ADELAIDE MEYER Market Hog Buyer: TrailWest Bank of Hamilton
EMILY ROEBKE Gardening Baking Electricity
MICHELLE WANDLER Market Steer Buyer: TrailWest Bank of Hamilton OWEN WANDLER Market Steer Buyer: Flying Hawkes Real Estate
THE LUCKY HORSESHOE 4-H CLUB OF STEVENSVILLE THANKS ALL OF OUR SUPPORTERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND AT THE 2024 RAVALLI COUNTY FAIR
JEREMY MADRUGA Archery Market Hog Buyer: Double J Fencing
KOHEN MORTON Market Hog Buyer: Steve & Sandra Olds
MICHELLE ROEBKE Gardening Baking
Shane Clouse
GOVERNOR: thanks community servers
est.”
Speaking to the support of the Dillon community in starting his business, Barnes added, “To be able to move back from Billings and be able to open up our shop, I was more comfortable taking the risk because I had the support of the community and my family.”
Visiting the new Bitterroot Health facility in Stevensville, Gov. Gianforte met with CEO John Bishop to highlight their services to Montana communities and discuss health care priorities. The facility, which employs 41 full-time staf, opened last year to provide primary care services as well as urgent care to patients in the valley.
During the visit, the governor heard of the need for continued eforts to cut red tape to boost the state’s health care workforce.
While in Stevensville, the governor also stopped by the Stevensville Volunteer Fire Department to thank frefghters for their collaboration
with federal ofcials and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) in responding to the Sharrott Creek Fire.
On August 23, a lightning strike triggered the Sharrott Creek Fire in Ravalli County. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fre has burned 1,130 acres and is 0 percent contained.
Volunteer frefghters with the department have helped with structure preparation in the neighborhoods near the eastern edge of the fre and worked to locate best locations for fre lines on the northeast side of the fre. Currently, 388 personnel, eight fre crews, 27 engines, and fve helicopters are responding to the incident.
Talking with Fire Chief Rex Olson, the governor highlighted the state’s investments to increase active forest management to reduce wildfre risk and the success of DNRC’s aggressive initial attacks on all fre starts. In 2022, DNRC kept 95 percent of fres in its direct protection to 10 acres or fewer.
Make more of every acre with the Kubota
Governor Greg Gianforte meeting with the Stevensville Volunteer
ing Rex Olson, the rural fre chief, standing to the left of the Governor. Photo
the Offce of the Governor.
Western Ag researchers receive USDA grant to study health benefts of
An edible blue honeysuckle berry called the haskap has emerged in recent years as a potential new superfood, but little scientifc research has been done to investigate how the berries contribute to human health. Now, a research partnership at Montana State University aims to learn more about the potential health benefts of haskap berries while also learning how to best cultivate them to maximize those benefts.
Mary Miles, professor in the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition and Kinesiology, and Zach Miller, superintendent of MSU’s Western Agricultural Research Center in Corvallis, serve as co-project leaders for the research project. The project is supported by an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, or NIFA. Other project partners at MSU include researchers Brian Bothner, Seth Walk, Carl Yeoman, Andrej Svyantek and Zhuoyu Wang.
Haskap berries are also known as honeyberries, yezberries and blue honeysuckle. They have anti-infammatory properties and are rich in polyphenols, which are found in many plant foods and act as antioxidants, and haskaps may also have other untapped health benefts, Miles said.
Miller noted that if demand for the berries increases, Montana farmers could have a great opportunity to help fll that demand.
“These berries thrive in our cold climates,” Miller said. “In our research farm, we can produce four to fve tons of berries per acre with the right varieties and management, and they can be machine harvested.”
As part of the research, Miles and a group of doctoral students will investigate how haskap berries’ bioactive components — molecules found in many foods that can interact with other living components to promote good health — interact with the ecosystem of microbes that live in humans’ intestines, often referred to as the gut microbiome.
The researchers will conduct an eight-week clinical
trial with 120 participants. Half of those participants will meet at least two criteria for metabolic syndrome – a cluster of conditions that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes – and the other half will not meet any criteria for metabolic syndrome. Half of the participants will consume a food product each day that contains haskap berries, while the other participants will consume a similar product that doesn’t contain haskaps.
The researchers will then compare the gut microbiome and health impacts of haskap berry consumption between the metabolically healthy and metabolically unhealthy groups. Miles said their hypothesis is that haskap berries will lower infammation and improve metabolic health.
Miles said that berries high in polyphenols have been found to promote human health in a variety of ways, including through lowering infammation, that may be dependent on interactions with the gut microbiome.
Miles, who for years has studied the gut microbiome and its impact on human health, noted that infammation and abnormal metabolism play a major role in the development and progression of many diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Because of that, she said, identifying foods that decrease infammation and improve metabolism is an important strategy for reducing disease. Miles and her partners’ previous research suggested that the microbes digesting polyphenols may contribute, in part, to lowering levels of infammation
in people.
On the production side of the project, Miller and other plant scientists at the Western Agricultural Research Center – part of MSU’s Montana Agricultural Experiment Station – will investigate the efects of harvest timing on the concentration and yield of health-promoting compounds in more than 20 varieties of haskap berries.
“We aim to identify which haskap varieties and growing practices increase content of health-promoting compounds and, ultimately which of these would give growers the most antioxidants per acre,” Miller said. “Our goal is to identify what to plant and how to farm for the greatest potential health impacts.”
The work builds on previous research at WARC related to haskaps, including work evaluating numerous haskap varieties for yields, favor, aesthetic qualities and cold-hardiness. More information on haskap research at WARC is available on its website.
Ultimately, Miles said, she and her research partners hope their work will have real impacts on human health.
Sandi Herbert
“We know a lot about nutrition, but one thing we don’t know is why we don’t all get the same benefts from healthy foods or the same negative health impacts from unhealthy foods,” Miles said. “We want to understand this more so that we can match people’s health goals to potential foods that would really work best for them.”
You can learn more about this research and other projects at the Western Ag Research Center’s Field Day on Thursday, Sept 12th, 4:30-8:30pm at 580 Quast Lane, Corvallis. Email Kierstin Schmitt at kierstin. schmitt@montana.edu to RSVP but not required.
Haskap, or honey berries. Photo courtesy Montana State University.
showcasing their horsemanship skills, judged on their maneuvers, speed changes and more. Then, they modeled on Saturday, showing of designer rodeo clothes. After that, they gave a prepared two-minute speech on a given topic. The process also included a personal interview, just like a job interview.
“We want these girls to not be biased with religion or politics,” said Paddock, “despite their personal beliefs,” because they are going to represent rodeo.
At the end, their scores were tallied in each category. The highest scoring in each age group was selected. The oldest was the “Queen,” the second oldest was the “Teen Queen,” and the youngest was the “Princess.” The three girls for Ravalli County’s Rodeo
as Queen, Brooklynn Brosius as Teen Queen and Reata Jones as Princess.
The girls spoke a bit on their favorite and least favorite categories. According to Jones, her favorite was horsemanship and her least favorite was the speech. She said she grew up with horsemanship, and so that came naturally. Speaking in front of people was another story. Brosius and Loeffer agreed, saying their least favorites were also the speech category. For Brosius, the interview was her favorite, saying “Sitting down and having a conversation with someone seems easier.” Loefer, the Queen, said her least favorite was a tie between the speech category and the modeling. Like a true country girl, she felt ridiculous. For her, horsemanship was the easiest.
At top left, 4H and FFA sheep showmanship winners line up. At top right, Michael Mezmer Dangermagik does a kid’s show on the free stage. At bottom left, Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton walks with mutton buster Ridge Jessup back to the chute. At bottom right, mutton buster Darla Frosto falls from her sheep on the way out of the chute. Photos by John Dowd.
Above, a cowboy hangs on in while bareback riding, during the 2024 Ravalli County NRA Rodeo. Photo by John Rudow.
Electricity is underrated
After spending parts of three days without power in my neighborhood in Stevensville, it took the fick of a switch to realize how utterly dependent every part of our lives are on electric power.
Thank you to all the crews that were working long hours throughout the valley to restore power and to the companies that provide our power. As they say, “absence makes the heart grow fonder!” Sheryl Olson Stevensville
Paying it forward
For 22 years, I practiced as a women’s health care provider in Missoula. I am now retired, but when I think back, I am saddened that I did not know about NAMI Missoula as a local resource. It was only in talking with a member of my church community fve years ago that I learned of a program (“Family to Family”) ofered by the Missoula afliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. That program would prove to be what I now refer to as “our gift from God.”
Mental illness does not occur in a vacuum. The ripple efect is not only “in the moment,” and the anguish it causes is not confned to the person experiencing mental health challenges. Very few in our community are untouched by mental illness; it can afect us directly, or our loved ones, work colleagues, neighbors, etc. Mental illness is the “elephant in the room” for far too many.
I wish I had known about NAMI Missoula when I was in practice; my clients could have beneftted. But I know now; and, for those facing the challenges of mental illness with family or friends, I cannot emphasize enough how NAMI Missoula’s “Family to Family” course can bring healing and hope.
If you would like further information, please contact NAMI Missoula at 406-880-1013. Truly, you are not alone.
Brenda Allington Florence
Thanks!
I have a great story to tell you!
Last Monday, August 19, I survived a signifcant medical event! An acute symptom, loss of control of my left arm, had me running to my neighbor who was the frst to respond to my emergency. A few minutes later the staf at Bitterroot Health Urgent Care in Hamilton (about a half a mile away), did not waste a moment from our initial contact. The staf at Urgent Care proved to me that I was seeing and experiencing a “great team” in action, or you might say, “they didn’t skip a beat”! They literally “sprung” into action!
I was transported to Missoula expeditiously and taken to Providence St Patricks and from the moment we rolled out of the ambulance the gurney did not stop until I was in the room where the nurse/tech team were waiting for me. Within a span of less than 12 hours all the scans, cognitive test, drips, then surgery to unplug over half a foot of my right carotid artery (the rather ugly incision makes me “Markenstein,” ha ha).
Due to my initial quick response to the symptoms, a fne friend and neighbor to get me to Urgent Care, and to the entire staf of Providence St. Patrick’s Hospital/Missoula and in particular Dr. Michael Roher, who was wonderful, I am not only alive but three days post-op I have no side efects, and I feel great. I thought I knew what was going on when I got to Urgent Care, but I was the only one who “did not” know the gravity of the situation! I was in an extreme
vulnerability zone and every minute was another minute that something bad could have happened.
I am a seventy-year-old male who had a good PT session earlier in the day of my medical event. My body has been through many surgeries and many hospitals. I am in relatively good shape and was caught unaware when this event happened last Monday. Please consider going on-line and spend a few minutes reviewing tell-tell signs of strokes and heart attacks. If you or anyone around you ever displays symptoms, know what to do! Saved me from something really bad if not death!
My thanks are not enough for the scores of professionals that took part in my episode. It was not just the expertise, the choreography, the technology, their intuitiveness, “their loving care.” I would like all of you readers to understand that I received the most compassionate care ever! I do not believe the care that I received from Urgent Care and St. Pats could be duplicated! I will never forget the hug I gave to my RN after she walked me to my waiting ride when I was discharged, and I hope that if and when the time comes that you, a loved one, or maybe just a bystander who needs assistance, you/they get what I got!
My eternal gratitude to all that cared for me, I will look for opportunities to pass it on!
Mark David Hight Hamilton
Your right to know
The roundabout proposed by Governor Gianforte’s Department of Transportation is at best an afront to the public’s right-to-know provisions in Montana’s Constitution:
Section 9. RIGHT TO KNOW. No person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public bodies or agencies of state government and its subdivisions, except in cases in which the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure
Suing Governor Gianforte for violating the Montana Constitution by faunting the public’s right to know is perhaps the most expedient way for Bitterrooters to put the proposed roundabout on hold. It would not be the frst time this has happened.
In his frst term as governor, Greg Gianforte has been sued multiple times for trampling on Section 9 (at least fve times). And he has lost every time. Add to that his failure to respond to questions from the press about what he’s up to scores of times, and you get the picture. This guy acts with the impunity of a third world dictator.
In the meantime, each of us will have the opportunity to reject the billionaire on November 5. So far his main accomplishment appears to be selling Montana to the highest bidder. And that’s driving up the cost of living for everyone already living here. Keep that in mind when you fll out your 2024 ballot. If you don’t vote, quit complaining. Jim Parker Hamilton
Access to fairgrounds
To County Commissioners:
I have asked for several years why there are no handicap doors on the First Interstate Building at Fairgrounds. It is not in the budget. Monies earned by Fairgrounds activities is turned into commissioners and they have not approved doors. Is it not used by many groups all year around? Does it not fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act?
I have to wait by the doors and ask
people to please hold the door open for me. I have asked if it would be possible to be dropped of at the West Gate during Fair and given a ride on one of the 4-wheelers to buildings so I can work. Times could be set up ahead with the ofce.
Handicap parking is across the street from the Main Gate and is rough going over the area to the street, then going across the street to the building to work. That is along dirt and for someone with a walker, some of us do not have a person with us to help.
I have gone to and participated in Fair, and worked in a number of volunteer areas for many years here. I feel that I can no longer be a part of the Fair, which makes me sad.
Many elderly, vets and handicapped are not being provided for.
Margaret Sharp Hamilton
Concerns about upcoming election
My concerns about the upcoming Presidential election continue to expand. As I write this letter on Monday, August 26th, Vice President Harris has yet to hold a press briefng nor release any details concerning her election platform. Oh, she did give a speech at the Democratic National Convention but it really did not contain any details. So, this begs the question, why would you vote for her when you don’t know what she plans on doing?
Oh, I did hear that she plans on fghting the high price of groceries by price control. If she had any knowledge of history, she would recognize that this has been tried before in this country and did not work, and has resulted in Communism taking over in other countries (Cuba and Venezuela).
The work of the Democratic oligarchy (elites) to move Harris forward continues to alarm me. The decision to replace President Biden with Harris without a chance for voters to express their views was clearly a COUP! The work of this group continues behind the campaign with Biden being hidden again from our citizens – sent on vacation frst to California and now to Delaware even though our world is on the edge of WWIII.
I found it extremely interesting that Robert Kennedy, Jr. has suspended his campaign and joined Trump. His accusations against the Democratic Party were astounding – attempts were made to block his campaign at every turn through lawsuits, lack of security at rallies, and censorship.
Finally, have you heard that our Jon Tester has announced that he WILL NOT support Harris even though he was instrumental in helping her rise to the Senate years ago? If she is too radical for him, why would you consider voting for her?
Jerry Esmay Stevensville
Democrats work to make abortion legal
It is difcult to imagine a community event that better exemplifes the joys of living in a small town more than Hamilton’s weekly farmers market. No matter what you are shopping for, you will likely fnd it there. Baked goods, arts and crafts, produce that was growing in the garden less than 24 hours ago or, my favorite, biscuits and gravy. And political messages from red to blue.
That’s my involvement. My wife and I volunteer some weekends there to staf the Ravalli County Democrats booth. Our message is never overtly political
unless visitors want to make it so. I and other volunteers greet passers-by, thank them for their interest and ask if they have any questions. Most people return our greeting as pleasantly as it was delivered. A few scowl and ignore us. One fellow serenaded us with an out-of-tune chant, “Let’s go, Brandon.”
All in all, a thoroughly pleasant way to spend a usually warm and sunny Saturday morning.
One woman’s remark caught me of balance recently. As she passed by she remarked matter-of-factly, “I can never vote for a Democrat because you kill babies.”
Her use of the pronoun “you” seemed pointed and personal. This woman had just called me a murderer.
Unfortunately, she hurried away before I could respond. As I watched her disappear into the crowd, I took a second to parse my emotions. Anger was absent; confusion made a brief guest appearance. Sadness reigned. This woman whom I had never seen before assumed because of my political afliation I would cheer a terminated pregnancy no matter how developed the fetus was. Nothing could be further from the truth.
As a Democrat and a human being, I consider every abortion a failure to be mourned, not a victory to celebrate. Every Democrat I have ever discussed the issue with feels the same.
We believe that every step possible should be taken to ensure a pregnancy is planned. Toward this end, we advocate making birth control widely available and, if necessary, free. Public high schools should teach science-based sex education classes. The efectiveness of these classes is well documented in states where they are taught.
Conversely, red states that provide abstinence-only classes have some of the highest rates of teen pregnancies and abortions. Consider Mississippi.
According to Teen Health Mississippi, “The Magnolia State currently has the highest teen birth and sexually transmitted disease (STD) infection rates in the country. This is a problem Mississippi can solve: Other states have signifcantly decreased their teen birth and STD rates by adopting medically accurate, evidence-based, and age-appropriate sex education. With high-quality sex education and youth-friendly healthcare, Mississippi has the opportunity to fnally do the same.” (https:// teenhealthms.org/county-stats/) Conversely, New Jersey has one of the nation’s lowest teen birth rates with 9.2 teen pregnancies per 1,000 women. Mississippi’s rate is 27.9. New Jersey’s sex education curriculum must emphasize the importance of abstinence but requires classes include information on consent, sexual orientation, and be medically accurate. (siecus.org).
When pregnancies occur, Democrats believe every possible step should be taken to help ensure a healthy gestation that includes prenatal care, dietary counseling, emotional support and delivery in a safe and professional environment.
Ravalli County Democrats have created a series of pamphlets that explain our position on women’s health care and a variety of other topics that we ofer free at our booth at the farmers market and at the Ravalli County Fair.
The topics include: Rural quality of life; Social Security; Guns; Veterans; Property taxes; Health care; Natural resources; Housing; Climate change; Immigration; Education
Please visit us for a copy on any of these vital topics. We look forward to seeing you.
Wayne Adair Hamilton
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
Thursday – September 5, 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 – September 10, 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
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
Climate talk
The Bitterroot Climate Action Group will be hosting a presentation and Q&A session on Climate Change by Nobel Prize co-recipient and climate Scientist Dr. Steve Running. Chair of the Bitterroot Climate Action Group, Peter Reynolds, says that “The issue of climate change is sometimes too large for people to comprehend in terms of its impact and what to do about it. Adding to the confusion is a proliferation of opinions on the internet, some credible and some not, that are contrary to the broad scientifc consensus. As a group, we wanted to address that fact head-on by bringing in Dr Running, someone local who is also a highly regarded expert on the subject. Steve Running is the absolute best to give a primer on this vital topic, as well as answer questions from those who may not be on board with human-caused rapid climate change.”
This free event will be at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center on Friday, September 6th at 7:00 PM. For more information, go to BitterrootCAG.org.
For more information: John Schneeberger, Event Coordinator, 406-370-3230, schnee@ blackfoot.net
Peter Reynold, Bitterroot Climate Action Group, Chair, 406-381-4829, chair@bitterrootcag.org.
Pachyderm Club
The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday September 6 at noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. Guest speaker will be Commissioner Dan Huls. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
600 South 3rd Street, Hamilton, MT 2 PM - Sunday, September 8th, 2024
Sunday, September 8th at 2 pm
Bitterroot Baroque Orchestra presents “Bacchus & Wine,” French Baroque Music from Opera, led by Lindsey Strand-Polyak, violin and Eva Lymenstull, cello.
Celebrate Bacchus with Bitterroot Baroque’s French opera program,
including the North American premiere of Jean Claude Gillier’s Les Plaisirs de L’amour et Baccus (1697). 17th century French opera is all about opulence and spectacle so be prepared to be transported to Louis XIV’s Versailles by the God of Wine.
Program Jean-Baptiste Lully - Le Triomphe de l’amore et de Bachus LWV 47 (1672)
Jean Claude Gillier - Les Plaisirs de L’amour et Baccus (1697)
Marin Marais - Arianne et Baccus (1696).
Suggested Donation $30
Assistance for Business Clinic
Businesses looking for guidance about resources to improve their operations can attend the upcoming Assistance for Business Clinic (ABC) sponsored by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry in partnership with the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce and economic development organizations on Tuesday, September 10 at the Hamilton Fire Hall.
Assistance for Business Clinics provides new and established employers, accountants, bookkeepers, human resources professionals and attorneys the opportunity to meet with state workforce development experts to learn about state and local resources available to businesses, including:
Montana Minimum Wage
Unemployment Insurance
Workers’ Compensation Law
Using Independent and Construction Contractors
Overtime Regulations
Labor Law Posters
Using Labor Market Data
Montana Registered Apprenticeship
Job Service Montana
“The State of Montana ofers a variety of resources and tools for employers to grasp a better understanding of their requirements and opportunities,” said Department of Labor & Industry Commissioner Laurie Esau.
“We’re excited to work with our partners across the state to provide this information to Montana employers.”
These clinics also provide continuing education credits for attendees. Registration fee is $35. Register online at bitterrootchamber. com.
Stevensville school board
The Stevensville School Board of Trustees will hold a regular
board meeting on Tuesday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. in the MPR Choir Room.
Flu shot clinic
Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street, will have Valley Drug giving fu shots at 11:30 a.m. on September 11th. Bring your insurance information.
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.
Mature driver safety course
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 each day. Textbooks, magazines, and VHS tapes will not be accepted. The NVPL Foundation and Friends of the Library are presenting the sale. The library Community Room is located at 208 Main St., Stevensville. 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
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. Concert weekend is Dec. 14, 15 with Sat night’s concert beginning at 7:30, Sunday concert at 2:00pm. If you have interest and some experience in choral singing, please consider joining the choir! Visit the choir website (www.bitterrootval-
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Corvallis football wins season opener
The Corvallis football team started their 2024 season in commanding fashion with a 50-12 victory over Browning in Corvallis on Friday, August 30. The Blue Devils left little doubt that they’re contenders again this season (last year they made it to the state semifnal game) as they led 14-6
after one quarter and 36-6 at halftime en route to the 38-point victory over Browning.
Senior QB Aydan Mayn threw 4
TDs. Senior WR Gideon Boswell caught TD passes of 26 and 27 yards. Senior RB Logan Avery ran hard all night and had a 3-yard TD run. Senior Solomon Morgan had a 48-yard TD reception to
start the game. Senior Alex Hauck had a 6-yard TD reception. Senior Hunter Loesch intercepted a pass and ran 43 yards for a TD. And sophomore Ayden Spencer had a 75-yard TD run in the 4th quarter.
Corvallis head coach Josh McCrossin said of the win, “Our guys worked hard tonight and will have some great
flm to review and make corrections on. We’re grateful to start the season of with a win, but now we’ll do everything we can to be ready for next week’s challenge.”
Corvallis faces a formidable challenge next week as they travel to Frenchtown on Friday, September 6 to face the Broncs.
Bitterroot Valley football roundup
The Florence Falcons were defeated 14-21 by the Jeferson Panthers in a clash of Class B powers on Friday, August 30 in Florence. As you would expect from two evenly matched teams, the game came down to the wire, as Jeferson scored on a 15-yard run with 10 seconds left in the game to give the Panthers the 21-14 victory. Florence went scoreless in the frst two quarters, then scored twice in the 3rd, as QB Mason Arlington had a 1-yard TD run and also threw a 9-yard TD pass to WR Isaac Bates to tie the game 14-14 going into the 4th.
In their next game, the Falcons travel to Townsend on Friday, September 6 to play the Bulldogs at 7 p.m.
The Darby Tigers started their season with a bang on Friday, August 30. They defeated visiting Troy 44-16 to go 1-0 on the year. The Tigers travel to Plains on Friday, September 6 to play the Horsemen at 7 p.m.
The Hamilton Broncs lost their season opening game against Whitefsh 7-27 on Friday, August 30 in Hamilton. Turnovers proved costly for the Broncs as they had three fumbles and one interception in the loss. Hamilton’s lone touchdown came on a Cooper Weston 36-yard TD pass to Andrik Valenzuela in the 4th quarter.
The Stevensville Yellowjackets hosted the Libby Loggers in their home-opener on Friday, August 30 and lost 0-40. The Yellowjackets got down early and were unable to stage a comeback. Stevensville’s task doesn’t get any easier this week as they travel to Dillon to face the defending Class A State Champion on Friday, September 6 at 7 p.m.
Corvallis, Hamilton cross country dominate
The three Bitterroot Valley Class A cross country teams (Stevensville, Corvallis, and Hamilton) were in Ronan for the Canal Bank Run on Friday, August 30.
Individually for the girls, Hamilton’s Aleigha Child won the race with a time of 19:53.26. Corvallis’s Violet
Jessop took 2nd (20:24.40). Corvallis’s Ella Varner took 3rd (21:38.09). Hamilton’s Claire Seifert took 4th (21:50.69). And Hamilton’s Sierra Berry took 5th (22:02.41).
Individually for the boys, Hamilton’s Taylor Doleac took 1st at the meet with a time of 17:07.00. Corval-
lis’s Marrek Jessop took 4th (17:43.14). Hamilton Bryson Poulsen took 6th (18:02.57). And Corvallis’s Jack Davidson took 7th (18:10.93). Stevensville’s highest fnisher was Cody Bradford who fnished in 15th (19:03.55). In the girls’ team standings, Corvallis took 1st with 29 points, and
Hamilton took 2nd with 33 points. In the boys’ team standings, Hamilton took 1st, edging out 2nd place Corvallis 22 to 23. Stevensville took 5th.
These teams run at the Flathead Invite at Rebecca Farms on Friday, September 6.
Corvallis’s Solomon Morgan (#44) running with the ball as Hunter Loesch (#2) blocks a defender in Corvallis’s 50-12 victory over Browning on Friday, August 30. Morgan caught a 48yard TD pass in the game. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Florence’s Chase Wagner makes a diving catch in the Falcons’ 14-21 loss to Jefferson in Florence on Friday, August 30. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.
Historic fag football season starts in Hamilton
The Hamilton girls fag football team hosted a “Jamboree” with the Three Forks and Jeferson teams on Saturday, August 31. This is Hamilton’s frst season participating in fag football and this was their frst ever competition.
“It was really cool to be a part of something new like this,” said Mitchell Wassam, Hamilton’s frst year fag football head coach. “The girls had a blast!”
The format of the Jamboree included an ofense versus defense type practice where each team’s ofense ran 10 to 15 plays against the other team’s defense. After this, each team competed in two 20-minute scrimmages, with Hamilton playing Jeferson, then Jeferson playing Three Forks, and fnally Hamilton playing Three Forks. In the scrimmages, the Hamilton girls defeated Jeferson 21-0, then defeated Three Forks 24-9.
Hamilton has 19 players on the team this year. “We had open felds this summer, and I told the girls to ‘bring a friend’ and it grew from there,” said Wassam. “They are an ultra competitive group. Many play other sports, and they have a lot of confdence and have high expectations for themselves.”
As one would imagine, fag football rules are slightly diferent from traditional football. For example, there is no fumbling; when the ball hits the ground it’s dead. Also, there is no fag guarding, where a player tries to fend of the defenders’ attempts to grab their fag. Of course, there are other diferences, but the overall action is close enough to regular football that a casual fan can follow the action.
Understandably, there is a learning curve for everyone. Coach Wassam has done his research and continues to educate himself and his players about the rules of the game. On Saturday, Wassam helped orchestrate the event by directing players, ofcials, and coaches.
“I’m kind of a rules and procedures guy,” said Wassam, “so I did a lot of independent research. Montana fag football is modeled after Georgia, so I reached out to an experienced Georgia high school coach, and he emailed me back with helpful strategies, practice structures and all sorts of useful information.”
Girls fag football in Montana is in its third year, having started in 2022. At its April 2024 meeting, the Montana
High School Association (MHSA) reclassifed fag football as an “emerging sport.” Previously it had been a “non-sanctioned MHSA Activity.”
Only three schools participated in 2022, then eight in 2023, and there are 16 teams competing this year.
The Atlanta Falcons of the NFL have helped get fag football going in Montana. They ofer to help fund for the frst three years of a program for each high school in Montana, so Hamilton will get this support for the next three years.
The Falcons also sponsored camps throughout Montana this summer to educate coaches, ofcials and participants in the fundamentals of the game. Three of the Hamilton girls and coach Wassum were able to attend a camp at the Griz Stadium in July.
The fag football season is shorter than other fall sports. Divisionals are in Hamilton on Saturday, September 21, then State is in Bozeman the following weekend on Sept. 28. Glacier High School has won the last two state championships.
Saturday’s fag football Jamboree was similar to other high school sporting events: there were cheers and there were jeers, there were injuries and there were smiles. But on top of all of that, there was a spirit of optimism in the air that springs from dedicated and cheerful people trying to accomplish something new.
Stevensville soccer of to strong start
The Stevensville soccer teams got of to a strong start to the 2024 season. On Thursday, August 29, the boys traveled to Frenchtown and won 10-0, then on Friday, the boys defeated visiting East Helena 10-0. Both games were over by halftime due to the 10-point mercy rule. Also on Friday, the Stevensville girls defeated East Helena 8-0.
Stevensville will face a real test on Tuesday, September 3, when both the boys and girls teams travel north to face perennial soccer power Whitefsh. In the boys Frenchtown game,
Stevensville’s David Beames had 5 goals and 2 assists, Umar Sodagar had 3 goals, Mario Garcia had a goal and 2 assists, Silas Seibert had a goal, Evan Montague had 3 assists, Cole Fowler had 2 assists, and Jake Gavlak had an assist.
In the boys East Helena game, Stevensville’s David Beames had 5 goals and an assist, Umar Sodagar had 2 goals and an assist, Anton Ptok had a goal and an assist, Mario Garcia had a goal and an assist, Toan Nguyen had a goal, Spencer Moore had 2 assists, Evan Montague had 2 assists, and
Silas Seibert had an assist. In the girls East Helena game, Stevensville’s Madigan Hurlbert had 3 goals, Addisen Nobi had 2 goals and an assist, Deci Endres had 2 goals and an assist, Addison Henderson had a goal, and Millie Shepp, Ryan Grover and Danielle Weiss all had assists.
Soccer roundup
The Hamilton boys and girls soccer teams traveled east to play a pair of traditional soccer powers in Laurel and Billings Central. On Friday, August 30, they played Laurel, and
on Saturday they played at Billings Central. At Laurel, the Lady Broncs were defeated 7-3 and the boys lost 1-0. On Saturday at Billings Central, the Hamilton boys lost 4-0 and the girls lost 5-0.
The Corvallis boys and girls soccer teams opened their season at Bigfork on Thursday, August 29. The boys lost 1-6. For Corvallis, Eli Knight had the goal and Ryan Ortiz had the assist.
The Corvallis girls lost 1-11. Kate Allen had the goal and Caitlin Nelson had the assist.
Hamilton’s Aubrey Korst (#14) running for a touchdown at the Hamilton Jamboree on August 31. This is the frst year for girls fag football in Hamilton, and their frst ever competition. Photo by Scott Sacry
Hamilton’s Codie Clarke throws a pass during the Hamilton Jamboree on August 31. Hamilton’s fag football team defeated Three Forks and Jefferson during the scrimmages. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Stevensville’s David Beames (#5) had an eye-popping 10 goals and 3 assists in Stevensville’s frst two soccer games. The Stevi boys soccer team won 10-0 against Frenchtown on August 29, and 10-0 against East Helena on August 30. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Peggy N. Doerfer
Robert D. Krout
Robert D. Krout, 88, of Victor passed away Tuesday, Aug 27, 2024, at his home. He was born February 18, 1936, in Hamilton, MT, the son of Rodney Krout and Edith Osburne. Bob was raised in the Bitterroot Valley, with four older brothers and two sisters, and graduated from Stevensville High School in 1955. He had to be self-sufcient during his high school years, working various jobs including full time summer work at a gas station and the railroad.. After graduation he was in the U.S. Forest Service as a smokejumper and resided as a fre lookout. He joined the U.S. Air Force, and married his wife, Lloyda Heggen (high school sweethearts) in 1956. Bob was stationed in Omaha at Ofutt AFB/SAC (Strategic Air Command), so Lloyda moved there to begin their life together.
When Bob completed his service duty, the family moved back home to Missoula, MT in 1960, where Bob worked for Wright Lumber Company, then Solar Gas, then Liquid Air. He saw a need for welding equipment repair so started his own business on the side, Bob’s Welding and Apparatus Repair, working out of his garage while continuing working full time up until retirement.
In 1971, Bob and the family moved to Florence, MT where he continued working Liquid Air, Bob’s Welding & Apparatus Repair, and now learning the school bus system from Father-in Law, Lloyd Heggen. Soon after, Bob and Lloyda bought the school
Elna Foust
Elna Moe Foust, a woman whose life intertwined with the rivers and mountains of Montana, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, in her home near where her story began. Born on May 31, 1940, in Hamilton, MT, Elna was the second of four daughters to Carl and Doris Moe, a family rooted in the rugged beauty of the Bitterroot Valley.
Elna worked as a secretary in California. Upon returning to Montana, she took charge of the hot lunch program at Grantsdale Elementary School. Later, she managed the bakery at Fairway Market, where she honed her skills in wedding cake design. But it was alongside her late husband, John Foust, that she found her true calling. Together, they founded Fishaus Tackle, a beautiful fly shop in Hamilton that became a haven for anglers seeking wisdom as much as gear. Their contributions to the fly-fishing world were not limited to the shop; Elna and John brought their passion to the silver screen, working on the set of “A River Runs Through It” alongside Robert Redford and Brad Pitt, a film that celebrated the life that they championed.
Elna first married Bill Thomas in 1960, at a double wedding in Las Vegas. Together, they raised three sons: Billy, Ronnie, and Ricky. In time, Elna found love again with John Foust, whom she married in 1981. The two journeyed up and down the West Coast, their travels as much about spreading the art of fly-fishing as they were
Peggy N. Doerfer, 85 of Hamilton, MT passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital in Hamilton.
Peggy was born June 11, 1939 in Grand Forks, North Dakota the daughter of W.B. and Lilly Newson. Peggy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX.
She married Donald W. Doerfer on March 24, 1961 in Texas.
Peggy was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, the Hamilton Rotary Club, PEO, Marcus Daly Hospital Auxiliary and the Corvallis United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband Donald Doerfer;
buses and contracted with Florence Carlton School and Bob managed full time, adding coach bus tours a year later. Bob was also passionately dedicated to the Florence Volunteer Fire Department for many years, and retired as the fre chief.
In 2004, Bob retired from L&B Busing, continued with Bob’s Welding & Apparatus Repair until 2017. At that time, Bob andLloyda moved to Victor, MT and have resided there since.
Bob and Lloyda were married 68 years and raised three children, Kathy, Mike, and Ron. Bob was regularly active supporting them in all their activities. He played the role of Scoutmaster as well as supporting them in sports (including driving their team buses to games) and taught them to be strong and independent individuals.
Bob is survived by wife Lloyda, daughter Kathy (Stuart) in Spokane Valley, WA, son Mike and wife Shelly in Victor, MT, son Ron in Helena, MT and sister Linda Conley, Helena, MT. Bob and Lloyda have 10 grown grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024, 10:00 A.M. at the Florence-Carlton Community Church in Florence, MT. A reception will follow in the church’s fellowship hall. In lieu of fowers/gifts, family suggests donations be made to Bob’s favorite charity, St Jude’s Children’s Fund, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condo-
about the simple joy of being together. They crafted and sold their own line of fly-fishing products, each one an echo of the streams and rivers they loved so dearly.
The losses of John in 2020 and Bill in 2022 were felt deeply by Elna. Her passion for gardening, nurtured in the same soil that had sustained her family for generations, became her solace. In her garden, she found peace, tending to her flowers with the same care she once gave to her family.
Elna leaves behind two sisters, her three sons, John’s two sons and daughter, and a legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her presence in the fly-fishing community will be felt long after her passing. She was a woman of the rivers, and her spirit will forever drift along their currents.
sons Jefrey of Hamilton, MT and Steven of Stevensville, MT; adopted daughter Yvette of Blufton, IN; fve grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A celebration of Peggy’s life will be held Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Corvallis United Methodist Church in Corvallis, MT. Urn placement will take place at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, MT. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com
In lieu of fowers the family suggests memorials in Peggy’s name to the Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital Oncology and Infusion Center.
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A
These days we’re having now, this little tweener season that I call latesummer, is one of my favorite times. The heat of summer (and hopefully the fres and their shrouds of smoke) are winding down. Days are getting noticeably shorter and the nights are noticeably cooler. The kids are getting their last lick of vacation in before the start of school.
It’s 4H animal projects and county fair time, sweet corn fresh from somebody’s garden or maybe a roadside stand time, and time to think about getting some frewood in when the woods are damp enough to keep the fre danger down.
there’d be boils or splashes from the fsh.
On those evenings you could go broke fshing a caddis dry. A plain caddis emerger or soft hackle with a green body, fshed on a short pull-pause retrieve would open the door to strikes on virtually every cast.
by Chuck Stranahan
The days are warm enough to make it easy and pleasant to be outdoors.
It’s archery season and sighting in the rife time. After Labor Day, when the vacationers from other places return to their homes, it’s a time when many of us enjoy the return of a special sense of unhurried quietude with almost a sense of relief. The time has come, and we can feel it when our towns, roads, and fshing accesses are less crowded, when we again have our big Montana back yard all to ourselves.
During the years I had my fy shop in Hamilton I’d look forward to the evenings after the holiday weekend when I could close the shop and drive just a few miles to go fshing, sometimes by myself or in the unexpected company of somebody I likely knew.
If I was willing to hoof it a little ways, there was solitude.
The fshing opportunities could vary. Sometimes there’d be a furry of caddisfies, dull drab grayish brown ones in about a #14 that looked like little moths. When they were there the fsh smacked them with reckless abandon. And just as often you’d see only a few adults on the surface, but
It’s still true today. The trout haven’t changed their behavior. Carry a dry #14 and wet #14 caddis imitation for those evenings when the caddisfies are active.
Another possibility is that you might see some small – I mean really small –black fies in the air and virtually no rises. This might happen around dark. You’re probably seeing small adult tricos, the precursors to the next morning’s trico activity.
The fsh are likely taking the emerging nymphs underneath, if anything. Tie on a fairly longish (30” or so) 5X tippet and to that attach your smallest black mayfy nymph, #18 at the largest.
My favorite is to tie my own on a short-shank #18 dry fy hook which yields the size fy you’d ordinarily fnd on a #20 or #22 hook – but with a bigger gape
power.
My fy has a longish hackle fber tail, about 3X body length, and a peacock herl or dubbed black thorax or biggish head up front. The rest is black thread.
Fish it on a pull-pause retrieve that keeps just enough tension on the line to detect a strike, or just swing it gently through the currents where fsh might hold. Sound too simple to be a secret weapon, but at times it is.
Morning fshing might begin with the late-in-life form of those little bugs that hatched the night before, the so-called trico spinners. #20 is probably the most useful size but bracket it with sparse #18’s and #22’s.
The daytime fshing might switch to #8 hoppers, a welcome relief from
tracking a near-invisible #22 on the water. Hopper-dropper rigs with generic food-form nymphs underneath can score well.
On gray rainy days we might see some dark-winged little olive-bodied mayfies, the blue winged olives. You can cover those with a #18 BWO Parachute for openers, and get more technical from there.
And my favorite hatch this time of year is the hecuba, or fall drake. They’re a full size #10, but if you don’t fnd them in that size a #12 will do. These fies hatch through the middle of the day and you don’t often see many of them, just one here and there.
The good news is that the ones you see will likely get eaten. Fish accordingly.
When the latesummer hecuba drakes appear, it’s Brindle ‘Chute time. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.
ShrD-a Paloza!
First Security Bank / hamilton: 9 am-Noon at 100 w. main Street
First Security Bank / stevensville: 1 pm-4 pm at 220 main street
Book Review
Book Review
Booked for the season
Booked for the season
“What to Wear and Why: Your Guilt-Free Guide to Sustainable Fashion” by Tifanie Darke
c.2024, Broadleaf Books
“The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning” by A.J. Jacobsc.2024, Crown Publishing
So what can you do about this issue?
Shop your own closet before you
buy, and keep only a small number of basic essentials. Don’t purchase more than fve new items of clothing per
$27.99 262 pages
$30.00 304 pages
You don’t have a thing to wear.
Although, Fact One: your closet is bulging. Fact Two: your dresser drawers are so full, you can barely shut them. Fact Three: you obviously won’t go nekkid but your wardrobe needs a boost. First, though, read the new book “What to Wear and Why” by Tifanie Darke and stop before you shop.
They say you have to fght for the right to party.
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.
So what are you wearing? Right now, take a good look, and then think about where you got it. How long have you had it? Where was it made? Those are important things to know, says Darke, because fashion has gotten out of hand.
The average closet has “around 150 items” in it, and most of those shirts, skirts, pants, and shorts will be worn just seven to ten times before they’re thrown away. “Americans,” she says, “buy an average ffty-two items of clothes a year...” and most are inexpensive and inexpensively made. This is bad for the consumer, it’s bad for workers in other countries, and it’s bad for the environment.
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
In times past, clothing was made of organic materials, mostly linen, fax, and silk for the wealthy and wool for everyone else. “The Industrial Revolution changed everything” by allowing cheaper manufacturing and in the 1940s, everything changed again when synthetic fabric became available. Problem is, synthetic textiles leach plastics into the air, earth, and water, and there’s no safe way to recycle them – which means that tons of discarded clothing ends up in landflls, “secondhand markets,” or in a pile in a desert overseas.
out loud, but though a secret ballot isn’t a Constitutional right, it’s the law
Lace up your shoes and participate! $10 per adult and kids are FREE. Shirts available for purchase during registration for $15.
by Terry Schlichenmeyer
by Terry Schlichenmeyer
year – and when you do, buy quality items or thrift what you need and resell what you don’t want anymore. Consider renting. Learn the art of repair, and forget about “fashion.”
Instead, “Take inspiration from what is around” and “... develop your own style.”
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...
You’re looking nice today, maybe because you put a lot of thought to what goes on your body. Now read “What to Wear and Why” and think about what goes in your closet.
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.
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.
Wanting to do better won’t be difcult after you’ve read some of the frightening statistics author Tifanie Darke ofers – stats that will resonate, and all but the most indiferent person will ask themselves if they really need four black tees. It helps that this is an easy book to understand and embrace, especially if you’re concerned with the environment and your wallet. The hard part will be actually following through with so much advice. Still, what Darke advocates is empowering and, let’s admit it, a fun challenge that will make you feel better about how you look and what you grab each morning.
Fashionistas will fnd something to think about in this book. The fnancially-challenged and new style-makers will fnd the right track here. “What to Wear and Why” is a book you’ll want to button up.
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
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spirits, and Jacobs appreciated the “liquid courage.” Jacobs tried to vote
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BLAZE: people behind fre suppression
Continued from page 1
taking a name from a close and prominent landmark. This helps keep track of which crew is which, as well as providing them with a moniker with more meaning to rally behind than just a number.
Their crew deploys together, and while Type 1 units are often immediately available nationwide, their Type 2 status is restricted to a U.S. Forest Service resource and they often stay in their region. They prioritize the local forest frst, then they can be available to the rest of the nation.
Harrison and Lathrop are seasonal, working for six to seven months out of the year, then taking the rest of. They spoke at length about their time as frefghters for the Forest Service and talked about what it is really like to work in the heat.
Harrison has been a forestry technician for three years, and Lathrop for four. As members of the same crew, they often eat, sleep, deploy and experience fres together, with their 20-person crew, for almost six months straight. It helps that they are a close knit group of friends, even outside of work. For them, that is an important part of the job, knowing that someone always has their back and that they are all in it together.
In the early months of the season, generally around April, they do mostly local work in their own area of the National Forest. When their season
be ready.
“It’s a lot of holding, sitting there, waiting for something to happen,” said Harrison.
When they are on a fre, it’s all hands on deck, and they take long shifts, sometimes even 16 hours, going out night and day, to work on
starts, it usually involves working together to get back into the swing of things and doing a lot of hiking, as well as PT, to keep in shape for the upcoming season. When the fres really kick of, they could be sent anywhere at any time. However, their crew stays mostly in Montana and Idaho, in the Forest Service’s Northern Rockies District.
Harrison and Lathrop spoke on how frustrating this can end up being. Where they are located, the men said sometimes they will see fres within driving distance, and it breaks their hearts not to be able to respond. These fres can be out of their district, and since they go where they are sent, sometimes it means letting somewhere burn or be dealt with by other crews, hopefully.
Their days are often long and unpredictable. “You never know what your day is going to look like,” said Lathrop. According to both men, there are a lot of variables, but always two constants: “It’s going to be steep and it’s going to be hot!” Their job is to get as close to the blaze as possible on foot and begin fre mitigation work, cutting lines, moving trees and creating systems to break fre activity. They do all kinds of work, from mopup, to back burning and even rehabilitation for burned areas.
Palouse is deployed when the fre is on difcult, deep and steep terrain, where vehicles cannot get to. They carry everything they need with them, often hauling over 45 pounds of personal gear and then their heavy equipment, like chainsaws, fuel and hand tools. This means they are often going out with around 65 pounds of gear. Harrison is also an EMT for the group and brings with him extra frst aid equipment and a trauma kit.
They will work for a standard 14 days straight, and only get a few hours of in between to recoup. The way their schedules work, they often do at least a year’s worth of work hours in six months.
“It’s not always action and intensity,” said Lathrop. Both men spoke on the down time, and how their job is often “zero to 100” in a very short amount of time. They always need to
the blaze. In the short time they have of each day, they try to get in showers and sleep, which, according to Garcin, “Is never enough.”
For the forestry technicians, their season stretches from April to October. In their down time, they try to visit family and stay active. In his free time, Harrison said he has been base jumping (jumping from a fxed place with a parachute), and traveling the world.
The Palouse Crew is just one of 16 crews on the Sharrott Creek Fire, and each one goes through the same thing. There are a number of unique factors on each fre that they all have to deal with. According to Lathrop and Harrison, the most important and pressing issue with the Sharrott Creek Fire is the direct threat to several private homes on the mountain side. This is diferent from many of the fres they work on, which are often “semi remote.” With those extra dangers, “there’s that added pressure,” Lathrop added. He referred to the over 50 threatened private residences in immediate danger of this fre.
Garcin is ofcially a part of Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3, one of fve teams in the region. Her section is only one piece of the incident management team, which handles a lot of the logistics, organization and overall activities that make fre fghting happen. Many people that have never worked on forest fres may be surprised to learn how complex the networking can be, and all the pieces involved. Garcin described the organization, explaining how diferent agencies all come together to fght these fres. These groups include sections that cover areas like safety, logistics, operations and even fnance. All of these sections include members of various entities like the U.S. Forest Service, local and state law enforcement, emergency management agencies, and many more. A lot of the management side comes down to assessing what resources can become available, depending on many factors. Much of it is threat assessment. With the Sharrott Creek Fire in particular, which grew very quickly in the frst few hours due to the powerful wind event that coincided with its origin, there were numer-
needs. “We still have a lot of frefghting to do, but there is a solid plan in place and we’re adjusting as needed,” said Garcin.
However, because of its visibility to the public, and the possibility of spreading to the private homes, the Sharrott fre is getting a lot of attention. According to Garcin, “We’ve had time to set up home protection measures while we work to gain containment,” which bodes well for the outcome.
According to Garcin, they have also started burning operations to back-burn sections around the fre to limit fuel for the fre to spread. This is meant to “create more depth to the lines so the fre can’t cross,” said Garcin.
With teams doing all they can, Garcin spoke on what the public can do to help. She brought up the confusion many people may have over how these fre teams work and how they should support the frefghters. The fre camp, and individuals outside the camp, often receive a lot of things from the public like water and food. Garcin wants to discourage this. The teams and assigned resources, coming from many diferent agencies and private contractors, have government backing and supplies which are strictly controlled, and include everything they need to function day to day. Being that they have plenty of supplies, “we are unable to accept much of what the public brings,” said Garcin. Instead, Garcin suggested supporting local frefghters, year round. In most of Montana, many of these
ous resources that became available relatively quickly, when compared to other fres.
However, not everyone on fres works in the front lines or starts their career as a frefghter. Garcin is a public information ofcer for the Sharrott Creek Fire, and got her start with environmental quality with state and local governments in Montana. She moved into working fres in her current capacity after gaining experience in all-hazard and law enforcement incidents and taking advanced training. Her job is communication with the press and the public, as well as to relay information. She works under Mike Behrens, the incident commander for this fre.
Nationwide, fre fghting resources are limited. At the top, there are priority lists that determine which fres will most beneft from which resources and incident management teams have to update their situations daily. The reports they write determine their situational urgency and what they may need. The way they write those reports, the assets at risk, the urgency of the situation and amount of pressure across the country on resources will often determine what will become available to teams.
Fortunately, according to Garcin, the team working on the Sharrott Creek Fire is getting the resources it
departments are volunteer, and need the support. She said these volunteers are important because they do not get paid and often fundraise for their own limited equipment. They are also usually the frst ones on the scene in these kinds of fres.
“Speak to them, fnd out what they need, long term,” said Garcin. For the interagency fre crews and teams, Garcin said, “Moral boosters are often all they need. Thank you’s go a long way,” and signs posted in support of the frefghters are a huge reminder to fghters that their tireless work is appreciated. This will not only keep the public from interfering with operations, but will also go further than any supplies the community could ever donate.
The Sharrott Creek fre camp at dusk. Photo by John Dowd.
The heart of the incident command section of the Sharrott Creek fre camp. Each large, tent or pop-up structure, is an offce for numerous fre workers. The buildings at the left are newer pop-up buildings that are brought in by truck and take only a few minutes to expand. Photo by John Dowd.
Jeni Garcin points out aspects of risk workers assigned to the fre face every day, and how they try to mitigate them. The display is meant to remind everyone and keep them on the same page on how to stay safe. The display shows not only the steps taken, but what the risk will look like before and after mitigation, as many aspects of fre suppression will never see risk eliminated completely. Photo by John Dowd.
Attorneys for Personal Representative Melissa N. Dunlap
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: TED DUNLAP, Deceased.
Dept. 2
Cause No. DP-41-202489 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Melissa N. Dunlap has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the Deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Jones & Houston, PLLC, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 2625 Dearborn Avenue, Suite 102, Missoula, Montana 59804, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated this 12th day of August, 2024.
/s/ Melissa N. Dunlap, Personal Representative of the Estate of Ted Dunlap
/s/ Joseph D. Houston, Attorney for Personal Representative
BS 8-21, 8-28, 9-4-24.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
In the Matter of the Name Change of Sarah Ruth Grifn Nelson, Sarah Ruth Grifn Nelson, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-24-315
Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change.
The hearing will be on September 25, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 13th day of August, 2024.
/s/ Howard Recht District Court Judge
BS 8-21, 8-28, 9-4, 9-1124. MNAXLP
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 TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ORVILLE ORIN WARNER, Deceased.
Probate No. DP-2024-88
Dept. No. 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Laura Melis 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 Laura Melis, 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.
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT WILLIAM FROST, a/k/a BOB FROST, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-41-20240000086
Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Melia Rose Frost and Autumn Lehua Frost, the Co-Personal Representatives, in care of CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C., 99 Marcus Street, 3rd Floor, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 8th day of August, 2024. /s/ Melia Rose Frost /s/ Autumn Lehua Frost CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C.
Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives By: Megan S. Winderl BS 8-28, 9-4, 9-11-24.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-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 Coun-
ty, 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
OG-24-08-333
LEGAL NOTICE The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on foodplain application for work proposed within the FEMA regulated foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Tim Roberts. The proposed project will excavate 18” of organic material (cattails) from approximately 1 acre of low lying area located on Mr. Robert’s property. The excavated material will be
