Bitterroot Star - August 9, 2023

Local trike club to host ride through Bitterroot

by Sean Malcom

Stevensville resident, Jim Crews, has found a new sense of freedom with the help of his customized recumbent trike.

Following a work injury resulting in knee surgery and a broken foot, Crews has had a hard time getting around. “It’s hard for me to walk in rough areas, even just across the yard,” he explained. “So, I started looking around and I found these.”

What Crews found was a customizable recumbent tricycle that has been modifed with an electric motor and battery system. Catrike, a company based in Orlando Florida, makes the trikes before they are modifed with the electric motor. The motor is mainly used to assist in the pedaling process. While a manual pedaling mode exists, the motor makes pedaling up hills and for long distances easier and more efective.

Crews explained how each trike can be custom-tailored to each rider’s body. Since Crews has limited mobility in his knees, shorter pedal cranks allow him to pedal without irritating

his knees. While simply walking his dogs to the park down the road from his house causes him pain, he is able to ride his trike 30-plus miles virtually pain-free.

Crews currently has two trikes and a special quad recumbent he has afectionately named “Traveller” (after Robert E. Lee’s famous horse). The quad is outftted with oversized mountain bike-style tires and is built to take on ofroad endeavors.

Not only has Crews found a new hobby, but the interest has spread with the formation of a trike club called Three Wheels of the Bitterroot. The club is composed of members throughout the valley that go on rides, share trail information and even help each other out with maintenance issues that arise. Crews explained that there are no recumbent mechanics in the state and a bicycle mechanic can only do so much.

Back to School –Wellness Clinic (free event) for Kids and Parents, and Providers Wellness Exams with Dr. Cage, ND Clinics – August 12th & September 16th, 10am–2pm Wellness Exams for school age kids, $15 (family/discounts) visit our webpage for details and RSVP (space is limited)

Open Enrollment! 2023/2024

Concierge Annual Wellness Plan 2023 prorated

Amy

W Main Suite B3, Hamilton • 406-802-2703 amyrauneurofeedback@gmail.com

Crews frequently networks with other recumbent clubs outside of Montana. This coming weekend Crews and his club are hosting a group from Spokane, named Spokumbent. The clubs plan on riding trails throughout the Bitterroot from August 11 to 13.

Healthy Get Serious Courses on the 2nd Sat

One of the main reasons the club was started was to

help veterans. “We’re trying to get a foothold here so we can get some of our veterans involved,” he said. He continued, “This is fantastic PTSD therapy.” Crews explained the sense of freedom felt and how it “makes you feel like a kid again.”

While the hobby is a great way to explore, get outside and get ft, it does not come without danger. Crews said, “The biggest problem we have is drivers that are distracted.”

The trikes have front and rear LED lights and large bright fags, but Crews said he has still had a few close calls with distracted drivers. The trikes are roughly the same width as a standard bicycle at the handlebars and follow all the same road laws that bicycles do.

Crews wants to get more veterans involved in the club in the coming future. He hopes more people can fnd the physical and mental health benefts they can provide.

For more information, or to join, interested persons can visit facebook/threewheelsofthebitterroot.

Jim Crews on his custom-made quad recumbent nicknamed Traveller. Photo by Sean Malcom.

NNO: First responder event to continue for years, says organizer

Continued from page 1 out over 30 prizes to participating youth through a rafe. These giveaways included games, toys and more. According to Kristin Kruse, the Stevensville PD clerk and the one who organized the event, it went well enough to do it again. She plans on making this event a regular annual thing. “It’s a great new event for this community to enjoy,” said Kruse, and she explained that next year, she will not be doing it alone. One of the sponsors, Far West Mini Storage, who sponsored all the free water and hot dogs at the event, came to Kruse and ofered to sponsor the whole event every year.

Kruse says National Night Out went much better this year and drew a signifcantly larger crowd. She wanted to thank all the departments and agencies that came out for the night out, as well as the Stevensville Town Public Works for helping with the set up. She also thanked the donor of the paint for the mural and palm painting, Project 59870. “The kids really enjoyed that,” added Kruse. Lastly, she extended a thanks to the Ravalli County Sherif Steve Holton, for sitting in the dunk tank, as well as to the ofcers and Stevensville Police Chief Mac Sosa for the same. She also wanted to thank the artist, Sonia Couillard, for painting the mural. The mural is set to be fnished over the next week, ready for all park goers to enjoy.

At top right, Stevensville frefghter John Pfarr helps Kye Barlow shoot the frehose at a target.

At top left, Justin Singleterry and his kids Wyatt and Emma help paint the mural in Lewis and Clark Park.

In the bottom right corner, Life Flight lands in the park.

At bottom left, Zaylee Wilton throws a ball bound to send Ravalli County Sherif Steve Holton into the drink.

Photos by John Dowd.

Photos

Photos

Stevensville pool fnally opens afer much ado

by John Dowd

Behind schedule, the Stevensville pool quietly opened its doors to fnd a rush of children ready for the pool season. The pool opened July 12, four weeks behind when the town hoped to open the doors. However, according to Stevensville Parks Director, Stephen Lassiter, it may not have opened this year at all without the help of several people and organizations.

The frst he wanted to thank was Steve Kruse, the Stevensville Town Public Works director. “He did so much, none of this would have happened without his eforts.” Lassiter also wanted to thank the team at Pool and Pond Supply from Missoula, especially Cory Dinges, Holly Beaudry and Justin Muss. “They were indispensable with their advice,” explained Lassiter. He also wanted to thank them for installing the new flters, which Lassiter explained are “working supremely and above standard.”

Lassiter expressed thanks to Sean Kelley from Shamrock Construction for cutting out the top rim of the pool and Pieri Construction’s Nick Pieri for pouring the new concrete rim.

Three hundred and forty-one kids enrolled in swim lessons this year, even with the shorter season. That number does not include the kids that come to the open swim sessions.

Lassiter said, “It’s gonna be 1,000 kids

through here this summer, probably.” He also wanted to give a special thanks to the pool manager, and lifeguard, Olivia Kochanski. She felded calls, and arranged classes, even while she was out of town on vacation. All Lassiter could say was simply, “indispensable,” regarding her help. Kochanski is 19-years-old and has been with the pool for four summers. “It was hard this year,” but “I like making things organized,” said Kochanski about this year’s pool season.

Fortunately, through Lassiter and Kruse’s eforts, the town paid next to nothing for the renovations. However, the upgrades came up unexpectedly, and Lassiter said they can never predict the next thing that could happen with the over-50-year-old pool. He wanted to mention the Save Our Pool Fund, which was started by Nancy Lowell and Leslie Tadvick. The fund is a donation campaign to help with any other unforeseen issues, and in order to keep the pool running each year. Anyone can donate to it through Farmers State Bank, in Stevensville.

More information about the pool schedules for this year can be found online through the town website, and especially through the Stevensville Pool Facebook page, which Kochanski helps manage. Lassiter wanted to commend the pool staf as a whole, all of whom are under 20. “It’s a lot of responsibility, but they handle it well.”

Ravalli County Credit Union awarded $560k grant for underserved

Ravalli County Credit Union (RCCU) has been awarded $560,000 from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund, which will allow them to expand their services to underserved individuals in Ravalli County.

RCCU created an Empowering Ravalli Women (ERW) initiative that is focused on supporting rural women and children in Ravalli County— whether in domestic violence shelters/ safe houses or hard-working female heads of household. The initiative creates short-term and long-term impacts for female heads of households and

mothers by extending access to fnancial inclusion products and services as a frst step to building long-term sustainability, primarily by expanding lending for credit challenged or low-income individuals.

“With this award, we’ll be able to assist even more of our fnancially struggling community members, especially female heads of household and those seeking to break free from unsafe situations. We’re proud to provide accounts and afordable loans to those who have otherwise had to resort to predatory lenders, pawn shops and check cashers,” said Darci Parsons, President and CEO of Ravalli County

Credit Union.

RCCU has been continuously growing over the last 66 years. It is open to all residents of Ravalli County. The credit union continuously strives to meet its mission statement of: creating benefcial, life-long fnancial relationships for its members and community. Additionally, it has been a strong supporter of SAFE and has increased its community support of other non-profit organizations within Ravalli County.

The CDFI Fund was established in 1994 to boost lending and community development through certifed lenders, allowing them to expand their reach into in economically underserved

communities to generate growth and opportunity. CDFI Certifcation is awarded to fnancial institutions that have demonstrated a primary mission of serving low-income individuals and a proven history of providing fnancial services/products in communities that historically have lacked access to traditional banking services.

Ravalli County Credit Union has $76 million in assets and over 5,700 members, with branches in Hamilton and Florence. Founded in 1957, it is open to all residents in Ravalli County. It has a has a Low-Income Designation from the NCUA and received CDFI Certifcation in 2019.

Olivia Kochanski sits watch over the Stevensville Town Pool. Photo By John Dowd.

Calendar continued

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.

Stevi school board meetings

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

Tuesday August 15 – Special Board Meeting. Lone Rock park board

The Lone Rock Park Board will meet Wednesday, August 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Three Mile Community Center, 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Public welcome.

Emergency preparedness class-

es

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting free monthly Emergency Preparedness classes. They are held at 7 p.m. at the Church building located in Hamilton at 401 N. 8th Street. Upcoming topics of discussion include: August 10: “Water Bath Canning & Pressure Canning”; September 14: “Basic First Aid & Kits: What to Have and How To Use Them”. You can attend any or all classes. Classes typically run 60-90 minutes. For the “Alternative Cooking Methods” classes, class size is too large to complete assembly in class, so sign ups will be made during class for items to be made/completed at a later date. Call 513-312-5494 with questions.

Retirement party

There will be a reception for Sister Margaret on Sunday, August 13 following the Noon Mass.

Sister Margaret is retiring after 40 years of service to St. Francis of Assisi Parish and the Bitterroot Community. St. Francis of Assisi, Pastoral Life Center, is located at 411 S. 5th in Hamilton. All are welcome!

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.

Women’s Defensive Handgun class

For Women Only Introduction To Defensive Handguns will be held August 26 & September 23. This 2 day course is for women with little or no experience with handguns, who may be frightened of handguns or who are considering acquiring a handgun. The frst day course is designed to assist you in choosing the right handgun – for you. It will also introduce you to the facilities of the Whittecar Range. There will be discussions on handgun safety, basic operation of revolvers,semi-automatic handguns, and the cartridges used in each type of handgun. The legal aspects of the use of force will be presented and discussed. Handguns will be provided so that you may handle the diferent types and models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fre session on the range. A self defense book, specifcally for women, will also be provided. The second day course will teach basic defensive shooting using the students own equipment. Safe gun handling will be taught and stressed. Various types of ammunition and the performance of each type will be discussed. The class will be held at the Whittecar Range on Blodgett View Road. The class is limited to 10 participants. For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or Jim at 360-8392. Successful completion of this two day course meets the education requirements for application to the state for a concealed carry permit.

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 three-

year-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.

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.

North Valley Library events

Computer Confdence for Adults -Thursday, August 10 at 6:30pm

With computer confdence comes tech freedom. Join us in this beginner’s workshop and learn the basics of using a computer or laptop.

We will practice: Navigating the Windows 10 operating system; creating and managing fles and folders; managing applications using the task manager; and more! This is a wonderful chance to receive 1-1 help, ask questions, and practice your newfound computer skills. Participants will be entered to win a free laptop at the end of the year. Registration required.

movements from many of the world’s wisdom traditions. New folks and experienced dancers create the experience together. The leader teaches the words, melody and movement before each Dance. All ages are welcome to join in. By donation. For more information, call Star 546-5344.

The Dances of Universal Peace are simple, meditative, joyous circle dances that use sacred phrases, chants, music and movements from many of the world’s wisdom traditions. The Dances have no performers or audience - new arrivals and experienced dancers form a circle and create the experience together. Participants join hands, with the Dance leader and musicians in the center. The leader teaches the group the words, melody and movement before each Dance. No musical or dance experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome to join in.

Stevensville School registration

The Stevensville School registration will be August 15, 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:

Tuesday, August 15th = NEW STUDENTS

ONLY (Students that are new to the district, including foreign exchange students) If you already have an existing schedule in Infnite Campus, you will not be helped on this day.

Wednesday August 16th = Seniors and Juniors

Thursday August 17th = Sophomores and Freshmen

BRHA board meeting

The Bitter Root Humane Association will

Continued from page

ferred to the sports felds behind the school, which are leased out to use by various extracurricular youth sporting groups. She also admitted that the idea is going to be controversial either way. “No matter what way we go, it’s going to cost taxpayers.”

According to Crews, also in fear of the monetary repercussions for the town, “How can we support a several million dollar project?” Fortunately, according to library board members, who have been looking into the proposal, the town may not have to. Library Board Chair Dianne Snedigar explained that the board has been addressing numerous issues with the current library location for some time.

They have been looking into the possible move for so long that, Snedigar said, “we were excited, as a board, to hear the possibility of being allowed to use the park.” The reason the library has been looking into moving is mainly because, “the building is old,” said Snedigar. Aside from obvious parking limitations, the entire top foor is closed due to asbestos and structural issues, and the basement has recurring mold issues. Though these concerns have been mitigated to meet public health standards, the building has many areas in disrepair. The maintenance process is becoming very expensive and the library has also reached a point where it needs to expand. This is not possible at the current location. The library currently does not have enough room for all the public events, youth and adult programming it houses, and certainly cannot add any more. The library board has

already gotten an architectural frm to help them plan and streamline a possible project, since they long ago came to the conclusion that moving may be necessary. “We are concerned about the costs, in fact it is the main thing,” said Snedigar. She and other board members are hoping to do the entire project with only private donations and grants, and without any bonds or levies. This is partly thanks to a side organization associated with the library, called the North Valley Public Library Foundation. This group is planning to run a capital campaign for donations.

Library patrons and stakeholders have consistently said that they want the library to remain as close to the downtown as possible. Of all areas available for a new library building, there are three that are most plausible. According to library board members, the frst and possibly most expensive of all available options would be to move the library onto property owned by the school district, which has ofered to sell some land to the library. However, that space is not annexed within the town, and there would be an unavoidable cost of approximately $350,000 to add the building into the sewer and water system. That cost would be on top of the base construction cost, and would only be ofset by the sale of the current location.

The second option would also be expensive. This would involve keeping the building located where it is. This space would be limited for several reasons. That area in town has a restriction on the height of all new buildings, set to 40 feet. Adding a usable

second foor would require hiring more staf, because each foor would need to be stafed. This would increase the cost signifcantly, and in perpetuity to the taxpayers. There is no option to expand at street level, as the current library is limited by existing adjacent buildings. Staying in the same spot would also carry additional one-time costs of demolition, renovation and relocation and storage of library property. It would also require the closure of the library for as long as deconstruction and reconstruction would take. This could be several years.

The third and fnal option is the most cost efective, but could be the most controversial: putting the new library in the park. Though several persons against the idea have voiced the concern that such a proposal is unprecedented, the fact is that it would not be in any way unusual. For example, the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, in Idaho, is located in the city’s McEuen Park. The idea is not even odd in the state of Montana, with most notably the Bozeman Public Library being located in Lindley Park. These are among many others.

The space in Lewis and Clark Park is also within the town and has easy and cheap access to both sewer and water. According to several in favor of the idea, there are more than just monetary reasons to put the library in the park. Along with remaining within walking distance for those that walk to the current library location, “in my opinion it enhances the park,” said Mayor Gibson. “You take your kids to the park, you take them to the playground, you go to the pool, then you

go get a book.” Gibson, and others, also brought up the point that a library would both increase parking area, and would increase yearround use of the park. When the weather cools, citizens will continue to be able to enjoy the park space inside the library. This is especially true for the older generation of citizens. “The library is such a part of the town and the community,” said Gibson.

But the older generation is only part of the wide array of community members that use the library. According to library staf, the building sees one to two hundred visitors a day. That does not include the numerous club meetings, classes and more. Snedigar explained that the library sees people from every age group, and provides assistance and space for those seeking jobs, youth programs, teen programming, book clubs, access to the internet, computer classes for the young and old, and “so much more.” She also asserted that there are very few public spaces in Stevensville for any of these kinds of things, other than the library.

Those in favor of the park say that there could be room for both outdoor recreation and the library. However, the area a new library would take up could be around two acres. The space proposed is in the empty feld in the south half of the seven-acre park. The feld is around three acres in size and contains the old baseball diamond, where the Creamery Picnic pig races are held. The entire space used by the building and parking would leave only one acre of open feld for use. Fortunately, the Creamery Picnic does have other locations it can be moved to, such as back on

Main Street where it was traditionally held, or side streets in the downtown area.

Much of this information has yet to be brought to the attention of the public. One person to voice concerns during the meeting, Penny Howe, said that it was, “taxation without representation.” However, that statement holds little water as the park location, if a decision were made to move forward, would require a vote by the town residents. According to town attorney Greg Overstreet who was present at the council meeting, the notion that there was any kind of back room deal, or that any decision could be made without a vote is, “not at all accurate.” He explained that the town council would frst have to vote on whether or not to move the project forward.

Overstreet said that in his research on the issue, he found that the deed restriction, mentioned by Crews, is undermined by Montana code, specifcally statute MCA 7-8-4201 (2)(b). The statute expresses that a sale, lease or use of any land owned by the town, in trust, would require an election vote by the public. According to Overstreet, “It’s not even a close call, there is abundant legal authority.” In other words, the statute allows, legally, for the library to be placed in the park, were it to pass that vote.

In response to the concerns, Snedigar plans to attend the next town council meeting to share some of the information about the library during public comment. The next meeting is Thursday, August 10 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. Like all town council meetings, it is open to the public.

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Robert’s Run a community success

The 5th annual Robert’s Run was held in Hamilton on Saturday, August 5th. Around 750 in-person runners raced in the 10k, 5k, and 1 mile run/ walk, with a trifecta option to race in all three events. A steady rain kept the participants cool throughout the morning. In total, 1000 participants from all 50 states experienced the event in-person and virtually. The family friendly event featured a Kid’s Festival with kid’s games, activities, and a dunk tank.

The 2023 race ambassador was Galen Rupp, who is one of the United State’s most accomplished distance runners. Among other achievements, Rupp is a 4-time Olympian, a 2-time Olympic medalist, a 9-time USA National Champion in the 5,000 and 10,000 meter distances, and a 2-time winner of the USA Olympic Marathon Trials.

Rupp interacted with runners and onlookers, giving them encour-

agement, handing out medals, and generally having a great time showing support wherever it was needed.

“This is such a remarkable event, I’m so happy to be involved,” said Rupp. “I’m just blown away by everything about this event: the organization, the location, the sense of community - truly inspiring.”

Race organizer Doug Martin was awed by the support of the community. “In the end, it’s all about community,” said Martin. “Families coming together, kids playing with parents and grandparents, friends coming together with friends. The whole point of the event is to bring people together, to savor the time we have here.”

Martin continued, “Our legion of volunteers created a safe, enjoyable experience for all of our participants. It was truly a community coming together in an active way to remember Robert Leonardi and connect with each other.”

All State, All Conference American Legion teams announced

The 2023 American Legion West District Class A All-Conference and All-State teams were announced, and a handful of Bitterroot Bucs and Bitterroot Red Sox were honored.

For the Bitterroot Bucs, Brodie Hinsdale was on the All-State and All-Conference teams. Gabe Philbrick and Troy Larson received

All-Conference honors, and Drew Wagner was Honorable Mention All-Conference.

For the Bitterroot Red Sox, Sawyer Townsend and Paul Brenneman were awarded All-Conference. Conner Ekin and Mason Anderson were both named Honorable Mention All-Conference.

Fall sports preseason begins

With smoke in the air and temperatures in the 90’s, it’s hard to believe that Fall is on the horizon. And with Fall comes the fall sports season. August 11th is the frst day that high school sports teams can ofcially practice, so up and down the valley you’ll begin to see area athletes practicing in felds, roads, and gyms.

Between Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor, Stevensville, and Florence, there are 33 varsity teams, which include six football teams, six volleyball teams, six cheer squads,

six cross country teams, three girls soccer teams, three boys soccer teams, and three golf teams, and that’s not counting all the JV, freshman, and middle school teams.

Needless to say, there are a lot of school sports going on in the next couple of months. Student athletes, parents, volunteers, referees, and coaches have dedicated a lot of time and efort to these activities. Our communities are stronger and more cohesive because of this. So win or lose, get out there and show your support!

Robert A. Leonardi was tragically killed in a hit and run collision in 2019 at the age of nine. Out of this tragedy came the Play Like Robert Foundation, which is a non-proft that engages in charitable and educational activities, and connects people through learning, play, and the courage to try. They support charitable organizations in the community, create engaging environments for children to get active, and support educational systems and resources. Robert’s Run exists to celebrate Robert Leonardi’s spirit by connecting our communities and supporting the Play Like Robert Foundation.

The overall purpose and meaning of the event was much more than who won or who lost, as everyone who participated was a winner. But some high level, competitive runners competed this year and they went all out for the event. The following are the frst place winners for each of the

races. 10K Male-Jack Davidson, 10K Female-Laurie Davidson, 5K MaleGrant Martin, 5K Female-Ashley Palacio, 1Mile Male-Evan Bennett, 1Mile Female-Katelyn Melcher, Trifecta Male-Benton Martin, Trifecta Female-Marisa Sowles.

On Saturday, hundreds of people from every state in the country gathered to experience life together. One of the greatest runners in United States history led the 1-mile family walk/ run in Hamilton, Montana. Minutes before the 1-mile race, a family of six made their way to the start line. They pushed a baby in a stroller, husband and wife held hands, three young children bounced around as they made their way to the start line. Smiling, experiencing, connecting. All of this a ftting tribute to the life and legacy of Robert.

For more information about the Play Like Robert Foundation, visit www.playlikerobert.org.

Grant Martin crossing the fnish line frst during the 5K race in Robert’s Run in Hamilton on Saturday, August 5th. Martin competed alongside 1000 in-person and virtual participants from all 50 states in the 5th Annual Robert’s Run which benefts the Play Like Robert Foundation.

Photo by Scott Sacry.

Ashley Palacio receiving her award from Olympian Galen Rupp for winning the 5k race during Robert’s Run. Rupp, one of the United States’ most decorated distance runners, was the 2023 Race Ambassador for Robert’s Run. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Obituaries

Bryan Adam Holland

On August 26, 2022 we lost our beautiful son and brother Bryan Adam Holland of Aberdeen, Maryland. He was born in Towson, Maryland on August 20, 1988. He lived his frst fve years in Westminster, Maryland. In July of 1994 the family moved to Hamilton, Montana where he lived for the next 11 years. He graduated early from Hamilton high school in 2005. He was awarded a national merit scholarship and attended Arizona State University graduating with a degree in organic chemistry. He went on to work in Tooele Utah destroying chemical weapons left over from the world wars. It was a job he thoroughly enjoyed and it eventually took him to the main ofce in Aberdeen, Maryland.

He was an avid consumer of knowledge, collecting so many books relating to various interests including science, history, fction, religion, electronics, computers, and cooking. After his death, we donated 40 boxes

of books to the Vietnam veterans.

He was married in 2012 and divorced in 2019.

When he was 21 and still in college, he was diagnosed with type one diabetes which he controlled fairly well for ten years and then he didn’t or couldn’t, eventually leading to complications and his death.

He had a love for baseball and we spent many an hour online watching Orioles games together.

The last time we saw him was on July 4th when we all went to a game at Camden yards.

He is survived by us, his parents Joe and Ellen Holland of Hamilton, Montana, brother Kyle Holland of Helena, Montana, many uncles, aunts, cousins, God parents, church family, friends, students, and teachers.

Donations can be made to JDRF type one diabetes research.

In loving memory Bryan Adam Holland August 20,1988-August 26, 2022.

William ‘Bill’ Sweet III

William “Bill” Sweet III, 86, of Darby, passed away on Friday, July 28, 2023, doing what he loved - riding his bicycle in the Bitterroot Mountains. He was born in Los Angeles, California, the son of the late William Sweet II and Bernice (Walton) (Sweet) Hilley.

Bill grew up in Los Angeles, attending John Marshall High School, then LA City College (Cal State LA), where he studied physical education, math, and science. During college, he played on the school’s basketball team while working as a beekeeper and a hospital orderly. He also backpacked extensively in Yosemite Park.

After graduating from college in 1960 Bill visited Polson and fell in love with Montana. In 1962 he started teaching PE at Darby High School and earned a Master’s degree from Idaho State at Pocatello in 1966. From then on, he taught math until his retirement in 1995. He supported Darby schools and students throughout his teaching career and during his retirement. A teacher to his core, he never stopped learning, sharing his knowledge, and being a good citizen.

In 1963 he married Lois V. Goddard of Corvallis, MT, and together they raised fve

Daniel Dee Wall

Daniel Dee Wall, 61, passed away Sunday, August 6, 2023 at his home in Florence surrounded by family. He was born July 26, 1962 in Missoula to Carole and Thadious Wall.

Dan received his GED and later his CDL license and also a fre card.

Dan was married to Doneda E.

Death Notices

Richard J. Minch

Hunter on June 23, 1990.

His career path included a log truck driver, a heavy equipment operator, a lowboy hauler and on the fre crews.

Dan enjoyed O-Mok-See, fshing, hunting, hiking in the mountains and horses.

Dan was preceded in death by his

Missoula - Richard J. Minch, 76, of Missoula passed away Saturday, August 5, 2023 at Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital in Hamilton. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www,whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Johnny B. Blalock, Jr.

Garland, Texas - Johnny B. Blalock,, Jr., 67, passed away in the evening, Thursday, August 3, 2023, in the Emergency room at Bitterroot Health

children in Darby. Bill stayed active and curious about the world and people around him. He was always ready for a bike ride or ping pong, a hike to learn about plants, local conservation work, and any school/community event. An avid fy fsherman and hunter, he taught his family and many in the community about the outdoors.

Bill is survived by Lois and their four daughters and one son: Melanie (Mike) Jetmore of Hamilton; Fred (Lori) Sweet of Walla Walla, WA; Kathy (Steve) Henault of Hamilton; Kelly (Damon) Hall of Las Vegas, NV; and Jennifer (Jon) Rodibaugh of Rochester, NY. He is also survived by his sister, Sandy Smith of Mangum, OK, and several nieces and nephews. Bill was always proud of his 10 granddaughters, two grandsons, four great granddaughters, and three great grandsons.

Memorial services will be held on September 9, 1:30 p.m. at the Darby High School gymnasium. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

The family suggests that memorials can be made to:

Bill Sweet Memorial Scholarship - Darby High School, 209 School Drive, Darby MT 59829 or Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club - (https://www.bitterrootxcskiclub.net/membership/)

father, two sets of grandparents, inlaws, several nephews and nieces and several uncles and aunts.

He is survived by his wife, Doneda of Florence; his mother, Carole of Florence; a sister, Sandra of Farmington, NM; a brother, Tim of Stevensville; aunts and uncles; numerous

in Hamilton. The inurnment will take place at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Savannah, Georgia. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

Dr. Phillip L. Dean, D.O.

Corvallis - Dr. Phillip L. Dean, D.O., 77, passed away in the night, Thursday, August 3, 2023, at the family residence in Corvallis. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Robert W. Gerber

Stevensville - Robert W. Gerber, 67, passed away Friday, July 28, 2023 at his home in Stevensville. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Diana L. Bright

Stevensville - Diana L. Bright, 77, of Stevensville passed away, Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at The Living Centre. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

nieces, nephews and cousins; two step-children, Scott of Fairbanks, AK and Autumn of San Diego, CA. He loved his wife dearly and together they shared a good life. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome. com.

Jamie L. Wellborn

Merritt Island, Florida - Jamie L. Wellborn, 47, died in the afternoon, Monday, July 31, 2023, due injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Highway 93 south of Conner at Mile Marker 21, after coming in contact with gravel on the roadway. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Dorinda H. Troutman

Hamitlon - Dorinda H. Troutman, 78, passed away early in the morning, Saturday, July 22, 2023, at the family home in Hamilton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.

William D. ‘Bill’ Kochever

Hamilton - William D. “Bill” Kochever, 63, passed away in the morning, Saturday, July 29th, 2023, at the Community Medical Center in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

The air was pleasantly warm on one of those early June days when the whole earth seemed freshly green and in bloom.

I was walking down the hall to my next class, looking out the windows at the fgures of breeze-swept clouds against a sky made clean by a light fresh rain and knowing that I didn’t want to be here, listening to another afternoon lecture at a junior college.

The whole notion of being where I was at that moment seemed ridiculous. It made much more sense, in keeping with the rhythms of life bursting forth beyond the dull taupe walls of that hallway, to be out in the open air, clambering over rocks instead of plodding in unison down the hall with other classgoers. It was stufy where I was. I wanted to be in open air with the fresh scents of fr and pine and lichens on wet rocks with a rod in my hand and one fresh pool after another in front of me, waiting to be fshed.

hardly fshed at all.

by Chuck Stranahan

I caught the eye of my best friend heading the other way. We could read each other without words, but sometimes used a few - or stayed up for hours in that kind of extended talk where souls meet.

At that moment we didn’t need words. We was on the same wavelength. We looked at each other for a split-second and I said, “Let’s go!”

Classes were ditched, quick stops were made to grab rods and provisions on our way to a mountain stream, not far of.

The easier, more accessible stretches of this stream were seldom fshed, and the stretch we fshed that day was

The banks were lined with heavy brush, although once you made the bushwhack and steep drop through the dust and brambles to get to the creek you could rock-hop or wade your way down it or up it with more ease than seemed possible by looking from the one-lane bridge above. You had to be nineteen years old and half-crazy to make a regular thing of it and we were both, and we knew that around the bend where the creek was out of view from the road, there were deeper and bigger rock-bound pools that held the stream’s biggest trout. From the road you’d only see the trees on the ridges that shaded the pools in that miniature canyon.

The fsh weren’t all that big, really; fourteen inches was a good-sized one and they ran from that on down to maybe ten, which was the biggest you’d expect in the creek’s more civilized areas with better access and smaller water. The big fsh would be browns and the smaller ones would be an admix of the browns and native rainbows. They were all dark-backed, thick, wild and beautifully colored. We eventually got into fshing the rivers, occasionally and then regularly for bigger fsh, trout at frst, and then

steelhead. But we still made occasional pilgrimages to the small streams where we learned and caught a certain ethereal sense of what our fshing gave us. We never tired of revisiting those kinds of places – more intimate, innocent, unspoiled than any major river can be, and in some ways more connected to what’s left of those innocent and unspoiled places within ourselves. We learned which parts of those streams held fsh and which parts didn’t. We learned where to fnd the biggest fsh. We learned the importance of stealth, not disturbing the water or vision feld of the trout it contained if we expected to catch them. We learned the importance of having the fy look natural to the trout

once it hit the water, and we learned to appreciate the wild beauty of the trout themselves. The ones we killed to eat later were killed mercifully, respectfully, and the ones we returned to the water were carefully revived and able to swim away.

We enjoyed the solitude and spirit of quiet adventure we found on small streams along with the bonds that were deepened between us – bonds I later formed on other small streams with my sons and grandsons.

If you haven’t done so recently, you might want to give a small stream a try – to discover all fresh or rediscover where it all comes together – the nexus of fyfshing to be found on a small stream.

Discover the nexus of fyfshing, or a part of yourself, in a place like this. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Booked for the season

“Eight Bears: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future” by Gloria

Dickie c.2023, W.W. Norton $30.00 250 pages

Throughout most of your childhood, he was rarely more than three feet away.

He never said much, even when you hugged him too hard or let him fall to the floor. He kept your secrets but not all his fur; and he kept watch, even after he lost one eye. Your childhood teddy was an important part of your life but as you’ll see in “Eight Bears” by Gloria Dickie, his forebears are quite another story.

When she first moved to Boulder, Colorado, Gloria Dickie was charmed. she was once “a child obsessed with wild creatures,” and “bears were frequent visitors” to her new hometown. But over time, the romance waned. Having bears everywhere was not good for Boulderites or for bears.

That’s the story around the country: we don’t know how to live alongside bears and “so-called ‘problem’ bears” often die because they’ve become habituated nuisances. Bears are stronger than they look and can ruin a car in minutes. They can annihilate a farmer’s herd or flock. Some bear species – Dickie says that a mere eight of them survive on the planet today – are downright Papa-Bear-grumpy and will kill a human in a heartbeat.

And so she went searching for bears.

Ursas, says Dickie, were once thought to be our closest relative, perhaps because they look very human when standing. Humans haven’t treated them very well through the centuries, though, at least not until Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot one in 1902 and people started appreciating bears a little more.

Still, today’s bears struggle.

In South America, Dickie found that climate change is hurting the shy, gentle spectacled bear that lives in the cloud forest of Peru. In India,

she discovered a small bear with big attitude, one that kills dozens of humans annually and maims even more. She learned the politics of

by Terry Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

pandas and she tried to visit a bear bile farm in Vietnam. She learned about super-smart black bears, the management of grizzlies, and a North American bear species that can hold an entire town hostage...

So, it turns out that Goldilocks was correct: “Eight Bears” is just right.

Rather than go all science-y on her readers, author Gloria Dickie brings the story of the world’s bears to a level that’s understandable by almost anyone. Oh, there’s science in here, yes, but it’s accessible, even fun, and can easily be paraphrasically explained to a youngster. That’s great, if you’re going on vacation to Bear Country.

Speaking of which, the globe-trotting adventure that Dickie took to find out about the bears is good reading, too, and filled with stories. Animal lovers will enjoy knowing what’s being done for the bears around the world, while bear victims will learn what’s being done to ursines to keep them from destroying livestock and lives.

Don’t be surprised, in either case, if you’re not happy.

This is a wonderfully accessible book that’s deep enough but not fluffy, and that’s really quite informative. If you know bears – or you want to – “Eight Bears” is a book to cuddle up with.

BEARS: Increased grizzly bear sightings near Missoula

Continued from page 1

in numbers like they do in some other parts of the state, grizzlies are dispersing into more places as they travel between areas with established populations. Grizzly bear activity in the greater Missoula area has steadily increased over the past 10 years. This area sits between established populations of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem to the southeast and Northern Continental Divide to the northwest.

“We’ve had enough confrmed grizzly bears in the Missoula area to remind us to expect grizzlies in spots that we live and recreate not too far from town,” said Jamie Jonkel, FWP’s western Montana bear specialist. “This is a time of year where bears are out feeding on berries, and we are often recreating—biking, hiking and camping—in the same areas, so it is important to be extra cautious. Around home, it is important to keep bear attractants secured.”

As the grizzly bear population con-

tinues to expand across Montana, residents can take the following steps to help protect their property and be safe while recreating.

How to avoid attracting bears to your property:

Store garbage in an IGBC-certifed bear resistant bin or other similarly resistant building or container at all times until the day of disposal.

Avoid leaving food or smell attractants next to windows, doors or outside walls.

Do not leave out pet food, bird feeders and bird seed or BBQ’s. Bears are attracted to fruit-bearing trees and bushes, gardens

and compost piles. Electric fencing can be efective at deterring bears as well as

routinely picking fallen and ripe fruit.

Secure vulnerable livestock (chickens, goats, sheep) with an electric fence whenever possible.

Tips for recreating in bear country: Carry bear spray close at hand and know how to use it.

Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be back to your vehicle in the daylight hours. Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.

Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.

Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is limited. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.

Don’t approach a bear.

For more information being bear aware, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

Annual Bitterroot River cleanup scheduled for 12th

The Bitterroot Water Partnership invites you to help clean up the Bitterroot River on Saturday, August 12 in their annual Bitterroot River CleanUp. Volunteers sign up online for a walking site or foating stretch along the Bitterroot from Sula and Painted Rocks to Missoula, and clean up on their own timeline. Visit bitterrootwater.org/get-involved to sign up for your section or learn more.

Volunteers will receive a voucher for one free pint of locally-brewed beer from Brigand Event Center, located at 125 Hannon Ln in Darby. Vouchers can be redeemed at the River Clean Up Celebration from 5 –8 pm on Saturday, August 12. There will be a live band, face painting, and other activities at the River Clean Up

Celebration. From Friday, August 11 to Sunday, August 13, 10% of sales at Brigand Event Center will be donated back to the Water Partnership.

“The River Clean Up has really become a meaningful local tradition for our Bitterroot community,” says Alex Ocañas, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Water Partnership.

“We see that folks of all ages – families and friends – enjoy the opportunity to participate in this immense day of collective stewardship! In a community where so many of us love to spend time enjoying our Bitterroot River, it’s no surprise that we also like to spend time taking care of it and keeping it clean.”

Volunteers can clean up on their own schedule. Trash drop of locations

will be available to volunteers all day on Saturday, the 12th. Large trash (i.e. fridges, recliners, bathtubs, etc., or full truck loads) must be dropped of at River Park in Hamilton, where a large dumpster will be available and volunteers present to help unload. Small trash can be dumped at Brigand Event Center, where a small designated dumpster will be available on Saturday the 12th. Dumpsters and collection service have been donated by Bitterroot Disposal.

Volunteers pull around 2,000 pounds of trash from the River each year during the Clean-Up. Each year, one volunteer will be recognized with a trophy and a prize for the “Best Trash” found during the Clean Up. Past winners found a bathtub,

a recliner, a wagon wheel, and a car dashboard. You can sign up to volunteer by visiting the Water Partnership webpage at bitterrootwater. org/get-involved, calling the ofce at 406-375-2272, or stopping in at 162 S 2nd St in Hamilton. All participants are encouraged to visit the Clean Up webpage to read event guidelines.

The Bitterroot Water Partnership would like to thank the event sponsors: Bitterroot Conservation District, Fly Fishers of the Bitterroot, Bitterroot Disposal, Bitterroot Trout Unlimited, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, Brigand Event Center, Farmers State Bank, Triple Creek Ranch, Westslope Distillery, and Fly Fishing Always for sponsoring River Clean Up.

20th Anniversary season revealed for Bitterroot Performing Arts Series

Hamilton, Montana - The Bitterroot Performing Arts Council (BPAC) has announced its highly anticipated programming for the 2023-2024 season, marking 20 years of delivering exceptional performing arts experiences to the Bitterroot Valley. This season is set to be a celebration of artistic excellence, featuring an impressive lineup of renowned artists and performances across multiple genres and art forms.

Two decades ago, the BPAC’s frst Executive Director, Monica Grable, recognized the need to cultivate a vibrant performing arts scene in Hamilton, Montana. With dedication and a deep passion for the arts, Grable laid the foundation for what has become a cornerstone of the community’s cultural landscape.

Since its establishment, the series

has brought over 140 world-class performances to the Hamilton Performing Arts Center stage, earning a devoted following and a strong reputation for delivering exceptional performing arts experiences. The 2023-2024 season ofers a diverse lineup that refects the BPAC’s ongoing commitment to artistic quality and community enrichment.

The season kicks of on October 7, 2023, with a concert by Don McLean, the legendary singer-songwriter renowned for his iconic anthem “American Pie,” among dozens of other hit songs. McLean’s timeless music resonates across generations, and this promises to be an unforgettable concert experience.

On November 4, 2023, country music fans will be treated to the soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics

of Suzy Bogguss. With her captivating voice and versatile repertoire, Bogguss has become a beloved fgure in country music, making her concert a highlight of the season.

Victor Wooten and the Wooten Brothers will take the stage on January 13, 2024. The Wooten Brothers push the boundaries of jazz, funk, and improvisation. Led by virtuoso bassist Victor Wooten, formerly of Béla Fleck’s Flecktones, this extraordinary ensemble will deliver a performance that is both technically masterful and emotionally engaging.

storytelling, the dancers of James Sewell Ballet ofer an unforgettable performance that touches the hearts of all who witness their artistry.

Local Forecast

Today we will see mostly cloudy skies with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, high of 82°, humidity of 37%. Southwest wind 2 to 15 mph. The record high for today is 99° set in 1935. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight with a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, overnight low of 50°. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph. The record low for tonight is 35° set in 1893. Thursday, skies will be mostly sunny, high of 80°, humidity of 44%. West southwest wind 5 to 13 mph.

On February 10, 2024, the Queen’s Cartoonists will transport their audience back to the golden age of animation, captivating all ages with their one-of-a-kind performance. With ingenious arrangements, playful improvisations, and sheer versatility, the Queen’s Cartoonists perform live accompaniment perfectly synchronized to classic cartoons and create a truly memorable experience for their audience.

The James Sewell Ballet showcases their mastery of ballet and contemporary dance on March 23, 2024. With precision, grace, and emotive

The grand fnale of the season takes place on April 20, 2024, with the groundbreaking Gambian musician and vocalist, Sona Jobarteh, and her band. Jobarteh’s masterful playing of the West African traditional instrument, the kora, in addition to her mesmerizing voice create a magical fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds. This concert promises to be a transcendent journey through melody and rhythm that can’t be missed.

Outside of the main series in Hamilton, the BPAC is pleased to announce two special performances at the Mary Stuart Rogers Performing Arts Center in Victor, Montana.

In a special partnership between the Missoula Symphony and the BPAC, on December 16, 2023, the symphony will deliver a concert that promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. This collaboration underscores the shared mission of both organizations to bring exceptional music to the Bitterroot Valley.

Continuing their tradition of presenting Celtic music in March, the BPAC will present the powerhouse Celtic music group Reverie Road in Victor on March 1, 2024. The band is made up of two founding members of Solas, Winnifred Horan and John Williams, former Gaelic Storm fddler Katie Grennan, and jazz, raga, and Irish music pianist Utsav Lal, and they promise an exciting evening of traditional and contemporary music grounded in the bandmembers’ collective Irish roots.

New season subscriptions go on sale on August 15, 2023, and single show tickets for all performances will go on sale starting September 4, 2023. Tickets can be purchased at the box ofce located at 127 W. Main St, Suite 108, in Hamilton, or online at bitterrootperformingarts.org. For more information or to secure seats for these extraordinary performances, call 406-363-7946.

Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering returns to Bitterroot Valley

The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering (BCGG) returns to the Bitterroot Valley for its 14th year on Saturday and Sunday, August 19 and 20. The annual event is presented by the Bitterroot Celtic Society and will be held on the beautiful grounds of the Daly Mansion just outside of Hamilton.

Over the years, the event has grown into being one of the largest and most anticipated events of the summer in the Bitterroot. Board member Cheryl Tenold says, “We are looking forward to bringing the community a weekend of music and dance, athletics, sports, sheepherding dogs, Celtic culture, and family fun. In addition to all the favorites like athletic and pipe and drum competitions, food and drink, and Celtic merchandise, we’ve added even more entertainment this year.”

The Bitterroot Games hosts the largest sanctioned Highland Athletic Competition in the state of Montana, attracting kilted athletes from far and wide to compete in contests such as the caber toss, sheaf toss, weight over bar and weight for distance, hammer toss, and stone put. The adult competitions are all held on Saturday (pre-registration is required; rules and registration are at bcgg.org), and juniors and kids are on Sunday (sign up onsite). Since competitions are scattered throughout the grounds, spectators can see it all and cheer on the athletes in their favorite events.

Celtic music and dance is an important part of the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering. Live music will be presented on two stages throughout both days. On the Music Tent stage, four bands will provide nonstop entertainment. “We are always very proud of the music we bring to the

Games each year,” said Tenold. “New to the Games this year is renowned Irish singer Aoife Scott. We’re also bringing back some favorites from prior years, including House of Hamill, Blaggards, and Swagger.” The Gazebo Stage will feature performances by Hunter Koss, the Katie Jane Band, Teton Skye, and the Artwork Music Studio. All entertainment is included in the price of admission to the Games. Throughout the weekend, the dance tent will present an array of Scottish Highland and Irish dance performances, demonstrations, and workshops, including introductory classes that anyone is welcome to participate in. Dancers from the Missoula Highland Dancers, the Missoula Irish Dancers, the Carroll-Henderson School of Irish Dance, and the An Daire Academy of Irish Dance will all be participating.

Highland Games would not be complete without bagpipes and drums, and there will be an abundance of them at the Games. There will be competitions for pipe and drum bands, and for individual pipers and drummers. Outside of the competitions, they are sure to be found at every corner of the grounds all weekend.

Merchandise vendors will be offering a wide array of Celtic-oriented items such as jewelry, gifts, clothing, and decor. The Bitterroot Celtic Society will also have a souvenirs and gifts tent featuring commemorative items such as BCGG clothing, glassware, and other souvenirs.

Food and drink will be available from a wide variety of food vendors, along with beer and mead from local breweries. Those interested in sampling several types of mead, tasting some premium Scotches, or com-

paring Scotch vs. Irish whiskeys can partake in one of the several guided tasting sessions scheduled throughout the weekend. Tickets for the tasting sessions can be purchased online at bcgg.org, or at the Celtic Society’s merchandise tent at the event, while they last.

The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering hosts a large “clan gathering” of many Scottish and Irish clans. A record number of clans will be pitching tents in the clan village this year, sharing their family histories, and welcoming visitors and perhaps some long-lost relatives.

A free cèilidh is open to the public from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday. A cèilidh (or céilí in Irish) – pronounced “kay-lee” in either case – is an informal party with music, dancing, singing, and storytelling. Everyone is welcome to attend the cèilidh, have some fun, and learn some cèilidh dancing. Admission to the grounds and the cèilidh is free to all starting at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Sunday morning opens with a non-denominational “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” church service at 9 a.m. All are welcome to attend this traditional Scottish-American service.

During each day’s Grand Parade and Opening Ceremony, a moving memorial to those who have passed away in the past year is presented. All the pipers join in playing the reverential tune “Flowers of the Forest” while the names of lost loved ones are read. Names to be read at the Flowers of the Forest ceremony can be submitted at bcgg.org, or at the information tent at the Games.

The historic Daly Mansion will also be open for self-guided tours on both days. The Bitterroot Celtic Society events

are run by volunteers, and volunteers are always needed to keep the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering running smoothly. Says Tenold, “There are jobs to ft everybody, from setup on Friday to tear down on Sunday and everything in between. We’d love to have you join our group of dedicated members. Besides free admission to the event, you’ll get the satisfaction of working with a great group of people and knowing you helped make it happen.” Information about the Bitterroot Celtic Society and volunteer opportunities can be found on the society’s website, bcgg.org.

The Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering is open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, followed by the free cèilidh from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

General admission for ages 12 and up is $12 ($10 with military ID) on Saturday, and $9 ($6 with military ID) on Sunday. A weekend pass for both days is $18. Kids 11 and under are free.

Parking on the Daly Mansion grounds is very limited, and guests are asked to park for free at Hamilton High School or Ravalli Fairgrounds north parking lot. Free shuttles will run continuously from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Sunday. Families with strollers and others needing assistance can be dropped of on-site near the entrance gate before the driver parks at the ofsite parking. Handicapped parking is available on site in the Daly Mansion parking lot. Note that dogs are not permitted on the Daly Mansion grounds. See bcgg.org for more information about the Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering.

National Farmers Market Week between August 6-12

Montana joins markets across the country in celebrating National Farmers Market Week, August 6-12, 2023. The National Center for Appropriate Technology, which coordinates (NCAT) the Montana Farmers Market Network, encourages everyone to celebrate by shopping at local farmers markets this week and every week. Farmers markets connect community members with the people who grow our food, which can work to create a more fair and sustainable food system.

“Farmers Markets in Montana are hubs of economic development, often acting like new business incubators,” says Tammy Howard, an agriculture specialist at NCAT. “Farmers markets create opportunities for vendors to expand their marketing platforms through product development, testing, and brand recognition.”

National Farmers Market Week is an annual celebration of farmers markets proclaimed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated by the Farmers Market Coalition, a membership-based nonproft organization that supports farmers markets nationwide through training, technical assistance, and network-building. This year, the campaign is centered around the essential role that farmers market operators play, both in our local food systems and in our communities. For more than 50 years, farmers markets have infuenced the way we eat, shop, and connect to our food, farmers, and each other.

“Over the last three years, I have seen frsthand how farmers markets provide a place for small operations to grow into thriving businesses,” says Maura Henn, Community Food Systems Specialist at NCAT. “Farmers markets not only help communities understand where their food and farm products come from, but also encourage more people to grow and prepare their own food,” says Henn.

In a 2022 report, Montana Farmers Markets were found to provide an average of 250 full-time jobs. In addition to this, the report found that nearly 5,000 individuals work to produce the goods and services ofered each week during Montana farmers market season.

There are 76 farmers markets in Montana operating in 2023 according to the Abundant Montana

Directory. Of those markets, 29 accept SNAP benefts making fresh, locally produced products accessible to more Montanans and 20 farmers markets also participate in the Double SNAP Dollars Program which matches a customer’s SNAP beneft. The Double SNAP Dollars program has served nearly 9,000 Montanans and has recirculated more than $1 million to local farmers, ranchers, and farmers markets.

In addition to special events like music, cooking classes, or yoga, some markets provide educational opportunities to learn about local food through the Montana Harvest of the Month Program. This year, fve markets ofer Harvest of the Month activities. Farmers markets are also important partners in the SNAP-Ed program. In 2022, 19 farmers markets participated in SNAP-Ed which helped increase access to and promotion of fruits and vegetables to youth and adults in Montana.

Montana farmers markets are also important for vulnerable populations to access nutritious foods. Almost 200 farmers statewide accept Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons which provide almost $50 in coupons to help seniors purchase Montana grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw honey. In 2023, 88 farmers are authorized to accept the Women, Infant, and Children Farmer Market

Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) vouchers, many of whom operate at farmers markets.

To fnd a farmers market near you visit AERO’s Abundant Montana Directory.

The Montana Farmers Market Network is a coalition of partners coordinated by NCAT, including farmers market managers, the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition, AERO, and the Montana Department of Agriculture.

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 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

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!

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

Professional Animal Whispering Sessions and Workshops; Nature’s Tranquilizer - Certifed Refexology; Emotional Freedom Techniques; Distance Healing, Johrei, Reiki; Cleansing and Blessing Spaces. For more information call (406) 564-7601.

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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

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.

Legal Notices

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

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

Cause No.: DV-23-45

Dept. 2 ORDER RESETTING

HEARING ON NAME

CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Patricia Dee Cloud to Ava Patricia Cloud. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the hearing on the Petition for Name Change currently scheduled for Thursday, March 23 at 1:30 p.m. is VACATED and RESET for Thursday, September 7 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County. DATED this 15th of February, 2023.

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

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 CREDI-

TORS

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 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.

Bruce O. Bekkedahl PATTEN, PETERMAN, BEKKEDAHL, & GREEN, P.L.L.C. PO Box 1239 Billings, MT 59103 Phone: (406) 252-8500

Fax: (406) 294-9500 bbekkedahl@ppbglaw. com

Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, COUNTY OF RAVALLI IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAUL C. EHLEN, Deceased. PROBATE NO. DP-2381 JUDGE: HOWARD F. RECHT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Kathryn Ehlen, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o Bruce O. Bekkedahl, Patten, Peterman, Bekkedahl & Green, P.L.L.C., PO Box 1239, Billings, MT 59103, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED July 12, 2023.

\s\ Kathryn Ehlen Kathryn Ehlen, Personal

Representative BS 7-26, 8-2, 8-9-23.

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 TO CREDITORS 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 & CHOUINARD, 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@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 CREDI-

TORS 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.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING – STEVENSVILLE RURAL FIRE DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Rural Fire District (S.R.F.D.) Board of Trustees will hold a 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 hearing, to be discussed and adopted on August 16th, 2023. If you have any questions, please contact the Stevensville Rural Fire District at (406)777-7033 please leave a message if no answer or email admin@ stevensvilleruralfre.com or at P.O. Box 667, Stevensville, MT 59870. Please make all communications attention: District “Proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Budget”. BS 8-9, 8-16-23.

LEGAL NOTICE

Tammany Andrade, Notice is now given, that, pursuant to the provisions of MC 70-6-601, et seq, and the contract you signed, the contents of your storage unit number 62 is now subject to operator’s lien. Unless the accrued balance is paid in full before noon Friday, August 11, 2023 the contents will be sold at MT93 Storage, Victor, MT 59875, at 2pm Saturday, August 12, 2023. BS 8-9-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

FY23-24 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24, 2023 @ 6:00PM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville will hold a public hearing on AUGUST 24, 2023, at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870 for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the Preliminary FY23-24 Budget. Review

of the Preliminary Budget will be available August 17, 2023.

All interested persons will be given the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the preliminary budget. Comments may be given orally at the public hearing or submitted in writing via email to jenelle@ townofstevensville.com<mailto:jenelle@townofstevensville.com><mail to: Town of Stevensville, Attention Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 pm on August 24, 2023. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-777-5271. Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 8-9, 8-16-23.

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