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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The Volume XXXVII, Number 4
’ ! l a c o L Best at
www.bitterrootstar.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Housing hard to find in Bitterroot by Nathan Boddy The Bitterroot Valley is not the only place in the west experiencing a real estate ‘perfect storm,’ but that doesn’t help anyone who is looking to relocate within, or from outside of the valley. “It isn’t anything anyone in my office has experienced before. Not at this level.” Hannah Jessop, Property Manager with Cardinal Properties in Hamilton, refers to the scarcity of homes available to rent within the area. She says that, during a normal summer, they would expect to maintain anywhere between 10 and 20 places for rent at any time. This summer, however, a prospective tenant is lucky to find one. “We list them for a day or two, then we take them down because we have a lot of
applications for them.” Pinning down specifics for the housing shortage can be tricky, with very few sources
giving the whole picture. Census data available for 2020 shows a predictable increase in population (45,002 for Ravalli County), but
forces in play during 2020 have only gained more steam in 2021. A global pandemic, a booming interest in rural and small town living, and an increasing ability to work from home, may just be the tip of the iceberg. One contributing factor is that a lot of renters in the area would normally be expected to change locations during the summer months, but Jessop says that isn’t happening now. “Some of (the shortage) is because people who currently have a property didn’t move this year,” she says. “We’ve had way fewer of our current tenants move because they were afraid they wouldn’t be able to find housing if they moved.” Jessop adds that fear of moving isn’t the only reason for a low inventory. See HOUSING, page 2
River low flows not as bad as elsewhere by Michael Howell Caught under the same heat domes that have brought extremely high temperatures and drought across the West, the Bitterroot River is faring a good deal better than other rivers in the state. Just on the other side of the Great Divide, for instance, the Upper Missouri River above Fort Peck Reservoir saw the lowest flows last month than it has in the last 123 years. According to the press release issued by the Army Corps of Engineers, the runoff this year is forecast to reach only 57% of average. “If realized, this runoff amount would be the 10th driest year in the upper Basin since 1898,” it said in the press release. What makes things a little better in the Bitterroot is that
the river has been so severely impacted by low flows for decades that major action has already been taken to save up more water by increasing our storage capacity in Painted Rocks Reservoir and Lake Como and manage it in a way that it can last through the summer. Primary players in the ongoing cooperative effort are the State of Montana DNRC, the Painted Rocks Water Users Association, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Trout Unlimited. J.R. Iman, former County Commissioner and President of the Painted Rocks Reservoir Water Users Association, was recently appointed to serve as the Bitterroot River Water Commissioner to replace retiring commissioner Al Pernichle. Iman said that through the dam improvements and the
A mother and daughter walk up the middle of the Bitterroot River near the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge. Right now the deepest part of the river at that spot is below the girl’s knees. Photo by Micki Long.
Darby Rodeo Association’s 2021 FUNDRAISER EVENT
Trinity Seely IN CONCERT
cooperation, Bitterrooters have managed to extend the water season for irrigators by a month and at the same time maintain river flows for the fish. Bell Crossing is where the most crucial flow measurements are made. There is only one water diversion, out of fifty, that is diverted below Bell Crossing. All the other water is being diverted above Bell, where the river has historically run dry. When the Painted Rocks Dam was improved and heightened, both
the irrigators and Fish, Wildlife and Parks got water and it is by managing it together that they try to keep the flows up at Bell. FWP biologists determined a targeted amount of flow for maintaining a good fishery at 550 to 600 cfs. In the heat of the irrigation season, that simply can’t be met. That’s when the compromise begins and sometimes flows go lower. “It’s not a perfect solution,” See RIVER FLOWS, page 2
North Valley Library survey underway Have your say on the future of your library and take the North Valley Public Library Community Input Survey. It takes about five minutes. The link is at the top of the library’s website at northvalleylibrary. org. Residents of the Stevensville and the Lone Rock areas can find a paper copy inserted in this week’s Bitterroot Star. In order to serve the needs of the community now and in the future, the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville is in the process of having a Preliminary Architectural Report (PAR) done to assess the building. The board is seeking input on a variety of issues that will help in the planning process.
There are nine questions on the survey. The board is asking for the main reasons you use the library. If you do not use the library, then the board wants to know why. The board wants to know what you think of the current facility, and what your preference is regarding renovation, expansion, or a new building, and also what you want to see in a renovated or new building. In addition, the board needs to know what you like that the library should continue doing and what would make the library better for you. Library Director Denise Ard says, “Please take the five minutes to fill out the nine questions. It will help us serve you.” The last day to fill out the survey is September 15.
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Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Bitterroot Star -- Page 2
Housing: shortage of sales, rental listings continued from page one “We’ve been losing a lot of properties because owners have been selling. It’s a very aggressive sellers’ market right now.” Anecdotally, it’s not hard to feel as though the Bitterroot Valley is filling up with new arrivals. Out of state plates, new faces, new demands for services, all seem to point to the reason for a housing shortage. Although new arrivals do add to the shortage, the real reasons are likely far more complex. Naomi Gary, an agent with Berkshire Hathaway in Hamilton, recently gave a presentation wherein she likened the dizzying housing market to a recipe for “Bananas Real Estate,” with ingredients such as: decreased new construction, pent up buying power of the “millennial” generation, remote work and low interest rates, among others. The recipe, while certainly providing a grin for the reader, does end up being hard to swallow for anyone looking to relocate. Gary is well aware of this situation, saying, “Sellers are over the moon and buyers are frustrated. We are seeing multiple offer competitions for almost every home that comes on the market if it is decently priced and doesn’t have
too many flaws.” Of course, even with such a wide set of ingredients, Gary, herself, sees the trend of new arrivals and investment property being sold. “Personally, I have not had one sale this year in which a buyer or a seller was making a local move. They have been moving into or out of the valley, or selling an investment property to take advantage of the market.” While Naomi Gary feels as though things have slowed a bit in the last few weeks from their frenzy earlier in the year, there is still a tremendous shortage of inventory. The Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce has felt that shortage as people come looking to them for housing ideas. Jodi Wright, Office Manager at the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, says that, in the past, most of the visitors to their Main Street location were visitors on vacation. Now, she and Chamber Director, Al Mitchell, estimate that, “Sixty-five percent, or maybe two-thirds of the people who walk through the door are actually here looking for a place to live, or feeling it out because they want to relocate.” Whether that is bad
or good, the folks at the Chamber can only help prospective arrivals so much due to the extremely tight housing market. Says Wright, “We give all of our resources out, and then it’s almost just who you know.” ‘Who you know,’ might just be the way a lot of people end up solving their housing situation. People living in cars and RVs are not unheard of, nor are informal arrangements for renting rooms within homes. Also increasing are the stories about people whose intent has been to come to the Bitterroot Valley for one of the many available jobs, only to abort when they learn that housing is difficult to find. Whatever the final outcome, the pinch has led some people to turn to a Facebook page called, “Find me a home in the Bitterroot Valley,” which has a substantial 9,000 members. Despite the name, however, the site isn’t intended for those who are looking to arrive from the outside. The page’s Administrator makes it clear in the rules, “if your profile says you live out of Montana you will not be accepted to this group. This group is for Montana/Bitterroot residents only.”
The needs of the fish and the needs of the irrigators are at odds, but where there is willingness to understand and share in both the water and the overall lack of water, both sides have learned to give a little. Some have even learned to give a little more. Trout Unlimited, for instance, has recently recognized the action of Rob and Terry Ryan who own the Roaring Lion Ranch and recently decided to forego their irrigation water for the sake of the fish this year. Terry Ryan recently sent an email to painted
Rocks Reservoir shareholders, stating: “TO ALL SHAREHOLDERS: Since this is proving to be a record dry year could those shareholders who are not planning to use their Painted Rocks water allocation or using a reduced amount write and inform the water master so he can take that decreased use into account. My husband and I own Roaring Lion Ranch with a mile on the river south of Hamilton. We are letting our pastures go dry this year to leave more water in the river to help the fish. We will therefore not use any of our Painted Rocks allotment this year. I hope other landowners will join us in this endeavor and will inform the water master of their plans. SAVE THE FISH.” As the flows go down and the air temperature remains consistently high, the temperature of the water also rises. The Bitterroot River mainstem is currently under ‘Hoot Owl’ restrictions. The criteria for instituting Hoot Owl restrictions are water temperatures exceeding 73 degrees three days in a row, which were met on July 30, 31 and August 1. During Hoot Owl periods, the affected waters are closed to angling from 2 p.m. until 12 midnight. According to MFWP Biologist Jason Lindstrom, it is unlikely that the restrictions will be lifted until September.
River flows: cooperation making difference continued from page one
said Iman, “but by working together we have managed to extend the irrigation season by a month and keep as much water in the river for the fish as we can. When there is just not enough water to meet the needs of the irrigators and the fish, then everybody suffers some, but nobody goes without.” Over the last 23 years they have always managed to keep some water running for the fish. “This is a bad year,” agreed retiring Water Commissioner Al Pernichle, who has dealt with the problem for the last 21 years. But, he said, it’s not shaping up to be as bad as he thought earlier in the summer. He said that this year, given the drought situation, they are looking at trying to maintain up to 350 cfs and have been doing pretty good. “I’ve seen it go as low as 250 cfs to 200 cfs over the last 20 years,” said Pernichle. This year he said they’ve been able to maintain close to 400 and that on Monday it was at about 360 to 370 cfs. Information on flow amounts in the Bitterroot River at USGS gages can be found on the internet at nwis.waterdata.usgs.gov. The discharge flows at Bell Crossing this year are 50% above the 30-year average. He does hear from a few irate outfitters every year, he says, but on the whole, everybody is pretty understanding.
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Bitterroot Star -- Page 3
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Community turns out for Robert’s Run by Mikayln Brickley
“We were blown out of the water in terms of support,” said Alyce. “It far exceeded our expectations with the number of participants. It’s more appreciated than people know and there aren’t really any words to describe how it feels to be so loved and surrounded by other individuals in the valley who want to remember Robert.” Robert’s Run is planned to be an annual event, so make sure to keep an eye out next summer for when it will be held. There is something so special about our small-town community, and it is events like Robert’s Run that can serve as a reminder to just stop and be grateful. Alyce said, “when you lose a child you just don’t want people to forget.” If the turnout at this 5k proved anything last weekend, it’s that Robert A. Leonardi will never be forgotten by the people of the Bitterroot Valley.
This past Saturday, the smoke cleared and the sun came out just in time for over 400 people to gather at the Hamilton High School to participate in Robert’s Run. This event was held in remembrance of Robert A. Leonardi, the fun-loving 8-year-old boy who was killed in a hit and run two years ago. “We want to make Robert’s Run an activity to do with your family and just to serve as a reminder that when life gets busy it’s so important to play with your kids and spend time with your family,” said Alyce Leonardi, Robert’s mother. “Time is precious and you never know how quickly things can change.” The event included a 5k and a mile run, as well as a virtual opportunity to participate. There was a total of about 830 people who signed up and donated, with people from all over the country joining in to support such a meaningful cause. Alice Leonardi crossing the finish line of the 5k. Photo by Mikayln Brickley.
Time for a ‘Party in the Park’ Three local non profits have teamed up to sponsor a “Back to School Party in the Park.” Glenda Wiles with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force, Ryan Wetzel, a prevention specialist with Western Montana Mental Health and Katie DeFelice, BEAR program coordinator, are throwing a party on Thursday, August 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton. Enjoy the last days of summer with a free family fun night. Kids can skate, scooter and bike at the Hamilton Skate Park. Skateboard and bikes will be available for loan by
BEAR. Try the Ropes Challenge Course. Watch a demonstration by the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Earn prizes for answering prevention questions. According to Wiles, the three just wanted to “do something for the community at the end of summer.” She said they will have people there that teach skating techniques and also some expert skateboarders to give tips and advice. Wetzel will be the emcee. There will be prizes and giveaways, as well as a “show and tell” on “fatal vision” goggles. Kids who can answer prevention questions correctly will get free
passes to the county fair. There will be snacks and games such as cornhole for people to play. Live music will be provided by Five Valley Accordions. Wiles said the goal is “to have a healthy community, prevention, and families getting together with their kids and celebrating before they get back to school.” Everything is free. If kids don’t have a skateboard or a helmet, they can contact BEAR to borrow one (parental permission is needed for loans. If kids bring their own equipment, no waiver is required).
Run for the River 5K & Bitterroot River Clean-Up 8/13 & 8/14 Join us Thursday, August 12th for a Pint Night at
Friday, August 13th
5K Run / Walk 7pm at Hamilton River Park
Saturday, August 14th A River Clean-Up from Sula to Missoula!
$40 Registration includes a Bitter Root Water Forum Hydro Flask
Splish Splash DASH for children ages 10 & under at 6:45pm - FREE!
Sign up for your spot and clean up on your schedule
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It’s Education Appreciation Month! Educator Appreciation
BAG SALE August 13 - August 15
Show your credentials that you are employed by one of our local schools and receive 20% off regular price purchases (10% off anything that has a cord, battery, or requires fuel) All Month Long:
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Riverfest and trash drop off 5 pm - 8 pm at
Hamilton River Park Live Music—Pinegrass Local Food Truck
SIGN UP and get more information at www.brwaterforum.org/events
714 N. 1st St., Hamilton 406-363-3351
Bitterroot Star -- Page 4
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Remains of Hamilton soldier killed during WWII to be buried in Hamilton FORT KNOX, KY - The remains of a soldier killed during World War II will be interred at Riverview Cemetery on August 14. Funeral services for Army Pvt. Wayne M. Evans will be performed by Daly Leach Memorial Chapel, Hamilton, preceding the interment. A native of Hamilton, Evans was a member of Battery G, 59th Coast Artillery Regiment, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December 1941. Intense fighting continued until the surrender of the Bataan Peninsula on April 9, 1942, and of the Corregidor Island on May 6, 1942. Thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members, including Evans, were captured and interned at POW camps. According to historical records, Evans was held at the Cabanatuan POW camp where he died on July 19, 1942. He was just 21 years old. More than 2,500 POWs perished in this camp during the war. All, including Evans, were buried in the local Cabanatuan Camp From a newspaper article of the time. Cemetery in Common Grave 312. remains were exhumed and Following the war, those relocated to a temporary U.S.
remains associated with Common Grave 312 were disinterred and sent to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s laboratory at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for analysis. Evans was accounted for by the DPAA on March 30, 2020, after his remains were identified using circumstantial evidence, as well as anthropological and mitochondrial DNA analysis. His name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines - an American Battle Monuments Commission site - along with others still missing from World War II. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. For additional information about Pvt. Evans, go to https:// www.dpaa.mil/NewsStories/Recent-NewsStories/Article/2138159/ soldier-accounted-forfrom-world-war-iievans-w/ To learn more about the Department of Defense’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at www.dpaa.mil, www. facebook.com/dodpaa, or call (703) 699-1420/1169.
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Bitterroot Star -- Page 5
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Annual Bitterroot River cleanup this Saturday The Bitter Root Water Forum clean up you can still join for the Watershed Trailer from the Bitterroot invites you to help clean up the Riverfest celebration from 6:00 pm Conservation District will be up and Bitterroot River on Saturday, August – 8:00 pm at Hamilton’s River Park. running from 6:00pm-7:30pm. The 14th at their annual Bitterroot River The evening will feature live music trailer is a live-action model of the Clean-Up. Volunteers can sign from local bluegrass band, Pinegrass, Bitterroot River that demonstrates up for walking sites and floating beer from the Bitter Root Brewery, how water moves through the stretches along the Bitterroot from and German fare from the Alpens landscape. Sula and Painted Rocks to Missoula. Guten Eaten food truck. A pre-event Pint Night at Participants are encouraged to bring the trash they find to the Kiwanis River Park where the Water Forum will have a large dumpster and the Riverfest celebration from 5:00pm-8:00pm. “Since the goal is to clean up the full length of the river, it works best to have people sign up in advance, clean up on their own timeline, and then meet up at a centralized location to drop off trash and celebrate,” says Katie Vennie, Bitter Root Water Forum Communications & Outreach Manager. The Water Forum started hosting the event in 2012 and volunteers typically Bill Jones helped remove the remains of an old drift boat from near Bell Crossing last year. pull around 2,000 The Water Forum is also hosting Higherground Brewery will kick off pounds of trash from the River each a 5K Run/Walk for the River on the festivities on Thursday, August year during the Clean-Up, with Friday, August 13th. This scenic 12th from 4:00-7:00pm. A portion of 2020’s total at 2,152 pounds. The course begins and ends in River every beer sold will benefit the Water Bitterroot River Clean-Up never park and makes its way along the Forum in bringing the community fails to produce strange finds for River. Registration is $40 and will together to protect, enhance, and volunteers, and there will be a include a Bitter Root Water Forum restore the watershed we all rely on. trophy for the “Best Trash”. Last Hydro Flask. You can register online Raffle tickets will be available to win year’s winners found a bathtub, through the Water Forum webpage, great prizes, with the grand prize of and past notable finds have been at their office, or at River Park a rod and reel combo from Freestone recliners, wagon wheels and even a starting at 6:00 pm the day of the Fly Shop. The prize drawing will be car dashboard. There will also be a race. Saturday at the cleanup and you need photo contest and a chance to win fun The run includes fun activities for not be present to win. prizes. You can sign up to help by kids too. The Splish Splash DASH Proceeds from all events will help visiting the Bitter Root Water Forum is a free short run for children to protect, enhance, and restore the webpage at www.brwaterforum.org, ages 10 and under. You can get Bitterroot watershed. To get involved, calling the office at 406-375-2272, signed up on Friday August 13th please visit the Water Forum website or stopping in at 178 S 2nd St in beginning at 6:00pm at River Park. or call (406) 375-2272 to learn about Hamilton. The Dash starts at 6:45pm. The volunteer opportunities for the events Even if you are unable to help
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on Friday and Saturday. The Bitter Root Water Forum would like to thank the event sponsors: Bitterroot Conservation District, Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, Bitterroot Drug, Main Street Toys, Bitter Root Brewing, Rapp Family Foundation, Westslope Distillery, the Loose Caboose, Bitterroot Disposal, Edward Jones - Debbie Gantz, Evans Ace Hardware, A2Z Personnel, Water Master, Triple Creek Ranch, PayneWest Insurance, Clearwater Credit Union, Fishs Eddy O Outfitters, First Security Bank, TrailWest Bank, Bitterroot Trout Unlimited, Higherground Brewing Company, Runner’s Edge, Iron Horse Athletic Club, Freestone Flyshop, Tire Rama, Dairy Queen, Pigman Builders, and Clearwater Systems. Schedule of Events Thursday, August 12th Pint Night at Higherground Brewery: 4:00-7:00pm Friday, August 13th Splish Splash DASH: 6:45pm; Registration 6:00-6:45pm (Hamilton River Park) Run for the River 5K: 7:00pm; Registration 6:00-7:00pm (Hamilton River Park) Watershed Trailer: 6:00-7:30pm Saturday, August 14th Bitterroot River Clean-Up: All Day (Volunteers choose when to clean-up) Riverfest and Trash Drop-Off: 5:00-8:00pm (Hamilton River Park) Pinegrass perform: 6:00 – 8:00 pm Prizes announced: 7:30 pm
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Bitterroot Star -- Page 6
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Creamery Picnic Kids Parade 2021
Opinion
Bitterroot Star -- Page Seven
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
It was so great, with everybody’s help by Victoria Howell Creamery Picnic Chair Stevensville Civic Club It’s been quite a summer. So many long stretches of dry, hot days, smoky air that came way too early as fires raged all around us just outside our valley, fears of another pandemic surge, uncertainty over the future of our jobs and the economy. And on and on. But, it seemed like all of that just melted away this past weekend, as the Stevensville Civic Club put on a Creamery Picnic that was extra remarkable for a traditional celebration that is always pretty remarkable. As chair of this event for the Stevensville Civic Club, I was relieved and elated to see all the parts and pieces
come together as well as they did. Amazingly, the smoke blew out of the valley to give us clear air to breathe under the backdrop of our gorgeous St. Mary’s Peak. The parades were magical, the food was great, the music sounded wonderful, the beer flowed, the rubber ducks raced down the ditch, the greased pigs raised a ruckus like they’re supposed to, and people were together and happy as they celebrated their heritage and their hometown. And all just ahead of the August singularity! The Creamery Picnic takes months of planning and preparation. Dozens of volunteers do dozens of different things to make this happen. So many things take place behind the scenes and most people wouldn’t imagine
Accepting gays is anti-Christian
I noted the use of the term “hateful” directed against those who oppose the rainbow acceptance of homosexuality. Apparently, these people do not understand the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Apostles. Christians pity and pray for these poor folks who suffer from this Satanic sickness. All major religions of the world consider homosexuality to be evil. Prior to the onset of political correctness, homosexuality was listed as a psychiatric malady. The controlled media pushing political correctness is owned and operated by anti-Christians, just like our Federal Reserve. Frank Novotny Victor
Mysterious expenditures
For some time now, the lack of transparency in the Town of Stevensville has bothered me. Reading the accounts of Town board meetings, lawsuits involving the mayor, invoices not included on a timely basis, major funding of equipment and computers by the mayor with no prior approval of the Council, and many more instances where the public is kept in the dark, I checked a couple months of billing statements. This preliminary review forces me to ask some questions. They follow. Example Number One: On Feb. 4, 2019, these charges were on the Town’s credit card at 6:16 pm – Salad, Kiwi OG, GF Carrot cake, Montana treasure for a total of $17.77. The next evening, a Ceramic hot plate, Montana treasure and Raspberry cheesecake were purchased. Total of $16.59. There was no signature on the receipt. Why? Example Number Two: On Dec. 1, 2019, the Town credit card was used to purchase six frames (18 x 24) at Michael’s. Cost - $102. This was nowhere to be seen on the claims to be paid. Individual credit card charges are
how many lists, phone calls, meetings, problem solving sessions, tweaks and twists it takes to put this major event on. We truly appreciate all our volunteers. We also appreciate the help we get from the Town of Stevensville. Town crews helped us so much with infrastructure, like moving traffic barricades, garbage containers, water hoses, stages, and so much more. And it takes money, too. The Civic Club invests thousands of dollars in putting on this festival, and the club couldn’t do it without the help of our local businesses. We are so grateful to them for their support. Yes, there were some problems, like overflowing trash receptacles on Main
lumped together under categories such as office supplies, admin, etc. It is impossible to know who is spending Town (my) money and on what. Example Number Three: The Town VISA account statement of Dec. 22, 2019 had charges from COSTCO for $1,104.29 and AMAZON for $782.47. Those two entities accounted for 48.7 percent of the Town credit card charges during that period. Why not source goods locally? The Town knows what they pay for items. I would urge the Town contact and ask for bids from merchants who pay taxes. Or, touch base with nearby businesses that support everything that makes Stevensville tick. Example Number Four: To demonstrate things have not changed, the Feb. 9, 2021 Town VISA statement reflected charges from COSTCO of $1,546.87 and AMAZON of $500.58. Those purchases amounted to 75 percent of the total credit card charges during that period. Because the items purchased are shown on the claims to be paid as admin, office supplies, etc., the Council members would not have reason to question the claims. After examining these items, I request the Town administration make an effort to be more transparent. I would also prefer they consider supporting our local merchants. Is that too much to ask? Mark Adams Stevensville
Agribusiness consolidation hurting us all
Perhaps one of the most personal decisions you can make every day is deciding what to eat. But what happens when multinational corporations in the agricultural industry take that power away from the individual by using their size, wealth and power to determine the price and selection on our grocery shelves? For these conglomerates to influence what we consume, they first need to control the people who produce our food. That is where
Street for a day or two after. Parking was a problem for some people, and we didn’t seem to be able to keep up with the demand for cold water at the park. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the disappointed people who were too late to get one of the 300 servings of free ice cream (courtesy of the Civic Club) that ran out in 10 minutes! (I think we needed 3000!) Nothing is perfect. But, in the big picture, it was a screaming success. All due to the hard work of so many dedicated people. I’ve been involved in the Creamery Picnic in some way for as long as I’ve lived here, about 36 years. I love helping out; volunteerism has been a big part of my life. (I also love that the money the Civic Club
the corporations’ real power lies: dominating what is grown, how it’s produced and, most critically, how they can make the most money by paying farmers as little as possible. This is why I testified last week in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee – to help bring fairness back into the agricultural industry. We hope that lawmakers and President Joe Biden have finally had enough and are ready to take on the multinationals that dominate the food chain. These agribusiness corporations are doing what most companies do: grow in size, overtake their competitors and increase shareholder value. This has created consolidation and monopolies with fewer companies dominating the food business. Hence, what’s on the shelves at the grocery store and its cost is being determined by corporations and finance — not farmers, nutrition or quality. But our government is supposed to tamp down on monopolies and the anti-competitive behavior that has permeated the agricultural industry. For example, the century-old Packers and Stockyards Act was originally designed to protect poultry and hog farmers and cattle ranchers from unfair, deceptive and monopolistic practices in the meat market. But for the last few decades, Democratic and Republican administrations alike have turned a blind eye to rapid consolidation in agriculture. Just how dominant are these corporations? Consider this: The four largest multinational meatpackers control 54 percent of U.S. poultry processing, 66 percent of U.S. pork packing, and 85 percent of beef packing. Only four companies control 85 percent of corn seeds and 76 percent of soybean seeds. Farmers in those markets must then turn around and sell their crops to four companies that control 82 percent of the soybean crushing and 84 percent of wet corn milling in the United States. Further undermining our agricultural economy, many of the companies controlling markets for farm inputs, like fertilizer, and commodities are vertically integrated, which means they control multiple stages of the supply chain. The most
raises from events like the Creamery Picnic is invested back into the community in the form of improvement projects like the splash pad at Lewis & Clark Park.) And even though I’m still doing this volunteer work, I’m so excited to see that the next generation and even the one after them is stepping up to take this on. If you enjoyed the Creamery Picnic as much as I did, I invite you to consider volunteering for the next one. Steering committee meetings will probably begin next spring. There are many different ways to volunteer. You can donate a little time or a lot of time, it’s up to you. If you’re interested you can contact Liz Cook, Civic Club President, at 880-2007. See you at next year’s Picnic!
egregious example being the chicken industry, where farmers must sign a contract with a company – known as an integrator – which provides the birds, feed, medication and processing. Integrators can suppress wages, force expensive upgrades and even sabotage a farmer by providing low-quality inputs. Due in part to this consolidation, the farmer’s share of every dollar consumers spend on food has fallen from 50 percent in 1952 to less than 16 percent today. The people doing the hard work of growing and harvesting our food see scant returns from their labors. Meanwhile, the lion’s share of profits generated from food sales goes to these corporations and their shareholders. Dwindling farm profits affect rural communities too. Family farmers buy their supplies from neighborhood shops, attend community churches, eat at family-owned restaurants, and send their children to public schools, all of which suffer as farms buckle under mistreatment by multinationals. Consumers don’t benefit from this arrangement either. Though it seems like our grocery stores offer endless possibilities, in reality, we have few choices. For 1 out of 3 common grocery items, four corporations account for at least 75 percent of sales. And those items aren’t necessarily priced fairly. If Americans want to protect farmers, and take back control of the dinner table, the one solution to anti-competitive corporations in the agricultural marketplace is decisive government intervention. A good place to start is strengthening and enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act, providing greater scrutiny of mergers and acquisitions and investing in local and regional food processing infrastructure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and President Joe Biden have signaled actions in the right direction, but we can’t divert course until there is fairness for farmers. It’s vital that Americans are offered reasonably priced, quality and nutritious sustenance that reflects the cost of producing it. Until farmers See LETTERS, page 10
Bitterroot Star staff Jesse Mullen is the Publisher
Victoria Howell is the Editor: editor@ bitterrootstar.com
Liz Cook is regional advertising director: liz@bitterrootstar.com
James Pickford sells advertising: james@bitterrootstar.com
Matt Johnson
Christina Bledsoe designs advertising: design@sspmt.com
bills our customers: mgr@sspmt.com
Information about your Bitterroot Star Bitterroot Star promise We strive to cover all the news and entertainment important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. Our entire staff takes part in deciding what appears in these pages and all content is locally generated. If you have a story idea or want some event publicized contact any of the people you see here. Call us 406-777-3928. Printing information The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co.. Periodicals postage paid at the United States Post Office in Stevensville, MT 59870. The SSP’s advertising and editorial content deadlines are Fridays at 5 p.m. Our View/Letters Star editorials frequently appear at the top of this page and are written from the position of the newspaper, usually with the influence of several people, and in the hope that they will carry the weight of our decades of leadership. The personal columns and letters appearing elsewhere on this page, and others, represent the opinions of single individuals and do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes and encourages your letter to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication; letters should be 600 words or less and may be edited. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specific, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. A signature, address and telephone number (for verification, not publication) are required. We will not publish letters that are libelous or scurrilous in nature. Letters of thanks are offered at a reduced price in our display ads.
Member 2016 Member 2021
Bitterroot Star -- Page 8
Gamblers Anon
Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.
WIC clinics
Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library.Call 406-8027180 for more information.
Family Shelter
The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 239-8833.
Stevensville AlAnon
Stevensville Al-Anon will meet on Monday, July 5 at 7:30 in the library of the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College. Meetings will continue on the first Monday of the month until further notice. Anyone who has been affected by the disease of alcoholism in a family member or friend is welcome. For more info call Hazel at 239-0878.
Three Mile Coffee
Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For information call Colleen at 777-3710.
BitterRodders Cars
BitterRodders Car Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st in Hamilton. Everyone welcome. For more information call 961-3136.
Divorce Care
Divorce Care is a free class/support group for those needing support, hope, and healing during and after divorce. Divorce Care meets at Hamilton Assembly of God every Wednesday evening at 6:30 starting February 3 through April 29. Anyone can join at any time. Please see Divorcecare. org for more information.
Soul Suppers
Soul Suppers in Stevensville Served Every Wednesday! Free home cooked carry out
Calendar Wednesday, August 11, 2021
meals with a message served every Wed.evening at 6 p.m. 101 Church St. Stevensville. For more information, contact Corey at 406) 214-8708.
Victor Senior Center
Serving meals at the Center Monday Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. You can still order and pickup meals to go on Monday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Bridge every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Pokeno 2nd and 4th Friday at 1 p.m. For info or to volunteer call 642-3320.
Hamilton Senior Center
Open for lunch Monday, Wednesday, Friday, serving from 11:45-12:30 p.m. Canasta (Hand and Foot), Every Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Cards/shufflers provided. $1. Pinochle every Friday, 1:00 p.m. All supplies provided. $2. The Center is located at 820 N. 4th Street.
Hamilton Golden Age Club
Pinochle, 1st & 3rd Mondays, 1:00 p.m. Coffee provided; no food please. $2. Pinochle, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. Coffee provided; no food please. $2. Light exercise Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9-10:00 a.m. 50 cents. The Club is located at 527 South 5th Street.
Stevensville Senior Center
Stevenville Senior Center is now serving meals at the Center Monday thru Friday at 11:30 am. You can still pick up your weekly meals on Monday at 11 am to 11:30 am Coffee Club at 8:00 am M-F Exercise 10:00 am Tuesday and Thursday Quilters the second Tuesday of each month 6:00 pm Pinochle Saturdays at 7 pm Afternoon Pinochle Fridays 12:15 pm Bridge Mondays at 12:15 pm
Sapphire Quilt Club
2nd Tuesday of each month, Senior Citizens Center, Stevensville. Doors open 6 p.m. Start 6:30 p.m.
me. Ginny Wigen, coordinator HPDSG. 406-544-9186.
St. Mary’s Parish Mass
Join us for Mass every Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. (currently NO Mass scheduled for St. Joseph’s in Florence).
Victor Heritage Museum
The Victor Heritage Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. through Labor Day. The Museum is in downtown Victor on the corner of Main Street and Blake Street. Contact the Musuem at 406-642-3997; victormuseum@cybernet1.com; or Suzanne at 406-363-3165.
Summer Concert Series
Join us for a Summer Concert Series in Stevensville of LIVE professional performances on August 13: The Joys of Chamber Music with a special performance from UM Music School Faculty (Indoors). Open to everyone, bring your family and friends, and for the outdoor venues, a lawn chair and your snacks. Music begins at 7:00 PM at The United Methodist Church, 216 College Street, Stevensville. The events are free. Any goodwill donations will support the Sapphire Early Learning Center opening in the fall.
Summer Meal Program
A free summer meal program is available for pick up every Monday from 11 a.m. to 12 noon throughout the summer at the Stevensville Masonic Lodge, corner of E. 3rd and Church. Ths is available to any child, ages 0-18. Enrollment in Stevensville schools is not required. Pick up a week’s worth of food for breakfast and lunch, including milk and fresh fruit.
Tired Iron Club
The Tired Iron Club will meet Friday, August 6 at 6 p.m. at the Sperrys’ farm. There will be a special guest speaker, Jim McDonald, FAIA, historical architect. Jim will give a presentation on Frank Lloyd Wright in the Bitterroot and pioneer towns of the valley. The address is 807 Od Corvallis Road Corvallis. The easiest way to get there is from Eastside Hwy. Turn west on Hawker Lane, travel west until you are in their front yard. Family and friends are always welcome. Bring a chair and a snack to share.
Hamilton Parkinson’s Disease Lone Rock Park Support Group Board We are up and running again. New location. We meet 3rd Monday of the month. At 1:00 pm. We will be meeting at the Corvallis United Methodist Church (youth center) to the east of the church. Located on the corner of Corvallis Cemetery Rd. and Eastside Heat. Big white church. Any questions please call
Lone Rock Park Board will meet Wednesday, August 11 at 7:30 p.m. at 1064 3 Mile Creek Road. Public welcome.
BRHA board meeting
The Bitter Root Humane Association will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at 5:00 pm in the Bouilla Restaurant meeting room, 111 S 3rd Street, Hamilton, MT. The public is welcome to attend, seating is limited.
Bitter Root Water Forum activities
HIGHERGROUND PINT NIGHT Thursday, August 12th 4-7pm Raise a pint with the Bitter Root Water Forum at the Higherground Brewery from 4 - 7 pm on Thursday, August 12th, in support of the Bitterroot River Clean Up (Saturday, August 14th). A portion of the proceeds for each beer sold goes towards working for clean water in the Bitterroot! RUN FOR THE RIVER 5K: Friday, August 13th 6-9 pm Join the Bitter Root Water Forum for the family-friendly Run for the River 5K on Friday, August 13th! This run/walk begins at 7pm and follows a scenic trail course beginning and ending at the River Park in Hamilton. Run registration is $40, and includes a Bitter Root Water Forum Hydro Flask. More info and registration at: http://www.brwaterforum. org/events BITTERROOT RIVER CLEAN-UP: Saturday, August
ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Main St. Stevensville • 777-0028
Worship at 11:00 a.m. In this Church there shall be no outcasts. 14th 5-8 pm Support the health of the Bitterroot River by volunteering with the Bitter Root Water Forum for the Bitterroot River Clean-Up on Saturday, August 14th! Volunteers can sign-up in advance for stretches covering all 155 miles of the river from Sula and Painted Rocks to the confluence at the Clark Fork in Missoula. Clean up on your schedule and join for trash drop off and Riverfest between 5-8pm at Hamilton’s Kiwanis River Park. Live music from Pinegrass and local food trucks. Fun prizes will be awarded at 7:30pm. More information and to sign up at: http://www.brwaterforum.org/events
Stevi cheer tryouts
Tryouts for the Stevensville High School Cheer Team will be held Friday, August 13 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. in the school multi-purpose room. For more information call Coach Rosalee Shorter, 202-415-3481.
Open Tennis Tournament
The Bitterroot Tennis Association is proudly hosting our annual USTA Sanctioned Bitterroot Memorial Open Tennis Tournament this year on August 13 – 15, at the Westview Tennis Courts in Hamilton, Montana. Jr. Brackets August 13-14 Men’s, Women’s & Open Brackets, August 14 – 15 Singles, Doubles & Mixed Doubles Registration is On-Line ONLY at playtennis.usta.com For questions or help in registering contact Devon – Tournament Director (813)7084866 or email devonsikora@ gmail.com Please join us for a weekend of fun and friendly competition! Each player will receive a beautifully designed, free T-shirt (performance wear fabric). There will be food, prizes, awards, and a lot of tennis! The Bitterroot Tennis Association was established in 2008 and began hosting the Bitterroot Open tournament that year. In 2015, our USTA sanctioned OPEN TOURNAMENT was renamed as a memorial tournament in honor of our beloved tennis players, from our community tennis family, who have passed. We now proudly host the Bitterroot Memorial Open annually in August.
‘Pints for Pets’ Benefit
If you haven’t been to Fin’s Tap House, then this should be your reason...a wonderful summer Saturday night of fun all for the great cause of supporting the Bitter Root Humane Association. Located at 352 Woodside Cutoff Road in Corvallis, the night of fun is scheduled for Saturday, August 14th, 5-9pm and will include music by Steve Winkler of “Who Dat”, plenty of games of chance, raffle baskets, great food and brew choices on the outdoor patio as the sun goes down! Bring family & friends to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and show your support for the critters at the Bitter Root Humane Association with a portion of the night’s proceeds being donated to the cause!
North Valley Library board meeting
The North Valley Public Library Board of Trustees will hold their regular board meeting on Wednesday, August 18 at 3 p.m. in the Community Room of the Library. Meeting Agendas are posted the Friday before the meeting. More information can be found on their website at northvalleylibrary.org/board-information.
Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering The 12th annual Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering will be held on August 21-22, 2021, on the grounds of the Daly Mansion in Hamilton.
Celtic music, dance, athletic competitions, educational and children’s activities fill both days. Merchandise and food and drink vendors. Free ceilidh dance party Saturday 7-10 pm. Park for free at Hamilton High School and take a free shuttle to the Daly Mansion. See bcgg. org for info.
Saturday Series
On Saturday, August 21 at 11 a.m. Chris Weatherly, historic preservation specialist, will talk about why and how he built a replica of a Red River Oxcart for exhibition at Historic St. Mary’s Mission. Chris will show photos in St. Mary’s Chapel and describe how he acquired drawings and plans, along with constructing the cart. A short walk will lead you to the Oxcart which is a replica of the first 2-wheeled cart to enter Montana. Chris was involved with historic restoration at Monticello in Charlottesville, VA before moving to Montana. His preservation expertise includes contracts with MT Fish Wildlife and Parks from Virginia City to Chief Plenty Coup’s house in Pryor. He did interior and exterior restoration on a homestead cabin outside of Dillon for the Bureau of Land Management. Many historic features in Western Montana have benefited from his passion for history and the dedicated skills of Chris Weatherly. Location: 315 Charlos Street, Stevensville ~ 406-7775734 ~ No reservations needed. Historic St. Mary’s Mission and Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for guided tours.
Victor Museum Ice Cream Social
The Victor Heritage Museum will be holding its Ice Cream Social with Horse Drawn Wagon Rides by OutWest Wagons Sunday, August 22, 2021 from 12:00 noon til 3:00pm. There will be Ice Cream, Cookies, Lemonade and Wagon Rides for you. This Social is a Thank You to the people of Victor and the Bitterroot Valley. Please, join us. Visit with your Friends and Neighbors. There is no charge. Donations are welcomed. The Museum is located in downtown Victor on Main Street, 125 Blake Street. Please call us @ 6423997 or 363-3165 or E-mail us at victormuseum@cybertnet1. com for further information.
Women Only Introduction to Defensive Handguns
August 28 at 8:30 AM September 11 at 5:00 PM For Women Only 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 first 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 different types and models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fire session. A self defense book, specifically 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. We will discuss various types of ammunition and the performance of each type. 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 360-8392. Successful completion of this two day course meets the education requirements for application to the state for a concealed carry permit.
Scarecrow Festival
Scarecrow Festival is coming October 1st and 2nd. Start designing your scarecrow and watch for more information after Creamery Picnic. Or for more information call Gretchen at River’s Mist Gallery 3606716.
Obituary Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Bitterroot Star -- Page 9
Verna Marie Molenda
2021 SEASON
52 years of Bringing Live Theatre to Northeastern Montana
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown August 13 Baskerville! Terms of Endearment August 20 – September 5 August 14 and 15 PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT www.fortpecktheatre.org SHOW TIMES Fridays and Saturdays 7:30 p.m. • Sundays 4:00 p.m. Check our website to view the new rotating schedule in August.
fortpecktheatre.org or call 406-526-9943 FPST will be practicing social distancing and safety protocols
Day Event for FAMILIES
ONLY AT
www.digitdays.org
August 19 & 20 12pm - 6pm
FUN KIDS ACTIVITIES Safety Education Hands-on Learning with Heavy Equipment
Let the Kids Play in the Dirt! Yellowstone Family – Supporting Families, Building Community
Darby - Verna Marie Molenda went home to Our Lord on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 76 years young. She was born on May 21, 1945 and the first few years of her life have two versions that brought her to be a young mother at 16. She married young which added a beloved son to our lives as well as two more babies to raise. She raised these 4 small children in very rustic homes most without running water, indoor plumbing or electricity. Two of these loving homes were near Bellevue, Colorado and Stillwell, Oklahoma. In 1968 she left that world behind and moved to Montana to begin anew. She met and fell in love with William “Bill” Molenda and they were married in Hamilton on March 26, 1970 after just 3 months of dating. Last summer they were able to celebrate their 50th with close family and many friends. Verna was very involved with the Community and she wrote many poems and letters to the editor over the years. One of her letters coined the now famous “Darbarian” phrase and she had bumper stickers made with “Proud to be a Darbarian.” She was on the Bitterroot Community Federal Credit Union Board and was instrumental in the Darby Library summer reading program as well as reading to the Darby elementary students. Verna owned and operated her own adult foster care home for many years just south of Darby and cooked for Council on Aging and delivered Meals on Wheels. She wrote and performed Cowboy Poetry for many years. Verna raised a beautiful garden and canned the most fabulous canned goods. She was known for her bread baking and cinnamon rolls. Verna had
a passion for Bluegrass music, first following Bill and later learned to play autoharp then the dobro, becoming one of the Darby Sireens and made a solo album of her own. It was at one of the music festivals that she met a Reiki Master who immediately recognized her healing powers. Verna became a Reiki Master Teacher in 2006. She was able to bring much peace and healing to friends and animals near and far. Verna was known for her special connections with all animals. She was just special all the way around! In addition to her four kids she was known as “Mom” and ‘Aunt Verna” to many others. Verna was a positive influence to hundreds and her sense of humor is legendary. Verna is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Bill Molenda, her amazing children, Earl Shewmake, Jeniece Howerton-Palmer, Marvin Shewmake and Grace Shewmake, her sisters Ruby Shields and Toots Krumdick, Brotherin-law Dwight Bristol, Grandchildren; Eric Shewmake, Chad Shewmake, Amy Engelhardt, Ronald Vincent, Levi Vincent, and Samantha Fonken. Great Grandchilden; Presley, Rayce, Ripp, Alex, Nathanial, Chance, Avi, Milo, Talon, Noland, Luca, Landen and Ross and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings; Lynn Howerton, Tiny Bristol and Joyce Anderson, and by three grandsons; Branden Vincent, Todd Shewmake, and James Howerton. A visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, August 13, 2021 at the Daly-Leach Chapel. A celebration of Verna’s life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Patricia L. Caterino Stevensville Patricia L. Caterino, 85, daughter of Mary Zito and Samuel Caterino, went to the Lord on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother, Michael and grand-nephew Christopher Prinkki. She is survived by a sister, Mary Ann Barrington, beloved nieces, Billie Ann Barrington, Michele Marie Williamson and Roma Lee Ebel, grand-niece, Lisa Roux, grand-nephews Patrick Prinkki and Tony Orr, many cousins. Patricia worked in food service for 20 years at the University
of Montana. She was a dedicated Grizzly fan. She was a member of the Ladies Eagles in Missoula. She loved knitting, crocheting, painting oil landscapes, gardening, cooking, yard sales, collecting dolls and her dog Lucky. Patricia relocated to Stevensville to be closer to family. She spent her last 11 years in the Stevensville Living Centre and was loved by everyone. Patricia’s ashes will be interred in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Missoula. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome. com.
Greg Stueckrath Stevensville - Greg Stueckrath of Stevensville passed away Friday, August 6, 2021. He was born April 29, 1955 in Plainview, Nebraska the son of Norman Lee and Kay Annette (Thomas) Stueckrath. Greg graduated from Plainview High School in 1973. He excelled in sports, especially track, football and basketball. He married Joyce Onnen in 1973 and they had 2 daughters, Heather Ann born in 1979 and Holly Jo born in 1982. The family moved to Kingman, AZ in 1983. Greg and Joyce were later divorced. Greg worked for the phone company for 17 years, moving to Stevensville in 1990, where he worked in building construction. Greg met his forever partner, Cozette Kovacich in 1991. They spent the next 30 years sharing their friendship, their love and their lives. Greg enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and playing pool. He was a life-long Nebraska Cornhuskers football fan, and for the past 10 years, he and Cozy have been enthusiastic fans of Gonzaga and
Creighton basketball. Greg is survived by Cozette “Cozy” in Stevensville; his daughter Holly Stueckrath and his son-in-law, Keith Walker; grandchildren, Ellington and Emmerson, all of Kingman, AZ; his brother Kam and his wife Deb and nieces Amber, Toni and Miranda and their families in Nebraska; his sister, Joette Springer and fiancé Pete Schumacher of Sidney, MT and niece, Jessica and nephew Aaron and their families in Billings, MT; an aunt and lots of cousins. He also leaves so many friends, too numerous to mention – you know who you are. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his daughter, Heather. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Parish in Stevensville on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. A reception will follow the Mass at The High Country Club in Stevensville. Greg requests no flowers, and any memorials be made to Hospice. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Bitterroot Star -- Page 10
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
LETTERS cont. have more freedom to produce the food they want to grow or raise, and sell it to more than only a handful of buyers, we are all going to be victims of the consolidation in the agricultural industry. Rob Larew, President National Farmers Union
Veteran? Please consider this
I’m an old vet, a white guy, and on most issues a conservative. I am tired of being told that I am a menace to society, a racist, a homophobe, a misogynist and misanthrope (I think these last two mean I hate everyone). I now publicly declare that I am not guilty! However, I will admit to being guilty of being politically incorrect and clinging to my guns and God. Like all veterans I served with honor and took the oath that all veterans take. That is the oath to defend the Constitution of against all enemies foreign or domestic. The oath does not have a time limit as oaths do not expire. Today our Constitution is under attack. Unfortunately the source of these attacks is domestic. To name but a few targets for change or erasure consider the right to fee speech, the right to bear arms, the right for each state to control elections, the freedom of religion, rights to manage private property, state control of education, need I go on? Yep, you got it! The far left is intent upon destroying our Republic. They realize that before you can build a communist
or any authoritarian state you have to demolish what already exists. Progressives have been busy in the demolition business for over 50 years and have finally taken off their Democratic masks. Frankly, there is no longer a Democratic Party. As vets we represent approximately 10% of the population of Montana. Where is our voice? I not talking about the voice of politicians. I mean you and me ,the plain old everyday working citizens.I have been occasionally writing letters to the editors. I have deliberately signed them as Col USAF (ret). Some folks say I shouldn’t use rank or service. They are wrong! When we leave active duty we regain the right to speak of political issues. We all kept
our mouths shut while we served. It was and is proper. But now, no longer in uniform, let’s SOUND OFF ! For example, how do you mustered out Master Sergeants,Warrant Officers and Petty Officers feel about what is going on? You and I , each of us, can be politically partisan as hell and proud of it. Let me offer and example for your consideration. Senator Tester has done many things to improve the lot of veterans. On the other hand he was a 90% plus supporter of Obama when they destroyed our military capability. They used the national defense budget as a piggy bank. Remember? It was called Sequestration. Those 8 years allowed our unfriendly peers like Russia and
China to catch up with our capability. We may never regain that lost edge which was the key to deterrence. Now he is part of the current administration which holds national defense as the lowest budget priority. I ask, did he buy your vote? Finally, so no one thinks that conservative vets are the only ones I’m talking to, let me encourage all of us to become politically involved. Every vet, Democrat, Republican or Independent needs to consider the threats to our Constitution which we all swore to defend. Political Ignorance, fence sitting and silence are no longer acceptable. Ed Sperry Col USAF (ret) Stevensville
Crossword Puzzle
ACROSS 1. Mormon State 5. Jewish calendar month 9. Arab chief 11. Restaurant 12. Italian physicist 13. Leave now! 14. MGM’s Lion 15. Terabyte 17. Snacked 18. Painter Georgia ___ 20. Forward 22. Hotel 23. Teacher’s assistant, for short 24. Kitten’s cry 27. Net strung across a stream 29. Not here 31. Hee-haw 32. Spooky 33. Walk through water 34. What a tie hangs on
DOWN 1. Defunct football league 2. Formal “you” 3. Air (prefix) 4. That man 5. Spots 6. Coffee shop order 7. Having wings 8. Religious ceremony 10. Brand of crunchy stick candy 16. Revile 18. Ouch! 19. Education (abbr.) 20. Musical production 21. Mythological nymph 22. Compass point 24. Meager 25. Little Mermaid’s love 26. Seven days 28. Seed bread 30. Egg layer
August 9, 2021 Posting Date © Feature Exchange
Bitterroot Star -- Page 11
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Chuck Stranahan’s
Flyfishing Journal
Spruce moths, forests, and fish “What happened to the spruce moth hatch this year?” I didn’t quite know how to address that question, but I had to start somewhere. Turns out the guy who asked it had visited the area this time last year and had done exceptionally well with spruce moths. The fishing was so memorable that he planned this year’s trip for exactly the same week, expecting conditions like those he experienced the year before. Didn’t happen – and he was perplexed and a little disheartened. “They’ll be there lots of them, in dry years. That’s when they do the most damage.” I went on to tell him that the spruce moth attacks fir trees, and that each successive hatch of lasts only a few days.
Spruce moths and dry weather When it’s dry these emergences overlap until they disappear. Rains, such as we’ve had recently, will shut one emergence down and they’ll reappear when there is another emergence. We figured that his recent experience, the day after a rain, had been a tweener day and that more spruce moths would appear soon. “Take some with you,” I encouraged, “Fish the areas where you’ll see plenty of conifers near the water – and those areas are at higher elevations and cooler than the rivers that are being shut off by hoot-owl closures.” I encouraged him to take other patterns and experiment, take the fishing as it comes and enjoy each day, each cast. “And when you begin to see a few, strap on a spruce moth. Jiggle it a little when it hits the water. Those sprucies flutter when they hit – they can’t swim worth beans – and the trout can trigger on that first little
commotion when they hit the water.” They thrive in dry weather. When the forest is not stressed and there are peasant rains in June and July, we won’t see many of the adults. The forests will thrive and the trout will find something else to eat. Once hatched, these moths bear a light tan and cream mottling, and flutter out of the trees where they hatch. They’ll usually do this when the day warms up and they’ll be off when it cools.
Chuck
Stranahan
from the fir trees that shaded us. I pulled out the wooden wine box that had become my excuse for a portable fly tying station and set it up. I knew what sort of a pattern I wanted to fish for these spruce moths, and typically didn’t have any. There’s never enough time to prepare when we suddenly leave a fly shop behind to go fishing. So I go through the camp-box checklist, make sure there’s enough to eat, double-check all the creature comfort items on the list, and in the last few minutes before takeoff throw some fishing gear in the back of the truck. The wine box that carries a random accumulation of fly tying stuff makes up for some of the omissions. Besides, I like to sit in camp and tie flies. There’s no rush to it, and I’m free to be creative. That morning, I ran up a few variants, long-hackled downwings on short-shanked hooks,
with light tan bodies. And they caught fish. Almost immediately I hooked a brown that had to be one of my largest in Rock Creek. That fish turned right and went around the rock he held above while I tried helplessly to muscle him to the left. Leader sawed in two. Game over. That fast. Winner, brown trout. I hooked another almost immediately, a seventeen-incher, and Jan got a nice photo of that fish as it swam upstream out of the net. That photo hangs by the fly tying bench in my shop. When I look at it, I don’t say much – but silently I’m remembering the one that went about six inches longer and outweighed it by about three pounds – the one that took a camptied Spruce Moth Variant just a few casts before.
A spruce moth experience I recall one morning on Rock Creek when Jan and I were camped at Bitterroot Flats on Rock Creek toward the tailend of July. We watched a moose amble through the campground while we relaxed By Jim Story, Bitterroot Audubon with a second cup of coffee. Jan rigged Question: Why is bird excrement usually white? her rod and headed for the Answer: Unlike mammals, birds don’t urinate. Their kidneys extract nitrogenous stream well wastes from the bloodstream, but instead of excreting it as urea dissolved in urine as above where we mammals do, they excrete it in the form of uric acid. Uric acid has a very low solubility saw the moose in water, so it forms as a white paste. The uric acid mixes with any feces in an organ disappear. near the cloaca (or vent), and any extra water is reabsorbed back into the bloodstream, While she was leaving a white, semi-solid waste that is excreted. doing that I There is a physiological advantage to producing uric acid rather than urea. Birds watched a few, and then several have very high metabolic rates which result in high concentrations of nitrogenous dozen more, wastes. Since birds don’t have sweat glands, all nitrogenous wastes have to exit via spruce moths the cloaca. If they relied on urination, their water intake requirements would be flutter down phenomenal. It’s far more efficient to concentrate the uric acid and reabsorb the water
What’s the story,
Story?
into the bloodstream.
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Bitterroot Star -- Page 12
Fire danger lowered to ‘very high’ Stage 2 fire restrictions still in place
The Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) announced on Monday that it is lowering its fire danger from “Extreme” to “Very High” due to our recent cooler weather, rain, and current fuel conditions. The Forest went to Extreme fire danger, the highest level possible, back on July 12th. It was the first time ever that the Bitterroot has reached Extreme fire danger levels in July. “While we are thankful for the cooler weather and recent moisture, our fire season is still far from over,” said Mark Wilson, Fire Management
Officer. “With our current fire activity across the Region and our resources stretched extremely thin, we all need to continue doing everything we can to prevent additional wildfires from starting,” said Wilson. “Now is not the time to be complacent.” Stage 2 fire restrictions, which have been in place since July 17th, remain in effect in Ravalli County and across all Bitterroot National Forest lands in Montana including the Anaconda Pintler and SelwayBitterroot Wilderness Areas in Montana. Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit all campfires and smoking outside of vehicles, buildings, and flammable free areas. Firewood cutting is also prohibited after 1 p.m. Camping and cooking stoves that can be turned off are allowed. There have been no human-caused wildfires on
the BNF in the last two weeks. Visit www.mt.fireinfo.org to learn more about current fire restrictions in place throughout Montana. When fire danger is “Very High” fires will start from most causes. The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity, right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires. For more information about fires in Montana and other fires across the country, visit http://
inciweb.nwcg.gov or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ DiscoverBitterrootNF for local fire information. This summer, firefighters on the Bitterroot National Forest have extinguished 56 wildfires; 17 human-caused and 39 lightning fires.
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Hay shortage puts Florence animal sanctuary in dire straits A hay shortage impacting the entire state is having severe consequences at Dolittle Dreams Animal Sanctuary in Florence. The surging price of hay which occurred as a result of the shortage is putting a massive financial strain on the small non-profit sanctuary that can’t compete with bigger buyers. “We just don’t have the money needed to truck in the 16 tons of hay required to feed our horses, ponies, goats, and donkey until first cutting 2022,” Dana Wix, one of the volunteers running the sanctuary, said. “Unlike many cattle ranches who are now forced to cut their herds in size in order to make it through this next winter, our ‘herd’ is family, they are our friends.” Wix started a GoFundMe in an attempt to raise $6,500 to pay for the hay they need to keep their animals fed through the year. So far they’ve raised just shy of $900. To view the GoFundMe, please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/9fnt/pvd8a-dolittle-dreams-animal-sanctuaryin-need-of-hay
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Small-Scale Solar in Rural Montana Independence, Financial Savings, and esiliency
Join the Montana Renewable Energy Association for a presentation and community discussion on small-scale solar. August 19th 2021 5:30-6:30 PM City Hall Community Room 223 S 2nd St Hamilton, MT 59840
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The solar market in Montana is changing. Learn about affordable opportunities to produce your own solar energy, save money, and support your home, agricultural operations, and business. MREA will share information on smallscale solar and hold a community discussion to learn the perspectives and priorities of Montanans. Our goal is to understand how we can best support interested Montanans in accessing small-scale solar. For more information visit MontanaRenewables.org/mrsap or contact Evora Glenn, Program Coordinator at Evora@MontanaRenewables.org
The Montana Renewable Energy Association is a membership based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000. Our mission is to foster the growth of renewable energy for all Montanans through education, advocacy, and industry engagement.
Stage II Fire Restrictions Campfires and other fires are prohibited. Liquid petroleum and LPG stoves that can be turned on and off are allowed. Smoking is prohibited outside of vehicles, buildings and developed recreation sites, unless you are stopped in a 3-foot diameter area cleared of all burnable vegetation. Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails is prohibited. Operating any internal combustion engine, welding, operating a torch with an open flame, and/or using explosives are prohibited from 1:00pm to 1:00am. Must patrol area for 1 hour after ceasing operations. For more information, please contact your local fire agency or visit
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Bitterroot Star -- Page 13
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
KITCHEN REMODELS IN ONLY 2-5 DAYS! Karl and Jasmine, students at Trapper Creek Job Corps Center, are being recognized for the outstanding work they did while dealing with the challenges of Covid-19.
Trapper Creek Job Corps students recognized Two Trapper Creek Job Corps students are being recognized by one of their supervisors for how they faced difficult times and made the best of it. These two students faced some difficult challenges during the past seven months. They both faced adversity and turned it into something positive. Pre-Covid-19, both students were participating in Trapper Creek’s Recreation Program. Jasmine was in the Christmas Choir and Karl was busy writing essays for his Recreation Program Supervisor, Clarence Ferguson. With both students back at the Center in January 2021, they surprised Ferguson with their determination and hard work. Jasmine participated in one of the morning assemblies by singing “Amazing Grace” and reading a poem by Robert Frost, ‘’Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.’’
Jasmine also recorded a beautiful song call “Friends” that she sang at her graduation. She is trying to get the song on a radio station which is a challenge. Jasmine also was a member of SGA, supported the Special Olympics at Lost Trail Ski Area, and is a member of the Center’s HEALS committee. Karl completed writing an intriguing 450-page book called “Squad-7” (Cats invading Dogs’ Kingdom). Karl also worked on two Jeopardy Shows that he submitted questions for back in March 2021. The Jeopardy Shows were a lot of fun and the biggest complaints from students were that the questions were way, way, way, too hard! Karl submitted questions that were more appropriate for advanced college students. According to Recreation Supervisor Clarence Ferguson, both students have been outstanding in the Recreation Program.
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Lyndie Brown and her daughter Rivers were the lucky winners of the Civic Club’s 2021 Pot of Gold raffle, taking home $2021. The raffle proceeds will go to help pay for the splash pad being built at Lewis & Clark Park. The Civic Club thanks raffle sponsors Before Edward Jones, Mann Mortgage and Maureen and Tonu Wali. Photo by Victoria Howell.
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Bitterroot Star -- Page 14
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NEEDED - EXPERIENCED BARTENDER. Friendly, outgoing, competent, reliable. References required. 363-1113, or drop off resume at Eagles Lodge, Hamilton. 8-11, 8-8. MAINTENANCE ENGINEER. FACILITIES SERVICES/ MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY – BOZEMAN. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs. montana.edu/postings/22346.
VALLEY VIEW HOME IS A SKILLED NURSING FACILITY IN RURAL GLASGOW, MONTANA. Nursing homes in rural locations nationwide are beginning to close due to our pandemic but we are striving to ensure our doors stay open throughout this as we know how important our residents want to continue living in our rural location and avoid the hassle and stress of large urban communities. If you, or your loved one, would like to learn more we invite you to view our web information with @valleyviewhomeMT on Facebook as we are very active! You can always call and inquire by calling (406)228-2461 and ask for social services!
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SLEEP TECHNOLOGIST MSU SLEEP RESEARCH LAB. For complete job announcement and application procedures: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/24918. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled CAMPUS MAINTENANCE MANAGER. FACILITIES SERVICES/MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY – BOZEMAN. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/25221 . Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled HVAC/R MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN. **RECENT WAGE INCREASE** MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY – BOZEMAN. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/24507. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled
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NOTICES WESTERN ARTISANS, VENDORS. 36TH MONTANA Cowboy Poetry Gathering, August 13 and 14, Lewistown. Vendor spaces $100. Keepin’ It Cowboy. Call for details, 406538-4575, MontanaCowboyPoetryGathering.com. MISSING CAT IN EAST FLORENCE area. All brown, no other markings. “Maeby” is an adult female, fixed and chipped, no collar. Last seen near Sapphire Ridge Road & Granite Creek in Florence on 7-23-21. If found please call or text Angie or Daniel at 406-226-2266.
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Legals Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Steven Frederick Trautwein Cause No.: DV-41-20210000253-NC Dept. No.: 2 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Steven Frederick Trautwein to Steven Andrew Allen. The hearing will be on August 26, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: July 15, 2021 Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court Gary Fliss Deputy Clerk of Court BS 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11 ___________________ Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EUGENE G. REBICH, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-83 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Kathleen S. Rebich, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 22nd day of July 2021. Kathleen S. Rebich, Personal Representative BS 7/28, 8/4, 8/11 ___________________ Thomas C. Orr THOMAS C. ORR LAW OFFICES, P.C. 523 South Orange Street P.O. Box 8096 Missoula, MT 59807 Phone: 406-543-0999 tom@tcorrlaw.com Issued MONTANA TWENTYFIRST DISTRICT JUDICIAL COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY BEVERLY DAISY RAGSDALE-AGUIRRE, Plaintiff, vs. GERALDINE M. BRIDGES, her successors and assigns, and all unknown owners, unknown heirs, or any unknown devisees of any deceased person, and all other persons, unknown, claiming or who might claim any right, title, estate, or interest in or lien or encumbrance upon the real property described in the complaint adverse to Plaintiff’s ownership or any cloud upon Plaintiff’s title thereto, whether such claim or possible claim be present or contingent, Defendants. Cause No.: DV-41-20210000230-QT Hon.: Jennifer B. Lint Dept. No.: 2 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION FOR GERALDINE M. BRIDGES The State of Montana Sends Greetings to Defendant Geraldine M. Bridges: YOU, A DEFENDANT HEREIN, ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint to Quiet Title in this action, which is filed in the office of the abovenamed District Court, a copy of which is hereby served
upon you, and to file your written answer and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintiff’s attorney within 21-days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default, for the relief demanded in the Complaint. GIVEN under my hand this 21st day of July 2021. By: Amber Miles Deputy Clerk of District Court Ravalli County District Court Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court BS 7/28, 8/4, 8/11 ___________________ RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Estate of: HAROLD F. EGAN; Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-82 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Maureen Nagel, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A.Weber, 345 West Main, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 19th day of July, 2021. Maureen Nagel Personal Representative BS 7/28, 8/4, 8/11
sible claim be present or contingent, Defendants. Case No.: DV-21-255 Dept. 2 SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MONTANA TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS GREETINGS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Verified Complaint in this action, which is filed in the office of the clerk of this court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your written answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twentyone days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default, for the relief demanded in the Verified Complaint. This is a proceeding to quiet title to the real property described below. The real property affected by this suit is situated in the State of Montana, County of Ravalli, and is described as follows: Lot 8A, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 668, being a portion of Lot 1, Block 17, Original Townsite of Victor, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said court this 28 day of July, 2021. Paige Trautwein Clerk of the District Court BS 8/4, 8/11, 8/18 ___________________
Montana Twenty-First Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Beasju Huckleberry Champlin Petitioner Cause No.: DV-21-231/5 Dept. No.: 2 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Beasju Huckleberry Champlin to Bijou Jean Champlin. The hearing will be on 9/2/2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: 7/29/21 Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Amber M Deputy Clerk of Court BS 8/4, 8/11, 8/18, 8/25
LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON 345 W. Main Street PO Box 500 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: ( 406) 363-165 5 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JULIETA JERGINS, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-86 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Ernesto Jergins, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Lawrence D. Johnson, PO Box 500, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 27th day of July, 2021. Ernesto Jergins, Personal Representative BS 8/4, 8/11, 8/18
___________________
___________________
RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Attorney for Plaintiff MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY Nancy A. Haugen, Plaintiff, vs. Beneficial Montana, Inc., dba Beneficial Mortgage Co.; Processing Services; HSBC Bank, U.S.A., N.A.; unknown heirs and devisees of the estates, and all other persons, unknown, claiming or who may claim any right, title estate, or interest in or lien or encumbrance upon the real property described in the complaint adverse to Plaintiff’s ownership or any cloud upon Plaintiff’s title thereto, whether such claim or pos-
MONT ANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAV ALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE EST ATE OF Gary R. Hettrick, also known as Gary Hettrick, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-65 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Tara D. Wehrly, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested,
___________________
at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D.JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 3rd day of June, 2021 Tara D. Wehrly C/O Lawrence D. Johnson P.O. Box 500 Hamilton, MT 59840 BS 8/4, 8/11, 8/18 ___________________ Craig Mungas, State Bar No. 6746 Kelcie Peltomaa, State Bar No. 60058157 Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC 2809 Great Northern Loop, Ste 100 Missoula, Montana 59808 Telephone: 406-721-8896 Telefax: 406-541-8037 Email: craig@bjornsonlaw. com kelcie@bjornsonlaw.com Attorneys for Melissa Cote, Co-Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ROBERT H. RABE, Deceased. Dept. No.: 1 Cause No.: DP-21-60 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed CoPersonal Representatives of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to: (1) MELISSA COTE, CoPersonal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808; and SCHANDOR STURGIS RABEWOLF, Co-Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Christian, Samson & Basket, PLLC, 310 W. Spruce Street, Missoula, MT 59802; or (2) filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 27th day of July 2021. Melissa Cote Co-Personal Representative Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC By: Craig Mungas Attorneys for Melissa Cote, Co-Personal Representative DATED this 13th day of July 2021. Schandor Sturgis Rabe-Wolf Co-Personal Representative Christian, Samson & Baskett, PLLC By: Bridger Christian Attorneys for Schandor Sturgis Rabe-Wolf, Co-Personal Representative BS 8/4, 8/11, 8/18 ___________________ REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR ENGINEERING and GRANT ADMINISTRATION SERVICES The Bitterroot Conservation District (BCD) is soliciting a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for an engineering firm to prepare a water resource master plan for the Bitterroot River, from Painted Rocks Dam to Bell Crossing. The project is funded by a DNRC Renewable Resource Grant and involves assessing the condition of irrigation headgates and associated flow measurement devices on the Bitterroot River, and providing recommendations to improve the control and flow measurement at each headgate. The specific tasks are 1. Information Collection and Review; 2. Survey; 3. System Assessment and Inventory; 4. Hydraulic Calculations; 5. Capital Improvements and Management Plan; 6. Conceptual Designs and Cost Estimates;
Bitterroot Star -- Page 15
and 7. Final Report. Further information regarding this project can be found in the Preliminary Engineering Report for this RRGL grant (available on request). The total budget for this master plan project is $125,000. Responses to this RFQ should include: 1. the engineering firm’s legal name, address, and telephone number; 2. the experience, qualifications and location of the staff to be assigned to the project; 3. a description of the firm’s prior experience, including any similar irrigation or water resource master planning projects, and the locations of any such projects; and 4. the names and contact information of three (3) references familiar with the firm’s performance on similar irrigation projects. Respondents will be evaluated according to the following factors: Overall quality of the SOQ (30%); Staff qualifications and experience, including reference checks (40%); Prior experience with related projects (20%); and Location of firm (10%). At its discretion, the BCD may also elect to interview some or all of the candidate firms. After considering all factors, the BCD will select the most qualified firm whose Statement of Qualifications is deemed most advantageous. Unsuccessful respondents will be notified as soon as possible. Questions and responses should be directed to the BCD by phone at 406-3616181. All SOQs must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday, September 1, 2021. Mail or hand-deliver to the Bitterroot Conservation District, 1709 North First Street, Hamilton, MT. 59840. Proposals should provide assurance that the firm has the professional capabilities to satisfactorily complete all tasks outlined in the detailed RFQ. Please state “Engineering Services Statement of Qualifications” on the outside of the response package. Include four copies of the Statement of Qualifications. The SOQ may not exceed a total of 10 (ten) one-sided pages, excluding a one-page cover letter and resumes. Minimum font size for all text is 11 pt. This solicitation is being offered in accordance with federal and state governing procurement of professional services. Accordingly, the BCD reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed, as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed unqualified, unsatisfactory, or inappropriate. To be published in the Missoulian, Ravalli Republic, and Bitterroot Star on July 21, 2021 & August 11, 2021. ___________________ John D. Greef ATTORNEY AT LAW 302 W. Main St. Sidney, MT 59270 (406) 360-8117 Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: David Keith Robinson, Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-91 Department No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to John D. Greef, the
Personal Representative, return receipt requested, 302 W. Main Street, Sidney, MT 59270, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 6th day of August, 2021. John D. Greef, Personal Representative BS 8/11, 8/18, 8/25 ___________________ NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING – STEVENSVILLE RURAL FIRE DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Rural Fire District (S.R.F.D.) Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting August 18th, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. at 156 Kinsman Drive Stevensville Montana, to allow public comment and review of the S.R.F.D. proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget. Any taxpayer or resident may appear at the special board meeting and be heard for or against any part of the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget. The proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget will be on the agenda to be discussed and adopted on August 18th, 2021. If you have any questions, please contact the Stevensville Rural Fire District at (406)777-7033 please leave a message if no answer or email admin@stevensvilleruralfire.com or at P.O. Box 667, Stevensville, MT 59870. Please make all communications attention: District “Proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Budget” BS 8/11 ___________________ Montana Twenty-First Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Mater of the Name Change of Stephen George Moore Cause No.: DV-21-287 Dept. No.: 1 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Stephen George Moore to Skip Stephen Moore. The hearing will be on 09/22/2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: August 3, 2021. Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court Janenne Sorenson Deputy Clerk of Court BS 8/11, 8/18, 8/25, 9/1 ___________________ TWENTYMONTANA FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HEIDI STROM, AKA Avery S. Strom, Deceased. Cause No. DP-21-4 Dept. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank, the Personal Representative, Jennifer Turner, Vice President, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of LAWRENCE D. JOHNSON, Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 500, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the aboveentitled Court. Dated this 28th Day of January, 2021. CAPE COD FIVE CENTS SAVINGS BANK By: Jennifer Turner, Vice President P.O. Box 20, Orleans, MA 02653 BS 8/11, 8/18, 8/25
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
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