Bitterroot Star - August 16, 2023

GRANT: Montana Main Street grant awarded to city

Continued

from page

improve the marketability of space within the buildings and draw business and residents to the area. We feel like this will be the catalyst for tremendous economic growth for our community.”

Building owners with properties located in Hamilton’s Historic Downtown Area are eligible to apply for Facade Improvement funding. The Historic Downtown Area is defned in the City of Hamilton’s Building and Site Design Guidelines and can be found online: Façade Improvement Grant Program — Hamilton Downtown Association (visithamiltonmt.org). Building tenants may apply for Façade Improvement funding with approval of the building owner. The building owner must guarantee the grant.

Eligible improvements include: rehabilitation or compatible reconstruction of storefronts, masonry repair and repainting, mural installation, preservation of historic painted “ghost signs,” or

paint removal, repair and replacement of architectural details or materials, or of critical façade structural elements, removal of non-historic elements from façades (metal siding, non-historical false façades, etc.), removal of highly tinted windows and openings and/ or installation of clear windows and openings, window repair or replacement (removal of historic windows is not recommended), awning or canopy repair, removal, or replacement, store and restaurant signage (new signs or rehabilitation of historic signs), or removal of signage such as abandoned and non-contextual signs, improvement to outdoor plazas or patios that serve as a public entrance to a commercial use, or any other improvement that is not an ineligible activity and is approved by the FIG Committee.

Hamilton Downtown Association is accepting the frst round of applications on its website (www.visithamiltonmt.

Double K Ranch Deli

org) through August 18. After the frst round of funding the call for applications will occur twice annually in July and January. Applications are reviewed by a volunteer committee of downtown stakeholders who will review completed applications and determine if review by other public agencies is needed. The committee may also impose special terms or conditions of fnancial assistance. Recommended applications will be forwarded to the HDA Board of Directors for fnal approval.

“We are excited for the City of Hamilton to partner with HDA to initiate a local Façade Improvement Program,” said Mark Rud, Assistant Planner, City of Hamilton. “These grants can make a tremendous diference in the feasibility of historic district reinvestment, and research from similar programs around the state has shown tremendous benefts for commercial districts that we believe we can replicate and exceed here in the Bitterroot Valley. We look forward to seeing HDA continue this program beyond Montana Main Street’s generous initial funding, and to the continued revitalization of Hamilton’s historic downtown.”

The Montana Main Street Program, established in 2005 and currently serving thirty-seven communities across the state, is a collaborative efort between the Community MT Division and the Montana Ofce of Tourism at the Montana Department of Commerce. The program helps communities strengthen and preserve their historic downtown commercial districts by focusing on economic development, urban revitalization, and historic preservation through long-range planning, organization, design, and promotion. Using the National Trust Main Street Center Four Point Approach to downtown revitalization, the Montana Main Street Program provides a range of services and assistance to communities striving to enhance economic and business vitality while maintaining local historic integrity, quality of life, and sense of place. Such goals are best met by uniting larger community ideas and eforts with program organization, coordination, and resources. The Montana Main Street Program ofers technical assistance and expertise to member communities and awards competitive grant funding to communities actively working on downtown revitalization, economic development, and historic preservation.

PIES: world famous pies

Continued from page 1

When asked about why she took on the mantle of pie-maker for Glen’s, Moore said she had no choice. Moore expounded that no one taught her to make pies. Her dad’s aunt, Fritz Everson, was the original pie-maker for the restaurant, but after 20 years of making pies she passed away. Her pies were award-winning, and they even made it onto the international stage through articles in Geo Magazine and Reader’s Digest. Being such an integral part of the cafe, the position had to be flled. Though Moore had other aspirations, Moore’s mother,

Dolores Mikesell, had her own plans. “Get on back there and start baking pies!” Moore recounts what her mother told her after her great aunt passed. Moore’s mother, being a woman of her own mind and direction, gave her children little choice of their own, said Moore. So, ever since, Moore has been trying to make both worlds work. She may be slowing down, but Moore says she does not plan on stopping anytime soon. Though her family tells her to look into enjoying retirement, her answer is that “the pies won’t make themselves!”

A fresh raspberry pie, made by Joanne Moore, with only three slices left, at Glen’s Cafe. Photo by John Dowd.

Stevi Airport ‘structural’ in national general aviation

by John Dowd

When hearing the buzzing sound of a plane engine overhead, it is easy to feel disconnected from the person fying and the airport the craft few from. However, according to Craig Thomas, the Stevensville Municipal Airport is extremely important to the community. Not only does it provide numerous jobs, but the kinds of work many of the businesses located there do are vastly important to general aviation as a whole.

Thomas has been there since 1978, and has been the airport board chairman since 2016. That same year, the airport was awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for runway excellency, after all the work they were doing to improve the site for pilots and other users. The FAA only recognizes about four airports per year in the entire country, so Thomas and others at the airport are extremely proud.

Also that same year, a study was done showing the economic impact of the airport on the Stevensville area. The study showed the airport was second only to NorthWestern Energy in the tax money it created, and that it created dozens of jobs.

The airport receives no money from the town, or from the county, meaning all

funds used to repair, update and maintain the airport come from the people that love and use the airport, through fundraising, applying for grants and thrifty use of the space. The money the impact study referred to comes from the several unique and internationally important aviation industries housed within the little airport.

One of these businesses is Aircraft Structural Repair Inc. Dustin Wood, owner of the company, along with his employee and good friend Richard Wissenbach, work on all kinds of civil aviation helicopters and aircraft. Together, they have been working for nearly 13 years. Their job keeps them busy, with a backed up list of projects that could keep them busy for months. Currently, there are only a few places in the country that do what they do, and they take on jobs from all over the nation and all over the world.

They recover wrecked aircraft, sheet metal work, structural repair and much more. From start to fnish, they repair the parts, engine, repaint and reset all the controls and instruments. The two love what they do, and believe, as Wissenbach put it, “There’s a lot of satisfaction taking something most people would give up on and see past all that’s wrong to what it can become again.” Wood echoed that sentiment, saying, “It’s pretty rewarding to see the things fy when you’re done, after you got it ripped to shreds.”

In fact, many of the projects they

receive are crafts so far past what most places can repair that the transformation can be incredible. And, according to Thomas, “People’s lives depend on what they do.”

Many of the things they install are monumentally important for the safety of pilots, passengers, and the people on the ground. The “Bart Switch” is one such item. Named after a friend of Wood’s that passed away from a helicopter crash, the switch helps prevent the accident that took the man’s life. The wreck stemmed from a known issue where one of four bolts that holds the tail section onto the body of the helicopter shears. That, or connections within the joint crack from the immense pressure created by the counter motion made by the tail that prevents the helicopter from spinning.

The problem is unique to the Bell UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) helicopter and can happen without warning. The switch gives that needed warning, and is installed in between the sections. When tripped by being extended past a certain threshold, it tells the operator something is very wrong. A light is illuminated in the cabin exclaiming, “TAILBOOM,” which signals the pilot needs to land very soon.

The Last "Selway" Campout

The issue has been around for many years. However, not much has been done to permanently address the problem. This is due, according to Wood and Wissenbach, to the expensive and bureaucratic process to get anything changed in the aircraft world. Wood and others at the friend’s memorial service developed the switch jointly and Wood started installing the switch “of-books” on many aircraft fown by loggers, frefghters and private pilots. The switch was not legally approved to install. However, as Wood explained, the switch saved so many lives that the FAA, instead of fning him or pressing charges, just pushed him to go through the process to get it approved to install. Though it is not mandated for Huey pilots to install the switch, it has saved many lives, especially those who use the helicopters every day for logging operations, fre suppression and demonstration. Aircraft Structural Repair, Inc. has received piles of thank-you-letters, talking about how their lives were saved due to the switches.

Costing only about $6,000-$7,000 to install, it seems like a small price to pay, but Wissenbach said the failure to get them installed can sometimes be chalked up to stubborn pilots. However, he also said, once that tail boom goes, it goes within seconds and is always catastrophic and deadly to everyone inside the craft, and anyone caught below.

Wood was in the Marines and started his aircraft career doing work on Grumman A-6 Intruders. There he mainly did sheet metal work, then worked his way up. He eventually found himself working for

Dustin Wood, top right, stands next to a hollowed out Huey. Richard Wissenbach reams out rivet holes on a small bush-plane. Photos by John Dowd.

Calendar continued

Lone Rock Community Network

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

Lone Rock Farmers Market

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

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

St. Mary’s Mission tours

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

Health and wellness classes

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

Stevensville School registration

The Stevensville School registration will be August 16 and 17 from 8:30-3:30 each day. No appointment is necessary for new incoming students. Current students (in grades 9-12) that need a schedule change, can make an appointment through Google Calendar (Check Infnite Campus for the link). If you have a student entering grades K-3, go to the K-3 (C) building, behind the playground. If you have a student entering grades 4-8, go to the 4-8 (B) building, and grades 9-12 will register in the high school building (E). Proof of immunizations and a birth certifcate must be brought to registration. If registering as a high school student, a transcript will also be needed.

High School information:

Wednesday August 16th = Seniors and Juniors

Thursday August 17th = Sophomores and

Freshmen North Valley Library events

Library Board Meeting - Wednesday, August 16 at 3:00pm

Agendas and the Public Participation are posted at northvalleylibrary.org/board-information. If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly. A link to Trustee contact information can be found at Montana.Gov.

Science Squad for Ages 8-12 - Wednesday, August 16 at 4:00pm

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

All Together with “Braiding Sweetgrass” Part II - Thursday, August 17 at 6:30pm

Missed Part 1? That’s ok! Limited spaces still available; it’s not too late to join. Just in time for the adult Summer Reading Challenge! This informal book club is a 2-part program on selected chapters from Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass, one of the Summer Reading Challenge recommended nonfction books. We will do activities and crafts inspired by the book and designed to help us engage deeper with our surroundings.

The North Valley Public Library is located at 208 Main, Stevensville; phone 406-777-5061.

Bitter Root Back Country Horse-

man

The Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen is hosting their monthly meeting Thursday, August 17th, at the Rock Creek Horse Camp located at Lake Como. Head south from Hamilton, turn west (left) onto Lake Como Rd and follow it for 3.5 miles. Turn east (left) into the campground (located on stretch of road between beach turn of and boat launch turn of). Potluck at 6:30 pm and the meeting starts at 7:00 pm. This month the club’s very own Christy Duggan will be talking about the upcoming fair. Every year the club takes care of the fair gates and this year there are some exciting changes that she will be discussing. As always guests and new members are welcome. For more information, call Gene at 208-310-6326 or check out the website at www. bchmt.org/bitterroot.

North Valley Pachyderms

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, August 18 at 12 noon at The Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be State Representative Michele

Binkley. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Book signing and car show

Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group of Darby is having a book signing and classic car Show ‘n Shine” on Saturday, August 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come meet local authors with a wide range of subjects from gardening, mystery, self help, local fair and local history. Come fnd a new summer read and vote for the best of show for the classic car show. There will be a lemonade and cookie stand.

Three Mile Ice Cream Social

A free Ice Cream Social will be held Saturday, August 19th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Three Mile Community Center, 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Come cool of with some good ice cream.

Preschool open house

The four-year-olds registered for Our Savior Lutheran Preschool classes this fall will come with their parents for an informal open house on Tuesday, August 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. They will meet each other for the frst time and greet old friends after the summer break. They will welcome visitors to check out the facility, enjoy refreshments, and, most importantly, share the toys that they enjoy so much. They are always excited to make new friends.

Parents of children 4 by September 10 and not yet registered for preschool, please note that a few openings in the four-year old class remain.

Parents may call Joyce Andrade at 406-3692536 to arrange a visit to the school prior to the open house or to get more information about Our Savior’s now 27 year old program.

The church continues searching for a teacher for the three-year-old class. Parents of threeyear-olds may apply. The class will renew as soon as a teacher is found.

Preschool starts Wednesday, September 6. Four-year-old classes run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9-11:30 a.m. The teachers have been getting ready for the last couple of weeks. They are eager to get started. All they need is children!

September 6th is the kick-of for another memorable year.

Our Savior Lutheran Church, afliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. Continue south past Burnt Fork Market on the Eastside Highway, turn east onto Pine Hollow, cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on the left, marked by three crosses.

Driver Safety Course Bitterroot Health (formerly Marcus Daly Hospital), located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, is hosting an ALL NEW 2023 AARP Driver Safety Course on Friday, August 25 from

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. While this new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The new program features laws and up-dates specifc to Montana, defensive driving, winter driving, new vehicle technologies, to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no driving tests or written exams and, Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers. Certificates are good for 3 years! Class fee: $20.00, AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. For class sign up: call Jones Korman Insurance at: 406-363-6583. For further information: call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 406-369-0149.

Victor Museum Ice Cream Social

An Ice Cream Social will be held on Sunday, August 27 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Victor Heritage Museum. This is a thank you to the community for your support of the Museum. During the Social, Out West Wagon Rides will give horse-drawn wagon rides around Victor. At 1 p.m. the Bitterroot Band will be making music in the Victor Park; the Gut Bomb food truck will also be at the Park. All are welcome to attend. Donations are welcome; there is no fee, except for the Gut Bomb. The Museum is on the corner of Blake and Main Streets in downtown Victor. For information: Museum - 406-642-3997 or Suzanne Tout - 406-363-3165.

Medicare 101 workshop

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

Overview: Come to a Medicare workshop to talk about Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. What they cover and don’t cover. When you can enroll. How eligibility works.

RSVP: if you can to 406-852-4988 or charlene@medicareadvocates.com.

Emergency preparedness classes

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly Emergency Preparedness classes. They are held at 7 p.m. at the Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: September 14: “Basic First Aid & Kits: What to Have and How To Use Them.” Classes typically run 60-90 minutes. Call 513-312-5494 with questions.

Ravalli County’s Leading Real Estate Firm

Hamilton Eagles hold Kids Fishing Derby and BBQ

The Hamilton Bitterroot Eagles, Aerie 1693 hosted its second annual Kids Fishing Derby and BBQ on July 8. The Fishing Derby is designed to teach kids to fsh and connect them with the outdoors. The fshing derby was for boys and girls ages 12 and under free of charge. The fshing derby took place in Corvallis.

The fshing derby was a great success with approximately 50 kids and family members participating in this year’s fshing derby. Everyone enjoyed fshing with prizes awarded to largest fsh, smallest fsh, and most fsh caught in age groups 4-7 and 8-12. The Hamilton Eagles provided lunch to all kids and their family free of charge.

Wetzsteon

Whether or not they won a prize from one of the three categories, every kid walked away with some fshing tackle thanks to generous donations from the following local businesses and individuals:

Super 1 Foods, Scheels, Walmart, Hamilton Packing, Sweet Pea Septic, Murdoch’s Home and Ranch Supply, Massa Home Center, Wimps Towing, Firehouse Archery, Hamilton Eagles, and the Eagles Bingo Community. A very special thanks to Daryl Miller who provided the use of his pond and property and the MacFarlane family for their generous donation in memory of their grandson, Bryce.

joins staf of Hamilton Downtown Association

Hamilton Downtown Association (HDA) announces the addition of Susan Wetzsteon to the staf. Wetzsteon will join part-time, assisting Executive Director Robin Pruitt with ofce management, member relationships, program management, volunteer management, events, and fundraising.

“I can’t imagine anyone better suited for this position,” said Pruitt. “Susan and I have been working together for the last two years. She has the perfect mix of historical knowledge and vision for the future. As Hamilton is changing it is very important to the Hamilton Downtown Association to stay grounded to our roots while growing into the future. Susan is just the person to help us do that - she reminds us why we do things and helps us fgure out how we can adapt and

change to do them better. We are so very fortunate to have her on our team.”

Wetzsteon has been involved with HDA for more than 18 years and has served on the Board of Directors, both as President and Treasurer. She has been the Chairperson for Daly Days and volunteered for HDA events including Wine Fest, Crab Feed and Christmas Stroll. Attending two Montana Main Street Conferences and the National Main Street Conferences has given Wetzsteon the opportunity to learn how to make the local community grow and prosper. She also serves as a Board Member of the Hamilton Downtown Business Improvement District and the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 2019.

From Wetzsteon: “I have been

Of all the things to procrastinate on, a cancer screening shouldn’t be one of them. Especially since Advanced Imaging makes it easy. Walk-ins are welcome. The procedure takes 15 minutes. The positive effects last considerably longer.

blessed to have lived in Hamilton for the past 50+ years and am a 4th generation Bitterrooter. Coming from 19 plus years in retail and being a partner in a local small business, I know the issues and challenges of creating and maintaining a successful, proftable business. A strong downtown is vital in supporting local businesses, promoting tourism, and creating a place where people want to live, work and play! I love this community and it is my hope that future generations will have the same opportunities. Having historical knowledge of the Hamilton Downtown Association gives me the beneft of knowing what has been successful in the past all the while moving forward to new and exciting opportunities. I am excited for its future growth and success.”

Denise Hill, right, receives her prize money from Victoria Howell, Project 59870 chair.

Final decision released for Gold Butterfy Project

Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Matt Anderson has signed the final Record of Decision (ROD) for the Gold Butterfly Project, a vegetation management and fuels reduction project in the Sapphire Mountains east of Corvallis. The project is located on the Stevensville and Darby Ranger Districts between St. Clair Creek to the south and Burnt Fork Creek to the north.

Based on the analysis of project effects in both the Environmental Impact Statement and the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, the Forest Supervisor chose Modified Alternative 2 as the

management actions to implement with this decision.

The Gold Butterfly Project is designed to:

• Improve forest resilience to natural disturbances like fire, insects, and diseases

• Reduce chronic sediment sources in the Willow Creek watershed

• Improve water quality and bull trout habitat

• Restore or improve key habitat including whitebark pine, meadows, and aspen

• Manage timber to provide forest products, jobs, and income to local

communities

• Promote resilience in old growth and retain old growth status in all treatment units

About 90% of proposed treatment acres are within an area designated for insect and disease treatment because of dense pockets of dead and dying trees. The area is impacted by mountain pine beetle, Douglas-fir bark beetle, dwarf mistletoe, and western spruce budworm. The proposed treatments include commercial timber harvest, non-commercial thinning, and prescribed burning to improve forest health.

Open house at Our Savior Lutheran Church Preschool

Four-year-olds registered for Our Savior Lutheran Preschool classes this fall will come with their parents for an informal open house on Tuesday, August 22, from 5:30 to 7 PM. They will meet new classmates for the frst time and greet old friends after the summer break. They will welcome visitors who come to check out the facility, enjoy refreshments, and, most importantly, make new friends.

Parents of children 4 by September 10 and not yet registered for preschool, please note that a few openings in the four-year old class remain. Parents may call Joyce Andrade at 406-369-2536 to arrange a visit to the school prior to the open house or to get more information about Our Savior’s now 27 year old program of kindergarten readiness

paired with solid Christian values.

The church continues searching for a teacher for the three-year-old class. Parents of three-year-olds may request to be contacted when the class opens. Preschool starts Wednesday, September 6. Fouryear-old classes run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9-11:30AM. The teachers have been getting ready for the last few weeks, eager to get started. September 6th is the kick-of for another memorable year.

Our Savior Lutheran Church, afliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, is located at 184 Pine Hollow Road. Continue south past Burnt Fork Market on the Eastside Highway, turn east onto Pine Hollow, cross the tracks and the canal, and the church will be on the left, marked by three crosses.

PLANES:business saves lives

Continued from page 4

Garlick Helicopters, out of Hamilton, and after that worked feld maintenance for helicopters on logging and frefghting operations. He loved everything about helicopters and has been working on them ever since.

Wissenbach started his career working with planes in the B-1B program as a structural mechanic for Rockwell International, in Palm dale, California. He originally went to school at the Helena Vocational Technical Center, and the call of the mountains and home brought him back.

Wood hired Wissen bach in early 2011, and as Wissenbach explained, “It’s been an incredible experience, breathing life back into airplanes.”

Wissenbach originally met Wood while he was working for another local company that rebuilt props and worked on Cessna airplanes. He explained that it was incredible to see the proj ects Wood would work on, and how fast the craft could be brought back to life.

Now, working to gether, there is a lot of crossover. Both men are licensed airframe and power-plant mechanics, and Wissenbach has an inspection authorization for the major repair, major alterations and limited annual inspec tions they often need to do with the aircraft they work on.

Wood started the company in 2004, and brings with him the helicopter expertise, and Wissenbach specializes in bush-type planes.

Wissenbach explained, “there’s just nothing like these,” when talking about his love for bush planes. Much of his work is done on Cessnas, which he says are incredible airplanes. They can fy in rough weather well, while also being extremely light, compared to other aircraft, and they can carry nearly their own weight. Wissenbach also has his commercial pilot’s license and is a certifed fight instructor. He teaches backcountry fying and both men are very involved in the Ste-

vensville Airport. The two men, and their company, are only one of several similar companies housed at the Stevensville Municipal Airport that are directly involved with general aviation across the nation.

More information on Aircraft Structural Repair, Inc. can be found by

Stone Creek Masonry

The Bitterroot Community Wildfire Protection Plan identified most of the area as a ‘high priority’ for fuels reduction in the Wildland Urban Interface.

More information about the Gold Butterfly Project, including the ROD and analysis documents is available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=51486 or at the Stevensville Ranger District and Bitterroot Forest Supervisor’s Office.

For additional information concerning the Gold Butterfly Project, contact Steve Brown, Stevensville District Ranger at (406) 777-5461 or steve.brown2@usda.gov.

Darrel B. Fite

Darrel Blaine Fite passed away at St. Patrick’s hospital and arrived at Heaven’s entrance in the early morning hours of August 9, 2023. Eightyeight years ago, in Denver, Indiana, on April 29, 1935, his parents, Francis Larie Fite (nee Raber) and Virgil Roosevelt Fite welcomed him into their growing family. Six months later the family relocated to Missoula, Montana. Virgil settled them in a one room cabin in Miller Creek. Darrel attended Hawthorn elementary school and Missoula County High School (Hellgate HS). He began his military career in the Army National Guard, and later transferred to the U.S. Navy Seabees where he served as a mechanic. During his enlistment he was deployed to the

Philipines, Korea, Okinawa, and Antarctica.

He married Loretta Babcock, and to this union three sons were born. Darrel also was the father to two step-sons. Darrel and Loretta later divorced.

Following his military duty, Darrel hauled logs all over western Montana. His final working years were spent as a diesel mechanic for Monroc. After retiring, the mechanic in him just couldn’t rest. Therefore, his interests turned to restoring antique cars. His first, a 1925 Model T sedan, followed by a 1948 Nash Super 600 that he pieced together with parts from at least four different vehicles. But he wasn’t done yet. As a teenager he’d acquired a 1928 Model A

for the price of a few bicycle tires. The search for a prospect led him to a 1928 Model A Sport Coupe that he named Penelope. Not done yet. He found a 65 Mustang that needed a lot of TLC. He hauled it home on a frigid January day and began a year-long restoration, ending with a nearly new car.

Darrel is survived by his sons, Vern (Roberta), Darrel Jr., Devery, and step-son Dale Fite; his sister Carolyn Majors and brother Larry (Maribeth), sisters-in-law Phyllis Fite and Dolly Fite, and his beloved wife Nona Babcock and her 3 children, as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews; and many friends, especially his family of Model A Club members.

Darrel’s parents, brothers Meredith Fite, Duane Fite, and step-son David Fite pre-deceased him. A memorial service with Military Honors was held at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 1911 Tower St. in Missoula, Montana, on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 11 a.m. A memorial service was held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 202 Brooks, Missoula, Montana, on August 15, 2023; reception at 12:00 and service at 1:00 p.m., Reverend Mark Galbraith officiating. Condolences may be left at brothersmortuary.com. Memorial gifts may be sent to St. Paul Lutheran Church or HomewardForHeroes.org, an organization that assists veterans dealing with PTSD.

Richard ‘Rich’ James Minch

Richard “Rich” James Minch, 76, passed away Saturday August 5, 2023 at Bitterroot Health-Daly Hospital, in Hamilton, MT from Myeloid Sarcoma Cancer.

Rich was born on March 4, 1947 in Elyria, Ohio, to Helen and Raymond Minch. During his lifetime, he lived in Ohio, California, and Montana.

He spent from 1964-1968 in the Navy and was stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam conflict. Rich lived many years in the Bitterroot Valley as a mechanic and builder of race engines. He worked in Missoula for several dealerships, owned Rich’s 4x4 & Towing in Stevensville, as well as Big Sky Toppers & Truck Accessories in Hamilton, MT and Salmon, ID. But he was happiest with his 23 years career as a professional Mud Race Driver.

His latest passion was his side x sides. He spent many hours riding with friends and got to see many beautiful sights. His last ride was a few Sundays ago, taking his three great-grandchildren for their first side x side rides. He

was so very proud of that.

Surviving are: his wife Carol, sons: Richard “Jim” Minch of Oklahoma, Michael Minch Sr. of California, daughter Amy Minch of Colorado, step-daughters: Dawn Winn of Montana, Christina Riddle of Montana, and Michelle Megarry of Oregon, sisters: Rebecca “Becky” Evans of Colorado and Pamela Zavala of California, brother: Randall “Randy” Minch of Florida, grandchildren: Justin, Kristopher, Tim, Ken and Michael Jr. Minch, great-grandchildren: Kayden, Skyler and Nora.

Preceding him in death:

mother: Helen Morrow, father: Raymond Minch, son: Kenneth Minch, sister: Sandra Sullivan, brother: Ralph Morrow, Jr.

About 12 years ago, Rich received the Lord as his personal savior, turned his life over to God, became a Deacon in his church and professed his love of God to all who would listen. His favorite bible verse was: II Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the Faith (NIV). And he did all ...

I know the first words he would have heard when entering the gates of heaven were “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Death Notices

William E. Guinard Stevensville- William E. Guinard, 83, passed away at St. Patrick Hospital on August 11, 2023. Arrangements are under the care of Just Cremation Montana.

A journal entry can be about nearly anything.

We adopted the journal idea for this column at the Bitterroot Star twenty-odd years ago. Fly fishing is an integral part of our lives in western Montana and is so broad and nuanced that it’s hard to contain it all in a lesser format.

Whether you’re a diehard, an old hand, a newbie or just curious, welcome aboard! We’ll try to keep things interesting and fun – what you read here might be exciting or reflective, serious or humorous. To do any part of it well is a tough task – one that leaves me thinking at times that I’m hardly worthy of it, but I’ll do my best. Promise.

Sears catalog. Montagues were built in Maine and geared to the larger waters and landlocked Atlantic salmon of that region. As such, they were adaptable to western rivers and larger trout. Other classic bamboo trout rods of that era were softer, made for the smaller fish, shorter casts and smaller rivers of upstate New York or the Battenkill in Vermont.

by Chuck Stranahan

Keeping history and tradition alive

The fly fishing history of our region is rich and varied, and peopled by some of the icons of our sport. Start with Norman Maclean, the son of a Scots Presbyterian minister in Missoula who fished the Blackfoot and famously wrote about it in “A River Runs Through It.” While the movie was shot across the divide on the Gallatin, Maclean’s writing is about our home waters on this side of the state.

Norman Maclean bought a cabin on Seeley Lake and raised his sons as fishermen there – just a quick trip down the road and a left turn from his beloved Blackfoot. The Maclean family fished with Montague bamboo fly rods.

Montagues were sought after by western trout fishers then and cost more than a lesser rod out of the

Norman Maclean eventually retired his Montague for a Granger fly rod that he won in a contest. Grangers were built in Colorado for western fishing by a custom builder who was also a tournament-winning caster. Those original custom-built Grangers were pricey and in the workingman’s country of western Montana, exotic. Norman Maclean’s Granger became his prized possession.

A Montague and a Granger from the Norman Maclean era were among my prized possessions until recently. When the Ravalli County Museum began to assemble its fly fishing display I was approached about donating some of my collection. Those old rods are now on permanent display at the museum.

Modern giants of the sport

Watch just about any practiced fly angler fish and you’ll eventually see a reach cast or a serpentine cast. Those tactics were brought into popular use by Doug Swisher, whose early books “Selective Trout” and “Fly Fishing Strategy” shaped the sport as we know it today. The senior Doug now a neighbor in Corvallis. His later writings and fly patterns were developed on the Bitterroot River– which we share as home waters.

The Bitterroot is a good lab river for experimentation in fly design.

While each river in the area has its own unique character, they’re in many ways similar. I’m a fly designer and tyer by trade, and as I learn more about effective flies or ways to fish them, I’ll keep you posted.

Gary LaFontaine headquartered in Deer Lodge, where he worked as a prison guard (what else can you do with a writing degree from UM until you’re a published author?) while working on his first best seller, “Caddisflies.”

His daughter Heather worked in my fly shop in Hamilton and his young sidekick Justin Baker, who is mentioned often in his books, guided with me early in his career.

Carrying the legacy forward

Gary was a good friend who, like most of us, traveled a lot to enjoy his fishing. Like Gary and most of you, I enjoy going to the Blackfoot or the Clark Fork or Georgetown Lake, or down through St. Maries Idaho to fish the St. Joe with my grandson Chance, who learned to flyfish on the Bitterroot and now lives in Couer d’ Alene. I’ll write about all of them.

Regardless where we fish, we need to band together to take good care of our fishery resources. With the support of readers like you, I’ve seen changes in regulations emerge from this journal. We can do more going forward. We’re all in this together.

Author tying on a fy,

Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Book Review

Booked for the season

“How to Be Remembered”

by Michael Thompson

c.2023, Sourcebooks Landmark $16.99 368 pages

Better write yourself a note.

That’s the only way you’re going to remember anything anymore. If it ain’t written down, it doesn’t exist. Tie a string on your finger, clip on a clothes pin, set a timer somewhere, whatever works to jog your memory is what you do. But in the new book “How to Be Remembered” by Michael Thompson, the forgetting runs much deeper.

Miss Michelle couldn’t remember a time when it’d actually happened, but she supposed that it was possible for police to drop a baby off at Milkwood House without waking anyone. That must’ve been what happened; the staff found just a baby, a crib, and his clothing one morning, and that was that. A baby and his belongings, no paperwork, no clues.

It took years of growing up for that boy, Tommy, to understand why.

Each January 4, things were fine when he went to bed but the next morning, every shred of evidence that he’d ever existed was wiped away. Overnight, his clothes, his belongings, school papers, gone. Each January 5, he started over, creating relationships, accumulating possessions, inserting himself in the lives of people he knew but who didn’t remember him.

It was heartbreaking when he was very small but by about eight years old, he’d gotten used to it. Over time, he’d even devised some workarounds, though certainly, the entire yearly situation was growing tiresome. And then Tommy fell in love.

Her name was Carey and she was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen, but being an orphan wasn’t easy; she struggled, he helped her, he saved her life. But

shortly after the following January 5, after Tommy’s annual “Reset” happened, Carey aged out of the orphanage, she left, and he knew she’d

POST

by Terry Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

something, it came to the Reset with him. This was important. If he could figure out how, he’d find Carey. He could have a real life.

He would be remembered.

Is author Michael Thompson going to leave you devastated? You’ll wonder that often, about every other chapter maybe, but you’ll find no spoilers here. Nope, you need to experience “How to be Remembered” all on your own.

You’ll be glad you did.

forget him.

But Tommy never forgot her, especially after he found a loophole: if he was physically touching

But know this: the first chapter is going to really throw you. It makes no sense until you’re almost through it, which is about the time when it becomes apparent that you can’t stop. It’s then that you’ll understand the uniqueness of this entire tale and you can appreciate the cleverness of Thompson’s characters. That’s also when you’ll begin to notice the small slips of drollery here and there, the wit that oils the plot so well, and the kind of snorters you spot when you have to laugh, or you’ll cry. Will you cry anyway? No spoilers here, remember? Just know that this is a debut novel and an author to watch, both of which make “How to Be Remembered” quite notable.

For Sale Monarch Wood Burning Range. Antique Monarch working range, good condition double ovens. In use at Salmon Lake cabin. Call 406-880-9576 to see.

For Sale: Caucasian Shepherd Dog

For sale pure bred puppies, only two available, one male one female, born July 21 and 22, should be ready mid September. Call or text 406-210-4807

FIFTH WHEEL HITCH 16000#. Pull Rite heavy duty hitch. 928-420-9234.

Storage unit item for sale. 5x10 storage unit full of antiques. Text only if interested in entire unit sells as one. Pics of all items text 406-223-2879

Electric ScooterModel 600, $1200 obo. Jazzi brand. Red in color. Goes through doorways 32” and over. Good condition. Call Joyce at 406625-2589.

2003 FORD FOCUS ZX5, original owner 135K miles, new tires, reliable commuter or great frst car. Asking $3200. Call/Text

PAPER CRAFT SALE - Saturday, August 16th only, 9 AM-5 PM. Stevi. Burnt Fork Market parking lot. Stamps, dies, tools, papers.

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

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, nSurvivor Benefts, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus ofer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-866-585-6456

Corrine Campbell, Physical Therapy/Myofascial Release, 406-7772679. Elizabeth Harper-Schurman, Counseling, Coaching, Hypnotherapy. 406-304-2517. 5501 Hwy 93N, Ste. 101, Florence,

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

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

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

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

Wanted Bar Manager/ Bartender

Must possess an alcohol server certifcation valid in the state of MT or obtain one within 60 days of hire. The Eagles Lodge in Hamilton, MT is looking for an energetic Bar Manager/ Bartender with management experience, new ideas and small-town kindness. The job description will be discussed in the interview. Pay DOE.

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

Phone: (406) 363-9060

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET A. GREEN, Deceased.

Case No. DP-23-85

Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY

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

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

DATED this 13th day of July 2023.

/s/ Lisa Dow, Personal Representative BS 8-9, 8-16, 8-23-23.

David T. Markette MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C. 601 S. First Street P.O. Box 515 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-1110 DavidM@mcpcattorneys. com

Attorneys for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of TESSA NYE BRADT, Deceased.

Probate No. DP-2023-68 Dept. No. 2

NOTICE

CREDITORS

TO

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed as Personal 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Michael Bradt and David Bradt, the Co-Personal Representatives, in care of MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, P.C., 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 515, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

We declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct.

DATED this 14th day of July, 2023.

/s/ Michael Bradt /s/ David Bradt MARKETTE & CHOUI NARD, PC

By: David T. Markette, Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives BS 8-2, 8-9, 8-16-23. Randall G. Nelson Thomas C. Bancroft NELSON LAW FIRM, P.C. 2619 St. Johns Avenue, Suite E Billings, MT 59102 (406) 867-7000 (406) 867-0252 Fax rgnelson@nelsonlawmon tana.com tbancroft@nelsonlawmon tana.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWEN TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN SAID ESTATE: 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Nelson Law Firm, P.C., attorneys for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Nelson Law Firm, P.C., 2619 St. Johns Avenue, Suite E, Billings, MT 59102, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 1 day of August, 2023.

/s/ Randall G. Nelson, attorney for Personal Representative BS 8-9, 8-16, 8-23-23.

RURAL FIRE DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Rural Fire District (S.R.F.D.) Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing August 16th, 2023, 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 2024 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 2024 Budget. The proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Budget will be on the agenda of the regular board meeting, following the public