Library’s event line-up is no fairy tale
by John Dowd
For the employees and volunteers at the North Valley Public Library (NVPL) in Stevensville, a library is more than a place for books. To showcase that, they have numerous events throughout the year to bring unique educational, career advancement and entertaining opportunities to the community. These events, classes and guest speakers are being brought in to redefne the idea many have of what a library is. According to Kayli Mafei, assistant librarian and adult programmer, it is important for the community to know that the library can serve all kinds of people, and NVPL is “making this a resource at every stage in life.”
Along with hosting courses and events for all ages, they are including programs any age can learn from and participate in. One such out of the box program, hosted by Mafei, is a look into the fascinating variety of genres of books and stories. Her series showcases various genres and puts them under a magnifying glass, employing literary analysis to diferent stories. Her genre series has been going on all year, and the goal has been to introduce people to diferent writing styles, books and authors they may have no experience with. So far, they have looked at things like gothic, steampunk, sci f, flm noir and other niche genres.
The last few presentations have been all about “uncovering lost stories and hidden depths of fairy tales,” said Maffei. This “fairy tale” mini-series looked into both the history and the concept of fairy tales, exploring some elements that make them unique. This has been one of her favorites in the series, and has been broken down into three parts. The frst was an introduction and basic analysis defning the art form. Last Thursday was the second presentation and looked into practicing analysis of real fairy tales. The last one will be held September 26 and will be the fnal part in the series, looking at myths and their connection to fairy tales.
Mafei said these genre programs have been well liked by the community. “They’ve been really popular, so much that I have continued to do them,” said Mafei. She even looked forward to where genres are going, speaking about the genre, “new-wave.” She described this as a newer twist on sci-f, addressing more modern issues through the lens of today. When looking at new technology, like the internet and AI, Mafei spoke positively about the future. She said, “Art is threatened every day, in every generation, but it survives.”
Speaking about the survival of genres, an interesting aspect of fairy tales, according to Mafei, is how they have stuck around. She thinks it’s interesting to ponder questions like, why are we still talking about Cinderella,” a fairy tale that has survived for hundreds of years, and has undergone many diferent iterations. This may be because, as Mafei stated, “storytelling is so profoundly human.”
Mafei has brought her love and expertise in literature to these genre programs. Originally from Arlee, Mafei has a Bachelor’s in English from the University of Montana and a Master’s in English from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. She has been involved in education throughout her academic career. While she was attending University of Massachusetts-Boston, she taught Literature and Composition 101 as she was pursuing her masters.
Mafei said she has always loved books, saying, “I can’t think of a time
when I wasn’t reading and writing.” She started with the love of books, wanting to be a writer, then graduated into a love for literary theory and analysis. “Thinking new thoughts” and critical thinking is what she really enjoys.
According to Mafei, people these days are “inundated in a world of text.” Text is everywhere from phones, to online, books and signs, news and other forms of media. She said part of the function of critical thinking and literary analysis is to help people “know how to wade through words,” and truly understand what things are being said. She believes that is one of the many functions libraries have, and why they are so relevant, even today.
At NVPL, they are making a huge efort to show people this, and how the community can beneft from libraries. They also want to express that a big aspect of what they do is community-oriented, connecting diferent resources in the community.
According to Mafei, some big events and presentations they have coming up include:
“Living With the Land,” featuring Louise Ogemahgeshig FischerThursday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.
Anishinaabe Indian Louise Ogemahgeshig Fischer will inspire you to think about “living with the land” in new ways. Covering medicinal plants and their uses, Indian history and ways of life, hunting, fshing, foods, clothing, gatherings, stars, storytelling and more, Louise’s presentation is an exciting look into the past and inspiration for the present. Louise will share artifacts, sing an Indian song now and then, and having lived in the old ways, shares from experience and from the heart.
Louise has been a speaker for Humanities Montana for many years, traveling to many parks, museums, schools and other places throughout the state. She is an artist and a drum maker. She also leads sweat lodge ceremonies and talking circles for the VA at Fort Harrison, helping out the PTSD Veterans. Louise has traveled to many states to do sweat lodge ceremonies for the Veterans, the VA staf, Tribes and other groups (in the past these ceremonies and other like ceremonies were not allowed. Since then, laws were passed to ensure that Indian people could do these types of ceremonies).
This presentation is part of the Humanities Montana-Montana Conversations program and has been made possible by Humanities Montana.
“Ghost Stories of the Bitterroot Valley” with historian Sophia EtierThursday, Oct. 17 at 6 p.m.
This spooky season, researcher and historian Sophia Etier is sharing some of the lesser-known tales of the Bitterroot that just might send chills down your spine. If you’re interested in local history with a spooky twist, this fascinating presentation is for you.
Sophia Etier is a Montana native and Public Historian, focusing her research on the development of local Montana history as well as specializing in the heritage of Western Montana’s red-light districts and the development of minority communities within the
region. In September 2023, Sophia presented her research “Forgotten Souls: The Lost Voices of Western Montana’s Restricted Districts” at the Montana History Conference, and in March 2024, she presented “Lost Montana: The Path from Remembrance to Inclusive Heritage” at the University of Montana Western TED Talk Conference. Sophia also is a lead guide and tour developer for the Unseen Missoula heritage tour program, primarily overseeing the Carnal Enterprises red-light tour which she curated in 2023. Sophia is currently working on the advancement of her research as a doctoral student in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Montana.
“Bats of Montana” - Thursday, Oct 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate International Bat Week by learning about Montana bats, their role in the environment, the problems they face and how we can help.
Bats are an important part of Montana’s ecosystem, but white-nose syndrome is killing of bats across the US and Canada. What can we do to help bats? People can help bats by building bat boxes which can provide
clean, safe homes for these important fying mammals. This talk will include simple, printable blueprints for building bat boxes. No power tools? No problem! Resources for vetted, pre-cut bat boxes that you can assemble and paint at home or at the library will also be provided.
This program is part of the Montana Library Network’s virtual programming series. We will host a watch-party at NVPL but the speakers will present from an of-site location. Zoom option available.
Annual Big Book Sale Fundraiser – Friday, Oct. 4 from 5-9pm & Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Book donations will be accepted Oct. 2 & 3 from 3 to 8 p.m.
Third Annual Winter Art Exhibit - Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.
The submission period for artists (age 19 plus) in various mediums opens November 1. Details available soon on the Library’s website. For more information about the NVPL, their calendars of events and more, interested parties can visit their website, northvalleylibrary.org, or call them at (406) 777-5061.
Photo courtesy North Valley Public Library.
Bitterroot Health honored with Stroke Recognition Award
Bitterroot Health was recently recognized with the Stroke Recognition Award, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Health Program within the state health department. This award singles out Critical Access Hospitals that demonstrate that they have the infrastructure and commitment to provide high quality care for patients with acute stroke.
Receiving the Stroke Recognition confrms Bitterroot Health meets high standards related to the utilization of evidence-based stroke order-sets and protocols, laboratory and radiology services available 24/7 and administrative commitment to treating acute stroke patients.
“As a hospital in a rural community, we deal with unique challenges like interfacility transportation times, and limited stafng resources,” said Heather Villarreal, RN & Nursing Support Supervisor who has been integral in Bitterroot Health’s stroke programming. “We’ve made it a goal to make sure those
hurdles do not afect the standard of our stroke care, so being honored for giving excellent stroke and patient care is the best recognition we can get.”
The Stroke Recognition Award was launched in 2011, and Bitterroot Health is one of only 18 Critical Access Hospitals in Montana to receive the recognition. Requirements for the recognition include tracking and reporting key stroke outcomes, using outcomes data to initiate quality improvement activities and coordinating regular healthcare provider stroke trainings.
“We continue to bring more specialty care services to the valley, and it’s important we ensure high quality stroke care is one of those integral services,” said Kathy Padilla, Chief Nursing Ofcer, Bitterroot Health. “I’m proud of our team for their commitment to stroke care excellence and that their dedicated work toward this achievement has been recognized.”
Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and is a leading cause of death in Montana. Last year, over 2,000 Montana families were directly impacted by the devastating efects of stroke. Symptom recognition and timely, high-quality treatment are important factors in reducing death and disability from stroke.
Know the signs and symptoms of stroke:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg
• Sudden trouble seeing
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause
Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or someone you know experiences these symptoms.
For more information about stroke, visit: www. strokeassociation.org.
Stevi working on water meters, rehires attorney
by John Dowd
At the September 12 Stevensville Town Council meeting, during the administrative reports, Stephen Lassiter, the Stevensville public works director, spoke about the ongoing meter project. The Town has numerous non-functioning water meters installed around town. Over the last several years, there has been an efort to replace these. After fnally receiving them and making a concerted efort, public works staf has dropped the number of these water meters from 180, “down to half in four months,” said Lassier. They are prioritizing houses and businesses that are not vacant, and making scheduled visits to change the meters. Lassiter attributed the success to public works employees Andrena Case, who is scheduling the visits, and Cody Anderson, who is changing them out.
Lassiter believes they have a good system for getting those installed, among their many other tasks. They have a plan to get nearly 23 of them done in one fell swoop this week. Mayor Bob Michalson added that the
Town is attempting to get more meter pits installed as well. These allow public works staf to access meters without the inconvenience of needing to schedule with the home owners, and interfere with their schedules. “It’s easier for everybody,” said Michalson.
Also during the administrative reports, the mayor spoke on behalf of the airport, stating that they already had fve applicants for the airport manager. At the end of the council meeting, the mayor said he had attended the most recent Airport Board meeting and learned that the airport has $30,000 in unpaid leases. The mayor plans to notify all persons that they will need to pay these fees. If they do not, the mayor said he will go to the airport with the police and padlock the buildings. In other business, Fred Thomas, with St. Mary’s Mission, reported to the council that he represents an efort to build further onto the church. They have a section of their property where they want to construct, and wanted to let the town council know this was in the works. Thomas stated they plan to improve parking in the
area as well as clean up, pave and improve the overall look of the space.
According to Thomas, the church wants to work with the Town to maximize parking, and commented about a space that is not owned by the church or surrounding residents. Thomas said it is public land, and asked if they could pave and improve it for parking.
Council member Cindy Brown said they would like more information about the specifcs of ownership of the property before they can agree to anything.
The council also voted to renew the contract of town attorney Greg Overstreet. Overstreet attended the meeting, and spoke before the vote was taken. Overstreet has been on his contract for the last couple years. According to Michalson, he is paid $165 per hour on Town business, which adds up to about $3,000 per month. “That’s pretty good for attorney fees,” said Michalson.
Overstreet was asked, if he is elected to Montana House District 88, how this will afect his work with the Town. According to Overstreet, if he is elected, he will retain two clients:
Philipsburg and Stevensville. He said this will allow him time and energy to handle everything on his plate.
“I’ve looked into it, I have a plan and I think I can do it,” he said. He then joked, “The legislature doesn’t work as hard as everybody thinks.” Michalson commented at the end of the discussion, saying that it may be benefcial to the Town to have their attorney as a sitting member of the House; that way they can be privy to any new laws or changes.
Council member Cindy Brown pointed out that with all the big complicated projects the Town has in the works, like the water rights issue and Berta Farms, it would be difcult to bring on a new attorney and to bring them up to speed. Mayor Michalson added that it might also be more expensive, as those hours would be billable.
When looking at the contract, the council also commented on the fact that it is a three-year contract. However, the state law will only allow it to be two years. A vote was made to amend the contract to two years to comply with state law.
BNF starts on Warm Spring Campground Water System Project
The Bitterroot National Forest is planning to begin construction this week on a new water system at Warm Springs Campground. Work will include decommissioning the existing well and replacing it with another well on site. A more robust filtration and disinfection
system will also be installed.
The project is scheduled to last for approximately two weeks. During this time, heavy equipment will be in use at the campground during the day. Signs will be posted in work areas alerting the public to the project. All dates are
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subject to change depending on weather or other factors.
Warm Springs Campground is located four miles NW of Sula, off Highway 93 and Medicine Springs Road. The campground has 14 public campsites which can be reserved at www.recreation.gov.
For more information, contact the Darby-Sula Ranger District at (406) 821-3913. Stay in touch with BNF at www.fs.usda.gov/ bitterroot or follow the Bitterroot National Forest on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DiscoverBitterrootNF.
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Bitterroot Health stroke team. Photo courtesy Bitterroot Health.
SEPTIC: over a year of disagreement
Continued from page 1
recent court decision, ordinances which confict with the homeless “go bye-bye.”
DeHaan said, “Are you saying that someone who serves the homeless doesn’t need to get a permit for a drain feld?”
Himes replied, “I’m saying what has to be done because we are a church serving homeless people. We are not scott free, but we need special consideration and our system is working. To place further burden on us, courts wouldn’t recommend. I want to maximize my service because it’s my mission. You want to maximize because it keeps people of the streets. Maximizing me pleases God and Ravalli County.”
Palacio said that the Board could turn the issue over to the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for an answer about the subdivision issue. But the County had overlapping authority based on their own regulations regarding adding RVs to a dormitory/shelter permit. He said it was a change of use that Himes has asked for.
Himes said he thought the restrictions placed on him should be lifted while DEQ considers the subdivision issue. “It’s a mistake not to look at this as being a church,” he said.
Palacio said that Himes has a permit approving two houses but is now adding RVs and that means having occupied buildings (which is what an RV is considered under County Regulations) without approved wastewater disposal permits.
The Board approved a motion to put a cap on the shelter of a maximum of 33 people and eight occupied buildings (RVs).
“I am hampered but I can make it work,” said Himes.
The Board of Health forwarded a complaint to DEQ a month later in July 2023. The issue simmered as members of the Board of Health reported continuing public complaints about the growing number of RVs at the property. Board member Skip Chisholm was growing progressively annoyed by DEQ’s failure to address the issue and reported growing numbers of RVs. He said he talked to Himes about the cap that had been agreed to and said that Himes told him that he would take his instructions from the Lord.
It took DEQ almost a year to respond to the complaint and a reply was fnally sent to Himes on June 11, 2024, in which the department informed Himes that they did not fnd any evidence that there was a campground open to the public. They found no advertising, no presence on the internet, or social media, and no signage of any type indicating a person could come in and rent a space for camping. They did not consider requiring donations from the people to be a rental agreement.
“Since this facility is not open to the public for rent or lease,” wrote DEQ, “it does not require review under the Sanitation in Subdivisions Act, and I am dismissing this complaint.”
At a July 10, 2024 Board of Health meeting, Chisholm told the Board that he had run into Himes at the grocery store and talked to him.
“He asked if I had seen the letter from DEQ exonerating him and said,
‘You guys can’t touch me. I have zero regulations on me. I can do anything I want and if you don’t like it, come after me.’ That’s exactly what he said to me,” said Chisholm. “I’m thinking I’m concerned because I was looking at a man who believes nothing can touch him now and he’s going to do whatever he darn well pleases on that property.” He said “the county now should be in charge since the DEQ has washed its hands of it, of making sure that he complies with the restrictions we put on him of the number of people allowed in the trailer situation and the occupancy situation.”
Commissioner Jef Burrows, who chairs the Health Board, said the number of trailers was not an issue since it was not subject to the state’s Subdivision Act. “The only requirement he is now facing is how much lateral pipe does he have in the ground, how big are his tanks and how much capacity can his system handle. We are not really regulating the number of trailers,” said Burrows. He said Palacio, the Environmental Health Director, would work with Himes and size the system for a certain number of gallons per day.
At the Board’s August meeting, Palacio told the Board that a letter was sent to Himes informing him that the county needed to obtain the information required to determine whether he was in compliance with county regulations or not. Himes replied on July 29 asking what the legal basis for their request was. Palacio said he discussed it with the county attorney’s ofce and a letter was sent to Himes citing state law and the county’s wastewater disposal regulations and they were waiting on a reply.
Himes replied in a 20-page epistle accusing the Board of Health of running rough-shod over his ministry and bullying him. He said the Board’s actions “portray what I view as a determined and relentless pattern of antagonism and discrimination against our ministry which has attempted to severely burden it and has actually – and arbitrarily – restricted our right to freedom of religious expression in helping the homeless and others in need.”
He claimed that “any efort to restrict the numbers of people we can help below those numbers will be considered by us to be a potentially unreasonable infringement upon our freedom of religious expression and an unnecessary burden upon our ministry.”
Himes said he included in his response to DEQ a proposal to, “for the time being,” mandate that people in the RVs and trailers use only the shelter’s facilities for their bathroom needs and invited the county “in a non-ofcial capacity” to inspect the property in order to impress upon our residents the importance of these matters. He said he would “investigate” disabling the RVs’ and trailers’ bathroom facilities to guarantee compliance and expand the shelter’s bathroom capacities in order to meet these new requirements. He said he would make every efort to eventually install a septic system which could meet the re -
quirements of the RVs and trailers.
“Should this proposal be acceptable, we estimate that our property could accommodate possibly 40 or more RVs and trailers,” wrote Himes, and “Should this occur, it would obviously help many economically, physically, and culturally depressed people in our community and county.”
Himes addressed the issue of requiring donations, stating, “I can’t run these ministries all by myself, and I think it’s important for them to have some participation. If I left it entirely up to their generosity – most of them have criminal backgrounds and many are thieves – getting ‘stifed’ would be the general experience, and they would all be living under the bridge because the shelter would no longer function.” He said, “there is much biblical precedent for godly men charging for services rendered” and supported it with quotes from the Bible.
He also claimed that DEQ evaluated the wastewater system at the facility and found nothing wrong with it and claimed that the county’s use of the wastewater regulations was contingent upon DEQ’s decision to apply the Subdivisions Act and that its refusal to do so gave the county a “red light” on pursuing it and that the county’s involvement is closed.
“You act like DEQ has given you the green light. You sent me your frst demand,” wrote Himes. “The light’s still red. Then your follow-up letter attempting to justify your demand. The light’s still red. It remains red. To paraphrase David when he faced Goliath: ‘You come to me with manipulated law, with deceit, with assault upon our religious freedoms, and with a suspect agenda. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts whom you have defed.’ (cf. 1 Samuel 17:45),” wrote Himes.
This was followed by a long list of his own demands:
1. You concur that “this facility” can easily handle up to 500 people on single occasions and 250 people on a daily basis, based upon its history of usage.
2. Any testing or evaluation which we permit you to do is not a re-instatement of your Wastewater Regulations.
3. Any testing or other evaluation is at Ravalli County’s expense.
4. Any testing or any other evaluation will be done expeditiously and without destruction of our property.
5. No additional monitoring, testing, survey of “this facility” – or anything of that nature – will occur in the future unless we “decide to open the area as a public campground, you [we] will need to obtain a COSA for the Property prior to opening.”
6. Any test results will be inadmissible in any legal hearing.
7. Ravalli County will neither initiate nor participate in any proceedings related to these matters.
8. No charges or fines or litigation of any kind will be brought against Holy Ground, Big Sky Christian Center, or me, or anyone else involved in these matters.
9. As a matter of honor, an apology and reimbursement of expenses from Ravalli County for their misapplication of the law would be appropriate – but not required. That’s why it’s honor.
10. Let there be peace in the Bitterroot Valley between Ravalli County and our ministry. Please let me know if this proposal is acceptable – or not.
These demands were followed by further quotes from the Bible including, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge, for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:18:-20)
At the Board of Health’s September 11 meeting, Commissioner Burrows expressed disappointment with Himes’ response and said, “We weren’t asking anything other than to help us figure out the size and capacity of the system so we can help determine how much you can do out there. I don’t think there is anything in his demands that we can consider. I guess, to me, the letter did not help us out.”
Board member Skip Chisholm announced that he would not be participating in the discussion and would recuse himself from voting on the issue without stating any reasons.
EH Director Palacio explained that DEQ’s decision about not needing any Subdivisions requirements does not change the fact that Himes must meet the county’s sanitation and wastewater disposal regulations.
Deputy County Attorney Christine Lindley said that she considered the letter a “non-response” to the questions being asked of Mr. Himes and suggested the Board might write another letter requesting the information.
Burrows said that he thought they had asked for the information enough times and wanted to know how the Board might get out of this “vicious circle” of requesting information and not getting any answers.
In discussion the Board considered sending a “compliance order” but their attorney was skeptical because that would indicate that they had found his system to be in violation and they had not gotten that far.
Instead, it was decided to send a letter informing Himes that the addition of the RVs, which are considered “occupied buildings” in the county regulations, and their use of the shelter facility constituted a change of use in the existing permit for the shelter facility and requires an evaluation of the facilities system to determine the capacity of the shelter’s system in order to determine if the change is allowable. Without the information to make that determination the county would have to issue an order to cease and desist the new use. He said the cost of producing that information would come at the applicant’s expense, since he is the one seeking the change.
The motion to send the letter was approved 4-0, with Chisholm recusing himself from the vote.
by John Dowd
Last week, the Western Montana Agricultural Research Center (WARC) held its annual feld day, which drew over 300 people. According to Zach Miller, the WARC director, the event can be a huge efort, but it is defnitely worth it. He described it, saying it is “like throwing a wedding every year, but when you throw the same wedding you get good at it.”
This year they moved it further back in the season to feature their later season crops, like grapes, berries and apples. It usually takes place in late July, but by moving it later, this year they had to combat the early fall rain. According to Kirstin Schmitt, WARC administrative assistant, visitors “loved how we pivoted due to the rain, using the big tents and the research presentations were great. We think so too!”
According to Miller, all the research centers in the state hold an open house every year. It’s their chance to “really share the research we’re doing, who we’re doing it for, and why,” said Miller. They do research year round and often work closely with farms and other researchers. The feld day events are a chance for the public to come in and see what’s going on, ask questions and learn about new techniques and science behind modern agriculture. Miller said these events often bring
in a lot of new supporters, along with many familiar faces to see what is new every year.
The main projects they featured this year included new techniques for improving the efcacy and efciency of organic weed management. According to Miller, with the cost of chemicals going up, many traditional farmers and ranchers are turning to more sustainable organic weed management. For farmers already doing so organically, Miller said weeding can be a constant and “major challenge of running an organic farm.” WARC has also worked really closely with organic vegetable farms across the state to try new tools and tactics to combat weeds.
WARC also worked with farms to help learn ways to ripen tomatoes and peppers faster outside. These items allow for the creation of salsas and tomato sauces, which Miller stated are great “value-added” products that can be sold year round. When farms try to grow, these kinds of produce can take a back seat as they are hard to grow outside a greenhouse. However, according to Miller, “If you’re really gonna scale up, you need to move outside.” They are accomplishing this through new techniques and by looking at some old varietals that were bred in the Northwest to be hardy to the environment.
WARC also spoke on investigating opportunities for seed vegetables. Miller said Montana does really well
for growing seed potatoes, which can be sold to other farmers to start their potato crops. The researchers at WARC believe they may be able to do the same thing with onions, garlic and shallots, to help the state economy. These are “good money makers for small vegetable gardeners in Montana.”
Miller added, “Vegetable seed is a hugely proftable business,” and could help “support farmers [to] expand their business.”
WARC was also excited to talk about their work with researchers in Bozeman, looking into the potential health benefts of their haskap berries. Miller said, “the connection between diet and health is really complicated,” and they want to investigate “not just what happens but why.” Miller was excited about the potential these berries could have, not just on people’s health, but on the state’s agricultural economy. WARC is growing the berries to supply the researchers and is also working to see which varieties have the benefts, while looking into farming techniques to maximize those benefts.
Schmitt added, “Everything went terrifcally with the tremendous help of our staf and summer crew. We’re especially grateful that the rain held of and that the smoke cleared! Guests commented on the excellent food - Bar
For more information about WARC, interested parties can visit the website at agresearch.montana.edu. Interested parties can also call (406) 961-3025. WARC is always looking to help local farmers and ranchers, even outside of the feld day.
MW burgers prepared by our Operations Manager, Haydon Davis, salads by Trapper Creek Job Corps Culinary Arts students led by Chef Steve Studer, corn donated from Moeller’s Nursery and ice cream made with our fruit by Big Dipper.”
brought
people. Photos courtesy WARC.
Faith renewed
Wearing a new hat renewed my sense of community and restored faith in the kindness of all humanity. As a native born Montana Republican, I helped park cars at the county fair wearing a hat lettered “Montana Democrat.” Not that I was good at this new task and my apologies to those who may have preferred a better parking spot and fellow volunteers tolerating my antics. Yet people’s smiling understanding and many kind words of thanks while navigating the sometimes dusty congested parking lots with kids, strollers, supply wagons, chairs and coolers is what defnes a caring community and the county fair as a favored summer ending institution.
Even the assumed MAGA R lady that called me a communist baby killing fascist will be fun fodder of future stories and thankfulness for years to come. I gave my wife a specially thankful hug that night, knowing I have her and not the other lady as my life partner. I’d recommend trying a new hat while thinking about November’s election.
Archie L. Thomas Corvallis
The exit is above!
The polarization between liberal and conservative can be observed not only in the USA, but everywhere in the world: in cultural development as a whole and even in the various religions. Humanity is divided!
The liberal forces are pulling in the general direction of absolute individual freedom, while the conservative forces are standing on the brakes to save the tradition and the conventional values. Where the conservatives want to cast their ideas and values in ironclad, often lifeless norms and regulations, the liberals absolutize individual freedom and take it away from its responsibilities. Both fronts act with a dogmatic claim to absoluteness. Now, during the election campaign, the tone of the discussions is becoming increasingly sharp. The mood has become so heated in the media that many people see this polarization as their own personal war. Points of view have turned into huge castles with thick walls, which have now become veritable fortresses - without windows, but with loopholes. In keeping with today’s fake culture, bullets of insult and denunciation are used in battle. The gun powder consists a lot of aggression and the bombs are working by the attempt or accusation of electoral fraud.
Unfortunately, these bullets and bombs do not only hit the opponent’s supporters. They hit democracy itself, because they mercilessly destroy its substance: cooperation, fairness, tolerance, and nobleness. The playing feld of democracy has thus become a battlefeld on which everyone will lose. A declining level of communication and behavior can be observed, both among some representatives and among some voters. However, phenomena such as separation and polarization are aspects that do not come from God, they come from our egos. Our egos need a frm standpoint in order to feel secure in their own castle, that is normal. But it becomes difcult when it derives its security from the conviction that it is absolutely right. No matter which side of the polarization, egos want to be right. This increasingly gives the impression that this election campaign is bringing
out the worst in people that they are apparently capable of. What was once a democracy has degenerated into a tragedy; it seems to have reached its ignominious end. But what comes next? Where is the exit from this disgraceful spectacle?
Personally, I hope that democracy has not yet reached its end, because there is still a way out. Polarization only divides people who allow themselves to be polarized. It is time for us - individually and as a society - to regain the high level that is essential for a functioning democracy. The development of personal integrity and a truly lived spirituality could help us to do this. Then, in the middle of the playing feld, in the midst of the toughest disputes between the opposing parties, we can grow and develop - if we remain ethical. In doing so, we do not develop to the left or right, not in the direction of liberal or orthodox, but upwards. The higher levels as a person are only achievable if we do not focus on power, money and career, but on real development. Whether with or without religion, development has something to do, above all, with ethics. And whether liberal or conservative, we should remain ethical in order to keep ourselves and the playing feld clean. “Love your enemies” is probably not yet possible for most of us, but we can honor our enemies and treat them with respect. Democracy will thank us for it!
Erika Helene Etminan Hamilton
Property tax rebates don’t help enough
Although I am grateful to Governor Gianforte for last and this year’s property tax rebate checks, these don’t do much to ofset a permanent 62% increase in our property tax. The governor’s rebates won’t even cover these two years of increased tax. Residential property taxes increased by 40% in Ravalli county and by an average of 21% statewide. In contrast, commercial property tax increased by less or even decreased. NorthWestern Energy, the state’s largest taxpayer, paid about $36 million less for 2023 taxes than they paid in 2022. Gianforte gave himself tax breaks while increasing taxes on his neighbors and the rest of us homeowners living a more modest lifestyle. I will be voting for Ryan Busse because he will lead the Legislature to adjust the property tax rate. Busse supports the wealthy and corporations paying their fair share. Gianforte looks out for his billionaire and millionaire friends to ease their tax burden.
Hillery Daily Darby
What kind of standards does this paper
have?
When I make a statement in the comments [on the Bitterroot Star website] that I consider to be possibly contested, I like to supply a factual link.
But, when I do that, my comment instantly disappears. I have spoken with Victoria Howell about it, she raised her voice and lectured me “This is MY paper; I make the rules!” However, others certainly are able to do this.
I contacted the owner, Jesse Mullen, about this. His answer included the statement “I don’t have much to do with the day to day.” He then stated
Victoria didn’t respond to his frst request to talk to him about it. That was months ago, and nothing has changed. I can’t submit logical, factual statements with or without supporting links, but a comment by Gomez saying “That he bragged about being able to grab women’s [female anatomy crude word] because he’s famous” is acceptable to Victoria’s discretion?
The paper states “Letters MAY OR MAY NOT be edited for length or other considerations at the discretion of the editor. Letters, commentary and editorial cartoons represent the independent views of the authors.”
My question is what kind of “discretion of the editor” censors factual statements with supporting links, but freely publishes sexual vulgarities? Both are true statements, but mine are censored (such as the trapping issue recently - with or without a link. In the not so long ago past, the paper has even boldly allowed public defamation/slander of people in comments. Again, what kind of “discretion of the editor” is this by Victoria Howell that is allowed by the owner, Jesse Mullen?! If you agree with me, I ask you to contact Jesse Mullen, the owner. You can fnd him on FB; his picture is a guy on a horse. I doubt this will get printed, so I’m copying it and will take appropriate action if needed.
Mike Miller Stevensville
Did you celebrate Constitution Day?
This important day gets little recognition even though it’s the foundation of our Constitutional Democratic Republic. That’s right. That’s what we are. Republic because we use representatives. Democratic Republic because these representatives are elected, not appointed. And Constitutional Democratic Republic because we have a guiding document for our form of government - a Constitution. Let’s be accurate going forward.
The date is soon - look it up - and maybe take this opportunity to read or re-read the Constitution - it’s available in many places. But step back and approach it as if it’s new to you. Don’t read it through the lens of current politics. Read it through the lens of history. And be objective - don’t bring your prejudices with you. And YES, we ALL have prejudices. Don’t suppose you already know what it says and what it means. Start over. You may be surprised a bit.
Upon signing it, George Washington is reported to have said something to the efect of “We’ve now formed these United States. Let’s keep the emphasis on the former and not the latter.” I think he was on to something there, although it’s hard nowadays. Mark Van Loon Hamilton
For selfsh gain
I think it’s safe to say that most of you reading this have had a mother and father – at some point. Al least biologically at the very beginning of your life. And, who cares what race your parents are/were – be they of the same race OR mixed.
But, how CHEAP would it be of you if you – as the ofspring of a mixed parentage – chose to “cakewalk” about dissing one parent’s race and heritage over the others’s. How shallow would it be of you to claim, “I’m only this, or “I’m only that.” When in reality you are both, if not even more than that! Why even point it out! How rude it is
to pick one parent and ignore the other as though they don’t matter AND TO DO SO FOR SELFISH GAIN!
So, if you are Chicano, Mulatto, Mixed, or whatever label there is out there… be who you were born as, without dishonoring one parent over the other and regardless of what “percentage blood you are.”
It’s hard to trust and respect someone who disregards a parent simply FOR SELFISH GAIN. “What a web we weave when frst…”
What matters is to have integrity, character; be one who can sit and reason with others, and be a person of your word – without fip-fopping according to the weather. Be someone who can get a job done properly, orderly, honestly and with stability. And if you are on record having said you’d like to ban plastic straws, why allow 100,000 latex balloons to be set of in your “honor”?
Dennis
Williams Hamilton
Politics over values
Why do people choose a political party over values? The answer to that question eludes me. For example, there are political signs in Ravalli County yards most likely indicating the resident supports Tim Sheehy, and his values. As voters, do their values match his political positions?
Ravalli County is named after Father Ravalli and is home to a fantastic historic mission that honors his work and the people he served. Stevensville and the Historic St. Mary’s Mission hold events to honor and celebrate Native Americans and their culture. So, what are Tim Sheehy’s values when it comes to Native Americans? Well, this is what he says and does, you decide: branding cattle on the Crow Reservation was a “great way to bond with all the Indians out there, while they’re drunk at 8 a.m.”
In 2023 at the Crow Fair, an annual cultural celebration on the Crow Reservation, Sheehy said there was a “tough crowd” that threw beer cans at him. Footage of that Aug. 19, 2023, Crow Fair parade shows there were no beer cans thrown. Then just three months later, during campaign events far from the Crow Reservation, Sheehy would cast the Crow people as alcoholics and their annual cultural event as little more than a rowdy, drunken afair.
These reports indicate: Tim Sheehy wants to portray Native Americans as just a bunch of drunks, to be made fun of. Does that action match your values regarding how you feel about people we honor here in Ravalli County?
Are you interested in knowing more about Sheehy’s political positions that demonstrate values you may or may not support? If so, you can read about some of those in The Guardian article dated 09/06/2024 titled; Trump-backed Senate candidate’s Navy Seal stories not cleared by Pentagon. That article contains a rather long list.
The questions then continue: why would you vote for Tim Sheehy if his values do not match yours? When you go to vote, please think about this last question: are your politics more important than your values? If the answer is no, then whose name will you select on the ballot?
Diane Thomas-Rupert
Stevensville
Stevensville.
A Course of Love study group
Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480
Florence American Legion
Florence American Legion Post
134 is having a free pancake breakfast on the frst Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.
Yoga for Veterans FREE to veterans, frst responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm at the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-530-7175. Come see us on 1st Friday in May ‘bout 1800 for more info! We’ll be in front of Active Care Wellness on Main in Stevensville.
MS Support Group
Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Cofee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www.nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail. com
Bitterroot Celtic Society
The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.
Hamilton school board
Governance Committee Meeting Thursday – October 3, 2024
12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room
The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg
Regular Board Meeting
Tuesday – October 8, 2024
6:30 p.m. – District Ofce – Conference Room
The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at:https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg
North Valley Library
Role-Playing Games for Teens –Tues. Sept 17 at 4pm
Enter the exciting world of RPGs! New campaigns are beginning now for ages 12-18.
Pachyderm Club
The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, September 20 at 12 noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Pascal Redfern talking about asking the right questions to get the right judges elected and about how to get judges out of ofce by checking the “do not retain” box on the ballot. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Wings Program beneft
Join the Wings Programs Equine Rescue and Sanctuary on Saturday, September 21 from 12-4 p.m. for the annual Art in the Barn Open House and Fundraiser. There will be art for sale, pictures and activities with mini-horses, a live painting demo, snacks and drinks, a silent auction and rafe, kids activities, adoptable kittens from the Heidi’s Kittens rescue and more! Bring the family to meet the rescue horses and donkeys and support a local non-proft that supports the equine community in the Bitterroot Valley. Wings is located at 208 Rusty Spur Way in Corvallis, on the big S-curve.
Victor Museum Ice Cream Social
The Victor Heritage Museum has rescheduled the Ice Cream Social and
35th Birthday Celebration for September 21st. The 21st is also Homecoming day for Victor School. The Museum will be open immediately after the Parade, which is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Out West Wagons’ horse-drawn wagon will be in the Parade for the Museum. Afterwards they will be giving wagon rides around Victor until around 2 p.m. Come to the Museum to help celebrate with cake and ice cream, then enjoy a wagon ride. The Museum is on the corner of Main & Blake Streets in downtown Victor. Call Suzanne Tout at 406-381-8861 or the Museum at 406642-3997 for more information.
Corvallis Civic Club
The Corvallis Civic Club will meet on Monday, September 23, at 7:00 pm at the Corvallis School District Ofce, 1151 Eastside Hwy. All are welcome to attend and help the club continue its mission of supporting projects that beneft the Corvallis community. Come and be part of making our community the best it can be.
Republican Women
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, September 24 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speakers will be Sherif Steve Holton, who will give an update on what is going on in the county, and Pascal Redfern, who will speak about how to get judges out of ofce by checking the “do not retain” box on the ballot. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Roundabout meeting
September 25th at 11 am, meeting with the Commissioners, at the Commissioners meeting room. Anyone is welcome to attend. 215 S. 4th St STE A, Hamilton.
Classroom Without Walls
The Hamilton CWW will be having a feld day at the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association property, at 1 Crystal lane, Stevensville, on Sept. 25. They will be doing the river ecology/ invertibrates. Contact Dave Ward (406) 241-3903.
Bitterroot Quilters’ Guild
The Bitterroot Quilters’ Guild will meet on Wednesday, September 25 at Daly Leach Community Room, 1010 W Main, Hamilton. Doors open at 6
p.m. for socializing and shopping; the meeting will come to order at 6:30. Members are encouraged to bring their entries/ribbon winners from the recent Ravalli County Fair for Show and Tell. Monthly Guild meetings also include a Fat Quarter Drawing, 50/50 Pot, and bargain sales at the Ugli Bin. Membership in the Guild is open to quilters from beginner through advanced. Annual dues are $20. To keep abreast of activities, please visit the Bitterroot Quilters Guild group on Facebook.
For more information, contact Carla at (406) 777-7318.
Vendor registration
St. Mary’s Christmas Craft Sale Event “Fall Into Christmas” will be held Saturday, October 19 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. in Stevensville. If interested as a vendor or a volunteer, contact Phyllis Rogers Green by email at bitterrootcraftdesign@gmail.com.
Bitterroot Valley Chorus
driver safety course
Mature
Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital, located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, is hosting an all new AARP Driver Safety Course on Friday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The program features new laws and up-dates specifc to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, new Vehicle Technologies to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no tests or written exams and Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers. Certifcates are now good for three years! Class fee: $20.00, AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. For class sign up, call Hamilton Insurance at 406-3636583. For further information, call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 406-369-0149.
NV Library beneft book sale
The annual Big Book Sale to beneft the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will be held the frst weekend of October in the library Community Room.
The sale will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5. The best selection will be available on Oct. 4, and books will be priced accordingly. Prices will be lowered on Oct. 5, and a “bag sale” is planned for the last 90 minutes of the sale on Oct. 5, with a bag of books selling for $10. Book donations will be accepted in the Community Room of the Library on Oct. 2-3, from 3 to 8 pm
This will be the 52nd consecutive year of the Bitterroot Valley Chorus providing our traditional gift of a Christmas concert to the Bitterroot valley community. Monday night rehearsals begin Sept. 30 at 7:00 pm in the Hamilton High School choir room. The Bitterroot Youth Choir (which is part of the adult chorus) is open to area youth who like to sing in grades 4-8.
Shane Clouse
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Corvallis XC Invitational
Corvallis hosted 16 cross country teams at their annual XC Invitational on Saturday, Sept 14. The Bitterroot Valley teams from Corvallis, Darby, Hamilton, and Stevensville were among the participants.
Individually, Hamilton’s Taylor Doleac won the boys race with a time of 16:49.94, Corvallis’ Jack Davidson took 2nd (17:01.25), Darby’s Ben Martin took 6th (17:21.75), Corvallis’ Marrek Jessop fnished 7th (17:27.53), and Hamilton’s Bryson Poulsen took 8th (17:34.44). Stevensville’s highest fnisher was Benjamin White who fnished 11th (19:11.20).
In the girls race, Corvallis’ Violet Jessop took 3rd with a time of 21:07.08. Hamilton’s Claire Seifert took 4th (21:13.83), Hamilton’s Sierra Berry took 8th (21:37.25), Corvallis’ Autumn Benson fnished 9th (21:48.66), Darby’s Lily Adair fnished 10th (21:57.30), and Stevensville’s Bryton Brewer fnished 11th (22:01.15).
In the boys team standing, Corvallis fnished 2nd, Hamilton fnished 3rd, Darby fnished 7th, and Stevensville fnished 8th.
In the girls teams standing, Corvallis fnished 2nd and Hamilton fnished 3rd.
Top left, Corvallis’ Violet Jessop fnished 3rd overall in the girls race at the Corvallis XC Invitational.
Top right, Hamilton’s Tyler Doleac leaving his competitors in the dust at the Corvallis XC Invitational. Doleac won the boys race with a time of 16:49.94.
Bottom left, Stevensville’s Bryton Brewer running in the Corvallis XC Invitational. Brewer fnished 11th in the girl’s race.
Bottom right, Darby’s Ben Martin took 6th place at the Corvallis XC Invitational.
by Scott Sacry.
Bitterroot golfers shine at Libby Invite
The Class A golf teams of Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville played in the two-day Libby Invite on Thursday, Sept. 12 and Friday, Sept. 13. On Thursday, they played at the Indian Springs Ranch Club in Eureka, then on Friday they played at the Cabinet View Golf Club in Libby.
The Corvallis boys team of Brady Powell, Tate Jessop, Tag Jessop, Dylan Wirt, and Coby Powell continued their strong play and won the event by 24 strokes over 2nd place Whitefish. The Blue Devil boys have been strong this year and have their eye on contending for a state title.
of Colton Schiele, Ty Umland, Drake Tully, and Jackson Guenzler finished 10th.
The Hamilton team of Tyce O’Connell, Josh Bender, Jackson Kirkbride, and Connor Burnett finished 6th. And the Stevensville team
Individually for the boys, Corvallis’ Brady Powell and Tate Jessop tied for 2nd with both shooting a 3-over 146, Corvallis’ Tag Jessop tied for 4th (+9), Hamilton’s Tyce O’Connell tied for 10th, and Hamilton’s Josh Bender took 19th.
In the girls team standing, the Corvallis team of Gracee Storrud and Kirstin Race finished 6th and Hamilton’s team of Cameron Burnette, Rhain Hillingsworth, Heather Beerman, Ellie Hattlestad, and Haley Weber took 7th. Hamilton’s Cameron Burnette was the Bitterroot Valley’s highest finisher as she tied for third, shooting an 82 both days.
Hamilton soccer keeps rolling
The Hamilton soccer teams hosted Polson on Tuesday, Sept 10. The girls won 9-3, while the boys won in a close game, 2-1. For the Hamilton boys, Dane Hayward had 2 goals and Zachary Olbricht had 2 assists. For the Hamilton girls, Hannah Hughes had 5 goals and an assist,
Anna Lewis had 2 goals and 2 assists, Ellie Hughes had a goal and an assist, Greta Gantz had a goal and 2 assists, and Lauren Nelson had 2 assists.
On Thursday, both teams played at Frenchtown. Hamilton dominated in the “Battle of the Broncs” with the boys winning 10-1 and the girls win-
ning 11-1. For the Hamilton girls, Anna Lewis had 4 goals and an assist, Hannah Hughes had 4 goals and 2 assists, Greta Gantz had 2 goals and 2 assists, Ellie Hughes had a goal, Josie Wolfe had 2 assists, and Ayami Hanada had an assist.
For the Hamilton boys, Dane Hayward had 4 goals, Marian Sasse had a goal and 4 assists, Tyler Jette had a goal and an assist, Haven Oshell had a goal and an assist, Colter Schlange, Jayden Swanson, and Fischer Goodrich each had a goal, and Stephan Matveev had an assist.
Stevensville soccer defeats Corvallis
The Stevensville boys and girls soccer teams hosted Corvallis on Thursday, Sept. 12. It was the frst game for the Stevensville boys since the passing of their coach Ralph Serrette, and, in an emotional game, Stevensville won 9-0. For Stevensville, David Beames led the way with 4 goals and 2 assists. Evan Montague, Mario Garcia, Silas Seibert, Hayden Warrington, and Toan Nguyen each had a goal, and Jake Gavlak, Anton Ptok, Sean Herriot, and Spencer Moore each had an assist.
In the girls game, Stevensville won 4-1. For Stevensville, Ryan Grover, Deci Endras, and Danielle Weiss each had a goal, and Millie Shepp, Madigan Hurlburt, and Paisley Yaskus each had an assist. Corvallis’ Farah Wyche had the lone goal for the Lady Blue Devils. The Stevensville girls were defeated 4-0 by Loyola on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at home.
Photos
Stevensville’s Evan Montague sending a corner kick into the box. The Stevensville boys defeated Corvallis 9-0 in Stevensville on Thursday, Sept. 12. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Sports Tigers tame Pirates
The Darby Tigers hosted the Victor Pirates on Saturday, Sept. 14 for their homecoming football game. The Tigers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, leading 38-0 at halftime and winning 52-2.
Darby’s McCoy Townsend had himself quite a game. The junior wideout had 6 total touchdowns: 3 TD receptions, 2 rushing TDs and he returned a free kick for a TD. Townsend had 5 TDs before halftime and spectators were left to assume that he was, in fact, the real McCoy. Darby’s other
TD came on an Eli Jones run.
The young Pirate team has only 17 players on the roster, but they played a hard and spirited game. Victor will host Charlo this Saturday at 1 p.m.
Darby Head coach John Steiner is very happy with his team this year. “The team’s intensity and focus this year is the best I’ve ever had,” said Steiner. “They have a will and a belief that they can
Football Roundup
The Florence Falcons played Huntley Project in Butte on Friday, Sept. 13 and won 38-0. For Florence, QB Mason Arlington threw for 219 yards with a TD and ran for another 52 yards and a TD. Jake Schneiter and Bridger Alexander each had rushing TDs. Brodey Duchien led in receiving with 7 catches for 101 yards. Alexander also had a receiving TD. Defensively, Schneiter led with 10 total tackles, while Mattix Chase and Drew Wagner each had 8. Alexander led with 3 tackles for a loss.
The Falcons have now won two straight games after losing their opening game to Jefferson. Florence travels to Conrad this Friday to take on the Cowboys at 7 p.m.
The Corvallis Blue Devils played at Whitefish on Friday, Sept. 13 and lost in a close game 20-21. Corvallis led 20-7 at halftime, but Whitefish scored 14 points in the second half to get the win.
For Corvallis, Aydan Mayn threw for 229 yards and 2 TDs, he also
rushed for 61 yards and a TD. Gideon Boswell caught 8 passes for 103 yards and a TD, and Hunter Loesch had 8 catches for 81 yards and a TD. The Blue Devils hope to get back to their winning ways after losing two straight games as they host Butte Central this Friday for their homecoming game at 7 p.m.
The Hamilton Broncs traveled to Bigfork on Friday, Sept. 13 and lost to the Vikings 6-32. The young Broncs are 0-3 on the season and will look to right the ship next week as they host Bitterroot Valley foe Stevensville for their homecoming game this Friday at 7 p.m.
The Stevensville ‘Jackets hosted Browning on Friday, Sept. 13 and lost 0-40. The young Stevi team only has 23 players on the roster and have a handful of injuries, which made their task more challenging, but the players fought hard throughout the game. The ‘Jackets travel south this Friday to take on their Bitterroot Valley neighbor Hamilton.
Volleyball Roundup
The volleyball teams of Florence and Darby played in Darby on Thursday, Sept. 12. The visiting Lady Falcons controlled the contest and won 3-0 (25-13, 25-9, 25-15). For Florence, Maggie Schneiter had 3 aces and 25 assists, Elise Schneiter had 8 assists and 2 blocks, Emory Ralston had 8 kills, and Ella Goeltz had 13 digs.
Florence played Arlee on Tuesday, Sept. 10 and easily defeated the Scarlets 3-0 (25-0, 25-7, 25-8). For Florence, Maggie Schneiter had 10 aces and 15 assists, Ava Philbrick had 8 kills and 1 block, Emory Ralston had 8 kills, and Ella Goeltz had 8 digs.
The Hamilton volleyball team hosted both Columbia Falls and Whitefsh on Saturday, Sept. 14. They defeated Columbia Falls 25-12, 2515, 26-24. For Hamilton, Ciara Hanley had 4 aces and 9 kills, Aurie Duncan
had 24 assists and 2 blocks, and Lundyn Murray had 12 digs.
Then in a highly competitive match they defeated Whitefsh 25-23, 25-20, 21-25, 26-24. For Hamilton, Layna Price had 3 aces, Ciara Hanley had 22 kills, Arie Duncan had 37 assists and 2 blocks, and Lundyn Murray had 34 digs.
win - this will make us tough no matter what team we face.”
The Tigers have a tough
test this Friday as they host undefeated and #4 ranked Valley Christian at 7 p.m.
Above, Victor’s Ben Neider (#25) trying to break free from Darby’s Eli Spross (#40) and Eli Jones (#11) during Saturday’s Victor/Darby game.
At left, Darby’s McCoy Townsend (#10) rushing for a TD in Darby’s 52-2 victory over Victor on Saturday, Sept. 14. Townsend had 6 total touchdowns: 3 TD receptions, 2 rushing TDs and he returned a free kick for a TD.
Photos by Scott Sacry.
Obituaries
Joanne Verwolf
After a diagnosis of cancer in August of 2022, M. Joanne Verwolf lost her valiant fght with the disease on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 in Hamilton, Montana. She was born March 23, 1947 in Belgrade, Montana, the ffth and last child of Ira and Myrtle Verwolf.
Joanne attended twelve years at Manhattan Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1965. After graduation she began her working career with Bozeman Deaconess Hospital moving on to Idaho, then West Virginia and Alaska in 1976 where she worked at Anchorage, Kenai and Prudhoe Bay. Her career took her from typewriter to mainframe computers to the laptops of today. In 1992 she returned to Montana to reside in the Bitterroot Valley. Determined not to be passed over for lack of education, she enrolled as a student at the University of Montana and graduated with high honors majoring in Business Administration. Employed by Summit Independent Living until she retired, she helped many people connect with resources available to meet their needs. She also was a driving force to establish the Bitterroot Bus system.
Both Joanne’s maternal and paternal grandparents were pioneers in the Gallatin Valley of Montana in the early years of the 20th century. Joanne’s love of research and fascination with her ancestors and local history led her to author a book, “Daughters of Montana Pioneers, Gallatin Valley Female Seminary.” She recalls her childhood days on the family farm near Manhattan, the site of the
Death Notices
Frederick Charles Bassette
Missoula - Frederick Charles Bassette, 68, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Village Health and Rehab. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www.brothersmortuary.com
historic Gallatin Valley Female Seminary on the Old Stone [Presbyterian] Church place, as it was called. Extensive research brings this area alive with photos and excerpts from old newspapers and writings. Published in 2022, Joanne was just beginning to market her book when cancer struck.
Joanne was able to take her mother into her home and manage home care for her several years until her death in 2006. Joanne also enjoyed her cats, her neighbors, and her life in the Bitterroot Valley outside Corvallis. She was an active member in the Corvallis United Methodist Church, holding several ofces.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Ira and Myrtle Verwolf; brothers, John (Manhattan) and Tom (Wolf Point) Verwolf; and nephew, Cory Christensen (Missoula). She is survived by her son, Jon LaFloe and wife Robin and granddaughters, Annie and Sarah of Lakewood, CO; sisters, Alice Christensen (Corvallis) and Lena Whitson (Libby); nieces, Joyce Pereira, Tomina Kinzie, Justina Schif and Amy Reed; nephews, Brent, Jason, Eric, Keith and Zane Christensen and LeRoy Verwolf.
Viewing was held Sunday, September 15 at the Daly-Leach Chapel. Funeral services were held on Monday, September 16 at the Daly-Leach Chapel (1010 West Main St.), with a reception following in the funeral home’s community room. Burial and graveside services were held at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Condolences
Phillis Gean Lowe
Missoula - Phillis Gean Lowe, 82, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Edgewood Vista Memory Care. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www. brothersmortuary.com
Lee R. Dursma
Missoula - Lee R. Dursma, 87, passed away Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at St. Patrick Hospital. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www.brothersmortuary.com
Harold A. Page II
Hamilton - Harold A. Page II, 76, passed away Monday, September 9, 2024 at his home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family. at www.brothersmortuary.com
Thanks for all you’ve done for us, Dave Inks
My first meeting with Dave Inks was inconsequential. It was somewhere in the mid-seventies and my young family was attending a sportsman’s show in California’s Bay Area. A number of fly fishing greats would be there and I was eager to meet some of them.
My young son Jay and I visited Randall Kauffman’s booth, where Randall graciously signed a copy of his new book for Jay.
of it available to me.
He helped set up Whiting hackle, now the world’s largest grower, after Dr. Tom Whiting bought one, then another, of his competitors. Dave pushed the Whiting dyeing and grading systems over the top.
A few minutes later we were in the Creative Sports booth, the first mega-fly shop, manufacturing, and wholesale conglomerate in the industry. As one industry insider put it, “Every fly shop owner in the United States should pay a surcharge to Creative Sports.” Creative Sports paved the way - and in many cases, provided the products that kept them in business.
by Chuck Stranahan
The shop, owned and run by fly tying legend Andre Puyans and tackle innovator Dave Inks, changed the shape of fly fishing retail and spurred the growth of the sport.
I met Puyans, and we talked fly tying materials, and showed some of my freshly-tied Caddis Variants to Dave Inks. That was our first meeting.
Both were instrumental in the liftoff for Dennis Black’s new company, Umpqua Feather Merchants, which pioneered the concept of having high quality flies designed by American tyers tied overseas. Domestic tyers could not keep up with an existing demand – and Umpqua was the first to fill that need, which in turn fueled the growth of the sport.
Dave Inks was a part of that.
He was also fascinated with fly tying materials and drove that consuming interest into procuring batches of the finest fly tying hackle being grown. I know – he made a lot
Dave went on to open his own posh retail shop called The Millpond in a toney suburb above the Santa Calara Valley, situated with a stream running through it. That shop was positioned to catch the wave of the Santa Clara Valley’s transition from a pastoral expanse of row crop gardens and orchards to the megalith we know as Silicon Valley today.
Around that time I left teaching to open a fly shop in northern California. Dave Inks was still at Creative Sports when it became one of my key suppliers. Later, when I visited The Millpond, Dave had just redesigned a Danner hiking boot, transforming it into the best wading boot of its era. I was a dealer and we knew each other better by then, and he gave me a pair to field test.
I don’t know where Dave learned to cast, but he learned well – his form was straight out of the west coast
Community
tournament school. He taught at the Fenwick Fly Fishing Schools for many years – and you had to be good to qualify as one of their instructors.
Dave eventually got into saltwater fly fishing and helped design the Stutz Estuary and early Abel reels.
Look up those Inks-Stutz reels up on eBay today. They reveal an attention to quality that was always a Dave Inks trademark. You’ll also note that among collectors today those reels are well-respected and bring a lofty price.
Fast forward: Dave and I both eventually moved to the Bitterroot Valley. By then he had a hand in a succession of products. His genius was that of taking an original design concept and reworking it, perfecting it and making it more functional for other flyfishers. The list of products
he launched and people he helped is long.
His latest venture was probably the most fun: I remember his telling me of running his Waterstrider kickboat/raft hybrid down the Clark Fork, and honing in on big picky rainbows that other floater in high-sided drift boats and rafts couldn’t approach. Dave’s low profile one-man craft could sneak on those fish with practically no disturbance, and as a master caster, he could get his fly right where he wanted it.
As an accomplished angler Dave knew what he wanted, what would work in the tackle he used. His design sense permeates much of the tackle flyfishers use today – whether or not they’re aware of it. We lost Dave Inks on August 31, 2024. From this flyfisher, thanks, Dave.
5K FUN RUN/WALK of Saturday, October 5 • 10 am
The Colors of Cancer 5k is a community event to raise funds to provide Biterroot Valley residents with quality cancer treatments and services. Our goal is to raise $5,000 through the Colors of Cancer 5K Fun Run/Walk.
We will be starting at the Biterroot Health Eye Clinic on 10th Street, running through Hieronymus Park and ending back at the Eye Clinic.
Lace up your shoes and participate! $10 per adult and kids are FREE. Shirts available for purchase during registration for $15.
Can’t participate? Donate or Sponsor!
Rally your team! Form a team and participate together. To create a team, please contact Amanda Fugina at (406) 375-4764 or amandafugina@biterroothealth.org. REGISTER HERE!
Dave Inks with his Waterstrider, ready to put the sneak on some big trout. Photo courtesy Waterstrider.
Book Review
Booked for the season
“Spirit Crossing” by William Kent Krueger c.2024, Atria
$28.99 336 pages
“Grizzly Confdential: An Astounding Journey into the Secret Life of North America’s Most Fearsome Predator” by Kevin Grange
c.2024, Harper Horizon
$29.99 288 pages
“The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning” by A.J. Jacobsc.2024, Crown Publishing $30.00 304 pages
experts say grizzlies are not even the most dangerous bears on earth. Their sense of smell is hundreds of times
Rabbit knew the spirit world, and so when he seemed to speak to spirits in the woods one afternoon, his grandfather paid attention – and Cork made a grisly discovery.
Your usual chair at the table is unoccupied.
You never went anywhere without him.
They say you have to fght for the right to party.
Down the hall, your bed’s still made; the blankets, straight. The noises you make, the scent of you, it’s
Your teddy bear was both cuddler and comforter, he dried your tears, slept with you, had his own place at the table and through the years, he put up with being dragged, thrown, slobbered on, and scapegoated. He was your constant companion and you loved him literally to tatters, so read “Grizzly Confdential” by Kevin Grange. The Ursus arctos horribilis inside it ain’t your childhood best friend. outdoors.
You also have the right to rant and the right to be wrong. You can belt “All Right Now” at full-blast, if the lyrics feel right, right now. You may have the right to turn right on a red light because you’re an upright citizen. And in the new book “The Year of Living Constitutionally” by A.J. Jacobs those are just a few of the things you got right.
New Yorkers aren’t used to seeing a guy in a tri-corner hat, carrying a musket, but if it meant living like our Founding Fathers, A.J. Jacobs was game.
Field & Stream reader, one of his best-loved gifts back then was a book on tracking animals, and he spent much of his spare time in the woods near his home, book in hand. He was particularly interested in studying the information about bear tracks, the curve of their claws, and the shapes of their toes.
His eforts started some years ago when he wrote a book, “The Year of Living Biblically,” and he noticed that the Bible had a lot in common with America’s Constitution. He’d once lived like a Levite; why not party like it’s 1787?
The frst order of business was to fnd and actually read the entire Constitution. It was a “revelation... just how much our lives are afected by this 4,543-word document inscribed on calfskin...” We’re afected so much so, even after 200-plus years, that today’s SCOTUS wrestles with centuries-old Constitutional verbiage to make modern laws. Mostly, Jacobs says, any interpretation depends on whether you prefer “living constitutionalism” or originalism. The former argues for adaptation; the latter, for literal interpretation.
Jacobs chose the latter, and living like Ben Franklin, so he learned to write with a quill pen with light from a beeswax candle. George Washington plied Virginia voters with gallons of spirits, and Jacobs appreciated the “liquid courage.” Jacobs tried to vote
all gone, missing from the places you should be. Will you return soon? Only you can be sure but, as in the new novel “Spirit Crossing” by William Kent Krueger, there are people hoping you will.
Annie O’Connor hadn’t wanted to come back home for anything but the family wedding that was a month away. She hadn’t wanted to leave Guatemala, though she spoke to her partner, Maria, about home in many warm ways. She wasn’t afraid that she’d encounter problems for being what the Anishinaabe called “Two-Spirits,” because her family was open and loving. No, Annie had another secret, and she didn’t know if she’d have time to tell it.
Daniel English, O’Connor’s sonin-law and Waboo’s father, worked as a tribal police ofcer and he’d been talking angrily about the large number of Native American girls who’d gone missing in northern Minnesota, and how the local police did little about it.
Case in point: the young woman who lay in a shallow grave in a blueberry patch.
Like a lot of seven-year-olds, Corcoran O’Connor’s grandson, Waaboo (Ojibwenowin for “Little Rabbit”) was curious, active, and smart. Unlike his contemporaries, however, Little
Daniel believed – hoped – she was one of the Lakota girls he’d been searching for.
But Waboo said there were two girls whose spirits were lost. Was the other spirit that of Olivia Hamilton, a white girl whose father had money, and who the police were trying hard to fnd? Why were young women disappearing without a trace in northern Minnesota? And, as the county and tribal police got closer to a killer, why would someone want to murder a little boy who saw people that others could not see?
It’s been a long summer, and you’ve missed Cork O’Connor, haven’t you? Yep, so you’re good and ready
for another installment, and “Spirit Crossing” will make you very happy.
it’s thinking and feeling. Grizzlies are curious, highly intelligent, trainable, and wildlife biologists love studying
As you’ve come to expect, author William Kent Krueger pulls readers into this novel in his O’Connor series quick and easy, with characters you can’t help but get involved with –including some of Krueger fans’ old favorites, some recent favorites in new plotlines, and new folks you’ll really want to get to know. It’s like attending your home-town’s small-town festival and running into new friends and people you’ve known for years but haven’t seen in awhile. You’re happy to have a cold one with some of them. Others, big jerks and troublemakers, not so much.
If this is your frst Cork O’Connor
by
novel, reach back a few – at least three or four novels – to get your bearings. If you’re already a fan, get “Spirit Crossing” and put the phone on silent. You won’t answer it anyhow; you’ll be occupied. by
Terry Schlichenmeyer
Terry Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez, LLC
it’s done legally and correctly, management-wise. And though they’re known to be ferce and sometimes dangerous, the one thing a half-ton grizzly fears is about two feet tall and weighs sixty pounds... Fat Bear Week is coming, and you’re not quite prepared. You’ve know your favorite, all you need now
today. He joined a re-enactment group and learned to shoot that musket. He took advantage of the free press and the right to assemble (in his living room). He “quartered” a soldier and petitioned Congress. And he determined that when it comes to our Constitution, “We the People” must be vigilant...
If ever there was a right time to read “The Year of Living Constitutionally,” it’s today. Our lives, our futures are being debated and decided now, in real time. It’s serious stuf. Or not so much, with author A.J. Jacobs at the wheel.
out loud, but though a secret ballot isn’t a Constitutional right, it’s the law
Who knew that history could be so fun? Jacobs makes it so, by bravely living like a Founding Father, even if it seemed embarrassing sometimes – and then he tells us about it.
Remember that guy in high school who’d accept any dare if there was a few bucks involved? Yeah, it’s kind of like that, only better because Jacobs also teaches his readers a thing or two about the years in which our Forefathers lived, and about a document that we can’t – and perhaps shouldn’t – stop talking about.
“Grizzly Confdential” is a great book
Posting Date September 16, 2024
This is an enjoyable book, maybe a slight bit irreverent for certain readers, but surely full of humor and things you didn’t know. If you think you really need to read “The Year of Living Constitutionally,” well, you’re right.
Posting Date May 6, 2024
by Terry Schlichenmeyer
The Bookworm Sez, LLC
FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $4.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
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Legal Notices
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
In the Matter of the Name Change of Daemin Lee Larson, Brandy Riddle, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-41-20240000295-NC
Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Daemin Lee Larson to Daemin Bradley Riddle.
The hearing will be on September 18, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 30th day of July, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk of Court
By: Catherine di Gleria, Deputy Clerk of Court.
BS 8-28, 9-4, 9-11, 9-1824.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWEN-
TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: DUSTON WAYNE WEBB, Deceased.
Probate No. DP-2024-77
Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Jennifer Shatto has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (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 Jennifer Shatto, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, in care of Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
BS 9-4, 9-11, 9-18-24.
MNAXLP
Lewis N. Stoddard, Bar No. 60723896
Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C.
300 W. Main Street, Suite 150 Boise, ID 83702
Phone: 801-355-2886
Facsimile: 801-328-9714
lewis@hwmlawfrm.com
Attorney for Plaintif HWM File Number: MT21711
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT
RAVALLI COUNTY
Greenspring Capital Management, LLC, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Administrator of RMH 2023-1 Trust, Plaintif, v. Unknown Heirs and Devisees of the Estate of Jonathan W. Guahunga; and Unknown Parties in possession of or with an interest in the real property commonly known as: 5770 US Highway 93 South, Sula, MT 59871, Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE
Case No.: DV-41-20230000313-FO
Under and by virtue of a Second Writ of Execution issued in the above-entitled action on August 29, 2024, I am commanded to sell at public auction all of Defendants’ rights and interest to the below described property:
TRACT 1
A parcel of land located in Section 27, Township 2 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point in the east line of U.S. Highway 93 a distance of 100.00 feet from centerline at Station No. PSC 1058 - 71.6, said point of beginning being South a distance of 2403.93 feet and West a distance of 272.93 feet from the north 1/4 corner of said Section 27; thence S. 61°12’29” East a distance of 263.67 feet; thence N. 87°32’07” East a distance of 253.45 feet; thence S. 78°10’17” East a distance of 266.44 feet; thence S. 55°08’07” East a distance of 181.70 feet;
thence S. 07°34’05” East a distance of 310.63 feet;
thence S. 26°09’37” East a distance of 521.59 feet;
thence S. 12°57’57” East a distance of 351.74 feet;
thence S. 13°49’48” West a distance of 282.84 feet; thence S 20°58’56” West a distance of 342.94 feet; thence S. 16°38’51” West a distance of 343.37 feet; thence N. 71°54’30” West a distance of 402.56 feet to the easterly line of U.S. Highway 93 at Station No. 1034+98.2; thence Northeasterly along a spiraled curve concave to the northwest the chord of which bears N. 16°19’38” East a distance of 509.81 feet to the beginning of a tangent curve to the west and having a radius of 1195.92 feet; thence northwesterly a distance of 650.36 feet along said curve to Station No. 1046+21.4; thence northwesterly along a spiraled curve the chord of which bears N. 31°24’32” West a distance of 509.82 feet to Station No. 1051+21.4; thence N. 35°37’10” West a distance of 450.20 feet to Station No. 1055+71.6; thence northwesterly along a spiraled curve concave to the east the chord of which bears N. 31°21’20” West a distance of 287.94 feet to Station No. 1058+71.6; thence N., 67°25’50” East a distance of 50.00 feet along the radial line to the point of beginning.
EXCEPTING AND RESERVING THEREFROM all that portion of land in the SE1/4NW1/4 of said Section 27. ALSO FURTHER EXCEPTING AND RESERVING THEREFROM that portion of land in the W1/2SW1/4SE1/4 of Section 27. Recording Reference: Book 133 of Deeds, page 445. ALSO EXCEPTING AND RESERVING THEREFROM that portion of the SW1/4SE1/4 of Section 27, Township 2 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana and being more particularly described as Parcel B, Certifcate of Survey No. 1277. With a property address of: 5770 US Highway 93 South, Sula, MT 59871 Notice is hereby given that on September 25, 2024 at 10:00 AM on the front steps of the Ravalli County Courthouse at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 the above-described property will be sold to the highest bidder to satisfy Plaintif`s judgment, with interest and costs. Date: 08/29/2024. /s/ Sherif of Ravalli County, State of Montana By: Steve Holton **WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND ANYONE INTERESTED IN BIDDING ON ANY PROPERTY NOTICED FOR SALE RESEARCH THE OWNERSHIP OF THE PROPERTY THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO BIDDING** BS 9-4, 9-11, 9-18-24. MNAXLP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FY24-25 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 @ 6:30 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville will hold a public hearing on SEPTEMBER 26, 2024, at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870 for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the preliminary FY24-25 Budget. Review of the Preliminary Budget will be available September 18, 2024. 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 townclerk@townofstevensville.com<mailto:townclerk@ townofstevensville.com><mail to: Town of Stevensville, Attention Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 pm on September 26, 2024. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-777-5271. Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 9-11, 9-18-24.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE The Burnt Fork Water Commission will hold its fnal meeting of the 2024 irrigation season on October 1, 2024 at 7:00 pm at Jay Meyer’s shop (3651 Meyer Lane). Help fnding the meeting site will be available as you approach the
address. If you have agenda items for the meeting, please call Jay Meyer at 406-2077808 before the meeting. BS 9-11, 9-25-24.
PUBLIC HEARING
Annexation of Property Into the Darby Rural Fire District (Application No. 219) THE RAVALLI COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 11:30 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room located at the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S. 4 th Street (3 rd foor) Hamilton, Montana. The purpose of this public hearing is to hear a petition by Vara McGarrell for Parcel #1052590; that her property be annexed into the Darby Rural Fire District with decision by Resolution. BS 9-11, 9-18-24.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
In the Matter of the Name Change of Ronda Kaye Blatter, Ronda Kaye Blatter, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-24-338
Dept. s NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Ronda Kaye Blatter to Ronda Kaye Kulczyk.
The hearing will be on October 17, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County. DATED this 3rd day of September, 2024. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court
By: Catherine di Gleria Deputy Clerk BS 9-11, 9-18, 9-215, 10-2-24.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING
The Town of Darby will hold a public hearing for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding a proposed application to the Montana Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and other programs, as applicable, for a wastewater system improvement project. At the public hearing, the proposed project will be explained, including the purpose and proposed area of the project, activities, budget, possible sources of funding, and if applicable, any costs that may impact local citizens as a result of the project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to ask questions and to express their opinions regarding this proposed project.
Comments may be given orally at the hearing or submitted in writing before 5:00pm on September 25th.
Anyone who would like more information or who wants to submit suggestions should contact Paul Simonich, Triple Tree Engineering, (406) 4318209.
The hearing will be held at:
Darby Town Hall 101 East Tanner Avenue September 24, 2024 6:15PM BS 9-11, 9-18-24.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING
The Darby Town Council will hold a public hearing for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the Town’s overall community development needs (public facilities, economic development, and housing needs), including the needs of low and moderate income persons. The Town of Darby will also seek the views of citizens on the activities that should be undertaken to meet the identifed needs and their relative priority. The Town may apply for funding from the Montana Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program (federal funding administered by the Montana Department of Commerce) and other state and federal funding sources to deal with local housing, public facilities, or other community needs and would like comments or suggestions from local citizens regarding the Town’s needs and the type of projects which should be considered.
Comments may be given orally at the hearing or submitted in writing before 5:00pm on September 25th.
Anyone who would like
more information or who wants to submit suggestions should contact Paul Simonich, Triple Tree Engineering, (406) 4318209. The hearing will be held at: Darby Town Hall 101 East Tanner Avenue September 24, 2024 6:00PM BS 9-11, 9-18-24.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO PROTEST TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP AND LOCATION OF Montana Retail On-Premises Consumption Restaurant Beer and Wine License WILSON CO LLC (Eric & Kylee Wilson, Owner(s)) has applied to transfer Montana Retail On-Premises Consumption Restaurant Beer and Wine License No. 13-870-6443-401 to be operated at AHAVA COFFEE, 515 Main St, Stevensville, Ravalli County. The public may protest this license transfer in accordance with the law. Who can protest this transfer? Protests will be accepted from residents of the county of the proposed location Ravalli County, residents of adjoining Montana counties, and residents of adjoining counties in another state if the criteria in 16-4-207(4)(d), Montana Code Annotated (MCA), are met.
What information must be included? Protest letters must be legible and contain (1) the protestor’s full name, mailing address, and street address; (2) the license number 13-870-6443-401 and the applicant’s name WILSON CO LLC; (3) an indication that the letter is intended as a protest; (4) a description of the grounds for protesting; and (5) the protestor’s signature. A letter with multiple signatures will be considered one protest letter.
What are valid protest grounds? The protest may be based on the applicant’s qualifcations listed in 16-4401, MCA, or the grounds for denial of an application in 16-4-405, MCA. Examples of valid protest grounds include: (1) the applicant is unlikely to operate the establishment in compliance with the law; (2) the proposed location cannot be properly policed by local authorities; and (3) the welfare of the people in the vicinity of the proposed location will be adversely and seriously afected.
How are protests submitted? Protests must be postmarked to the Department of Revenue, Ofce of Dispute Resolution, P.O. Box 5805, Helena, Montana 59604-5805 on or before September 28, 2024.
What happens if the transfer is protested? Depending on the number of protests and the protest grounds, a public hearing will be held in Helena or Stevensville. All valid protestors will be notifed of the hearing’s time, date and location. Hearings typically are scheduled within 90 days. A protester’s hearing testimony is limited to the grounds in the protester’s letter. Following the hearing, the Department of Revenue will notify the public whether the license transfer is approved or denied.
How can additional information be obtained? The cited MCA statutes are online at leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/. Questions may be directed to Witt Williams, Compliance Specialist for the Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, at 444-3505 or Witt.Williams@ mt.gov.
BS 9-11, 9-18-24.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Ravalli County Transportation Committee will meet on the 25th day of September, 2024 at 1:30PM in the Commissioner’s Conference Room at the Administration Building (215 S 4 th Street) in Hamilton. The purpose of this meeting will be to approve/ make adjustments to school transportation routes and approve any individual transportation contracts for the 202425 school year. If you have any questions or comments regarding any school district’s bus routes, please attend the meeting or send them to the Ravalli County Superintendent of Schools, 215 South 4 th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 (email recorder@rc.mt.gov ) prior to September 25th.
BS 9-18-24.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Darby Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM at the Darby Town Hall, 101 East Tanner Avenue, to receive comments both oral and written regarding a variance request for Lots A1 & A2 with accesses for both lots on Marge Meadow Lane in the Marge Meadow subdivision located at 308 West Missoula Avenue in Darby. For more information visit Darby Town Hall or call (406) 821-3753.
BS 9-18, 9-25-24.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Charlos Irrigation District will hold a general meeting on October 3 at 7 p.m. at the Charlos Heights Community Church.
BS 9-18, 9-25-24.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE
The following is the complete text of Constitutional Initiatives No. 126, No. 127, and No. 128, which will be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the November 5, 2024, General Election. The text is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311, Montana Code Annotated.
THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 126 (CI-126) BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA: NEW SECTION. Section 1. Article IV of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 9 that reads: Section 9. Top-four primary election for certain ofces. (1) As used in this section, the term “covered ofce” means the ofce of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representative, state senator, United States representative, United States senator, and other ofces as provided by law.
The election for a covered ofce must consist of a primary election followed by a general election in which each of the four candidates for a covered ofce who receive the most votes in the primary election, and only those candidates, shall appear on the general election ballot.
In an election for a covered ofce, the following conditions apply:
All candidates, regardless of political party preference, afliation, nomination or lack of political party preference, afliation, or nomination shall appear on the same primary election ballot separated by ofce.
Qualifed electors, regardless of political party preference or afliation or a lack thereof, may participate in the primary election for each covered ofce for which they are eligible to vote.
Each qualifed elector may vote for no more than one candidate for each ofce in the primary election.
If it cannot be determined which four candidates received the most votes in the primary election because two or more candidates are tied, the tie shall be broken as provided by law.
If four or fewer candidates for a covered ofce qualify for the primary election ballot, a primary election is not required and all candidates shall appear on the general election ballot.
A space for write-in candidates may appear on the primary election ballot as provided by law.
A candidate may not be required to obtain the endorsement or nomination of any political party or organization in order to qualify for the primary election ballot.
If the legislature requires candidates to obtain signatures to qualify for the primary election ballot, the number of signatures required may not exceed 5% of the total votes cast for the candidate elected for the same ofce in the last general election for that ofce.
A candidate may choose to have displayed next to the candidate’s name on the ballot the candidate’s preference for a political party or that the candidate prefers no political party. The format options must be
as follows: “Party Preference _______________________” or “No Party Preference.” The ballot may not indicate that a candidate has been endorsed by or nominated by any political party. Each ballot must include a clear and conspicuous statement informing voters that a candidate’s indicated political party preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated or endorsed by the political party or that the political party approves of or associates with the candidate. This section may not be construed to amend, repeal, or modify Article VI, section 2 of the Montana constitution. This section does not apply to special elections for covered ofces.
NEW SECTION. Section 2. Severability. If a part of [this act] is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in efect. If a part of [this act] is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in efect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications. NEW SECTION. Section 3. Efective date. [This act] is efective January 1, 2025. NEW SECTION. Section 4. Applicability. [This act] applies to elections for covered ofces as defned in [section 1] held on or after January 1, 2025. THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 127 (CI-127) BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
Section 1. Article IV, section 5 of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended to read: Section 5. Result of elections. (1) As used in this section, the term “covered ofce” means the ofce of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representative, state senator, United States representative, United States senator, and other ofces as provided by law.
(2) In all elections held by the people for an ofce other than a covered ofce, the person or persons receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected.
(3) In all elections held by the people for a covered ofce, the person receiving a majority of votes as determined as provided by law shall be declared elected. If it cannot be determined which person received a majority of votes because two or more persons are tied, the elected person shall be determined as provided by law. NEW SECTION. Section 2. Severability. If part of [this act] is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in efect. If a part of [this act] is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in efect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications. NEW SECTION. Section 3. Efective date. [This act] is efective January 1, 2025. NEW SECTION. Section 4. Applicability. [This act] applies to elections held on or after January 1, 2025. THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 128 (CI-128) Article II of The Constitution of The State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 36 that reads: Section 36. Right to make decisions about pregnancy. There is a right to make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy, including the right to abortion. This right shall not be denied or burdened unless justifed by a compelling government interest achieved by the least restrictive means. The government may regulate the provision of abortion care after fetal viability provided that in no circumstance shall the government deny or burden access to an abortion that, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional, is medically indicated to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.
The government shall not penalize, prosecute, or otherwise take adverse action against a person based on the person’s actual, potential, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes. The government shall not penalize, prosecute, or otherwise take adverse action against a person for aiding
or assisting another person in exercising their right to make and carry out decisions about their pregnancy with their voluntary consent. For the purposes of this section:
A government interest is “compelling” only if it clearly and convincingly addresses a medically acknowledged, bona fde health risk to a pregnant patient and does not infringe on the patient’s autonomous decision making.
“Fetal viability” means the point in pregnancy when, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional and based on the particular facts of the case, there is a signifcant likelihood of the fetus’s sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.
BS 9-18, 9-25, 10-9, 10-25.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FLOYD ERNEST WOOD, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-2024-96
Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Brenda Wood has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said 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 Brenda Wood, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
BS 9-18, 9-25, 10-2-24.
MNAXLP
REQUEST FOR BIDS (RFB)
Ravalli County The Board of Ravalli Coun-
ty Commissioners are soliciting bids (RFB) for the following: Replacement of Deteriorated landing and stairs at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana
GENERAL NOTES:
1. Contractor shall verify all dimensions and job site conditions before commencing work
and shall report any discrepancies to the Engineer.
2. Use written dimensions. Do not use scaled dimensions. Where no dimension is provided, consult the Engineer for clarifcation before proceeding with the work.
3. The Contractor is responsible for implementing job site safety and construction procedures in accordance with national, state, and local safety requirements. The design, adequacy and safety of erection bracing, shoring, temporary supports, etcetera is the sole responsibility of the Contractor and has not been considered by the Engineer. The Contractor is responsible for the stability of the structure prior to the completion of all gravity and lateral framing.
4. The Contractor will pay the Engineer for time and expense required to review, design, and coordinate items that were constructed not in conformance with these Construction Documents.
5. The Contractor is responsible for locating and the protection of all existing utilities and adjacent structures throughout all phases of construction.
DESIGN CRITERIA: 1. CODE: International Building Code, 2021 Edition (IBC).
2. DESIGN LOADS: FLOOR LOADS: DEAD = SELF-WEIGHT LIVE (EXIT) = 100 PSF CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE
1. Concrete properties shall be determined from designated Exposure Category F Class F3 as described in the latest edition of ACI 318, unless noted otherwise.
a. Minimum Compressive Strength: f’c = 4500 psi at 28 days, normal weight.
b. Maximum water/cement ratio limit (w/cm): 0.45
c. Air Content w/ 1 1/4” aggregate size = 6% +/- 1.5%
2. Maximum slump per Section 2.5.1 ACI 117: 3” +/1” for slabs and footings, 4” +/- 1” for walls, columns and beams.
3. Concrete shall be ready mixed in accordance w/ ASTM C94. Portland cement shall conform to ASTM C150, Type I or II. Normal weight aggregate shall conform to ASTM C33. 4. Curing compound shall conform to ASTM C309, Type 2, Class B.
5. All concrete shall have a minimum cementitious materi-
als content of 470 pounds per cubic yard, unless noted otherwise. Minimum cementitious materials content for foors shall be 540 pounds per cubic yard, unless noted otherwise.
6. Calcium Chloride shall not be added to concrete.
7. Material, mixing, placement and workmanship shall be in accordance with the requirements of the latest edition of the “Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete” (ACI 318). Each proposed concrete mix shall include test data.
8. Concrete Placement:
Cold weather is defned by ACI 306 as “The air temperature has fallen to, or is expected to fall below, 40°F”; when cold weather conditions exist, place concrete complying with ACI 306. Hot weather is defned by ACI 305 as “any combination 5 of high air temperature, low relative humidity, and wind velocity tending to impair the quality of fresh or hardened concrete or otherwise resulting in abnormal properties”; when hot weather conditions exist, place concrete complying with ACI 305.
9. Testing of composite samples of fresh concrete obtained according to ASTM C 172 shall be performed on at least one composite sample for each 100 cubic yard or fraction thereof of each concrete mixture placed each day. Cast and laboratory and/or feld cure at least two sets of two standard cylinder specimens for each composite sample according to ASTM C 31/C 31M. Test one set of two specimens at 7 days and one set of two specimens at 28 days according to ASTM C 39/C 39M. A compressive-strength test shall be the average compressive strength from a set of two specimens obtained from same composite sample and tested at age indicated. Strength of each concrete mixture will be satisfactory if every average of any three consecutive compressive-strength tests equals or exceeds specifed compressive strength and no compressive-strength test value falls below specifed compressive strength by more than 500 psi.
10. All Detailing, Fabrication, and Erection of reinforcing shall conform to latest edition of ACI “Manual of Standard Practice for Detailing Reinforced Concrete Structures” (ACI 315) and the current
“Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete” (ACI 318).
11. Reinforcing Steel:
ASTM A615 - Grade 40 for #3, Grade 60 for #4 and larger.
ASTM A706 – Where welding is required, at shear wall boundary elements (trim bars) and lateral frame elements
ASTM A185 – Welded Wire Reinforcement
12. The following minimum concrete cover shall be provided for reinforcement per ACI 318. Concrete cast against and permanently exposed to earth: 3” Concrete cast against forms and exposed to earth or weather:
#6 through #18 bars: 2”
#5 bar and smaller: 1-1/2”
Concrete not exposed to weather or in contact with ground Slabs, walls, joists: 3/4” Beams, columns: 1-1/2”
13. Unless noted otherwise, lap splices in concrete shall be class “B” tension lap splices (2’-0” minimum) per the latest edition of ACI 318. Stagger alternate splices a minimum of one lap length. Lap welded wire fabric so that the overlap between outermost cross wires of each sheet is
not less than the cross wire spacing plus 2 inches. All splice locations are subject to approval by Engineer and shall be made only where indicated on the drawings. Extend all horizontal reinforcing continuous around corners and intersections or provide bent corner bars to match and lap with horizontal bars at corners and intersections of footings and walls.
14. Provide bar supports and spacers to support all reinforcement in proper locations and wire adequately at intersections to hold bars frmly in position while concrete is placed. Bar supports and spacers which rest on or exposed surfaces shall be hot dipped galvanized or plastic coated.
15. Welding of reinforcement is not permitted unless specifcally noted or approved in writing by the Engineer.
An on-site project walk through can be scheduled with the Facilities Manager, Jesse Pittman, upon request via 406 375 6500.
Bids must be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second foor) Hamilton, Montana 59840 no later than MONDAY, SEPTEMBER
trative Assistant BS 9-18, 9-25-24. MNAXLP
NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION
Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for the Federal General Election to be held on November 5, 2024, will close at 5:00 PM on October 7, 2024.
*NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the Ravalli County Election Office up to and including on Election Day.
Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the Ravalli County Election Office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot.
All active and inactive electors of the County of Ravalli are entitled to vote at said election. Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Administrator in writing of the elector’s current address in the county.
Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Ravalli County Election Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration form and submitting it to the Ravalli County Elections Office.
If you are not sure of your current voter registration status, you can check your status online at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo, or you can call the Election Office at (406) 375-6550.
Dated this 12th day of September, 2024 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550
Please verify publication with affidavit – Thanks!
Bitter Root Land Trust under new management
Bitter Root Land Trust (BRLT) Executive Director, Gavin Ricklefs, announced that he will be transitioning from his seventeen-year leadership role with BRLT to become Managing Director for the Heart of the Rockies Initiative. The Bitter Root Land Trust Board of Directors has named current BRLT Development Director, Lauren Rennaker, as the new Executive Director.
The Heart of the Rockies Initiative is a regional partnership of 29 land trust members, including BRLT. Heart of the Rockies supports land trusts across the Rocky Mountain West in keeping working family farms, ranches, and timberlands in family hands through capacity assistance, collaborative fundraising, data sharing, and networking.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Lauren, the BRLT team, and the entire community to ensure BRLT remains true to its roots as a community-supported, local partner,” says Ricklefs. “Lauren has been a leader in conservation here in the Bitterroot for 17 years, as BRLT’s Development Director for the last seven, and I am so excited to welcome her to this new leadership role. I look forward to supporting the
BRLT staf and board of directors as they continue to build on a 27-year tradition of excellence in landowner-driven, locally led, private land conservation in our community.”
When Ricklefs joined BRLT as Director in 2008, the organization had a total of 1.5 staf. Since then, BRLT has grown to a team of 10 full-time staf and a volunteer board of directors of 13.
BRLT has worked with 60 families to conserve over 13,141 acres of Bitterroot Valley family farms and ranches, wildlife habitat, Bitterroot River and stream frontage, and community parks – including Skalkaho Bend and Steve Powell Parks in Hamilton, and the C. Ben White Memorial Fishing Access Site and Trail in Conner.
Ravalli County Commissioner Dan Huls says of the transition, “Gavin Ricklefs’ leadership of the Bitter Root Land Trust has been terrifc. He has led the organization to a status that has been recognized throughout Montana and also at the national level. His knowledge, enthusiasm and integrity has been an inspiration not only to BRLT staf but our community as well. Gavin’s work with the Ravalli County Open Lands Program has been critical to the program’s success and I am confdent that Lauren Rennaker will continue that good work. I want to congratulate both Gavin and Lauren in their step forward in the important work that land trusts will do in the future.”
appreciated and respected by future generations of Bitterroot residents and visitors.”
Rennaker brings to her new director role a wealth of knowledge and experience working for conservation nonprofts in the Bitterroot Valley. She has served as the BRLT Development Director since 2017 and, prior to that, was the Development Manager for Teller Wildlife Refuge in Corvallis.
“I am excited and humbled to have been selected as Gavin’s successor,” says Rennaker. “Gavin is not only a conservation leader in our community, but across the state and country. He leaves a strong, healthy organization who is committed to working every day to conserve what we all collectively cherish about our valley. I am incredibly honored to continue his conservation legacy by working hand-in-hand with our stellar BRLT board of directors and staf. I am continually inspired by our community’s deep passion for protecting our way of life and this exceptional place we call home.”
With a personal passion for the Bitterroot Valley’s agricultural heritage and rural way of life, Rennaker lives in Darby on a cattle ranch managed by her husband. They have ffth-generation, eight-year-old twins.
“At its core, BRLT’s work is about creating the space for our community to come together around shared values, specifcally our shared love of and reverence for the Bitterroot Valley,” says Ricklefs. “Fifty years from now, our community’s collective commitment to leaving a legacy of working lands, wildlife, clean water, unprecedented beauty, and world-class recreational opportunities will be
“During this transition, the BRLT team continues to be laser focused on partnering with our community to protect what we all love most about this valley,” says Rennaker. “We are currently working with nearly two dozen local families to conserve working lands, wildlife habitat, community access to recreation, and river and stream frontage to be protected in perpetuity over the next several years.”
Community members are invited to a celebration to welcome Rennaker as the new Executive Director and thank Ricklefs for his service and dedication at an open house on
September 22 from 4 to 7
Merle Unruh
Sunday,
p.m. at Skalkaho Bend Park in Hamilton, located at 500 Bailey Avenue. More details can be found on BRLT’s website, bitterrootlandtrust.org.
Above, Lauren Rennaker. Below, Gavin Ricklefs. Photo courtesy Bitter Root Land Trust.
Rodeo: just for kids
The Darby Rodeo Association will hold its first
Fire update
As of Monday, September 16
Johnson Fire (3 miles south of Springer Memorial Community, in the East Fork)
Cause: Lightning
Size: 6,687 acres
Completion: 42%
Personnel: 90
Firefghters continue to work alongside resource advisors from the Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) to implement suppression repair eforts using hand tools to pull back berms on constructed frelines. Three excavators are working to pull in berms on equipment lines constructed during initial attack.
Sharrott (3 miles west of Stevensville)
Cause: Lightning
Size: 3204 acres
Completion: 83%
Personnel: 218
Firefghters are coordinating with resource advisors from the Bitterroot National Forest to implement suppression repair eforts using hand tools to pull back berms where crews constructed frelines. Excavators continue to pull back berms on the northern and southern equipment lines constructed during initial attack. Wood chippers are working to break down large branches and tree trunks into smaller pieces, scattering available fuels alongside the constructed freline.
Daly and Railroad (Railroad and Skalkaho Creeks confuence, 26 miles southeast of Hamilton)
Cause: Undetermined
Size: Daly - 6813 acres, Railroad 1007 acres
Completion - Daly 25%, Railroad 35%
Personnel - 25 combined
Minimal fre activity is present, with no expected spread on the Railroad and Daly Fires. Crews removed structure protection equipment in the Gem Mountain area on Sunday and will continue with hazard mitigation along the Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38).
Area closures surrounding the fre areas are still in efect. These closures are necessary to protect the safety and welfare of the public and provide for safe frefghter and equipment operations and access. Fire managers are working in conjunction with BNF ofcials to assess the need and potential boundary changes, shrinking the afected areas within the closures. More information on Bitterroot National Forest area closures can be found at: https://www. fs.usda.gov/alerts/bitterroot/alerts-notices
All three incidents are downsizing as resources demobilize due to increased moisture and limited fre activity.
ever Kids Rodeo on Saturday, September 21 at the Darby Rodeo Arena from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cal Ruark, the president of the Darby Rodeo Association, said of the event, “We felt like we were leaving a big group of potential rodeo participants out of the equation by not having anything for the kids. So we decided to do something special just for them.”
The Kids Rodeo will be organized by three different groups. Group One will be kids up to 5 years old, Group Two is ages 6-10 and Group Three are ages 11-15.
“This is going to be a blast for them,” said Ruark. “It’s a free event. They get a free entrance, free registration and a free hot dog lunch after. They get to compete in different events and win prizes. We should have between 50-75 participants, and we’ll still take new entries at the gate. We don’t want to turn anyone down who wants to participate.”
The Kids Rodeo will consist of seven different events. Mutton Bustin’ (groups 1 & 2), Pole Bending (all groups), Dummy Roping (all groups), Stick Horse Barrel Race (group 1), Barrel Race (group 2 & 3), Boot Race (all groups), Goat Undecorating (all groups), and Steer Riding & Calf Riding (steers group 3 & calves group 2).
“Next year we hope to have three events during the summer for the kids,” said Ruark. “Overall our goal is to get people interested in rodeo at every level, so this works toward this goal. Little cowboys and cowgirls become big cowboys and cowgirls.”
This is a free event with free entrance, free registration, and free lunch to all the participants. The event is made possible by a partnership between the Darby Rodeo Association and Bitterroot Health. Donations will be accepted at the arena with all proceeds going to Emma’s House. For more information go to darbyrodeo.org.
Young girl Mutton Bustin’. Photo by John Rudow.
