Bitterroot Star - July 5, 2023

BMX: Group hopes to revitalize Hamilton park

Continued from page 1 for further expansion which would have included a starting gate and even the hosting of races. She followed up with photos of the park as it stands now.

“It’s neglected, unfortunately,” she said, while showing photos of a very weedy patch of ground, punctuated by fattened and misshapen bike features. “It gets used, and I know there are people that want to use it more,” she said.

Part of the reason for the neglect, Fox pointed out, is the park’s awkward location that puts it more or less out of sight. Lack of maintenance has combined with its somewhat private nature to create a site that tends to attract vandalism and behaviors that most folks would prefer to avoid. “Depending on when you go, there are people there hanging out that you might not want to hang out with,” she said.

Any visit to the BMX track

can easily confirm those statements via the detritus left behind which includes broken glass, spray painted messages, even condoms.

Councilor Kristi Bielski echoed the sentiment as well, saying that bringing her own child to the park in years past could, on occasion, feel “sketchy.”

Luckily, the local non-profit, Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists, is willing to lend some of their trail building experience and muscle to improve a piece of ground that is decidedly not

backcountry. BBC, along with Bike Walk Bitterroot, is asking the Hamilton City Council for the go ahead to put their backs into the BMX track to bring it back up to speed.

Donny Ramer, Public Works Director, also serves on the board of the BBC, and vo-

calized what his organization would like to accomplish.

“They’d like to do a community work day,” he said. “Make things fow a little better and make things safer.” Ramer says that many of the bumps are hard to safely navigate after years without proper upkeep.

“We just want to make it a little more usable for the public.”

Ramer says that the long term goal would be for the BBC to be able to partner with the city and Bike Walk Bitterroot to apply for grants to put even more improvements into the park in order to, “make it more usable for more groups.”

Ramer says that irrigation

is accessible to the site, and installation of some ground cover to fight back the weeds would be an important step in reclaiming the park as well. Access, signage and improved security with motion activated lighting could all be components of making the BMX park another solid amenity within the City of Hamilton.

“In short, have a presence there on a regular basis,” he said. “Try to keep it maintained and looking nice and functional will hopefully bring some more people in to use it.”

The Committee of the Whole moved to have the issue brought before the City Council for ofcial consideration.

The Sapphire BMX track south of Vester Wilson Sports Complex sits neglected and covered in weeds. Eforts by the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists and Bike Walk Bitterroot would bring it back to life. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Donny Ramer speaks to the Hamilton Committee of the Whole about a recent request on behalf of the Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists to improve the city’s BMX track. Photo by Nathan Boddy.

Local conservation organization recognized

by John Dowd

With well over 100 years of conservation service to the local valley and surrounding areas, the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association was recognized for their years of nature preservation. The Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association was awarded MWF Afliate of the Year for 2023 by the Montana Wildlife Federation (MWF).

Received in February, the award was presented to the group for years of support to MWF and their conservation work.

The Ravalli County organization traces its inception back to the late 1800s. The Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association was ofcially incorporated in 1927 in order to legally own property as a group for rearing fish and

other conservation activities. However, according to their website, the group has been active in local conservation, from its start as a gun club, since at least 1899.

The Montana Wildlife Federation is the oldest ofcially recognized wildlife conservation organization in the state, and is afliated with the National Wildlife Federation. The group was formed in 1936 during the first North American Wildlife Conference, held in Washington D.C. Every year, the MWF recognizes

groups within the state that have gone above and beyond in working towards wildlife conservation, opening access and protecting wild lands.

The Ravalli

County Fish and Wildlife Association is among many afliated organizations including the Western Bear Foundation, Anaconda Sportsmen’s Club, Northern Rocky Mountain Grotto, Helena Hunters and Anglers and numerous other conservation minded clubs and organizations.

“We’re just a group of like minded outdoorsmen,” said Mark Oswald, President of the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association. The association helps host youth events and sponsors various programs that promote outdoorsmanship and conservation. In fact, Oswald was clear that they were the only conservation group to put money into the Ravalli County

Open Lands Bond election in November. Oswald explained that they put around $10,000 into promotion of the program that would help purchase conservation easements.

The Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association is not afliated with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) state enforcement agency. However, they are responsible for notable contributions to conservation including donating $3,700 to the FWP for further north valley elk research in 2014, donating $1,000 to the Town of Stevensville in 2017 for the development of the Stevensville Access Site boat launch, and granting three $1,000 scholarships, among many other activities

and contributions.

When asked why he is so involved in organizations like the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, Oswald said, “I just believe in conservation.” He has been involved in the group for five years, and is active with youth shooting instruction as well as hunter’s safety instruction. Oswald is a retired firefighter, with 43 years of service behind him. For more information on the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, interested parties can visit the group’s website, rcfwa.org Information about the group, their history and contributions, how to apply to become a member and more can be found there.

elbows bent outward 20. Where Egypt is located 22. Contagious disease 23. Book of Samuel abbr. 24. And so forth 27. Not ins

Montana Wildlife Federation’s Afliate of the Year award, given to Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association.

Photo by Mark Oswald.

A spring male plumage yellow-headed black bird at the top left stands watch. A large kingfsher takes fight at top right. A wild lupine shows of its colors in the sun at bottom left. Milkweed suports a swallow-tail butterfy on bottom right.

Photos by John Dowd.

by John Dowd

Booked for the Season

“Crow Mary” by Kathleen Grissom c.2023, Atria $28.99

368 pages

The wagon is packed plumb to the top.

It’s so full, the horses strain to pull it but nothing can be left behind. Blankets, hides, supplies, guns, a lodge, they’ll all be needed at the new homestead. It’s been said that the land where you’re going is unforgiving and dangerous but a new life is the only choice. Thankfully, in the new novel, “Crow Mary” by Kathleen Grissom, a part of the old life will follow.

Though Red Fox said it wasn’t her fault, Goes First always remembered what happened in her seventh summer. When Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne warriors attacked her grandmother’s camp, Goes First called to Grandmother, who stood up and was killed in the chaos.

Goes First blamed herself for a long time.

But Red Fox said that truth-telling was brave, and he liked the little girl who called him Grandfather. He passed stories and knowledge to her, how to ride a galloping horse, how to shoot a gun, and how to hunt. Soon, Goes First could do these things almost better than any Crow warrior.

That served her well when, in her sixteenth summer, a Yellow Eye trader named Farwell came through their camp, and he asked permission to marry Goes First. She did not know him, nor was she sure she trusted him. Like all Crow women, she had the option to say “no.” When Farwell brought her a special gift, though, she knew it was a sign, a message from the Other Side Camp and she had to go with him.

Leaving her family was the hardest part, but learning the

ways of the Yellow Eyes was not easy, either. She didn’t like that they re-

named her “Mary,” but “Crow Mary” suited her. She didn’t like going to

by Terri Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

Canada, so far from her family and friends. She hated that Farwell sold alcohol to the tribes there, and she didn’t like Farwell’s friends.

She especially didn’t like the man called Stiller, who looked at Mary in ways that made her squirm. Stiller, who would upend her life again and again...

If you merely looked at “Crow Mary” with the thought that it’s just a female-driven Western, you’d still like this novel a lot. It’s got everything you want in an Old West tale, after all, but think of it as only another Western, and you miss the best part.

In her back-of-book notes, author Kathleen Grissom explains how she stumbled upon the tale of Crow Mary in a small museum, how it captivated her, and why it led her to research and write this “fiction based on fact.” Indeed, Grissom’s deep journey adds meaning, making it a pleasure for readers to forget here that they’re not in 1870s Montana and there’s no hoss in the garage.

That turns a good Western saga into a great (and mostly-true) account that lets novel lovers dip their toes into real life, and gives nonfiction readers an absorbing tale with highly appealing authenticity. You’ll both agree that “Crow Mary” is packed with a grand story.Posting Date June 19, 2023

TOPS TOPS Club (Take Of Pounds Sensibly) meets every Thursday morning at Kootenai Creek Village, 43 Club House Way, Stevensville. Guests are welcome, including men. Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:10 a.m.; meeting follows until 10:30. A program on sensible eating and weight loss is presented every week along with incentives for weight loss.

TOPS is an afordable non proft weight loss support group. For more information call Diana Grifn at 406-5310785.

Ravalli Dems North

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

Lone Rock Community Network

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

Lone Rock Farmers Market

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

A special and unique market providing fresh, local produce, a variety of handmade goods, delicious food, baked goods, artisan

products, new items regularly, park recreation, and scheduled family events nearly every week. Come check it out!

St. Mary’s Mission

tours

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

Creamery Picnic volunteer meeting

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

Stevensville Garden Club

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

Stevensville school board meeting

The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a regular board meeting on Thursday, July 6, at 7 p.m. in the Stevensville Music Center Choir Room.

Trapper education feld day

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, July 7 at 12 noon at The Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Commissioner Jef Burrows. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Rotary Club

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

Women Newcomers Club

Are you new to the Bitterroot Valley? Perhaps you are recently retired? Or you have been living in the valley for quite some time but would like to meet new and interesting women? If so, the Bitterroot Womens Newcomers Club is for you! You are welcome to attend the next meeting on Thursday, July 13 at Aspen Grove Farm, 400 Quest Lane, Corvallis from 10 – noon. There will be a tour of the farm, along with picking if you so desire, and jam tasting. There is a small cost for picking and bring gloves/hat. A business meeting will follow - bring a folding chair. Please come and join this great group of women!

Health and wellness series

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.

Emergency Preparedness Classes

The Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly

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

13: “Can’t Use Your Stove?

Cooking With Alternative Methods Using the Cookers

We Assembled Earlier As Well As Other Methods”; August 10: “Water Bath Canning & Pressure Canning”; September 14: “Basic First

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

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

Lutheran VBS

Our Savior Lutheran Preschool of Stevensville announces that Vacation Bible School—VBS—is planned for July 16-21, with times running from 9 to 11:30 a.m. daily. Come about 15 minutes early on Monday morning to sort your children into classes and meet their teachers. The youngest eligible children should reach the age of four by September 10. There will be a class of age 4 through frst grade and another of children grades 2-5. Older children may assist with lessons and crafts if they wish. Call 777-5625 weekday mornings Monday-Thursday for more information.

The theme is “Unicorns and Dragons”—just for fun—

at playtime. Our Savior VBS gets serious with the Word of God, but when it’s time to let loose, they go for all-out fun!

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

Medicare 101 workshop

A Medicare 101 Education Workshop will be held at Marcus Daly Hospital - Ravalli Conference Room. There are 2 sessions: Sept. 14th and Nov. 28th, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. There is no charge to attend. This is for anyone seeking knowledge about how Medicare works. Ideally, if you are turning 65, new to Medicare, getting ready to retire or already on Medicare but don’t really understand it - you should be there! Bring a friend! Overview: Come to a Medicare workshop to talk about Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. What they cover and don’t cover. When you can enroll. How eligibility works. RSVP: if you can to 406-852-4988 or charlene@ medicareadvocates.com.

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.

Continued from page 1

to the new facility. This can expedite care transportation options, and centralizes care for the north valley.

Difering from emergency services, Pete explained that urgent care refers to same-day doctor visits. Patients with Bitterroot Health as their provider can also schedule specialist’s visits including things like physical therapy and gastrology. Things like labs, imaging, rehabilitation and other services, can be provided even if Bitterroot Health is not a patient’s primary care provider. That includes lab tests, which eliminates the need for Bitterroot residents in the north valley to travel to Missoula or Hamilton.

The new facility also has a full rehabilitation team with all three disciplines, including physical, occupational and speech therapies. The Stevensville facility has a state-of-the-art therapy facility, with five-starviews of the mountains and a garage door that can be opened to let in fresh air during rehab.

Another point of pride for the staf are the staf themselves. “The staf are of this community,” said Holznagel. She and other employees are happy to be working in their own community. A staf member that Holznagel and Dunn wanted to highlight is Kelly Gregory, FNP. Living in Lolo, Gregory wanted to return to small town care, having worked for larger healthcare facilities like those in Missoula. Chasing that more personalized care made her a great fit for the Stevensville location. A family nurse practitioner, and member of the urgent care team, Gregory sees to and assesses acute needs of intake patients and helps get them the care they need. “I missed those personal connections,” explained Gregory. She got her start in a small town health care location, and since moved to work in Missoula. When she heard about the Stevensville clinic, she jumped at the chance.

When talking about Gregory and her patients, Holznagel said, “She always makes them feel like there’s all the time in the world.” Along with working for Bitterroot Health, Stevensville, Gregory is a

nursing instructor for nursing students in Missoula. When she was asked about the feedback she had received from the public so far, Gregory said most people are “very thankful for the level of service, so close to home,” and “patients are very surprised by

Bitterroot Health, prioritizing efciency and personalized care. The model will bring services to patients, instead of running patients around the building to the services. Along with that, staf are also with patients from start to finish.

To help accomplish this new model, the new facility has 19 standardized exam rooms, cookie-cutter-copied from each other. That way, clinical staf, doctors and care practitioners can enter any room and provide the exact same level of care, without having to run between rooms for supplies. Each room is even equipped with its own printer, so there is very little reason a practitioner will ever need to leave patients alone for long.

The new system also employs what Holznagel referred to as a “feet” of specialty carts. Each one is standardized and can provide for specific services and needs, depending on the cart. Even color coordinated, the feet includes customized carts for urology, OB/GYN and other specialized services.

Holznagel explained that “it’s nice for the patients. This way, they don’t feel like they are getting sent all throughout the building.” Which is a good thing, because the Bitterroot Health, Stevensville building is like the clinic version of a house of mirrors. The Urgent and Primary Care Wing, which is referred to as the “Pod,” is identical to the Specialty Wing. Nearly all the rooms and hallways are the exact same in both wings, and one can easily become lost traversing the two. Holznagel explained that they considered this in the construction process, and the two wings even have their own art styles on the walls to help everyone orient which wing is which. Without the two art styles, of realistic photos and computerized scenery, it would be easy to get confused. “There was an incredible amount of thought put into everything,” said Holznagel.

the number of services available here.”

Before constructing the Stevensville clinic, Bitterroot Health did a study to assess the needs of the valley. There were two that stood out. First was that the north valley was underserved for primary care and the second was that there was a need for closer urgent care for the areas between Stevensville and Lolo. Dunn talked about the questions they were asking themselves, including “In Ravalli County, how are we taking care of our community?”

After looking at those needs, and how to best serve the community, they came up with several required services including imaging. All these things meant that they needed a physical location to house those services. “We realized this valley is going to grow and we want to be able to meet those needs,” said Dunn.

Having a new facility created an opportunity to develop and pioneer a new model of care. The new Stevensville facility is postering that model, new to

According to Holznagel, there was so much thought put into everything that before design of the rooms even began, life-sized cardboard mock ups of the rooms were made, and care providers were asked to function in them to weed out any confusion or difculties and to streamline every wall, door and corner.

Patients are put into their rooms without much need to leave, and are cycled efciently in and out of wherever they need to be. According to Holznagel, this was done so “a patient’s care is not delayed due to needing a particular room.” This is accomplished primarily because almost any service the facility can provide can be performed in nearly any one of the 19 standardized exam rooms.

Bitterroot Health, Stevensville, is open every day of the year, including weekends and holidays. All, except for Christmas Day. Their walk-in facility is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 93, across the river from Stevensville just north of the Stevensville Junction; phone (406) 777-6002.

The “feet” of speacialist’s carts ready to fll the needs of Bitterroot Health care providers. Photo by John Dowd.

The new Bitterroot Health, Stevensville facility has opened it’s doors. Inside, they are introducing several new innovations to Ravalli County. Photo by John Dowd.

Sports Bucs battle Red Sox in Legion match up

The two Bitterroot Valley American Legion teams, the Red Sox and the Bucs, played three games against each other last week. On Tuesday, June 27th, the Bitterroot Bucs defeated the Bitterroot Red Sox 15-7. After 7 innings the game was tied 7-7, but the Bucs erupted, scoring 8 runs in the top of the 8th to earn the victory. For the Bucs, Gabe Philibrick struck out 4 and got the win - he

also went 2 for 6 with 2 RBIs from the plate. Brodie Hinsdale went 4 for 6, scored 3 runs, and had 3 RBIs. Braelon Bahm went 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Joey Wheeler went 3 for 4 and scored 2 runs, and Roy Combs went 2 for 6 for 2 RBIs.

For the Red Sox, Bridger Huxtable went 2 for 4 with 6 RBIs, Jackson Lubke went 1 for 2 and scored 2 runs, and Paul Brenneman went 1 for 3

with an RBI.

The two teams met again on Sunday, July 2nd for a double header. In the first game, the Red Sox won 7-3. The Red Sox’s Jacob Westberry struck out 5 batters in 5 innings for the win. Sawyer Townsend went 2 for 3 with an RBI and scored two runs, and Henry Molenda went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs. For the Bucs, Drew Wagner and Braelon Bahm each went 2 for

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

4, and Joey Wheeler had a home run and 2 RBIs.

The second game was a pitcher’s duel with the Bucs prevailing 3-1. Bucs starting pitcher Trapper Oster only allowed one run and struck out 7 for the win. For the Bucs, Brodie Hinsdale went 2 for 4, had an RBI and scored 2 runs. For the Red Sox, Jacob Westberry went 1 for 1 with an RBI.

Bucs off to blistering start

The Bitterroot Bucs have had a great 2023 Legion season so far. They are in 2nd place in the West A district with a 10-3 conference record and a 23-5 overall record. The Bucs are coached by Austin Nogle, who has been the Bucs’ manager since 2018. Nogle has been involved with the Bucs since 2010 when he was a player. “We have had a good season so far,” said Nogle. “We take it one day at

a time. We have had some success, but we try to be more about the process, and not the result.”

The Bucs team is made up of Bitterroot Valley kids north of Bell Crossing. They also have a handful of Missoula kids who help fill out the roster. “This year’s team is kind of split between young and old kids. It’s nice to have that older presence, and it’s nice to see the younger guys stepping

up,” said Nogle. “We have an allhands-on deck mentality. Since we’re the Buccaneers, we’ve used the Pirates of the Caribbean line ‘part of the crew, part of the ship’ as our theme.”

This is the first year of Legion baseball after a high school baseball season, and some wondered how it would afect the Legion season. “For the most part it has been the same as before,” said Nogle. “Maybe the only

negative I see is that the players didn’t play many double headers in high school, so they had to adjust a little bit to that. But it was nice that they came in already playing competitive baseball.”

The Legion season culminates in Districts on July 20-23 at Mission Valley. The top two teams at Districts advance to State at Laurel on July 26-30.

Bitterroot Red Sox off and running

The Bitterroot Red Sox have had a solid Legion season so far, and are 12-7 overall and 5-5 in conference. The team is composed of kids from Hamilton, Corvallis and Darby. Nick Rackley is in his second season as the Red Sox manager.

“We have been up and down this

year, but there have been a lot of positives,” said Rackley. “We have a really great group of kids. They all get along well and they play hard and work hard.”

This is the first year of Legion baseball after a high school baseball season, and some wondered how it would

afect the Legion season. When asked about this, Rackely said, “We actually got a few extra players because they played in the high school season. Other coaches said they lost some players who played high school, then took the summer of. But we didn’t have that.” Rackley continued, “It makes the Le-

gion season a little shorter, but it’s nice that the players are already in form and have their fundamentals polished up.”

The Legion season culminates with Districts on July 20-23 at Mission Valley. The top two teams from Districts advance to State at Laurel on July 26-30.

The 2023 Bitterroot Bucs are having a great season. They are 2nd in the West A District and have a 23-5 overall record for the season. Photo by Crystal Hinsdale.

The Bitterroot Red Sox celebrate a home run. The Red Sox are of to a good start for the 2023 season. They are 12-7 overall and look to close out the season strong.

Photo courtesy of Red Sox Baseball.

Obituaries

Dorene D. Thomas

Stevensville - Dorene D. Thomas, 93, passed away at The Living Centre in Stevensville on June 12, 2023. She was born in Lewiston, MT, September 14, 1929. She was the youngest of three children.

The family moved to Missoula where Dorene (age 6) went through all primary grades and graduated from Missoula County High School. She attended Missoula Business College and began her working career with Western Montana National Bank. Later in life she attended UofM to study Art and Political Science. She also attended classes at what is now Missoula College UM.

Dorene had two sons during her first marriage, Bobby and Jerry. In the mid 50’s she married Robert J. Thomas from Stevensville. Two more sons Donald and Fred and a daughter Becki joined the clan.

Dorene was all about her family. She was involved with every aspect of her kids and their interests: PTA, 4H, DeMolay, Rainbow, school sports, church and all their associated events. She was always there.

While raising her family, she worked at the Stevensville Creamery and the Bob Thomas Insurance Agency. She was very active with the Eastern Star chapter, achieving numerous honors. After 31 years of marriage, Dorene and Bob were divorced.

In the late 80’s, Dorene enjoyed being back in Missoula. She met many new friends and became reacquainted with old ones. She worked for an insurance underwriter for many years before retiring.

After retirement, she began traveling south and while visiting her niece in Yuma, she took the plunge and purchased a small place there. She enjoyed the

Doris E. Taylor

Doris Taylor, 94, passed away June 30, 2023, at The Living Centre in Stevensville, Montana.

She was born June 6, 1929, to Oscar and Mildred (Millikan) Enebo at the old Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton, Montana. She attended schools in Stevensville, graduating from Stevensville High in 1947. Following high school she attended MSU (now UM) graduating in 1951 with a degree in home economics/nutrition.

On August 19, 1950, she married Robert Louis Taylor at the First Methodist Church in Stevensville. They resided in Missoula through the 1980's,

snowbird lifestyle for several years.

After returning to Missoula full time, she moved

into Grizzly Peak for a few years then moved to the Stevensville Living Center in 2016, which became her final residency. There she had a beautiful view of the Bitterroot mountains and enjoyed watching the wildlife from her apartment. She lived out her remaining years making more friends and enjoying the staf that assisted her. She had a sense of humor that was endearing to all the people she got to know.

Dorene was a seamstress, homemaker, gardener and artist. She liked oil and water color painting. She gave her work to family members and friends. At Grizzly Peak she gathered many of her paintings for a public display. She glowed from the publicity. She was a strong, determined, caring and loving independent person who loved her family and friends very much.

Dorene is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Garnett Ditty, sister Clarice Holmes, brother-in-law John Holmes, brother Don Ditty and sister-in-law Mary, and son Jerry Thomas.

Dorene is survived by her children, Bob A. Thomas (Deb), Don Thomas (Lynn), Fred Thomas (Suzzie) and Becki Vickroy (Ernie), 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren

There will be a celebration of life on July 13, 2023 at 11:00 am at Stevensville United Methodist Church. A reception will follow at the church fellowship hall.

Flowers may be sent to the Stevensville United Methodist Church. Charitable donations in Dorene’s memory may be sent to the Stevensville Community Foundation. PO Box 413 Stevensville, MT 59870. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

then relocated to Stevensville. Doris worked as a dietitian at the old Northern Pacific hospital in Missoula in the early 1950s. Her most valued work was raising her six children. After all her children entered college, she worked at a fabric shop in Missoula.

Doris enjoyed crocheting, crafts, embroidery, sewing, gardening, baking, and most of all family. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist church. After retiring, both Doris and Bob enjoyed some traveling, especially Niagara Falls, fishing, gardens, and their home.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Bob, in 2002.

She is survived by her children Carol Kron (Bruce), Livingston, Montana, Howard (Amy), Fort Collins, Colorado, Mark (Mary Jo), Sheridan, Wyoming, Ken (Mary), Longmont, Colorado, Marsha, St. Ignatius, Montana, and Laraine Hunter (Robert), Eagle River, Alaska. Her siblings are Don Enebo, deceased, (Joyce), Bakersfield, California, and Millie Kimery (Phil, deceased), Vancouver, Washington. Doris also had ten grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, including Don Misevic of Corvallis, Montana.

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.

Cremation by Brothers Mortuary and Crematory in Hamilton has taken place. A family celebration of Doris’s full journey through life will occur at a later date.

Death Notices

Doris E. Taylor

Stevensville - Doris E. Taylor, 94, passed away early in the morning, Friday, June 30, 2023, at The Living Centre in Stevensville. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Doris E. Taylor. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

WILLIE RUTH HOFFMAN

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

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

It’s finally here.

The river is down to fishable levels and continues to drop, trout are being caught on dry fies, and every specie of stonefy in the river has decided to hatch.

Well, almost.

There are holdover salmonfies on the East Fork, West Fork, and occasionally on the upper main stem of the Bitterroot.

I do best at this point in the salmonfy cycle by fishing a buggy looking fy with a distinct segmented body that settles down into the water’s surface, a slight wing that doesn’t obscure the body silhouette, and just enough hackle to keep it afoat.

Goldens everywhere

Your better chances might be with the golden stonefy. You might see them from mid-morning until the evening temperature drops.

by Chuck Stranahan

A natural salmonfy’s egg-laying descent is clumsy splat on the water that makes a certain pattern of rings when it hits. It’s not a foam-bug splash, and not the dive of a bullet-head pattern. It’s more of a gentle splat. The rings spread for about six inches.

You’ll do best with an artificial that hits the water the same way as the naturals. Once on the water the trout look for a body silhouette that presses into the water the same as the natural insect does, and a sparse wing above that doesn’t obscure the body silhouette.

As the salmonfies wind down, you might discover that a heavily winged Chubby or similar foam pattern might get plenty of action – much of it on splashy refusals – but a hair and hack

le pattern like the traditional Fluttering Stone will bring more solid takes from bigger fish.

Fish a golden pattern with the same characteristics you look for in a salmonfy –sparse wing and hackle, accurate body silhouette and color. My favorite golden stone patterns are my own Chuck’s Golden Stone, and my friend Randall Kaufman’s Yellow Stimulator in #8 or #10. You can find Randall’s pattern just about anywhere. If it has too heavy a wing, you can thin it.

The best time to be on the water is that balmy evening toward sunset when the lodge customers in guide boats who were there earlier are back at the lodge. You can have a section of river all to yourself.

Once there, you look for a stonefy rife. You look for that certain pattern of light, not a rush of foam but the sparkling bounce of light of the rife’s small chopping waves.

Evening on a stonefy rife

The stonefies – goldens and salmonfies alike - lay their eggs just about anywhere they see that kind of light. You can walk the bank at dusk and pick of fish, but when you find a bigger pattern of that perfect light on a medium-depth rife, you’ll find big

trout concentrated beneath it.

When you find that kind of a place you wait expectantly, anticipating what you hope will happen.

And then it does: You watch as the heavily burdened insects seem to appear from nowhere and hover a few feet of the water. Then they begin to drop. Their wings futter and catch in the water as more and more of them drop their precious cargo of fertile eggs. The trout hunt them down as they continue to futter and struggle to get of the water.

You watch the spectacle before you. You watch and listen as the nighthawks appear, circling and diving; the trout are not alone in pursuit of the golden stones.

You snap out of your reverie and pull line of your reel, slowly walk to the spot where you’ll wade quietly and cast carefully; you don’t want to spook these fish - and this evening won’t last

forever.

Golden stones are big but not too big; they’re visible on the water but not too bulky to cast. You can fish them on 3X tippet. The naturals will be here well into August after a start in late June, although they’re not the dominant hatch later on.

Yellow and lime sallies

Then there are the little yellow stones that are hatching throughout the system.

There are about five diferent species of them, but I won’t get into their Latin names now. There’s no need.

Any traditional attractor fy with a bright yellow body will work – and sometimes these old-timey patterns out-produce their modern counterparts. That’s why they’ve been around for so long. Yellow Humpys, Grizzly Wulfs, and Yellow Stimulators will all work.

Golden stonefies are on the water now and fies like this will produce.

The Power of Change awarded asset of the year

by John Dowd

Though Ravalli Electric Co-Op is a common name in the valley, many people are unaware of their Power of Change program. Melissa Greenwood, manager of communications and liaison between the Co-Op and the Power of Change, explained that the program has been efecting real and powerful change throughout the valley since its beginning. Started in 2020, Greenwood was also the leading force in creating the program. “I just help them facilitate and go through the applications,” said Greenwood when talking about the board and her role. “I don’t have a say in where those funds go.”

The program took infuence from other co-ops, and has grown to help fund numerous programs across

the Bitterroot Valley. The Power of Change is a community outreach program funded by Ravalli Electric Co-Op member contributions. The program allows members to round up on their bills an extra dollar. The money raised is then used to help Bitterroot Valley organizations including fire departments, youth homes, other non-profits and community assistant programs.

How it operates is simple. Interested organizations apply for funding and a board meets every quarter to decide on submissions, which will receive funding and how much.

There are no Ravalli Electric Co-Op employees on the board.

“It really is kind of our members’ program,” said Greenwood. “We have a great board who represent a wide variety of the valley.” The pro -

gram reaches out to the over 9,000 members of the Co-Op. Each one has the option to contribute, which can be as little as $12 a year per person. However, it all adds up and makes about $13,000 per quarter. No extra money is contributed from the Co-Op, and all of that is member donations, alone. So far, the program has raised over $100,000 since its beginning.

“It has been neat to see all the organizations that reach out and have heard of us,” said Greenwood. “We have had a lot of good feedback.” Among the good feedback Greenwood spoke of, the Power of Change received the Community Asset of the Year award from the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce this year. This award is given to organizations or programs that go above and be -

yond when it comes to giving back to the community.

When asked why the Co-Op would create such a program in the first place, Greenwood said, “We really wanted to find another way to help out. It really makes everyone feel good and it’s one of our seven Cooperative Principles.” She explained that of the seven guiding principles the Co-op uses, the one she refers to most strongly when talking about the Power of Change is “Concern for Community. That’s always in the back of our minds,” said Greenwood. For more information, interested parties can go to RavalliElectric.com and click on the Power of Change button on the home page. Once there, a person can find information on applications, getting involved, how to contribute and more.

Trail clearing and maintenance projects in the Bitterroot

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen (BRBCH) and the Bitterroot National Forest are partnering on several trail clearing and mainte-

nance projects taking place in July.

The first project is scheduled for July 3-5th at the East Fork Guard Station on the Darby-Sula Ranger District. Volunteers will be doing general trail maintenance and clearing near the guard station and will also be rebuilding corrals and rolling up wire fencing at the site. Volunteers and stock will be camping at East Fork cabin.

Citizens Arrests: Myths and Reality

Most people have heard about “citizens arrest,” which basically lets a citizen, as opposed to a law enforcement offcer, arrest people committing a crime until the police arrive. TV shows and movies about crime often portray citizens arrests –usually very inaccurately.

On one end of the spectrum of TV and movie portrayals of citizens arrests is the Chuck Norris situation of a regular guy taking on everyone breaking the law – and using some pretty cool machine guns and explosions to get the job done.

On the other end of the spectrum are TV shows and movies where people are too afraid of the legal consequences of using force and end up getting killed by the bad guys. Those shows are less common because, well, there are no cool machine guns or explosions and hence less of a reason to watch them.

Both ends of the spectrum are myths, at least under Montana law.

Montana has a statute on this topic, MCA 46-6-502. It provides: “A private person may arrest another when there is probable cause to believe that the person is committing or has committed an offense and the existing circumstances require the person’s immediate arrest. The private person may use reasonable force to detain the arrested person. A private person making an arrest shall immediately notify the nearest available law enforcement agency or peace offcer and give custody of the person arrested to the offcer or agency.”

There are a couple of noteworthy parts to this statute. The frst is “probable cause,” which has been described as “it’s at least 51% likely a crime is being committed or has been committed.” “Probable cause” is not the much higher standard of certain of “beyond a reasonable doubt.” This means a private citizen can’t walk up to someone and arrest them when there is no indication that person is committing or has committed a crime.

The second noteworthy part to the statute is that citizens arrest powers apply to a person who is committing or has committed an “offense.” That means felonies and misdemeanors and ordinances with criminal penalties. That would exclude routine traffc tickets. (There is a famous 1963 episode of the Andy Griffth Show where Gomer makes a citizens arrest of Barney Fife for making an illegal u-turn. That wouldn’t work in Montana.)

The third part is that the citizens arrest must occur under circumstances that require the bad guy’s “immediate arrest.” This is a limiting factor in citizens arrests. If an armed bank robber is running down the street, that would require an immediate arrest. If someone is making a u-turn, that would not because the police could handle it. A good rule of thumb is that if you make a citizens arrest you should be able to clearly articulate why waiting for the police would have let a dangerous person get away. In most situations, it’s obvious (like an armed bank robber running down the street).

The fourth part – and this is a big one – is that a person making a citizens arrest can only use “reasonable force.” Pulling a gun is “force”; it’s not just shooting one that counts as “force.” And note that the only “reasonable force” you can use is to “detain” the bad guy. Executing a detained prisoner in the street is not OK.

The ffth part is that “immediately” after the citizens arrest, a person must notify law enforcement. Torturing the bad guy to get him to confess is great in Chuck Norris movies but would not work out well for you in the Montana legal system.

The bottom line is that you should not be shy about making a citizens arrest or otherwise defending yourself. Montana has a legal culture that supports self-defense. But be reasonable. If you are trying to live out a Chuck Norris movie, you’ll have trouble with the law. My personal standard for this is “could I live with myself if I did nothing?” and “how would I explain what I did to a prosecutor?”

For a copy of this Ask An Attorney column, including hyperlinks to the referenced resources, go to www.OverstreetLawGroup.com/blog

(This information is of a general nature; exceptions to these general statements might exist. This information is for general educational purposes only; no attorney-client relationship with Overstreet Law Group, LLC is formed unless a person enters into a written representation agreement with the frm.)

The second project is scheduled July 21-23rd at Bear Creek on the Stevensville Ranger District. Volunteers will be brushing and clearing trees and cleaning water bars on Bear Creek Trail #5 to the pass. Crews and stock will be camping for two nights and clearing trails for three days.

The public should be on alert and watch out for volunteer work crews and stock at these locations. For more information visit www.bchmt.org/ bitterroot.

BRBCH was established more

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

Job Corps launches Summer Recruitment Drive in Montana

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program has launched a summer recruitment drive in Montana, ofering immediate openings and free career training in the nation’s leading industries for 16- through 24-year-olds from low-income households. “Job Corps ofers a path to apprenticeships and higher-paying careers in the nation’s fastest-growing industries,” said Rachel Torres, National Director of Job Corps. “Our graduates fill a critical need for employers and the economy.”

Job Corps is free for ages 16–24 from low-income households who meet the eligibility requirements, and students can apply and enroll at any time. Job Corps provides hands-on career skills training, on-campus housing, meals, health care and job search assistance.

Applicants may qualify if they receive benefits such as SNAP, TANF, or free or reduced school lunch, or if they are experiencing homelessness or are a foster youth. Job Corps ofers expedited enrollment for age-eligible young adults experiencing homelessness.

“For students, we are a path to careers, certifications and connections—all without student debt. For employers, we’re a possible solution to their workforce pipelines,”Torres said. “It’s a win-win

for workers and businesses in Montana.”

Job Corps recently launched a revamped national website, as well as new sites for every campus nationwide. Features include virtual tours, a 24/7 virtual assistant named Corey, and an interactive map allowing users to find a Job Corps campus based on location, industry or a specific training area.

Anaconda and Trapper Creek are special types of Job Corps campuses known as Civilian Conservation Centers, whose roots date back to the 1930s. The Department of Labor – in partnership with USDA Forest Service – operates 24 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers to protect national forests or grasslands. The centers ofer training programs in forestry conservation and wildland firefighting, advanced wildland fire management and advanced emergency dispatch. Civilian Conservation Centers combine Job Corps’ traditional program with the opportunity for students to gain the skills needed to conserve the nation’s natural resources. Students in Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers combined to provide 204,633 total hours of support to federal firefighters in 2022.

If you would like more information, please contact Javier Solano at Solano.Javier@jobcorps.org.

The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary Bitterroot Seven Day

Local Forecast Today we will see sunny skies with areas of haze, high of 83°, humidity of 30%. East northeast wind 1 to 8 mph. The record high for today is 102° set in 2007. Expect clear skies tonight with areas of haze, overnight low of 52°. East northeast wind 1 to 8 mph. The record low for tonight is 37° set in 1893. Thursday, skies will be sunny, high of 87°, humidity of 32%. South southeast wind 1 to 11 mph. Thursday night, skies will be mostly clear, overnight low of 53°.

What clouds are low,

Times Day AM PM Wed2:40-4:403:09-5:09 Thu3:38-5:384:05-6:05 Fri4:31-6:314:56-6:56 Sat5:21-7:215:44-7:44

Peak Times Day AM PM Sun6:08-8:086:31-8:31 Mon6:54-8:547:18-9:18 Tue7:41-9:418:05-10:05 www.WhatsOurWeather.com

Sun/Moon Chart This Week

Birding gone bad

Each spring I make my annual trip to Eastern Montana for species east of the continental divide. I do this for several reason – I like to bird and to stay in the top 10 birders by species seen in a given year according to Ebird.

I used to try to be the top birder, but that became too ambitious as I got older. I was number one in 2011 and 2012. I’ve been in the top 10, 8 of the past 10 years. That requires birding most

wood area and back to Deer Lodge. Westby is 50 feet from North Dakota and a few miles from the Canadian border. Birds from the central fyway tend to spill over there and birding can be fantastic.

I checked Birdcast for the number of birds in fight over Deer Lodge and Westby on May 22nd. Deer Lodge had 18,000 birds and Westby had 180,000. Birdcast uses radar to detect nocturnal

GoBirdMontana has produced. We are still in the production stage for the shorebird poster. This is the reason I made my first mistake. I got a little too eager to get good pictures of a group of Long-billed Dowitcher shorebirds and it cost me dearly.

of Montana’s 56 counties and 10,000 miles of driving.

I knew the day was coming when I wouldn’t be able to travel alone across the state safely, but thought it was years away.

On May 22nd I started my pilgrimage for Eastern Montana birds. My final destination is the Westby/Plenty-

bird migration. Things were looking good. I birded Great Falls, stayed overnight then early the next I birded Benton Lake NRW and Freezeout WMA. I was adding year birds and getting good birds photographs for these articles.

If you have been to Warm Spring WMA you will see poster of waterfowl, riparian and grassland birds, which

You always want to get as close as possible without stressing the bird, to get good photos. I start by shooting a few frames, then a few steps, shoot a few pictures, wait, then a few more steps, and repeat until the bird lifts of. I forgot my surroundings in the process. As I moved forward I passed the emerging vegetation, then one more step and I was in trouble. The clay like mud suddenly was at my knees and I couldn’t move. My binoculars and camera were around my neck, the phone in the truck. The parking lot was too far away to yell for help and no one was parked there anyway. With 10 minutes of efort I was able to turn toward safer ground, but with each movement I sank further. When the

by Gary Swant

mud came above my knees I could no longer move. After 30 minutes of efort I had the idea I could use my shoes as a launching pad to step up and out. Luckily I tie my shoes loose enough to step in and out of them. My shoes were part of what was holding me in the mud. I stepped out of my shoes, and was able to take one step onto more solid ground. Another step and I was out of danger, but I lost a great pair of shoes. The gravel pathway back to the truck in socks was painful. After getting to the truck, I realized how lucky I was.

The next morning in Havre, I went to take my prostate cancer medications and they were missing! I had either left them in the motel in Great Falls or they were stolen. It didn’t matter, but without the medications I had to head home. I had thought that if the medications were at the motel I could back track, lose a day, and continue birding. After looking at my options I thought that I should just go home. Lesson learned, at my age (78) I need to take someone with me.

On this date in 2022 I had 272 Montana bird species, this year 239 and sit in 12th place. Does your ranking really matter all that much? No, but it was a fun ride while it lasted.

However, on June 22nd I’m leaving for a birding trip to California for a possible 16 life birds. Oh, and I’m taking my 30 year old grandson with me as guide, and driver. I think I’m getting smarter.

By the way, when the wife put the dufe bag away she yelled, “Guess what I found.” I didn’t want to know!

Long-billed Dowitcher just beyond the mud. Photo by Gary Swant.

VIRGELLE MERC

ANTIQUES presents its outdoor FLEA MARKET

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

Wildland FireFighters Fire shelter, New generation, $500. (406) 360-7367

RESTROOM TRAILER. Deluxe. Two stations, custom inside and out. A/C and heat, 300 gallon waste tank, LED lights, highest quality. Brand new from factory $30,000. 406-2536327.

they celebrate fun, family and food, and win some great prizes.

Are you looking for something diferent for your child’s education? Is a traditional setting not meeting your student’s needs? ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN!!! Visit bitterrootheritageacademy. org Bitterroot Heritage Academy is a K-8 private, Christian school with a non-traditional, experiential learning design that provides a space for children with a variety of learning and thinking styles. Join us for an informational meeting on July 17th, 2023 at 7pm.

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.

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

NOTICES

HARLOW’S SCHOOL

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

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.

HELP NEEDED - room and board plus a stipend if you can live in and help care for my Dad. If anyone can do it part-time, we will consider that too. Please call John at 406-360-9885.

DANIELS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, seeking to hire Deputy Sherif. For information or application stop at the Sherif’s Ofce at 106 Railroad Ave E, Scobey, call 406-4872691 or email sherif@ danielscomt.us.

JIM WERST • 406-381-7337 • HAMILTON

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

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

Dept. 1

Notice of Hearing on

Name Change of Minor Child

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

DATED this 8th day of June, 2023.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

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

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

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES M.

SANTOS, Deceased.

Case No.: DP-23-73

Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

DATED this 15th day of June 2023.

/s/ Bette Santos, Personal Representative

BS 6-21, 7-8, 7-5-23.

LEGAL NOTICE

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

LEGAL NOTICE

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

An application will be submitted to the Montana Board of Housing for federal tax credits fnancing. You are encouraged to submit comments regarding the need for afordable multi-family rental housing in your area to the Montana

Board of Housing, PO Box 200528, Helena, MT 596200528; FAX (406) 841-2841, or electronically at https:// housing.mt.gov/Contact. Comments will be accepted until 5 PM on October 2, 2023.

BS 6-21, 7-5-23.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MILL CREEK IRRIGATION

DISTRICT MEETING

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

For more information, please contact Board Members Tim Abney (406-3813198), Matt Bischof (406880-2364), or Geof Mahar (406-360-6496). BS 6-28, 7-5-23.

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 thru 7-26-23.

INVITATION TO BID

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

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

The contract documents consisting of plans and specifcations may be examined or obtained at the City of Hamilton Public Works Building, 920 New York Ave., Hamilton, MT 59840 or requested by email to the Director of Public Works at dpw@cityofhamilton.net.

Potential bidders shall notify the Director of Public Works prior to bidding on the project, so all addenda may be sent to prospective bidders.

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

The Missoula Plans Exchange, 201 N Russell Street, Missoula, MT 59801

There will be a Pre-Bid Conference at Bitterroot Public Library at 10:00 a.m. on July 6, 2023. Interested CONTRACTORS are encouraged to attend.

CONTRACTOR and any of the CONTRACTOR’S subcontractors bidding or doing work on this project will be required to be registered with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Forms for registration are available from the Department of Labor and Industry, P.O. Box 8011, 1805 Prospect, Helena, Montana 59604-8011. Information on registration can be obtained by calling 1-406-444-7734. All laborers and mechanics

employed by CONTRACTOR or subcontractors in performance of the construction work shall be paid not less than the latest Montana Prevailing Wage Rates. A copy of the applicable wage rates are included in the bid set. The CONTRACTOR must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Each bid or proposal must be accompanied by a Certifed Check, Cashier’s Check, or Bid Bond payable to the City of Hamilton, in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid. Successful BIDDERS shall furnish an approve Performance Bond and a Labor and Materials Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount. Insurance as required shall be provided by the successful BIDDER(s) and a certifcate(s) of that insurance shall be provided. Bids shall be sealed and marked “Sealed Bid – Bitterroot Public Library – Emergency Repairs” with the Contractor’s name and address and be addressed to the City of Hamilton Clerk’s Ofce, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. This project is funded in whole by the City of Hamilton and is subject to all applicable state regulations, as indicated within the specifcations. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of bids, which is 3:00 p.m. local time July 13, 2023.

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

The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of not to exceed sixty (60) days, and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid which is in the best interest of the OWNER.