Bitterroot Star - August 23, 2023

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dangerous, some of the stuf we do.” The team needs to work together as a unit, and practice at least twice weekly to make the displays work. With almost a dozen 1200-pound-plus animals riding around so fast and so close to each other, it can be easy for something to go horribly wrong. Just recently, Robin fell from a horse, breaking several bones in the process.

“People say what we do looks like a ballet on horses,” said Morgan, but “it’s not an easy sport,” added Collette Maxwell. Maxwell is the oldest member of the team, and is herself a second generation member on the team. Each year the team comes up with new routines and they practice throughout the summer to perfect them. “Our maneuvers are original,” explained Robin and Morgan, who said much of what they come up with are things unlike any other team in the Northwest. They are often recognized by their unique and precise movements. This comes with lots of practice and riding together. The team works very hard to keep up consistency. “It takes a lot of time and prep to make sure we all look the same,” added Robin. This is true, all the way down to

their uniforms and riding style.

They start early in the spring, as early as they can ride, and hold tryouts for new members. The team prefers to have even numbers, and Maxwell fgures that 12 is the perfect number of riders. During those tryouts, they test both the horse and the gal riding it. Both need to make the team, and if either fails, they both do.

Currently, the team has eight members, but has had as many as 22. According to Morgan, “We are pretty

tight knit… Anybody on that team would do anything for anyone else.”

The team continues to practice and perform until their fnale of the season, which they do at the Ravalli County Fair, during the rodeo. They want people to know that they are available to perform anywhere. Anyone interested in the team, or requesting them to do a rodeo or event, can fnd the team on Facebook, under the name Bitterroot Mountettes Equestrian Drill Team.

Above, the Bitterroot Mountettes at state. From left to right, Collette Maxwell, Julie Fillingham, Linda Fickett, Morgan Bolin, Robin Bolin, Stephanie Lewis, Kathleen Hood, Rhonda Twardoski. At bottom left, team members ride with their fags during state competition.

Photos Courtesy Robin Bolin.

PARK: Darby hosts events to beneft town park

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Road Between Two Skies.

Not all authors in attendance were fction writers, however. Ted Hall was promoting his work, Lost Pass 1805, which is an in-depth look at the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s route through Sula, Darby and Gibbonsville, Idaho. Hall had previously published another Lewis and Clark-themed book in 2003 called The Trail Between the Rivers, which covered the expedition’s travel from Dillon to Orofno, Idaho.

While book lovers met with the authors, across the street gear-heads showed their classic (and a few modern) cars and trucks at the Show’n Shine Event. Members of Salmon Valley Speedway were in attendance, displaying diferent race cars and selling merchandise to raise money to keep their racetrack in operation.

A rafe was conducted to raise money for the park. Local businesses donated diferent merchandise and gift cards to be rafed of.

Following the announcement of the rafe winners, the winner of Best in Show was presented to Fred Kohlruss for his pristine 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster.

Money raised on Saturday will go to the park. Sacajawea’s Rest Park, a pocket park, is located downtown on North Main St, composed of a single municipal lot.

Owings-Smith said they recently commissioned Jane Azzarello, a local

area artist, to paint a mural on the north wall of the park depicting Sacajawea and a pack train.

The BHCG wants the public to know the park is open to the public and fundraising is ongoing.

They will be conducting a chili contest and a birdhouse contest on Saturday, Oct. 14 and say they need more chili cooks.

For more information, interested parties can visit bitterrootheritage. com

At bottom left, the

At bottom

Sacajawea’s Rest Park in Darby hosts a local area author book signing event on Saturday Aug. 19, shown at top right.

winner of Best in Show at the Show’n Shine Event, Fred Kohlruss’s 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster.

right, a member of the Salmon Valley Speedway gives visitors tours of his race car.

Photos by Sean Malcom.

STEVI: District looks to community to fund new sports offerings

Continued from page 1

interested in cross country. The board will hold another meeting, scheduled for Aug. 23, to look at and vote on coach applications.

Another Stevensville School sport in a similar situation is the high school baseball program. Last year was the sport’s inaugural year in Montana schools. It was also accepted by the board, along with the stipulation that the district could not aford to fund it. That year, at least $30,000 was raised for the program. With the school still

not in a position to fund a new sport, Thennis said that the district and the community are again discussing fundraising for this year. Thennis estimated that the baseball program will need between $15,000 and $20,000 to operate again this next spring.

“Baseball was really positive for us last year,” said Thennis, “We really want to keep that ball rolling.”

Last year, the team had around 17 players, and though some were lost to graduation, the school believes there

will be more interested incoming freshmen to fll spots.

With many schools in Montana feeling the heat as COVID-19 funding runs its course, Stevensville is not alone in struggling to fund programs. Thennis said that the “transition makes it difcult to add a new sport.”

According to Thennis, a big part of the issue comes down to enrollment. Montana school funding is very dependent on enrollment numbers. Many students, post-pandemic, are deciding

to fnish out by getting their GED or HiSET instead of continuing through traditional public school. Thennis said this is one reason Stevensville High School is starting its new alternative learning center this year.

“That’s our efort to retain the kids we do have and attract kids to come back to school, here,” said Thennis.

Persons interested in Stevensville School sports, and their fundraising programs, can call or visit the school district ofce at (406) 777-5481.

Victor VFW post 1507 fnds a new home

For over a decade the Stevensville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1507 has existed without a home. However, on Sept. 2 this year, beginning at noon, VFW Post 1507 will celebrate their grant opening. The new post is located in Victor on main street, across the street from Farmers State Bank, and will

be open to the public. The VFW has seen a resurgence with the numbers of Iraq/Afghanistan veterans that have returned home to the Bitterroot Valley.

The VFW is an organization that has given back to the community with projects such as the revitalization and maintenance of the

Blue Star Memorial, in Victor, and in providing assistance for veterans dealing with Veteran’s Affairs. The VFW has aided them in getting their deserved care and disability compensation. However, the post is

more than that. It is a place where veterans can have comfortable discourse among fellow service members with shared experiences. Interested persons can join or visit VFW πosty 1507 Sept. 2 at noon.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1507 has fnally found a home in Victor, on Main Street. Matt Walker, the post commander, told a story of how two brothers signed their names on the building, after returning from one of the world wars. He explained that anyone visiting should ask for the story to get more details, and it befts the building’s new tenant. Photos courtesy Matt Walker.

Choosing challenge

by John Dowd

Hunting season is rounding the bend again, and with it comes the inevitable traffic at the gun ranges. With some seasons

In Montana and Idaho starting as early as a week, hunters are getting out and sighting in their rifles early.

For myself, this is the time of decision making. Every year, I sight in each gun and bow I plan on using for the season. I have certain weapons for specific target species that I fall back to regularly.

last one). Whatever tool a hunter selects for a job, it needs to become an extension of that individual. I have heard people argue against things like traditional black powder hunting, or even archery hunting. Their argument is that they wish to achieve a “perfect shot,” every single time. They want to limit suffering and be as ethical as possible. This is completely respectable, and a thought I believe every hunter should have in their mind when they go out into the woods. But it also misses the mark.

by John Dowd

Whether it is antelope on the plains, or bears in the woods, I have a specifically chosen tool for each job. However, every year I like to stir things up and find a way to challenge myself. One year it was a black powder rifle, using only iron sights, for a pronghorn. Another year, it was a flintlock smoothbore for turkey. This year, I have a lever action, again irons only, that has close-woods-bear written all over it.

I’m always searching for the best way to do things and sometimes that means treading where others do not often go. Every year, successful or not, I come away with some new knowledge about nature, the species I’m hunting and myself. Fortunately, I am rarely skunked, but even so, sometimes the effort may not be worth putting in a second try.

With each challenge I set for myself, the first step is always to become familiar with the tool. It is important to learn every element of a rifle, a shotgun, a bow or even a spear (I have some stories on that

Hunting is not meant to be easy. It was a spiritual endeavor for most of mankind’s existence, because it separated the men from the boys, literally. Hunting is, and was, a

right of passage for all people. It challenges the senses and one’s understanding of nature. There is, in my opinion, no better way to reset one’s self and truly test oneself on his or her connection to nature. A good hunt means sleeping overnight, possibly for many nights, going without many modern conveniences, chasing a single animal, or even a group of animals, over what can be extremely long distances and struggling to find success. This can challenge a person’s morals and their resolve. It can show a person their boundaries of fatigue, luck and spirit. The argument previously mentioned is a fantastic goal, but I believe it does little justice to the hunter or the hunt.

Hunting in a way where not every shot can be perfect, introduces personal choice and willpower. It is

easy to take an easy shot, but hard to turn down an unethical one. This forces the hunter to get ever closer, try ever-harder and make sure they are doing everything right.

Ultimately, it can be really impressive when a person masters an animal or a hunt, and finds the absolute best way. For me, I have found pronghorn to be one I have snuggly under my belt. But where others may reach that point of mastery and think, “I’ll stick with what I am good at,” I find myself chasing the things that challenge me the most. That should be what hunting is truly about: the challenge, the chase and becoming one with nature. The mastery of “first tries” is impossible, and because of that the pursuit of bettering and challenging oneself can be a truly profound journey.

John Dowd next to his “nearly” Boone and Crockett pronghorn last fall.

Photo by Josh Hall.

Forest seeks comments on Bitterroot Front Project

The Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) has released its draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Bitterroot Front Project and is inviting the public to review and make comments on the proposal. The project is located on the Stevensville and Darby-Sula Ranger Districts and is a proposed fuels reduction, vegetation management, and forest health improvement project.

The project planning area extends the length of the main Bitterroot Valley along the front of the mountains from McClain Creek on the northern end of the forest to Trapper Creek on the southern end. The landscape-scale proposal will address the wildfire risk to communities using a wide range of tools including tree thinning, harvest, and prescribed burning.

The project was first announced last year following a series of public meetings and field trips. The project’s primary purpose has been refined since the initial scoping notice to focus on restoring a healthy and resilient forest ecosystem through fire and fuels treatments.

The BNF contains five of the highest risk firesheds in the nation, four of which are in the Bitterroot Front Project area. The Montana Forest Action plan has identified the area as having high wildfire risk to communities and infrastructure and significant forest health concerns. Ravalli County has the highest risk to structures from wildfire of any county in Montana.

The project aligns with the USDA Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy that works with partners to protect communities and improve the resilience of America’s Forests. This crisis is being driven by declining forest health in the West, which is due to a combination of overgrown forests following a century of fire suppression and a warming climate with record-breaking drought. The problem is compounded by expanding development in fire-prone areas. The strategy includes an increase in fuels and forest health treatments by up to four times current treatment levels in the West. Increased tree mortality

from insects and disease is also a serious concern.

The project area has dense pockets of dead and dying trees impacted by mountain pine beetle, Douglas-fir bark beetle, and western spruce budworm damage.

The proposed action also includes project-specific amendments to forest plan direction for elk habitat objectives, old growth, course woody debris, and snag retention.

Project planning was completed with participation and input from local collaborative organizations and partners such as the Ra -

valli County Collaborative, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

The Chief of the Forest Service has approved the Bitterroot Front Project to be implemented as an Emergency Action Determination project.

Emergency actions are taken to protect public health and safety, critical infrastructure, and natural resources on National Forest System lands from destructive wildfires. As a result of the Emergency Action Determination, the project will not be subject to the pre-decisional objection review process. It is critical that the public provide feedback during the designated comment period described below, as they will not be able to raise additional project concerns during an objection period.

Public comments specific to this project are valuable in helping the Forest Service identify concerns, develop alternatives, and refine the analysis to focus on issues.

Comments are due by September 16, 2023.

To provide electronic

comments (preferred method), visit the project website at: https://www.fs.usda. gov/project/?project=57341 . Click on Comment/Object on right side of the page.

If you wish to comment in writing, please address comments to Matt Anderson, Forest Supervisor at: Bitterroot National Forest, 1801 N. First Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. Comments may also be hand delivered weekdays 8:00am –4:30pm.

Comments should include: 1) name, address, phone number, and organization represented, if any; 2) title of the project on which the comments are being submitted; 3) substantive comments including specific facts and supporting information for the responsible official to consider. All comments are open to public inspection and will be posted to the Forest Service website.

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

Food and ag development project receives USDA F2S funding

Headwaters Resource, Conservation and Development Organization (Headwaters RC&D), and colead organization, Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA), were awarded a USDA Farm to School implementation grant for $89,329 to form the Montana Farm to School Ambassador Network (MT F2S Ambassador Network).

Through collaboration with eight other Food and Agriculture

Development Centers, the MT F2S Ambassador Network will improve access to local foods in eligible schools through comprehensive farm to school programming including local procurement and agricultural education efforts.

Agricultural producers’ requests for technical assistance and training exceeds current capacity. By creating a network of individuals trained to provide “bootson-the-ground” farm to school

technical assistance in each region of Montana, the program evenly distributes workload and allows current Farm to School initiatives to grow by providing producers accessibility to specific farm to school technical assistance statewide.

“By creating this F2S Ambassador Network, the Farm to School program can extend its reach and impact across the state. Ambassadors can facilitate training ses -

sions in their own communities, leading to a multiplier effect in terms of the number of producers and schools that benefit from the program,” said Grace Nichols, Specialty Crop Business Development Program Manager at RCEDA.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit agr.mt.gov.

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 11:00am-2:00pm. 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.

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 a.m. to 1 p.m. While this new safe driving course is designed for drivers aged 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The new program features laws and updates specifc to Montana, defensive driving, winter driving, and 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. Certifcates 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 Tout406-363-3165.

ProLife Bitterroot

ProLife Bitterroot will meet Thursday, September 7 at 6 p.m. at More To Come Fellowship, 330 3rd Ave., Victor. For more information call (406) 407-1254.

Eagles bingo

Hamilton Eagles invite you to bingo on September 14 and 28. Cash prizes with food and drinks available. This month the 50/50 rafe benefts the Bitterroot Special Olympics. Bingo starts at 6 pm while the doors open at 5 pm.

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 513-3125494 with questions.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful, thriving community of Philipsburg, Montana. Duties include but are not limited to weekly coverage of community news, managing other reporters and freelance writers, newspaper design and layout.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated writing skills

• Profciency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.)

Compensation $2500-$3000/mo. DOE. Approx. 32-36 hours per week. Benefts include fexible scheduling, paid time of. Send resume and writing samples to: victoria@mullennewspapers.com or call Victoria at 406-207-8793

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

OPINION continued

Grizzly kill permits

Montanans have worked for decades to restore our state animal, the grizzly bear. We’ve come a long way in recovering grizzlies in their core habitats, the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems, and beyond. That’s happened because of hard work by landowners, conservationists, hunters, state and federal wildlife ofcials, tribal interests and many more.

That’s why it’s so unfortunate that our state legislature passed a bill this year allowing ranchers to kill grizzly bears on our public lands, just for being there. If that sounds alarmist and unreal, it’s not: the Legislature and the Gianforte administration want to draw hard lines and limit grizzlies to isolated populations, with little chance of real, long-term grizzly conservation.

Real grizzly bear recovery would include bears occupying all of their designated recovery zones, including the Bitterroot ecosystem with the excellent grizzly habitat it provides, as well as areas in between recovery zones. And it would include an interconnected population of grizzlies, with genetic exchange so populations aren’t isolated. But actions by Montana would make that impossible.

Senate Bill 295, passed earlier this year, allows Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to issue kill permits to ranchers for bears they deem “threatening.” But the bill has no defnition of threatening, and the rules proposed even deem a bear in “proximity” to livestock as eligible to be killed, even when there is no confict whatsoever. Grizzly bears are currently protected under the Endangered Species Act, but if those protections are removed, as Montana is pushing for, the state will have management authority and this egregious bill will go into efect. This is not the assurance the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service needs that Montana

has adequate regulations to manage grizzlies in the long term.

This bill mirrors a measure passed a decade ago applying to wolves. Montana FWP has used that law sparingly, with an average of fewer than 10 wolves killed every year.

But the key diference is that the bill pertaining to wolves was restricted to private land. SB 295 has no such limit, and it would open up the killing of grizzlies on our public lands, far from human habitation, where native wildlife makes its home.

This bill puts the interests of a small group – ranchers who use public land to graze their livestock, over everything else. It sets a dangerous precedent that we will eliminate native wildlife to accommodate cattle and sheep, for which ranchers are paying a fraction of the market cost to graze. There are many proven, efective ways to prevent conficts between livestock and grizzly bears, yet SB 295 does not require any of these measures before a grizzly bear can be killed even without any confict, and even on public lands.

Public lands belong to all of us, and wildlife is supposed to be held by the state in trust for everyone. Instead, the Gianforte administration is set to hand out permits to kill our state animal – one we have spent tens of millions of dollars and decades to recover – to beneft a handful of ranchers who graze livestock on public lands.

The regulations being drafted to implement these kill permits are ambiguous, lack no standards and give tremendous authority for ranchers and Montana FWP to kill bears in habitats critical to grizzly bear survival and recovery. The American people, who value wildlife and wildlands that we all collectively own, will not stand by and allow native wildlife to be killed for its mere presence on our public lands.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet August 17 to decide on regulations to implement SB 295. If you oppose the killing of grizzly bears on public lands, contact them at fwpcomm@mt.gov.

Nick Gevock Missoula

Plan to reduce wildlife collisions

Anyone driving Montana’s highways knows the risk of colliding with deer and other wildlife.

Hardly a mile goes by without the gruesome reminders of hit animals, broken bumpers, or smashed headlights scattered on the shoulder.

According to the Bozeman-based Western Transportation Institute, collisions with wildlife can be reduced by up to 85 percent with the installation of wildlife crossing infrastructure such as fencing and under and overpasses. Such installations have been efective in several western states, including Nevada and Wyoming, as well as here in Montana on the Flathead Indian Reservation and up the Blackfoot River on Highway 200.

New federal funding is available to support such infrastructure through a fve-year, $350 million Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program. These funds create an unprecedented opportunity for Montana to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions, save human lives, reduce costs to citizens through insurance deductibles, and support robust wildlife populations.

Wildlife-vehicle collisions are costly to Montana residents and communities. A 2020 report by State Farm Insurance ranked our state with the second-highest number of wildlife collisions in the entire nation, and recent collisions in the Paradise, Gallatin, and Flathead Valleys have highlighted the risk these accidents cause to human life. Economists calculated that from 2008-2017, the average annual cost of vehicle collisions with moose, deer, and elk totaled $87 million in Montana. As a state flled with sportsmen and women, it’s also worth mentioning that deer killed by motor vehicles represent over 14 percent of the state’s annual hunter deer harvest, thus reducing hunting opportunities as well.

The Montana Department of Transportation has access to incredible data points showing where these collisions are occurring, providing valuable insight in identifying hotspots and ofering solutions to reduce collisions and fatalities on our roadways. By working closely with local communities, the Department has an immediate opportunity to scale up their eforts to address the problem.

With the launch of the fve-year federal Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, $111 million of the total $350 million available will be awarded this year alone. We applaud the Montana Department of Transportation for submitting two proposals to this program for potential grant funding: 1) Cougar Creek near West Yellowstone and 2) a planning study along I-90 near Garrison about 70 miles east of Missoula. If awarded, the grant(s) will cover 80 percent of the costs, with a 20 percent match coming from the state. Other western states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah have been active in

securing match dollars for these federal grants, and we appreciate the state of Montana for also recognizing this as an urgent and important need that must be addressed.

Montana’s challenge with wildlife-vehicle collisions is signifcant, but funds are available now that can help our state reduce collisions on our roadways, save human and wildlife lives, and reduce costly repairs. We hope this year’s grant proposals represent the beginning of a long-term commitment in Montana, and we are excited to hear about the department’s next steps to identify, prioritize, and fund projects across the state over the coming years.

Rep. Katie Zolnikov, HD 45 Rep. Tom France, HD 94 Rep. Jonathan Karlen, HD 96 Rep. Marty Malone, HD 59

Have we lost our sense of values in the ‘Swamp’?

What, I wonder, is signifcant or worthy of advocacy on today’s menu?

I, for one, don’t have ‘climatitis.’ I don’t accept that the world is ending soon due to climate change. The climate has been changing since earth frst became a sphere. Get over it and quit destroying our economy, works of art and other antics. Your climatitis infection is insignifcant, not warranting the unbelievable attention it is receiving. Besides, you’re scaring the kids!

There seems to be another infection which I’ll call ‘alphabetitis.’ I fat don’t share the great concern being given to Trans, Queers, et al. They are fellow citizens, not some kind of great emergency. As they used to say when our Republic had the gonads to face real issues—“things are tough all over!” By the way, let’s get the boys out of the girls’ bathrooms!

There are other issues which are getting great outpourings of support, but which fail to warrant the constant antics and expenditure of private and public time and resources. However, to save space and tim, let’s focus on an issue that overrides all the furor referred to above.

I’m concerned that we never witness a crowd demonstrating against the raging efects of fentanyl upon our under 50 population. It is the greatest killer of these adults, overtaking heart attacks, cancer, homicide, suicide, accidents, and others. It’s not a raging political issue by the media, which is much more interested in the plight of trans and getting our pronouns straight.

Hey, guys! Look up. Our fellow Americans are dying at a rate of about 100,000 a year due to drugs. Fentanyl being the major villain at about 68%. It could be called a racist drug as it kills blacks at a greater rate than whites. Gosh! That alone should fll streets. In one year the killing exceeds the total of deaths in the Vietnam war.

Please, let’s demand more leadership dedicated to stopping this outrage. We could start with telling the Chinese to knock of selling the fentanyl to illegal drug producers. One could rightly say they are committing an act of war. They are making a cold war type attack with the cartels as their proxy. Close that damned border! Take out the cartels! Surely we can refocus and get our priorities in order. It is, in fact, a matter of life and death!

To paraphrase the words of that great swamp philosopher Pogo, “Stop swatting mosquitoes as alligators are biting us in the butt.” Ed Sperry, Col USAF (ret) Stevensville

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Stevi softballer to play in Germany

Lilly Newsom, a junior at Stevensville High School, has been selected to participate in the 2024 America’s Team Softball Tournament in Germany on July 22-30th, 2024. The United States will be playing teams from Germany and other countries.

Newsom is excited about the opportunity. “This experience will allow me to experience new cultures, meet new players, and learn valuable life lessons,” said Newsom. “I will also be able to improve my skills and work with college coaches from around the United States.”

During the week-long trip they will spend three days in Munich, where they will tour Olympic

Park and Neuschwantstein Castle and play a local team. Then for the fnal three days they are in Heidelberg, where they will visit local attractions and play a local team. Finally, they will play an international tournament for two days.

Newsom has always loved softball. “My passion for softball started when I frst hit a ball of a tee. I started playing travel softball when I was nine for my local club team, the Bitterroot Sparks. I instantly began to love the sport of softball and decided that I would love to play college ball one day.”

Newsom will need to raise $5,450 to cover the expenses for her trip, and donations go directly toward the tour costs. Newsom said, ”I greatly appreciate everyone’s support in making my dreams come true to participate in this life-changing opportunity.”

If you’re interested in donating, go to Lilly’s Gofundme me link: https:// gofund.me/d49a038d

Busy weekend as high school sports kick off

High school sports begin in earnest this weekend, as Bitterroot Valley teams start their fall seasons with their frst taste of competition. Every valley football team has an away game and every valley volleyball team will travel to tournaments outside the area. But there will be cross country in Corvallis on Friday, Aug. 25th, and multiple soccer games in Hamilton, Stevensville, and Corvallis on Friday and Saturday.

Here’s a breakdown of the high school sports activities for the upcoming weekend. Times may be subject to change.

Thursday, August 24th

Golf: Corvallis and Stevensville golf at Ronan, 10 a.m.

Volleyball: Florence at Choteau Tourney

Friday, August 25th

Football: Corvallis at Browning, 7 p.m.

Football: Stevensville at Libby, 7 p.m.

Football: Hamilton at Whitefsh, 7 p.m.

Football: Florence at Jeferson, 7 p.m.

Football: Victor at Troy, 5 p.m.

Hamilton golf begins

The 2023 Class A golf season is underway and the Hamilton golf teams are in full swing. On Monday, August 14th, both the Lady Broncs and Broncs defeated Billings Central in match play at Fairmont in Anaconda. The boys were led by Tyce O’Connell’s 75 and Cole Dickemore’s 80. The Lady Broncs were led by Emma Hollingsworth’s 88 and Cameron Burnett’s 90.

Then on Tuesday, August 22nd, they played in the Old Works Challenge in Anaconda against Polson, Laurel, and Billings Central. The Lady Broncs took 2nd and the Broncs 3rd. The girls were led by Emma Hollingsworth and Brooklyn Brown with scores of 90 and 98, respectively. The boys were led by Josh Bender’s 81 and Tyce O’Connell’s 82.

IMMEDIATE OPENING

Community Newspaper Editor Philipsburg Mail

Immerse yourself in the beautiful, thriving community of Philipsburg, Montana. Duties include but are not limited to weekly coverage of community news, managing other reporters and freelance writers, newspaper design and layout.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated writing skills

• Profciency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.)

Compensation $2500-$3000/mo. DOE.

Approx. 32-36 hours per week.

Benefts include fexible scheduling, paid time of. Send resume and writing samples to: victoria@mullennewspapers.com or call Victoria at 406-207-8793

Volleyball: Tip Of Tournament in Columbia Falls, including Hamilton, Corvallis, and Stevensville

Volleyball: Florence at Choteau Tourney

Soccer: Corvallis hosting Lockwood, Girls 4 p.m., Boys 6 p.m.

Soccer: Stevensville hosting Billing Central, Boys 4 p.m., Girls 6 p.m.

Soccer: Hamilton hosting Libby, Girls 2:30 p.m., Boys 4:30 p.m.

Cross Country: Corvallis 10 a.m., including Corvallis, Hamilton, Stevensville, and Darby.

Saturday, August 26th

Football: Victor at Arlee, 1 p.m.

Volleyball: Tip Of Tournament in Columbia Falls, including Hamilton, Corvallis, and Stevensville

Volleyball: Florence at Choteau Tourney

Volleyball: Darby & Victor at Drummond Invitational Tournament, 9:30 a.m.

Soccer: Corvallis hosting Billings Central, Girls 10 a.m., Boys 12 p.m.

Soccer: Stevensville hosting Laurel, Girls 4 p.m., Boys 6 p.m.

Soccer: Hamilton vs Lockwood (at Missoula Loyola), Boys 12 p.m.

Registration is now open for the 39th annual Hackers Golf Tournament, which is held on September 10th at 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Golf Club. Photo courtesy Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics.

Hackers golf tourney to beneft Special Olympics

Registration is now open for the 39th annual Hackers golf tournament, which is held on September 10th at 10 a.m. at the Hamilton Golf Club. Hackers, started in 1984, is the primary fundraiser for the Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics, which will

be held in March of 2024. Volunteer Carla Christoferson said, “This is a great event - this is where we get all of the funds for the Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics. So it’s an important fundraiser for us. And everyone always has a great time!”

The tournament is a 5-person scramble, and the cost is $70 per player with a sack lunch provided. Don’t miss your chance to play in a great tournament for a great cause. This tournament flls up quickly so call (406) 363-4251 to register.

Lilly Newsom, a junior at Stevensville High School, is headed to Germany for the 2024 America’s Team Softball Tournament on July 22-30, 2024. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Eugene William ‘Bill’ Schlotterbeck

“What is, is and what aint, aint”

Eugene William “Bill” Schlotterbeck, 83, of Hamilton, MT and McCall, ID, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on July 5th, 2023 of natural causes.

Bill was born in Berkeley, CA on August 11th, 1939 to parents who immigrated from Germany and Wales. In his youth he enjoyed being a member of the high school swim team, playing trumpet in the band, and being with his friends while they all worked on their cars. Bill graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1957 before attending college. He then went to work for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) as a lineman, which later allowed him to put his trade skills to work when he served in the US Navy as a SeaBee. After the Navy, Bill went to work for Pacific Telephone and Telegraph (PT&T) in Placerville, CA as an installer/repairman and eventually became a training manager. It was on a routine service call for PT&T where he met his future wife, Sondra “Sandy” Peterson. Sandy and Bill were married on July 22nd, 1967. Bill passed away just shy of their 56th wedding anniversary. While in Placerville, CA, Bill belonged to the American Legion which allowed him and Sandy to volunteer at the Jeepers Jamboree on the cook crew for many years.

In 1980, Bill retired from the utility industry and along with Sandy, moved the family to Hamilton, MT. Their greatest joy and proudest moments were raising their son and daughter in Western Montana.

After trying his hand at ranching,

Death Notices

Sandy Gerlach

Darby - Sandy Gerlach, 81, passed away early in the morning, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at home with her family by her side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

he liked to say he learned a lot… most of which was that he wasn’t a rancher! Never afraid to try something new, Bill and Sandy became owners of Adventures with Sapphire Travel and served the Bitterroot Valley’s travel needs from 1982 to 1987. After which, Bill enjoyed full retirement and living the Montana lifestyle while tirelessly supporting his two children through high school, college, and adulthood. Bill enjoyed hunting (especially his time in hunting camp), fishing, camping with family, and later in life, attending the University of Montana football games which brought him equal parts joy and stress. Through thick and thin times, one thing remained constant, Bill never stopped loving and supporting his family and friends. And he never lost his great sense of humor, filling life’s moments with unforgettable one liners.

Bill is survived by wife Sondra “Sandy” Schlotterbeck, son Peter “Pete” Schlotterbeck (Mesa, AZ), daughter Heidi (Schlotterbeck) Galyardt, son-in-law Matthew Galyardt, grandsons Gavin and Chase Galyardt (McCall, ID), as well as long standing friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene Fredrick and Ivy Henrietta (Chilton) Schlotterbeck, brother Orville Ballard, and many friends who passed before.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at St. Luke’s McCall Hospital and St. Luke’s McCall Hospice for their kindness, concern, and guidance throughout Bill’s final journey.

A celebration of life will be held this coming Fall where we will smile

Jeanne M. Wilhelm Hamilton - Jeanne M. Wilhelm, 77, passed away in the morning, Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at home surrounded by her family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

and laugh for having known Bill/ Dad/Papa.

Online condolences may be left at

Emily Mae Martin

Florence - Emily Mae Martin, 82, passed away Friday, August 11, 2023 at her home in Florence. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome. com.

www.mccallfunerals.com

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.

Sharrol F. Hartson Hamilton

passed away in the morning, Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the family home in Hamilton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

Bowels Creek Fire update from fre team, reaches 6,847 acres

The Bowles Creek Fire is currently at 6,847 acres. Motorists traveling on Hwy 38, Skalkaho Road, are urged to drive with caution as frefghters will be present along the roadway.

fuel breaks along several roads and other values at risk. Fire ofcials continue to monitor fre spread and fre behavior as weather conditions change. Firefghters are utilizing fring

spotting and fre spread.

The fre completion remains at 20% as the objective of confnement and point zone protection continues. Percent completion of objectives more

and reduce the negative impacts to communities, infrastructure, and other identifed values. By using percent completion of objectives, fre managers can better illustrate how accomplishment of identifed objectives and priorities are progressing.

Weather and fre behavior

With lower temperatures, increased relative humidity, and precipitation, fre activity is limited. Wetting rain and thunderstorms are expected Tuesday throughout the fre region. The area will experience southerly winds today, 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected through Tuesday morning. Precipitation and high humidities of 71-76% will keep fre activity minimal until a drying trend begins starting Wednesday.

Closures

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Bitterroot National Forest issued an emergency closure of roads and trails (Closure #02-08-23-19) efective July 25, 2023. This Order is for public and frefghter safety during fre suppression eforts of the Bowles Creek Fire. For a complete listing of the closed roads and trails, visit: https://www.fs.usda. gov/alerts/bdnf/alerts-notices/?aid=81818.

Closure information and maps are also posted on the Forests’ website and the fre’s Inciweb page. The Skalkaho Pass Road remains open. Those recreating or traveling in the fre area are encouraged to be aware of the situation and to pay attention to increased fre trafc. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in efect over the fre area for the safety of the aviation resources.

- Sharrol F. (Kuhlman) Hartson, 88,

Hoppers, beetles, ants – and Hannah

Hannah Baron Spencer is a tall athletic woman with an engaging presence and winsome smile. She is a wife and the mother of lively twins living a homestead way of life on the Salmon River; she’s also a fly fishing and whitewater rafting guide, and an artist. The vibrant colors of her primitive woodblock prints capture visions of the life she lives. To take a look, go to www.hbsartworks. com.

I met Hannah before her marriage and move to Salmon, when she was living in the Bitterroot Valley.

She was equally at home wearing her broad-brimmed straw hat and long flowered skirt, riding her bicycle to Farmer’s Market on one Saturday, and under that same hat and wearing cargo shorts and wading sandals, pulling her full-laden raft over a shallow riffle the next.

to be equipped for anything.

It was about this time of year – hoppers were on, spruce moths were pretty well finished, and it was a bit early for the fall drakes. She picked up a handful of her favorite hopper and attractor patterns and asked if there was anything else I’d suggest. I showed her some sparse deer hair black ants I had been tying.

by Chuck Stranahan

She was more than a capable guide and her clients – regardless their level of experience – took to her immediately. I booked her out of my shop when I could, which wasn’t often enough. She stayed busy.

She was a favorite guide for a posh lodge on the Blackfoot whose clients often had never experienced Montana – or fly fishing – before their luxurious stay at the lodge.

Hannah’s day with the ants

I remember a time when she was headed to the Blackfoot and stopped by for flies. She had a call again from the lodge. She didn’t know what to expect from her assigned clients –would they be old hands, or more likely, total greenhorns? She wanted

“You might try these,” I told her.

Her response was simple and knowing: “Hmm...”

She saw the potential in the fly – she didn’t need to be told why it might work.

She could fish this #14 fly behind a bigger hopper pattern and not encounter the tangles that often occur when neophytes attempt to cast a double-fly rig. Anyone can tangle a heavy nymph tethered to a big bulky dry.

The little ant would go along for the ride, about two feet behind the bigger fly. Any tangles that would occur might come anyway.

As it turned out, the couple she guided were completely new to flyfishing. There was a quick casting and fishing lesson. She taught them how to strike when a fish ate their fly.

At first her clients missed all their takes on the ant. They saw the hopper “hop” on the water, but thought those hops were just the hoppers hopping by themselves. She explained, as tactfully as possible, that the hopper moved because the

line came taut when a fish ate the hard-to-see ant.

They caught on, and finished the day with twice the number of fish to the boat as the lodge’s other parties. About half of the fish, she told me later, came on the ant.

All hoppers aren’t alike

The other fly she used that day was Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper. It has the color and silhouette of a real hopper, you can twitch it, and it lands on the water about the same as a natural.

Foam hoppers float forever but land with a splash that can spook fish. Hannah’s lodge clients, fishing the more natural Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper, had an added edge: the fly didn’t spook the fish – they ate it.

When to fsh beetles

My favorite foam fly is the Foam Beetle. There are many variations but they’re all basically the same: a strip of black foam forms a very beetle-like body over the top of the fly.

My friend Mike Lawson has a favorite strategy on his home waters of Idaho’s Henry’s Fork. When there’s a finicky trout rising near a grass bank Mike won’t waste time matching the mayfly hatch. Instead, he’ll tie on a beetle – and usually take the trout on the next cast.

Beetles live where there’s vegetation close to the water. Where those places might hold a trout, on a river the size of the Henry’s Fork or a small mountain stream, tie on a beetle. You might get the same results as Mike.

From upper right: Schroeder’s Parachute Hopper, Chuck’s Deer Hair Ants, foam beetles, and a foam bodied Cloud Hopper]. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Governor convenes roundtable on trout issues in Jefferson Basin

Amid low trout counts in the Jeferson Basin, Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday convened a roundtable discussion in Wise River with fshing guides, anglers, irrigators, ag producers, biologists, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Director Dustin Temple.

“Montana’s prized rivers and waterways are a part of what defne our way of life and they support the livelihoods of thousands of Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Working together, we can build consensus and solutions to address low trout counts in the Big Hole and surrounding areas.”

Trout populations have steadily declined in several areas of the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby rivers since 2011.

In response to population declines, FWP, in partnership with Montana State University (MSU), has launched several research eforts to study fsh mortality, juvenile fsh, and fsh health and to better understand the causes of these declines, which are linked to fows, water temperature, disease, and other

Crossword Puzzle

factors.

FWP also launched sickfsh.mt.gov to encourage Montanans to report sick or dying fsh.

At the Wise River Community Foundation yesterday, Dr. Al Zale, MSU professor and leader of the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, spoke to research underway.

“We have a lot to learn and fnd out. That’s what my students and I will be doing, we’ve been doing that in collaboration with other faculty there at MSU, and then also working closely with FWP,” Dr. Zale said.

Representing guides and anglers, the governor also heard from the Founder of Big Hole Lodge Craig and Wade Fellin on concerns about low trout counts, and the need for collaboration to resolve the issue.

“With the help of our governor, FWP department, Big Hole River Foundation, Save Wild Trout, Big

Hole Watershed Committee, guides and outftters, general public, and private donors – we can beat whatever is taking our wild trout. We all need to work together as one big team,” Craig Fellin said.

Also represented at the roundtable were irrigators and ranchers.

“We know a lot about this river because it is our life,” Jim Hagenbarth, rancher and founding member of the Big Hole Watershed Committee, said.

The meeting was also open to public comment, with over 100 ag producers, anglers, and irrigators present to share their concerns and discuss solutions.

Concluding the discussion, Gov. Gianforte encouraged residents to continue to make their voices heard.

“Addressing this issue must involve all of us working together. Let’s continue to strengthen our partnership and develop meaningful, consensus-driven solutions,” the governor concluded.

Thu6:26-8:266:54-8:54 Fri7:23-9:237:53-9:53 Sat8:24-10:248:55-10:55

Gov. Gianforte holding roundtable discussion on low trout counts in the Jeferson Basin.

Booked for the season

“Bitsy Bat, School Star” by Kaz Windness

c.2023, Simon & Schuster

$18.99 48 pages

Hanging upside-down is just the way you want to do things sometimes: upside-down, inside out, front side backwards. When you do things differently, it seems interesting, fun, and right, and sometimes, it leads you to try other new things, too. But in the new book “Bitsy Bat, School Star” by Kaz Windness, being different isn’t the same as fitting in.

Tomorrow was the first night at her new school, and Bitsy Bat was pretty nervous. What if she wasn’t prepared?

She could lift her wing high and she was really good at painting and sharing so maybe things would be okay. Just in case, Mama had Bitsy practice “school” for awhile until Bitsy felt better about herself and her new adventure.

The next night, Papa and Mama and Baby all flew through the skies with Bitsy to make sure she arrived at Crittercrawl Elementary School on time. They were so proud of her, and they reminded her to do her best.

But things got off on the wrong wing right away. Mr. Nibbles told Bitsy to take her seat but Winnie Whiskers reminded her that “take your seat” doesn’t mean hanging upside down on it, and being downside down made her sick. When Bitsy began art class by using her feet as a brush, Winnie said that she was “supposed to use your fingers.”

And forget about sharing her delicious bugs at snacktime! No, Bitsy couldn’t even do the playground right. She couldn’t take it anymore.

Her parents came to get her and the next night, when it was time to go to school again, Bitsy didn’t want

asked Papa. Bitsy was a “big star” at home. So why not think of a way to be a big star at school, too? And

be a great book

to go. She could never be like the other kids.

Why ever should she want to?

why not do the same for all her new friends?

If you’re thinking that this might

for a neurodivergent child, or one who marches to their own drummer, or any child who’d have that unique kid in class, you’d be right. In fact, in her afterword, author-illustrator Kaz Windness explains to parents why this book was written and its artwork is as it is: Windness is autistic.

This should make you want to go back and look at “Bitsy Bat, School Star” again. Windness’ little character uses coping methods that Windness says worked well for her.. The story offers compassion when differences are presented, and a happy conclusion that includes and supports the entire bat family. Parents might also appreciate that potential bullies are addressed here, in the subtle form of a little busybody classmate who’s won over in the end.

This is the kind of book you hope your child’s teacher has on the shelf at school. It’s a book you want to read several times to your unique kid, and to their siblings. For a 4-to8-year-old, “Bitsy Bat, School Star” is a book they’ll want to hang out with.

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, Prowler 21 foot 5th Wheel w/ Hitch, Needs Work, $2000, will deliver in the Bitterroot, Call 559-351-3567 for details.

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

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

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! 1-866585-6456

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

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. Please send resume to foe1693secretary@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

Thank

Legal Notices

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.

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@nelsonlawmontana.com tbancroft@nelsonlawmontana.com

Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of BARBARA CAROLINE WINDER, Deceased.

Probate No. DP-23-70

Judge Jennifer B. Lint (Dept. 2)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN SAID ESTATE: 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 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.

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Kelsey Sanders, Kelsey Sanders, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-23-244

Dept. 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Kelsey Ann Sanders to Wolf Thorin Odinson. The hearing will be on September 7, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 31st day of July, 2023.

/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court

By: Barbara Beavers

Deputy Clerk of Court BS 8-2, 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 Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of JUDITH MARIE BEALS, Deceased.

Probate No. DP-2023-91

Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the 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 AIMEE N. CAVILL, the Personal Representative, 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.

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

DATED this 17th day of August, 2023.

/s/ Aimee N. Cavill MARKETTE & CHOUINARD, PC

By: David T. Markette,

Attorney for Personal

Representative

BS 8-23, 8-30, 9-6-23.

Daniel Browder BROWDER LAW, PLLC 217 N. 3rd St., Ste. J Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: 406-361-3677 Fax: 406-361-2999 browderlawmont@gmail. com

Attorney for Rose K. Huckstadt MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EUGENE FRANCIS HUCKSTADT, Deceased. Case No. DP-23-89 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 the Personal Representative, Rose K. Huckstadt, return receipt requested, ℅: Browder Law PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 14th day of August, 2023.

/s/ Daniel Browder, Attorney for P.R. 217 N. 3rd Street, Ste J Hamilton, Montana 59840

/s/ Rose K. Huckstadt, Personal Representative BS 8-23, 8-30, 9-6-23.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Town of Darby is requesting proposals for a Town Prosecutor/Town Attorney. Proposals for a two-year contract are requested for the period beginning September 1, 2023. For more information please call Mayor Nancy McKinney at (406) 821-3753. Position open until flled. BS 8-23, 8-30-23.

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840

Telephone: (406) 363-3181

MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: JOHN MARK FULLER, Deceased.

Cause No. DP-41-23-52

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 the Personal Representative, Tammie J. Jones, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 17th day of August, 2023.

/s/ Tammie J. Jones

Personal Representative

/s/ William J. Nelson Attorney for Personal Representative BS 8-23, 8-30, 9-6-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

LIBRARY BUDGET ADOPTION FYE 2024 North Valley Public Library District Board of Trustees completed the fnal budget for fscal year July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 at the August 16, 2023 board meeting. The Board will hold a public hearing on the fnal budget on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at 3:15 PM, at which time the Board will take comment, then adopt the fnal budget. Any taxpayer or resident of the Library District may appear for or against any part of the budget. This public hearing will be held in the Library Community Room at 208 Main St., Stevensville. A copy of the budget is available at the Library. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Library Director Denise Ard at 777-5061. BS 8-23, 8-30-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PERMISSIVE MEDICAL LEVY North Valley Public Library District Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 3PM in the Library Community Room at 208 Main St., Stevensville. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment and pass a Resolution regarding the

proposed permissive medical levy for health care premium increases for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Library Director Denise Ard at 777-5061. BS 8-23, 8-30-23.

FLOODPLAIN PERMIT APPLICATION – SAPPHIRE COMMUNITY HEALTH

The City of Hamilton Public Works Department invites public comment on foodplain permit application #2023-002 for work within the foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant requests permission to complete site demolition work of existing residential structures, removal of abandoned vehicles/trash, and removal of existing utilities including water, sewer, and dry utilities. The applicant is Sapphire Community Health, Inc., and work will occur on multiple parcels known as 1531, 1535, and 1593 North 1 st Street, and 150 & 180 Stanford Drive, Hamilton, MT and legally described as 16553 SQUARE FEET, INDEX 73 CS #1532, 16553 SQUARE FEET, INDEX 74 CS #1539 2.26 ACRES, INDEX 60 LESS HWY 144-202, 74052 SQUARE FEET, INDEX 58 LESS HWY R-W 143-522, 1.7 ACRES, INDEX 59, IN NENE S24, T06 N, R21 W RAVALLI COUNTY. Information regarding this application is available from the City of Hamilton Public Works Department by calling (406)363-6717 or emailing dpw@cityofhamilton.net

Written and signed comments may be submitted by mail to: City of Hamilton Public Works Attn: Donny Ramer, Floodplain Administrator 920 New York Avenue Hamilton, MT 59840 Or by email to dpw@cityofhamilton.net

All comments must be received by September 7, 2023 @ 5:00pm BS 8-23-23.

Posting Date August 21, 2023