W. Main Street, Sidney, MT 59270, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 5th day of July, 2023. /s/ John D. Greef, attorney

for Personal Representative

BS 7-19, 7-26, 8-2-23.

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

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET E. GREEN, Deceased. Case No. DP-23-85 Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

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

DATED this 13th day of July 2023.

/s/ Lisa Dow, Personal Representative BS 7-19, 7-26, 8-2-23.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR STREET REPAIRS, TOWN OF STEVENSVILLE

The Town of Stevensville is requesting bids for resurfacing and subgrade repair, on a design build basis, for streets located in the town limits of the Town of Stevensville. #1. SPRING STREET FROM EAST 2ND STREET TO PARK AVENUE. #2. RAILROAD AVENUE FROM EAST 2ND STREET TO EAST 3RD STREET (this street has heavy trafc and oversize vehicles). #3. WEST 2ND STREET FROM BUCK STREET TO THE ENTRANCE OF LEWIS & CLARK PARK For further information about these projects visit the townofstevensville.com. Bids are due in person at Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870

by 5:00 pm on Friday August 4, 2023.

Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 7-19, 7-26-23.

Naomi J. Cheeney CHEENEY LAW, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANNA RUTH PARKS, Deceased.

Case No.: DP-23-82

Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Danny J. Parks, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 7th day of July 2023.

/s/ Danny J. Parks, Personal Representative BS 7-12, 7-19, 7-26-23.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

The department is seeking comments from interested parties. Comments are due August 3, 2023. Please direct comments to:

Thayer Jacques DNRC Hamilton Unit P.O. Box 713 Hamilton, MT 59840 Or: tjacques@mt.gov BS 6-28-23 thru 7-26-23.

NOTICE OF FINAL BUDGET MEETING

At the fnal budget meeting to be held on or before August 20, 2023, the Stevensville School District Board of Trustees will be meeting on August 15, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room for the purpose of considering and adopting the fnal budget of the District for fscal year 2023-2024. The meeting of the individual District Trustees may be continued from day to day until the fnal adoption of the District’s budget. Any taxpayer in the District may appear at the meeting and be heard for or against any part of the budget.

For further information please contact: Dave Thennis, Superintendent, 300 Park Street, Stevensville, MT 59870 or call 777-5481 ext. 136. BS 7-26-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Hamilton will hold a public hearing on August 15, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding a proposed application to the Montana Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for a proposed afordable housing rehabilitation project. The proposed project, in partnership with Sapphire Lutheran Homes, Inc, seeks to rehabilitate The Manor, a 60unit senior apartment complex built in 1977, located at 401 N 10th St. in Hamilton, MT. Rehabilitation will include health and safety improvements, upgrade and replace components to meet current code require-

ments, make ADA and energy efciency upgrades, and other renovations that will improve residential living conditions and quality of life.

Upon completion, The Manor’s 42 two-bedroom and 18 one-bedroom apartments will serve seniors with incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income and ofer rental assistance to qualifed households. At the public hearing, the proposed project will be explained, including the purpose and proposed area of the project, activities, budget, and possible sources of funding. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to ask questions and to express their opinions regarding this proposed project. Comments may be given orally at the hearing or submitted in writing to the Hamilton City Clerk before August 15, 2023.

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

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

The City of Hamilton will make reasonable accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in this public hearing. Persons needing an accommodation must notify Rose Allen no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023 which will allow adequate time to make needed arrangements.

BS 7-26, 8-2-23.

Bruce O. Bekkedahl

PATTEN, PETERMAN, BEKKEDAHL, & GREEN, P.L.L.C.

PO Box 1239 Billings, MT 59103 Phone: (406) 252-8500

Fax: (406) 294-9500

bbekkedahl@ppbglaw. com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, COUNTY OF RAVALLI IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAUL C. EHLEN, Deceased.

PROBATE NO. DP-23-81

JUDGE: HOWARD F. RECHT

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

Claims must either be mailed to Kathryn Ehlen, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o Bruce O. Bekkedahl, Patten, Peterman, Bekkedahl & Green, P.L.L.C., PO Box 1239, Billings, MT 59103, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED July 12, 2023.

\s\ Kathryn Ehlen Kathryn Ehlen, Personal Representative BS 7-26, 8-2, 8-9-23.

NOTICE OF SELF STOR-

AGE SALE Please take notice Park River Storage located at 17 Red Ranch Rd. Stevensville MT 59870 intends to hold an Auction of storage units in default of payment. The sale shall occur as an online auction via www.lockerfox.com on 8/3/2023 at 10:30AM. Unless listed below, the contents consist of household goods and furnishings. Unit #57; Unit #5C. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. BS 7-26.23.

MEETING NOTICE

Canyon Creek Irrigation District is holding a shareholders meeting Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at the Daly Leach chapel in Hamilton at 7 P.M. BS 7-19, 7-26, 8-2-23.

Posting Date July 24, 2023