Bitterroot Star - September 20, 2023

Home care not just for elderly, nonproft spreads word

by John Dowd

For many elderly in the valley, the regular trip to the hospital to visit a care provider can be difcult and time consuming. Whether it is simply the cost of gas to get there, or the time inconvenience to loved ones who make the regular journey with them, many older residents understandably dread going. However, according to Dyana Canavan, the Engagement and Development Coordinator with Partners in Home Care, there is another option.

Canavan has worked with healthcare for several years, and throughout that time has seen the difculties many face seeking their regular

treatments. This is one of the many reasons she jumped on board with the team at Partners in Home Care. Though out of Missoula, the non-profit serves many counties in western Montana, including Ravalli.

“People just aren’t aware of us and what we do,” said Canavan. “Not a lot of people out there know that we go beyond hospice.”

Partners in Home Care can serve any patient who needs regular trips to the hospital, not just the elderly. Canavan specifcally referenced veterans, but explained that anyone could beneft from receiving treatment in their own homes and “in the comfort of their own Lazy Boy, and even with their

loved ones in the kitchen, learning along with them.”

The organization has been around for 30 years and has what they call “a comprehensive suite of services,” including nursing, rehabilitation, speech therapy, emotional support, pain and symptom management, bereavement, mobility aid, home oxygen therapy, tele-health and more. They also ofer infusion therapy, home medical equipment and training, traditional hospice as well as aid in post surgery and trauma care, PAP therapy and many other services that increase quality of life, all without the patient needing to leave home.

Partners in Home Care is the only nationally accredited non-proft home care agen-

cy in western Montana. The program was co-founded by Community Medical Center and St. Patrick Hospital, both in Missoula. According to Director of Business Development, Dustin McIntyre, “Our mission has always been to provide a helping hand and source of solace to those navigating the complexities of the healthcare ecosystem… As we continue to ofer our comprehensive healthcare services to additional regions throughout the state of Montana, we are excited to make an impact on even more lives.”

The organization’s inception was a way to give patients another, more comfortable and convenient option for regular care. The organization boasts a team of

nurses, social workers, rehabilitation professionals and nurse aids to give the best care possible. Their hospice care is available seven days a week, at all hours of the day. According to Canavan, “Our staf genuinely care about our patients, and I am genuinely proud of where I work. That is not something I have always been able to say.”

“We’ve always been excited to be a part of the Ravalli, Lake and Mineral County communities,” added McIntyre. Interested patients must get a referral from their current provider, after being seen. More information can be found on the organization website, at www.partnersinhomecare.org, or by calling (406)327-3700.

SPRAY: weed treatment by helicopter to start late Sept.

Continued from page 1

bicides available,” said Diane Bessler-Hackett, Rangeland Management Specialist. “They are recognized as having low use rates, little to no toxicity to humans, low toxicity to non-target organisms, and low potential for groundwater contamination.”

The helicopter is based out of Hamilton, with various staging areas throughout the forest, determined by the area currently being treated. The emphasis is on controlling non-native, annual cheatgrass and spotted knapweed on critical big-game winter ranges, enhancing native vegetation species, stabilizing soils, and reducing erosion. Treating cheatgrass also greatly minimizes the risk of a wildfre by the reduction in fne fuels and diminishes the threat of shorter fre intervals in the future.

Treatment of these aggressive species has become a priority for many agencies in the western United States. Partnering with the Ravalli County Weed District, this treatment is being funded through grants from the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP), and the Ravalli County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). The grants will fund integrated weed treatment on approximately 35,000 acres of the forest over the next 4 years, to include herbicide treatment, reseeding, and biological control.

The ability to spray aerially is a result of the 2003 Environmental Impact Statement for Invasive Plant Management. Specifc questions about the project should be directed to Diane Bessler-Hackett, Rangeland Management Specialist, at (406) 241-1791.

REFUGE: Lone Rock School received birding tools

Continued from page

1

the closest schools in the valley to the refuge and that it was a size the organization could afford to donate to, are reasons why the Friends of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge chose Lone Rock to receive the donations. This donation is what they are calling a pilot program, and the group plans to donate the same to more schools in the valley.

According to DoBell, the reason second and seventh graders are the ones getting the donations is because, “The curriculum aligns at those grade levels.” With seventh graders starting Montana history, it “connects the two disciplines” of wildlife and state history. DoBell believes the books and binoculars “expand opportunities for kids to get to know their surroundings.”

Though Lone Rock was chosen first because of its size, being the only K-8 school left in the valley, the group wants to grow the program. The organization hopes other school districts will reach out with interest in the birding donation program.

Robert DoBell, Paul Hayes, Mary Hayes, Chris Scranton and Pam Scranton show of the birding book and binocular combination going to second and seventh graders at Lone Rock School District. Photo by John Dowd.

Donate Your Car When you donate your car, you’ll receive:

Friends of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge receives the money for donations like the books and binoculars from the state. They are part of a license plate program they signed on to in 2004. This program cost the organization $4,000 to start, and allowed them to create the art for a license plate anyone in the state can buy. The initial cost of a plate is $35, according to Mary Hayes. $20 of that goes to the organization, and with each plate renewal, an additional $20 gets donated to them also. Every month, Friends of the Refuge receives a check from the State of Montana.

& FREE TOWING & TAX DEDUCTIBLE a $200 restaurant voucher ✔ a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations Call 1-855-901-2620

RADIO: Local radio legend talks past, present and future of radio

Broadcasting owns 11 other stations, mostly throughout western Montana. The stations they own include numerous genres in their broadcasts, and much of what they try to feature is local content.

When the company bought the station, they planned on keeping Fullerton. However, nearly a year later, Fullerton decided it was time to retire.

“We were very sad to see him go,” said Dennis Anderson, owner of Anderson Broadcasting. Fortunately, said Anderson, Fullerton has ofered to keep himself available to the company for advice and guidance.

According to Anderson, he and his wife, Nyla, started the broadcasting company, and have tried to keep their stations as local as possible. Dennis explained that locality

is deeply important to them. In this endeavor for KLYQ, there are some new projects on the horizon to get more involved with the community. The company is partnering with Northern News Network, out of Billings, which covers strictly Montana news. Soon, they will broadcast two to three minute newscasts up to six times a day. According to Dennis, though he loves national news, they want to bring more things that locals will be interested in. The broadcasting company has also become part of the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce, and they are constantly working to further their engagement with the community. Anderson Broadcasting is also looking to hire more people from the valley to keep KLYQ even more local. “I have always been the

kind of person that believes in community service,” said Dennis, “which is what Steve did really well - having that community connection.”

When asked if there will be a new “Voice of the Bitterroot,” Dennis’s response was interesting. As of this week, there is no one available to take on the mantle. However, the plan for the station is to look to “refll that void.”

Pack goats pose for camera

As for Fullerton, he is optimistic about the future of radio in the valley, and in general. He believes there are several avenues radio may take to stay alive. When asked about the internet, Fullerton said, “Hand in hand, they can live together,” considering radio and the internet. Fullerton spoke about radio and video snippets posted online on various radio news stations, and how that is already positively afecting generated interest

from the public. “Guys that thought they were going to be radio broadcasters using their voices are realizing they need a little bit of journalism skill, and that’s something they are going to have to adapt to,” added Fullerton.

He was also optimistic about podcasts, explaining that listeners have “the option to either listen live, or after the fact, when you have time to do it.” However, added Fullerton, “Radio is free, and that’s one of the keys to its popularity.”

He believes subscription services are a mistake, and that “local advertising is the key.”

As to where it is all going, Fullerton said, “That answer is being developed as you and I are talking.” Fullerton explained how technology is always changing and new technology “seems to hide what came before.” However, he believes radio will be around for a while yet.

As to Fullerton’s future, he is extremely active in the

community, and plans to continue this involvement. He is also excited to announce his interest in working with the Ravalli County Museum. He is interested in going through old recorded reels the station has from the early days of valley radio. Members of the museum have shown an interest in helping display the recordings for the public to access. In that way, maybe one day soon, residents of the valley will be able to again hear Floyd Cramer’s “Last Date,” which was one of the original sign-of tunes of the station. According to Fullerton, many long-time locals remember returning to the valley at night to the tune and thinking, “I’m home.” More information about the radio station can be found at www.KLYQ.com and comments on broadcasts and station subjects directed towards Anderson Broadcasting can be sent to the email, info@andersonbroadcasting.com.

‘Trashy’ challenge at Lolo

For the second year in a row, the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, located on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is challenging the public to help beautify their public lands to celebrate Public Lands Day. Last year, visitors to our forests picked up 784 pounds of trash, which is about the weight of an adult male grizzly bear. This year, forest staf have laid down the gauntlet, challenging our visitors to exceed last year’s massive haul and efort.

Visitors can participate by bringing trash that they pick up on the trails, roads, and campgrounds of our forests to the staf at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center on Monday September 18th and Thursday, September 21st through Sunday September 23rd where it will be weighed and tallied. We cannot accept biohazardous material and strongly suggest wearing protective gear such as

gloves; free gloves and trash bags will be available at the Lolo Pass Visitor Center.

Interpretive Specialist Sam Berglund issued the challenge, explaining: “People visiting our forests have an opportunity to do a simple but important project that can contribute to improve conditions on their public lands. Every little bit counts. You can spend all week or just 5 minutes and be a part of keeping your public lands pristine.”

September 23rd is the 30th annual National Public Lands Day. All throughout the country, people connect with and celebrate their connection with the environment in the largest volunteer day of service for our public lands. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, as the ffth largest National Forest in the U.S. is proud to participate and help foster the connection between people and the land that this holiday celebrates.

“Leo,” one of Forsaken Ranch pack goats, poses for the camera as they descend down the Rock Creek divide. Photo taken by Tristan Williams.

New laws already having positive impact on safety

The 2023 legislative session wrapped up less than fve months ago. Many bills don’t go into efect until October 1st of this year, January 1st of next year, or later. But several of the bills that became law this spring and summer are already having a noticeable impact in Montana.

Perhaps the most stark example of this is prosecuting human trafcking.

Before the 2023 Legislature, no one had ever been convicted under Montana’s old laws against human trafcking, with the outdated laws not providing law enforcement the tools they needed. That changed in July when prosecutors in Gallatin County charged 18 people on prostitution and human trafcking counts.

What was the reason for the sudden change? House Bill 112 by Billings Republican Rep. Jodee Etchart, which strengthened Montana’s laws against human trafcking and went into efect on April 19th.

Also on the matter of public safety, the vacancy rate of prison guard and correctional ofcer positions at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge has been reduced by about half since the Legislature enacted pay increases and made a major investment in the prison’s infrastructure.

Housing is another area of concern that’s beginning to see positive impacts from work done in the recent legislative session. Cities are updating their zoning codes to be more friendly toward build-

by

ing afordable starter homes, with some, like Whitefsh, explicitly saying they wouldn’t have done so without a mandate from the Legislature. One new law passed by Republicans is already being credited with the creation of 162 new housing units in Missoula.

Senate Bill 295 from Ethridge Republican Sen. Butch Gillespie set the stage for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to begin taking steps for Montana to assume management of grizzly bears. Thanks to that legislation, the state should be ready to conserve and manage grizzly populations when the federal government relinquishes its control over the bears.

And perhaps most obviously, hundreds of thousands of Montanans now have more money in their pocket thanks to tax relief passed by Republicans. Families have received thousands of dollars in property tax and income tax rebates in the few short months since legislators left Helena.

Whether it’s public safety, housing, wildlife conservation, tax relief, or any of a whole host of other issues, the Legislature has a real, tangible impact on the lives and wellbeing of Montanans. Even more good results will be on the way as additional legislation goes into efect.

tor Manzella chaired a meeting in

Vision for people-focused Secretary of State’s ofce

downtown hotel to root out unsubstantiated fraud in Montana’s elections paid for in part by the “America Project”. What local corruption is senator Manzella focused on? Why money from a Florida non-proft being

columns and letters appearing elsewhere on this page, to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given expressing appreciation for a specifc, out-of-the-ordinary number (for verifcation, not publication) are required.

expressing appreciation for a specifc, out-of-the-ordinary number (for verifcation, not publication) are required.

Germany after the First World War and the apparent threat of Communism after the Russian Revolution at about the same time.

the Russian Revolution at about the same time.

Yes, the First Amendment to the Constitution does defend the right to free speech, but surely no kind and caring person believes that that includes threats and intimidation or incitement to riot,

speak on my behalf and my families behalf. His claim to fame is co-chair of the Ravalli County Collaborative Board. Which is a liaison between us and the Forest Service? He has spent a lot of time throwing mud at

Montana holds a special place in our hearts. It’s not only a place of breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountains, and endless horizons - it’s where I’ve built my life, my business, and where I’ve witnessed, time and time again, the strength and resilience of its people. I’m Jesse James Mullen, and I’m running to be your Secretary of State because I believe in Montana’s potential and our collective ability to shape a brighter future.

Yes, the First Amendment to the Constitution does defend the right to free speech, but surely no kind and caring person believes that that includes threats and intimidation or incitement to riot,

our democracy, and I’m dedicated to upholding them.

Bitterroot Star staf

Bitterroot Star staf

As the owner of rural, weekly newspapers in Montana, I’ve spent years listening to the stories from our far-fung communities. I founded my company right here in Deer Lodge, and I’ve watched it grow from two newspapers and three employees to an operation spanning the Rocky Mountain West. This journey helped me understand the needs and concerns of our citizens and businesses from Miles City to Missoula.

Jesse Mullen

Jesse Mullen Owner

Montana deserves leaders who are not only well-versed in business but who also possess a profound understanding of the unique needs of our people. It’s time for leadership that prioritizes Montanans over personal gain or partisan interests. My campaign refects this unwavering commitment to you—the people of Montana.

Jesse Mullen Owner

Information about

Information about

Printing information

From protecting our natural resources to en suring our seniors age comfortably and securely, I believe in creating policies that enhance the well-being of every Montanan. I have always echoed these values: clean and healthful environments, support for seniors, and economic policies prioritizing our working families over corporations.

Printing information

Throughout my career, I’ve seen frsthand the power of the press in giving voice to the voiceless and holding those in power to account. It’s exactly this commitment to transparency and accountability that I aim to bring to the ofce of Secretary of State. We speak to the importance of fair and open elections, accessible voter registration, and secure ballot counting, but for our current election executive that’s nothing more than lip service and empty promises. These principles are at the core of

The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot idea or want some event publicized, call us at 406-777-3928.

Our Mission

I see our state’s challenges, from senior homelessness to ever-increasing property taxes, and I’m ready to address them head-on. My campaign is about building bridges between our rural and urban communities, and recognizing that Montana’s diversity is our strength.

The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot idea or want some event publicized, call us at 406-777-3928.

Our Mission

The Bitterroot Star is a team of caring individuals who ethically Correction Policy

The Bitterroot Star strives to be accurate. If you see a factual Our View/Letters

The Bitterroot Star is a team of caring individuals who ethically Correction Policy

The Bitterroot Star strives to be accurate. If you see a factual Our View/Letters

I’m deeply invested in the future of Montana, a place flled with every potential. Our journey to success begins with engaged citizens like you. Together, we can shape a Montana that works for all, where opportunity is accessible to every individual, and where our democracy is transparent and secure.

Star editorials sometimes appear at the top of this page columns and letters appearing elsewhere on this page, to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given expressing appreciation for a specifc, out-of-the-ordinary number (for verifcation, not publication) are required.

Star editorials sometimes appear at the top of this page columns and letters appearing elsewhere on this page, to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given expressing appreciation for a specifc, out-of-the-ordinary number (for verifcation, not publication) are required.

Join me on this journey as we work tirelessly to make Montana’s future as bright as its big sky. Together, we can ensure that the values and principles we hold dear are refected in every corner of our great state. It’s time for a Secretary of State who truly understands and represents the interests of Montanans. Let’s make it happen, Montana!

Jesse James Mullen is the founder of Montana-based Mullen Newspaper Company. He is a Democratic candidate for Secretary of State.

Senator Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, is the president of the Montana Senate.

Jason Ellsworth

Calendar continued

ville.

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

Health and wellness classes

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

Pancake breakfast

Florence American Legion Post 134 is serving a free pancake breakfast on the frst Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall. For more information call Bob Davis, 406-493-5484.

Flu shot clinic Flu shots will be given by Ridgeway Pharmacy at Stevensville Senior Center on Wednesday, September 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Bring your insurance cards.

NV Library events

Library Board Meeting – Wednesday, Sept 20 at 3pm

Meetings are open to the public. Agendas are posted on the website the Friday before the meeting and can be viewed at https:// www.northvalleylibrary.org/board-information.

If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@northvalleylibrary. org or you can email board members directly.

A link to Trustee contact information can be found at https://www.northvalleylibrary.org/ board-information.

How to Use Your Android Phone –Thursday, Sept 21 at 6:30pm

This workshop is for those who have a new Android phone, or are considering getting one, and want to learn more about the basic functions. Participants will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, learn how to use their new phone, identify common apps, and build confdence in using their device safely. Those who attend a technology workshop at NVPL will be entered to win a free laptop at the end of the year.

Bison Archeology in Glacier National Park featuring Kyle Langley – Monday, Sept 25 at 6pm

Long ago, before the Going the Sun Road or the Sperry Chalet, Glacier National Park was once home to bison. While today visitors can still experience bears, goats and moose, the bison no longer graze in the meadows and valleys below the towering peaks. This presentation will explore what is known and not known about the bison who once roamed in these rugged mountains and the people who for centuries lived with and relied on these bison. This presentation will also review recent research into bison in Glacier, including some preliminary results which have yet to be published. Please note: This event is a live stream program; the presenter will not be in-person at NVPL.

Back Country Horsemen

The Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen is hosting their monthly meeting Thursday, September 21st, at the Corvallis Grange Hall, 130 Dutch Hill Rd, just west of the light at Hwy 93 and Woodside Cutof. Potluck at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7 p.m. This month the

club is pleased to welcome Tracey Hawkins who will be discussing Riding Basics: From Trail To Arena. How every ride is an opportunity to improve skills and performance. Guests and new members are welcome. For more information, call Gene at 208-310-6326 or check out the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot.

Driver safety course

Bitterroot Health (formerly Marcus Daly Hospital), located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, is hosting an ALL NEW 2023 AARP Driver Safety Course on Friday, September 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. While this new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The new program features laws and up-dates specifc to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, new Vehicle Technologies, to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no tests or written exams and Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers. Certifcates are good for 3 years! Class fee: $20.00, AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. For class sign up call Jones Korman Insurance at 406-363-6583. For further information call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 406-369-0149.

Ravalli County Recycling

members meeting

If you have recycled glass with us or volunteered at glass recycling you are considered a member and are invited. RCR is a 501c3 nonproft and the annual meeting is a requirement for keeping our nonproft status. This year they need to vote on one board ofcer and vote to change a part of the mission statement. The RCR annual meeting this year will be held at Homestead Organics (175 Skalkaho Hwy, Hamilton) on September 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. If you’ve volunteered or recycled glass with Ravalli Recycling in the past year, come join the meeting/potluck/party. We’ll have a short meeting, then share a delicious Bitterroot potluck, get to know other recyclers, and of course end by singing our recycling song (original words by Jef Hahn to the tune of “Jumpin Jack Flash”) AND there will be door prizes. For more information contact janicling@gmail.com.

Accordion Club

5 Valley Accordion Club will hold a Dance and Jam on Sept. 24th from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rustic Hut in Florence. $7 admission at the door. Swing, waltz, polka, two-step and more. All come to have a good time!

The club will hold two dances in October: October 8th at the Missoula Senior Center. Cofee and water are provided. October 22nd at Rustic Hut in Florence. Halloween costumes are welcomed and prizes are given. All events are from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is $7 at the door. All are welcome! The more the merrier!

Coding for Kids

Coding for Kids fall classes are now open for registration! Many fun options for grades 1st-12th. Classes start Sept. 25th at Stevensville Middle School so sign up soon at www. CodingBitterroot.org.

Fish & Wildlife Assn.

The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association’s general meeting will be Monday, September 25th, 6:30 p.m. at the Daly Leach Community Room, 1010 W. Main St. in Hamilton. Guest speakers will be Blade Lane, D/U Representative and Adam Strainer, FWP fsheries biologist from Helena. Adam will be giving a presentation on Hauser and Holter Lakes. General meetings are open to the public and guests are invited to attend.

Republican Women Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, September 26 at 11:30 a.m. at BJ’s

Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be Greg Overstreet who will talk about how to destroy a perfectly good state.

Eagles bingo

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

African Children’s Choir

The Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene located at 803 Fifth Avenue, Victor, is hosting the African Children’s Choir. The concert will be held on October 1, 2023 at 10 a.m. This is a free concert, but a free will ofering will be taken. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Library book sale

The annual Big Book Sale to beneft the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will be held the frst weekend in October in the library Community Room. The sale will take place October 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. and October 7 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The best selection will be available on Oct. 6 and will be priced accordingly, with prices lowered on Oct. 7. A bag sale is planned for the last hour of the sale on Oct. 7, with a bag of books selling for one low price. Book donations will be accepted at the library Oct. 2-5 during regular business hours. The NVPL Foundation and its Friends of the Library committee are presenting the sale. For more information, contact Carla at (406) 777-7318.

Soroptimist scholarship fundraiser

Soroptimist International of Hamilton is excited to announce the “Spark the Future” scholarship fundraiser. The Soroptimist organization supports the girls and women of Ravalli County. Last year over $40,000 funding awards and scholarships beneftted 18 women. They are hoping with the help of our generous community, they can reach this year’s goal of $45,000. The Online Silent Auction will be from October 8-13th. The Live Auction and Dessert Dash will be on Thursday, October 12th at the Bitterroot River Inn from 6 to 9 p.m. Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided by The Crave Catering and there will be a no-host bar. The cost is $60.00 per person. Go to sihamilton.org for more information about how to participate in the Online Silent Auction or purchase tickets to attend the Live Auction.

Local craft fairs

“Falliday” at Stevi Methodist Fellowship Hall and “Fall into Christmas” at St. Mary’s Family Center will be held Saturday, October 14. Two Stevensville churches are holding craft fairs on the same day this year, Saturday, October 14 from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. St. Mary’s Parish and Stevensville Methodist Women are coordinating and cross-advertising. Both feature local artisans and crafters, and food is available at both. Enjoy some early Christmas shopping!

Heritage group fundraiser

The Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group of Darby is having a Chili Cookof and Birdhouse Competition fundraiser on Saturday, October 14 at the Darby Community Clubhouse from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you believe your chili is the best, make a crockpot of chili and bring it down. There are three entry levels: Novice under 18, Home Cooks, Professional Chefs. There is a $10 entry fee and prizes will be awarded for 1st through 3rd place. Chili, lovers: come pick the best chili. $5 entitles you to taste all the chili and pick the best. There will also be a birdhouse competition. There is a $10 entry fee. Your birdhouse will be donated for a silent auction (but you can keep it if you must). Vendors are also welcome. The table fee is $20. For more information call Laurie Owings Smith at 406-370-5539.

Bridge Class

Bridge lessons ofered for anyone wanting to learn the game or brush up. Weekly classes start Thursday, Oct. 26 and end Dec. 21. Call for more information: Pam (406) 361-5723 or Robbie (562) 857-7189.

Medicare 101 workshop

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

Overview: Come to a Medicare workshop to talk about Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. What they cover and don’t cover. When you can enroll. How eligibility works. RSVP: if you can to 406-8524988 or charlene@medicareadvocates.com.

Hamilton Golf Invite held

The golf teams of Stevensville, Hamilton, and Corvallis competed alongside Ronan, Frenchtown, Butte Central, Dillon, Columbia Falls, and Libby in the 2023 Hamilton Invite at the Hamilton Golf Club on Friday, September 15th. Individually for the boys, Corvallis’s Brady Powell scorched the feld, shooting a three under 69 to win by two strokes. Hamilton’s Cole Dickemore shot an even par 72 for 3rd place, Corvallis’s Tag and Tate Jessop tied for 5th, Hamilton’s Tyce O’Connell took 7th, and Stevensville’s Selwyn Hackett tied for 9th.

Individually for the girls, Hamilton’s Emma Hollingsworth and Cameron Burnett both shot 84 to tie for 3rd, Hamilton’s Brooklyn Brown took 5th, Stevensville’s Cambree Praast

took 7th, and Hamilton’s Bryn Cianfone took 8th.

In the girls’ team standings, Hamilton took 1st place. In the boys’ team standings, Corvallis took 1st place, Hamilton tied for 3rd, and Stevensville took 7th.

The Bitterroot Valley golf teams play in the Class A Western Divisionals in Whitefsh starting on Thursday, September 21st.

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Volleyball Roundup

The Lady Broncs volleyball team is of to a strong start, going 5-0 to start the season. Hamilton is led by frst year head coach Nikki Schlesser. “The season has been really great so far,” said Schlesser. “We have a solid group of girls with tons of potential.” Schlesser continued, “Everyone is starting to learn their roles on the team. We have a lot of talent and the girls are really pushing each other to get better.”

Hamilton played Stevensville in Stevensville on Tuesday, September 12th in an all Bitterroot Valley matchup. The Lady Broncs got the hot hand early and cruised to a 3-0 victory over the Lady ‘Jackets (25-11, 25-20, 2516). For Hamilton, Ciara Hanley and Mya Winkler had 10 kills, Cierra Cole had 10 aces, and Dawson Ekin had 15 assists.

On Saturday, Hamilton defeated Dillon 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-20).

Coach Schlesser was happy with the win. “The girls had to dig deep to beat Dillon,” said Schlesser, “but they

stayed focused and got it done.”

For Hamilton, Aurie Duncan had 8 kills, Mya Winkler had 6 aces and 3 blocks, and Layna Price had 14 digs, and Dawson Ekin had 15 assists.

The Florence girls are of to a strong start this season, going 6-0 to start the year. They played host to Loyola on Thursday, September 14th and the Lady Falcons won 3-1 (25-10, 22-25, 25-19, 25-20). For Florence, Maggie Schneiter had 21 assists, Ava Philbrick had 10 kills, and Ella Goeltz had 14 digs.

The Darby girls went to Arlee on Thursday, September 14th and won 3-1 (26-24, 20-25, 25-19, 25-18). Then on Saturday they hosted Troy and won 3-2 (14-25, 25-22, 14-25, 25-22, 15-7). In the Troy game, Kimberly Berry had 3 aces, 5 kills, and 7 digs, Kadence Fisher had 5 kills and 2 assists, Lilly Bennett had 5 kills and 5 blocks, and Georgia Fisher had 4 kills and 8 digs.

The Victor girls played at Valley Christian on Thursday, September 14th and lost 0-3 (17-25, 19-25, 9-25).

The Hamilton girls volleyball team preparing to start their game at Stevensville on Tuesday, September 12th. The Lady Broncs are 5-0 on the young season with wins over Stevensville and Dillon last week. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Corvallis’s Brady Powell with a smooth follow through at the 2023 Hamilton Invite. Powell shot a three under 69 to win the tournament by two strokes. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Darby Tigers pounce on Pirates

On September 16th, the football teams from Darby and Victor clashed in Victor on a hot fall Saturday.

Darby controlled the frst half behind a solid running attack and a stout defense, and led 26-0 at halftime.

Darby scored early in the second half to make it 34-0, but Victor kept fghting and scored three times down the stretch to keep it close. In the end

Darby had too much frepower for the Pirates and held on for the 48-20 victory.

Darby is 2-2 on the season, their two losses came to the #4 and #5 ranked teams in the state.

Darby’s head coach, John Steiner, is happy with his team’s progress so far this year, “We’re a young team,” said Steiner.”

I’m starting a lot of freshmen and guys that have never played before. But we have talent, so we should only get better as the season goes on.”

Darby’s McCoy Townsend had a big day, rushing for 137 yards and scoring 4 TDs. Payton Ehmann rushed for 72 yards and scored 2 TDs, Brad Reasor rushed for 94 yards, and John

Dickens rushed for 87 yards, including a 60-yard TD run.

Although Victor has struggled to fnd the win column this year, Victor’s head coach, Darren Gossett, is optimistic about his team. “I honestly love this group of kids,” said Gos-

Football Recap: Bitterroot blowouts

The Corvallis football team continues to impress as they bounced Butte Central 53-0 on Friday, September 15th in Butte. This was the first time in school history Corvallis beat Butte Central in Butte. The win moved the Blue Devils to 4-0 on the season, and they’re the #5 ranked Class A team in the latest 406mtsports.com poll.

Corvallis’s Head Coach Josh McCrossin is excited about his team’s success this year. “I feel that our team has solid depth across all of our position groups,” said McCrossin. “That has led to great matchups and competition during practice.” McCrossin continued, “This group has done a lot of work to get here, and I’m so happy to see them experience the rewards for their discipline, dedication, and trust in our coaching staff.”

In the Butte game, Corvallis’s Gideon Boswell had not one, but two first quarter punt return touchdowns, one for 84 yards and one for 53 yards. QB Aydan Mayn threw for 2 TDs and ran for another, Levi Reynoso ran for two TDs, Logan Avery rushed for 113 yards and scored a TD, and Bennett Boelman had a 25yard interception return for a touchdown. Corvallis looks to continue

their winning ways at Libby on Friday, September 22nd at 7 p.m.

The Hamilton Broncs, 406mtsports. com’s #1 ranked Class A team, made the short trip north to face valley foe Stevensville on Friday, September 15th. Hamilton controlled the game throughout as the YellowJackets just didn’t have the manpower to deal with a deep and physical Hamilton squad. The Broncs led 28-0 after the first quarter and 41-0 at halftime and won 41-7.

Stevensville next plays at Ronan on Friday, September 22nd at 7 p.m. Hamilton has a bye week, then hosts Frenchtown on Friday, September 29th.

The Florence Falcons, the #1 Class B team (406mtsports. com), continue to dominate. On Friday, September 15th, they hosted Conrad for their homecoming game and crushed the Cowboys, 77-0. They were up 35-0 after one quarter and 56-0 at halftime. Mason Arlington threw 4 TDs, with Drew Wagner and Tyler Abbott each catching 2 TD passes. The Falcon defense scored three TDs. Florence’s next game is at Whitehall on Friday, September 22nd at 7 p.m.

sett. “We are really young but we fght hard. We’re getting better each week!”

For Victor, Evan Silva rushed for 88 yards and had 10 tackles, Logan Jenne had a rushing TD and had 5 tackles, Eli Jones rushed for 60 yards and threw 2 TDs, Alec Rowlan caught two TD passes, Price Johnson had 7 tackles, and Jace Martin had 3 interceptions (2 on PATs).

Darby hosts Charlo on Friday, September 22nd at 7 p.m. Victor hosts Mission on Saturday, September 23rd at 1 p.m. for their Homecoming game.

Bitterroot Valley Soccer

The Corvallis and Stevensville soccer teams met in Stevensville on Saturday, September 16th. The boys’ game was a close, competitive match ending in a 2-2 tie. Corvallis got goals from Cole Herminghaus and Enzio Monnier, while Stevensville’s David Beames and Evan Montague each scored for the ‘Jackets.

In the girls’ match, Stevensville defeated Corvallis, 4-0. Stevenville’s Holly St. Germain had 3 goals and Cambree Praast added a goal.

On Thursday, the Lady ‘Jackets defeated Frenchtown, 9-1. Holly St. Germain had 4 goals, Maya Peretto had a hat trick, and Nevaeh Meeder and Millie Shepp each scored a goal.

The Stevensville boys also played Frenchtown on Thursday and won, 7-3. Stevi’s David Beames had 4 goals, and Spencer Moore, Cole Germane, and Umah Sodagar each had goals.

The Hamilton girls continued to impress, going 3-0 last week.

The biggest win came on Saturday, September 16th against Whitefsh, a team who beat the Lady Broncs in the State semi-fnal game last year. Whitefsh took a 1-0 lead into halftime, but Hamilton responded in the second half with goals by Hannah Hughes and Megan Vasquez to get the 2-1 victory and cement their place as a contender for a state title.

On Thursday, they defeated Loyola, 8-0. Greta Gantz and Hannah Hughes each had hat tricks, while Ellie Hughes and Gwen Wolfe each had a goal.

On Tuesday, September 12th, they defeated Frenchtown, 11-1. Hannah Hughes had a hat trick, Taylor McCarthy had 2 goals, and Lauren Nelson, Tricia Wilson, Mariah Johnson, Ellie Hughes, Anna Lewis, and Julia Seifert each scored a goal.

The Hamilton boys lost to perennial power Whitefsh on Saturday, September 16th, 0-4. On Tuesday, September 12th they defeated Frenchtown, 2-1.

A Victor runner gets knocked out of bounds by a Darby defender on Saturday, September 16th in Victor. The Darby Tigers defeated the Victor Pirates 48-20 in the all Bitterroot Valley matchup. Photo by Scott Sacry.

A Darby defender makes a perfect form tackle on a Victor runner. Darby was victorious over Victor 48-20 in their matchup on September 16th. Photo by Scott Sacry.

William Charles Molenda

Bill was born February 6, 1942 to Charles and Helen (Abbey) Molenda in Hamilton. He crossed over the River Jordan on September 14, 2023 at the age of 81. At the tender age of two his father was killed in a logging accident and a few years later his mother met and married Pat Morris from Gibbonsville and the family grew up in the Darby area most of their lives. Bill attended Darby school all but one year in Butte. He graduated Darby High School in 1960 and Western Montana College in 1970.

He pulled lumber of the green chain at Waleswood Sawmill to pay for college and then taught woodworking, drafting, math, carpentry and algebra at Darby High School for 17 years.

He met a beautiful young waitress, Verna How-

erton, at a dance at the Como Schoolhouse in the winter of 1969 and married her three months later, accepting her three small children as his own. Together they built the family home just south of town where he enjoyed his woodworking and reloading shops. Bill was an avid hunter and fsherman as well as a local carpenter and handyman around town. His biggest joy was playing bluegrass music where he and Verna made hundreds of lifelong friends.

Our dad was on the mountaintop overlooking Trapper Peak and enjoying the day spent with one of his dearest friends when he was called home. As he would say, “What a way to go!”

He is survived by his four children: Earl Shewmake, Jeniece Howerton-Palmer, Marvin Shew-

make and Grace Shewmake; his sisters: Judy McCrossin and Sharon Hoblitt; grandchildren: Eric Shewmake, Amy Englehardt, Ronald Vincent, Levi Vincent, and Samantha Fonken; great grandchildren: Alexandria, Nathan, Chance, Landen, Ariana, Ross, Colter, Ripp, Avi, Milo,Talon, Noland, and Luka. He was preceded in death by his wife Verna, his grandsons, Brandon, James, Todd and Chad. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 23rd from 3-6 p.m. at the Daly-Leach Chapel. A Celebration of his life will be on Sunday, September 24th at 2 p.m. at the Darby Community Clubhouse with a potluck and music following. Contributions may be made to the Rocky Mountain Bluegrass Association or the Como Schoolhouse.

Montana VA to hold virtual women’s town hall

Montana VA is excited to announce a virtual women Veterans town hall will take place on Thursday, Sept. 21, beginning at 5:00 p.m. To join the conversation, Veterans can call (833) 560-2071 or livestream the townhall at www.access.live/MontanaVAWomenVets or from Montana VA’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/VAMontana).

At the town hall, women Veterans will be introduced to their care team and learn about services ofered to all enrolled female Veterans.

Providers who will be presenting on their services and available for questions include the Women Veteran Program Manager, GYN nurse practitioner, Maternity and Fertility Nurse Navigator, Breast Health Nurse Navigator, Cervical Health Nurse Navigator, Pelvic Health Program Coordinator, Women’s Health Pharmacist, Intimate Partner Violence Program

Coordinator, and primary care and mental health experts.

“2023 marks the 100th year that the Veterans Health Administration has had the honor of serving women Veterans, and Montana VA continues with strong momentum into the next 100 years,” said Montana VA Women Veteran Program Manager, Sue Calentine. “Our Montana VA women Veterans healthcare team continues to grow and provide more services with compassionate and expert care. We invite all women Veterans to join the town hall and meet their Montana VA care team!”

Some of the services available to women Veteran through Montana VA include ultrasounds, mammograms,

Pap and HPV tests, mental health care and counseling, lifestyle wellness services, menopause treatment (including hormonal therapy), pelvic foor support, pharmacy, and reproductive care (family planning, contraceptive care, and infertility evaluation). Each pregnant Veteran also has an interdisciplinary care team to support them through pregnancy and after, with post-partum 12-month management.

Montana VA serves over 4,000 women Veterans. Each Montana VA primary care provider has national credentials specifcally to provide women’s healthcare and Montana VA has numerous programs specifcally to support women Veterans.

The second part of the town hall is held for Veterans’ questions. Representatives from Montana VA Health Care System and Veterans Benefts Administration will be available to provide answers.

Montana VA serves over 47,000 enrolled Veterans across Montana—an area roughly 147,000 square miles in size. Veterans are cared for by a staf of 1,400 at 18 sites of care across the state. One third of Montana VA employees are Veterans. Veterans can connect to their VA healthcare records, information, and message their VA care teams 24 hours a day through the MyHealtheVet patient portal (https:// www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portalweb/how-to-use-mhv). Montana VA information, updates, and events are available on the Montana VA website (https://www.va.gov/montana-healthcare) and Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/VAMontana).

Counties seek transparency in property tax calculations

Montana counties are taking a proactive stance on property tax concerns by formally requesting clarity and accountability from the Montana Department of Revenue (DOR). In letters addressed to the Department, Ravalli, Beaverhead, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Lincoln, Missoula and Park counties have asked that DOR provide the calculation limiting the State’s 95 statewide mills, as well as identifcation of who is responsible for authorizing property tax increases beyond the statutory limitations.

The recent communication with DOR comes on the heels of an unanswered request from Beaverhead County to Montana’s Attorney General, Austin Knudsen, seeking an opinion on the interpretation of laws related to the calculation of the statewide mills, which signifcantly impact property tax bills for constituents throughout Montana. According to the request, the State of Montana has consis-

tently levied 95 mills annually, despite a provision in Montana law (Montana Code Annotated 15-10-420) that requires a reduction in levying authority when taxable values increase.

This move by the counties underscores their commitment to transparency and responsible fscal management, emphasizing the importance of local government control in property tax levies. Montana’s counties seek to ensure that property tax increases are justifed, understood, and in line with the needs and expectations of Montana’s residents.

To help show that counties are holding property taxes in line while the State increases them, the Montana Association of Counties (MACo) calculated property tax changes for Governor Gianforte’s private mansion in Helena.

“Surprisingly, his taxes will decrease year over year because his appraised value only increased 7.59%,” stated

Mineral County Commissioner Roman Zylawy. “The limitations on local government result in a decreased tax burden for his home, with the exception of the State levies which haven’t followed the statutory limitations that cities and counties must follow.”

According to MACo’s calculations, the total property tax for the Governor’s Helena home in 2022 was $7,837.15; whereas in 2023, it is projected to be $7,407.55, which is a decrease of $429.60. Overall, Governor Gianforte’s taxes went down, but his state property taxes increased 8%. The City of Helena taxes went down 4%; Lewis & Clark County went down 11%; local school levies down 4%; and county voted levies down 13%.

“We think this is a perfect example highlighting the need for consistency, transparency, and fairness in property tax calculations,” said Beaverhead County Commissioner Mike McGin-

ley. “It clearly shows that the reduction is due to local governments adhering to our statutory mill levy limitations, and the sole increase in his property taxes exists in only those mills collected by the State, which are within the control of the Governor’s Ofce.”

“Montana counties are committed to addressing property tax concerns promptly, reiterating their dedication to responsible spending, essential services provision, and keeping property taxes as low as possible for their residents,” stated Fergus County Commissioner Ross Butcher. “They are calling on the state to follow their lead in maintaining transparency and fscal responsibility in property tax calculations.”

Underscoring the fscal responsibility of counties, Custer County Commissioner Jason Strouf said, “Over the years, Custer County has provided cost-of-living wage increases for our valued

employees. We have built infrastructure utilizing existing revenue. We have only one voter-approved general obligation bond which was to build a new detention center that holds both the State and the County inmates. This year, again, our mills are decreasing, and we have balanced our budget while following the requirements of MCA 15-10-420.” Liberty County Commissioner Joette Woods agrees, stating, “Liberty County believes in transparency at all levels of government. Our county has seen minimal taxable increases and high infation rates. Yet, we rise to the challenge and continue to be fscally responsible with no new money.”

“At the end of the day, we, as counties, are committed to following the law,” said McGinley. “We are simply asking the State and the Governor’s Ofce to do the same and to do what is right for the people of Montana.”

Can you say… paraleptophlebia? Or hecuba?

When he was a young boy, my son Matthew spent Saturdays at the fy shop with daddy. He had just turned four when he approached my fy tying bench and asked, “Daddy, what kind of a bug is that you’re making?”

He called all fies that we tied bugs, and enjoyed tying his own - with a little assistance when needed from daddy.

We’d fsh our bugs on these latesummer and fall evenings. We’d fnd places where he could fsh with little or no wading on the inside corner of a gentle rife, where he could raise at least a small fsh, and where an evening hatch was likely. This time of year we’d see mahogany duns. The scientifc Latin name for the genus is paraleptophlebia. I was tying Mahogany Dun Parachutes.

by Chuck Stranahan

I looked up from my vise and answered, “Paraleptophlebia. Can you say that?”

“No.” He was serious and direct.

“I bet you can,” I answered. His face brightened. We broke the big word into parts. First he said para, then lepto, then fea-bee, and fnally a resounding yeah! When he put them all together he marched around the shop with a grin on his face, clapping his hands and chanting, “Para-lepto-fea-bee-yeah!

Para-lepto-fea-bee-yeah!”

The night before we fshed mahogany dun parachutes at one of our favorite spots. He was eager to fsh – we made some casts and when his attention began to drop of we chased little frogs in the shallows. He fnally caught one that squirmed in his hand, then sat on it, still, before it hopped back into the water. We saw dragonfies on the willow shoots and swallows cruising overhead, waiting for the same thing we were: the return of the

mahogany duns to the river. When the fies came back the trout began to rise, and as the day darkened Matthew caught a pair of ten-inch rainbows. He did most of the casting and playing the fsh by himself. Daddy only helped a little bit with the frst one. “Remember the fies we saw on the river last night?” I asked, “These are the same kind of bugs you caught your trout on.” He understood, and beamed.

The scene was set for what happened next.

A pair of visiting anglers walked in, announced that they hadn’t seen any hatches (they had just fshed through the afternoon lull) and demanded to know: “Are there any hatches on this river?”

“Why, yes,” I answered, a little taken aback, and before I could explain further one of they demanded in overlapping questions, “Are there any hatches going on now? What are they?”

Their demeanor was urban, assertive, and obviously accustomed to getting immediate responses, immediate results. The uncertain and unhurried pace of fyfshing in Montana didn’t conform to their mindset. And in that moment, neither did I.

I couldn’t resist. “Ask him,” I said,

motioning toward the four-year-old in red Oshkosh corduroy overalls standing near the fy tying bench..

They patronizingly readdressed their questions to the boy. He answers were direct and innocent.

“Uhh, tell me, young man, are there fy hatches on this river?”

“Oh yes,” said Matthew.

The questioner turned to me. “What might be hatching? We haven’t seen any…”

“Ask him,” I said again, nodding toward Matthew.

He watered down his question and asked. Matthew knew it was time to say his new word.

“Paraleptophlebia,” he proudly pronounced, looking the straight up into the man’s face.

The guy was dumbfounded. He turned again toward me. “Well, uhh… do you have any fies to match this… para… whatever you call it?”

This time I only gestured toward Matthew.

“”Do you have any of those para… fies?”

Matthew turned toward the tying bench.

“These ones are the paraleptophlebias,” he said, pointing to the #14 Mahogany Parachutes I had just tied. Next to them was a row of #10 Brindle ‘Chutes, a pattern I developed for the hecuba, or fall drake. Matthew continued, “And these ones are the big fall drakes.”

“He’s right,” I told them, and then described the little boy’s successful fshing the evening before. They bought some fies, thanked us and left – possibly a little humbled by their dialog with Matthew.

There’s more to the story, but not sufcient space to tell it here. It had to do with Matthew telling them how to properly release a trout.

A freshly hatched mahogany dun, or paraleptophlebia – even

a four-year-old can say it. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Back to School

Bitterroot Elks donates to SAFE

On behalf of the Bitterroot Valley Elks Lodge 1651, the Bitterroot Valley Lady Elks presented a check in the amount of $1,650.00 to SAFE Director Stacy Umhey and Outreach Advocate Laura Smith to assist their organization in the expansion of their facilities.

As the only provider of emergency shelter and services in Ravalli County for survivors of domestic and intimate partner abuse, SAFE helps survivors fnd the help they need to build a safe future by providing a variety of housing programs, advocacy services, a crisis hotline and community programs all

geared toward creating a future free of violence.

This donation was made possible by a Gratitude Grant ofered by the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks through their Elks National Foundation program. ENF has appropriated $15.9 million in 2024 to invest directly in Lodge communities to improve the quality of life in places where Elks live and work. The Bitterroot Valley Elks Lodge 1651 and the Lady Elks auxiliary organization, were honored to provide this funding to facilitate the start date for construction of SAFE’s expanded facilities.

October 6- 14th, 2023

2nd

Ravalli County’s Leading Real Estate Firm

Booked for the season

“Wild Spaces” by S.L. Coney

c.2023, Tordotcom Books

$16.99 121 pages

They prefer to keep you in the dark around here.

Nobody tells you a thing, that’s it. Mom won’t say what’s going on, no matter how hard you beg. Dad’s not breathing a word and there are too many closed doors and locked cabinets to find out yourself. Nobody tells you a thing but maybe, as in the new book “Wild Spaces” by S.L. Coney, it’s for your own good.

Before the dog arrived at the mint-green cottage on the edge of the South Carolina wetlands, it looked like a long summer with not much to do. When the coppery-red animal didn’t leave, though, the summer was better because the boy was allowed to keep the dog he named Teach, after his favorite pirate.

For the next month, everything felt brighter. Days were spent exploring the outdoors near the cottage, or helping the boy’s mother in the kitchen, or learning interesting things from his very smart father. At night, the boy’s mother tucked him into bed with Teach by his side, and she told them stories of swashbucklers and sailing ships.

The boy knew he was safe.

And then a rickety station wagon came down the gravel driveway.

The boy could tell that his grandfather’s visit wasn’t planned. Teach could, too; he growled at the old man and tried to bite him. Grandfather seemed to be an okay guy but he made the boy’s parents uncomfortable, which was more reason for the boy to head outside, down to the beach and the mud and to stand at the mouth of the cave he wasn’t allowed to enter.

His grandfather liked to go to the beach, too – why, the boy couldn’t quite tell. The old man ruined a lot of afternoons by the water with the boy’s father. The boy and his dad couldn’t even go in

by Terry Schlichenmeyer The Bookworm Sez, LLC

their boat without problems –but really, it was okay. Being on the skiff wasn’t probably going to happen much anyhow. There was a big storm on the way; the boy could feel it.

And then the monster arrived.

Please don’t be too concerned by the fact that, at 121 pages, “Wild Spaces” is a tiny little book. Just consider it a literary snack. A sinister, foreboding, distressing snack.

Indeed, you’ll sense from the very first page that something dreadful is going to happen to the boy who goes unnamed, and to everyone he loves, but to what extent, and how bad? Those are the questions, and getting to the answers in this story is like creeping bare-kneed through slimy ooze, or stepping on something dead in the dark. Open the covers of this book, start the first page, and author S.L. Coney makes it clear without saying so, that the only good thing that’s going to come from this book is the scare you’re going to feel.

This book is perfect for Bradbury or Lovecraft fans and would make a good gateway to those authors for a savvy 12-to-17-year-old reader. “Wild Spaces” is perfect for those darkest nights.

ENGLAND PELLET

STOVE. 2020, used only two seasons. 22 ⅝”W x 28 ¼”H x 24”D. Heats 1500 sq. ft. Weight: 290 lbs. Manual included. Stove pipe and four pellet bags included. $1200. Call home phone 406-273-2366. Messages checked daily.

For Sale - 24 inch drive wheelchair, 500 lbs capacity, $200 obo. For more information call (406) 375-9161.

80 DUCK DECOYS. $120.00. 406-370-3569.

MINIATURE HEELER PUPPIES, reds and blues, will be under 17”. 406-3816393 for more information. $900.

For Sale: Caucasian Shepard dog puppies. Protect your family, your property and your livestock with this ancient herding, guarding breed. Call or text 406-210-4807.

Antique Tractor Auction, Thurs., Sept. 28, 10 a.m., 11 miles SW of Lewistown, MT @ Janicek's Iron Wheel Ranch. 22 tractors, 1950 Dodge Pwr. Wagon, 1955 Studebaker truck, all running, plus antiques/collectibles. Live auction w/ internet bidding @ www.ShobeAuction.com. Call 406538-5125

2023 STATE OF MONTANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AUCTION – Helena, MT. Online bidding opens on Sept. 16 and ends on Sept. 30. Go to pateauction.com or download the Pate Auction app to your mobile device for listing and details.

PLUMS (DELICIOUS TO EAT OR MAKE JAM) AND APPLES. ORgANIC, TREE-RIPENED. $1/Lb. HAMIL-

TON. 406-369-3212. Use Happy Jack® mange medicine to treat horse mane dandruf & lice. At Tractor Supply® (www.happyjackinc.com)

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

1-866-585-6456

FREE - Windows. Good, usable double pane windows. Must take all. 406-961-3301.

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

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

DONATING YOUR VEHICLE? Get more! Free towing. Tax Deductible. Plus a $300 restaurant voucher and a 2-night/3-

day hotel stay at one of 50 locations. Call Heritage for the Blind to donate your vehicle today - 1-855-9012620.

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

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

ONE UNIT APT. FOR RENT Stevensville used as guest house. Fully furnished, All utilities and trash included in rent. $1500 per month, month to month lease. Deposit

required:

attorneys, at 399 N. Main St, Ste 140, Logan, Utah 84321, a copy of your responsive pleading, within thirty (30) days after service upon you of this Summons. If you fail to do so, judgment by default shall be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Petition, which has been fled with the Clerk of the Court.

Petitioner’s Address:

Letty J. Harris

716 Main Street Stevensville, MT 59870

DATED this August 28, 2023.

/s/ Paul H. Gosnell

Paul H. Gosnell, Esq

The Confict Resolution Center

Attorney for Morgan

BS 8-30, 9-6, 9-13, 9-20-23.

William J. Nelson, Esq.

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

Telephone: (406) 363-3181

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

IN RE THE ESTATE OF: STEVEN G. BRAWLEY, Deceased.

DP-41-23-62

Cause No.

Dept. No. 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Buckie Brawley, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 29th day of August, 2023.

/s/ Buckie G. Brawley

Personal Representative /s/ William J. Nelson Attorney for Personal Representative BS 9-6, 9-13, 9-20-23.

SUMM

SYLVESTER & POLEDNAK, LTD.

ALLYSON R. JOHNSON, ESQ.

Nevada Bar No. 8286

1731 Village Center Circle Las Vegas, Nevada 89134

Telephone: (702) 952-5200

Facsimile: (702) 952-5205

Email: Allyson@SlvesterPolednak,com

Attorneys for Plaintif Lexicon Bank DISTRICT COURT CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA

LEXICON BANK, a domestic corporation, Plaintif, v. VEGAS CAR CENTER, INC., a domestic corporation; MISHA NAVASARDYAN, an individual; DOE Individuals I through X; and ROE Corporations and Organizations I through V, inclusive,

Defendants(s).

Case No. A -23-873219-C

Dept. No.

SUMMONS - CIVIL

NOTICE! YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. THE COURT MAY DECIDE AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR BEING HEARD UNLESS YOU RESPOND WITHIN

21 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION BELOW.

TO THE DEFENDANT: MISHA NAVASARDYAN

A civil Complaint has been fled by the Plaintif against you for the relief set forth in the Complaint.

If you intend to defend this lawsuit, within 21 days after this Summons is served on you exclusive of the day of service, you must do the following:

a. File with the Clerk of this Court, whose address is shown below, a formal written response to the Complaint in accordance with the rules of the Court.

b. Serve a copy of your response upon the attorney whose name and address is shown below.

Unless you respond, your default will be entered upon application of the Plaintif and this Court may enter a judgment against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint, which could result in the taking of money or property or other relief requested in the Complaint. If you intend to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your response may be fled on time.

Issued at direction of: CLERK OF COURT

6/30/2023

BY: Demond Palmer

DEPUTY CLERK Regional Justice Center

200 Lewis Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89155 /s/ Allyson R. Johnson SYLVESTER & POLEDNAK, LTD.

Allyson R. Johnson, Esq. 1731 Village Center Circle Las Vegas, NV 89134

Attorneys for Plaintif

BS 9-6, 9-13, 9-20, 9-27-23.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Sapphire Lutheran Homes, Inc. a non-proft organization, hereby notifes all interested persons of the City of Hamilton that we are planning to rehabilitate The Manor an afordable multi-family senior rental housing complex on the site at 401 N. 10th St. Hamilton, MT 59840. This complex consists of 60 apartments (42 one bedroom and 18 two bedroom) units for elderly persons. This Project will be exempt from property taxes.

An Application will be submitted to the Montana Board of Housing for federal Tax Credits fnancing. You are encouraged to submit comments regarding the need for afordable multi-family rental housing in your area to the Montana Board of Housing, PO Box 200528, Helena, MT 59620-0528; FAX (406) 8412841, or electronically at https://housing.mt.gov/ Contact Comments will be accepted until 5 PM on Monday October 2, 2023. BS 9-6, 9-20-23.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Burnt Fork Water Commission will hold its last meeting of the 2023 irrigation season on Tuesday, September 26, 2003 at 7:00 pm at the American Legion Hall, corner of Meyer Lane and Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville. BS 9-13, 9-20-23.

PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO PROTEST

TRANSFER OF LOCATION OF Montana All-Alcoholic Beverages License SAPPHIRE PONY, LLC (Andrew B Pace, Owner(s)) has applied to transfer Montana All-Alcoholic Beverages License No. 13-829-6846-001 to be operated at SAPPHIRE PONY, 200 Rodeo Road, Darby, 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 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 13-829-6846-001 and the applicant’s name SAPPHIRE PONY, 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 16-4-401, 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 30, 2023.

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 Darby. 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 Breanna Gill, Compliance Specialist for the Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, at 444-0710 or Breanna.Gill@mt.gov. BS 9-13, 9-20-23.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

BEFORE THE HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL

A public hearing will be held on October 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m., at the Hamilton City Council Chambers at 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, for the purpose of obtaining views of the residents of Ravalli County, especially low- and very low-income residents, regarding the community’s housing needs and priorities to serve persons who are houseless or at risk of becoming houseless. District XI Human Resource Council (HRC) is considering submitting an application to the Montana Department of Commerce for a HOMEARP (American Rescue Plan) Grant to serve persons who are houseless or at risk of becoming houseless. HRC will discuss the purpose of the HOME-ARP Program and the variety of activities eligible for funding. At the hearing people will be given the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the community’s housing needs and the type of projects that should be considered. The public hearing also will be available remotely through the online/phone conferencing platform Zoom. Instructions on joining and participating in the public hearing are available on the City of Hamilton’s website www.cityofhamilton.net or by emailing cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.

Anyone who would like more information or who would like to submit suggestions should contact Ruth Burke, Executive Director, at (406) 728-3710. A copy of the HOME Grant Application Guidelines is available for review at https://housing.mt.gov/Community-Housing/Final-2022-HOMEARP-Guidelines.pdf. Comments also may be made at the public hearing in person or via Zoom. Written and signed comments may be emailed to cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net or mailed to City Clerk, City of Hamilton, 223 S. 2nd Street, Hamilton MT 59840 no later than 4:00pm on October 3, 2023.

The City of Hamilton makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in this meeting. Please contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net or (406) 363-2101 by 4:00pm on October 3, 2023 to request such accommodations. BS 9-20, 9-27-23.