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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume XLI, Number Number 6 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 9, 2022 Wednesday, January 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2, April26, 10,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber WARC sees biggest field‘Pawty’ day yet Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical $25 Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Centercenter open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville
visit Murdochs, Darby wine & Spirit, DoubleoccupaH Hat Co. Kids 5 & under speech, by Victoria more at www.GregOverstreet.com by Victoria Howell shelter.Find out $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any August 22 & 23 Gates Open @5, Event 7PM Orto do tional and physical F R EKruse E Howell by Kristin Michael Howell andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major ty for failing the proper by Thechanges park additional impact on people’s therapy services – provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmental by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.oftaxes. It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property The Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing its the therapy theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. over 220 people The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to theaoff loan, Bitterroot Health Commissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to theOswald subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Senior ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments concern group ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, a presentatation in Darby and contacted him, expressed a resident of the Waterkeepers West Fork. Heand has was attended by(the people from all over Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the thea project. Center official name) trap enthusiasts andgave hunting Bishop said “It organization’s 50 years of service, An open house celebration was for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and inliving school Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sotheyas hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root the was started by environment a bunch offar little old by John Dowd ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their by John Dowd ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also built just of functions as a Last weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular tripslimited. per dayRamsey, to the local lowering of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and been in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit the Stevensville at thesupporting Humane Association participatMile Creek and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the Last the Western Road inweek, Hamilton. The event served Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in BitteraCenWoodchuck Road east ofnationthe be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. included Agricultural Research system, and a gorgeous view a ribbon andapplicant incorpo- is proposing to payments contributors were the Three programs such as It The on continuing to al “slumber party” event. The Creek Road and Florence. The land isannual being a 100-foot by 100were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains tothededicate rated Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony honor of new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was ter (WARC) held itsin root Blasters. According to club expand services. Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. developed by Laura Watson of foot easement for the use and impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct that the the west. She said the Those payRock Park and the Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel aFamfacility, including tours of the whole field day, which proved to event the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit “We’re bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was of the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or duty to provide the statutorily The building is now home total cost is ments come ily Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and an array of food and huge sense of responsibility to honor be the biggest one yet, by opened the shelter to community represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby required information lies with care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. Along their terroot CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honor ofZach thewith organization’s far. According to Milmembers who participated to stay ing company Professional $8,000 to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], the Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are it as were many who own programs, the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. ler, an associate professor said that Marcus the night with the animals, amongFire Consultants Inc. (PCI). District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has raised over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” and the WARC superintenDaly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, dent, “It was great to see noon Saturday and 12 noon The Sun- received gle-family residential use dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Montana Hope Project. It is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight hospital board, such a crowd coming out to with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated laclub islocally utilized by local schools, little owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the shelter animals, fundraisingSee campaign to fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave support said this project courts, aagriculture.” walking a wore playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are aon waning See CENTER, page pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then the Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run With over 450Ranch, people in has been four years3 and Triple Creek Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. However, the among in support of the shelter. with a 99-year lease. Six years later, pandemic hit and construction attendance at the event, neothers. in the works, costs but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon Shelters all over the U.S. and skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded arly 100 more than last year, The current executive diOne Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured fifth from left, leads a gathering of people involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animal shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael Howell. even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land totake the organization rector, Tom Allsop, has this was the biggest onebeen they where ilton, may exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on the property that had housed the Sue McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Trap Club members line up for a shoot. Photo by Kristin Kruse. the current shelter is located. The have ever However, to this, as had. they were re-is apage See TRAP, See SHELTER, page hour period. The event fund-5 pandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded foritbeing Miller added that wasand also raiser for each shelter, partictheir vision is that by “outstanding John Dowd Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an model bytoNathando. Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the “the best one yet.” ipants each work to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” the Stevensville business,” according to encountered people most important Miller said the event has donate to their respective Hamilton City Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling victim way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, been growing steadily over Individual businesses day, Marchcommunity 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people Association. will of a “medical center” rather than just a also donated to the fundraiser, Hamilton. the last fewcity years. However, accessible, upcoming projects. at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified to ask questions also be celebrating 50 However, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly over week it became for 90 people years. whenthe theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more presented with Certificate of care” ping depot for FedEx, The new 12-acre campus will and start conyears of Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. clear that plans had to isversation a critical access provide primary, care, urgentHalfway care and Hospital, which about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe with those Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through There over 35 participants change towere accommodate for nic a meeting held aaccordcouple weeks earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know and co-owners, and been steps a lengthy fund fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the slumber party, and a barbethrough fiscal the growing numbers. lier,vastly made ityear, into the opening.Police After Chiefthe time. Snavely. However, at the end of the Stephen open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating to one of them, Mara Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his thepresentation meeting,toduring the non-agenda items They had a lotthat more people In the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoit up, shows the county, ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. year, county practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have been in the Burnt area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, discussion ofAfter thelately counCouncil ongiving March 15th,period, Chiefto several following of what potential of the many ways WARC staff a presentation overlabel. 450 visitors last week during the WARC annual There field day. Photo bybe John Dowd. ciation works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well See WARC, page 6 who visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. will also he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from retiring. members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely saidcil that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, but
Tickets
Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years
Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball Climbing Plan
scheduled
budget looking good
have been successvation inofso the Bitterroot through on its tax collections and Many the thatperiod The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet has aparticipants During the public comments. Hamilton Police Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that over they ful. Joined by the other showing revenues various projects andkids. programs. spent the night were During tional Forest (BNF) willRoberttoSteinThe Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message forprogram you: of the such council meeting, “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. “become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One is their the party, participants hostslumber afool public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February is hoff stood toNeyenhuis, address the council. He things saidthat council member Jenny “It the He was home for don’t around! the good happen able toWest. uncover to departments say12th. they This are shipand Marisa most while scholarship program, which took part in a “tortilla slap game,” thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. expenses have only or awards three winners who can 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page hosted byan the County Fish anddepartment’s and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” HernearlyDuring that time, ing11 his experiof the paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in amounted of three people allows them display interest in pursuing to share Association informationand Troutence Wildlife Unlimthoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, common tactics for and former council member, public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in large to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell by Michael Howell minants into our streams and rivers regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part to job vacancies Rod Freeman is theproper chair of this year’s do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, through use of pesticides. ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion agenda send-from a normal of In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with A year ago, the University of Some of the planned activities include his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management the second regular of aAt proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in resent the IRS or is looking pretty good, One big savings was in of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one and the viceresidential chair of the Board, Montana’s LakeCommittee, Biologiincreased andFair commercial colon cancer in 99. “I jokinglyFlathead say Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. meeting of theSteinhoff, two-member According to was the issue re-roofing the city intending send atime package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds for ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. Now by John Dowd of that as the executive director. of the winners to receive a Mara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section. Photo by John Dowd. cal (FLBS) received aShoppe. $6.6 pesticide waste collections and educawhich he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate February of 2021. that 51 Station is brain Staub of the Boxxe Photo meeting will betoheld on See BOOKS, page 18 should run. He that “We’ll dobeour job, ” Christine said it wasn’t going affect me,on but street According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. After County CFO Klarryse theofAdministration. county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, Al became a member in 1988, andfor event isinone the biggest in the itshop. was announced he would check was Savannah Deuter, million grant from the Environtional watershed tours. agent 18 that years here the Bitterroot, and also He went through damage material.” Zoom. See below for than Boddy. learned that it would only take just City Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes they was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns the Paper valley. For him, the experience has been On Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who graduated high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle mental Protection Agency (EPA) To help out with these educatioin the Army for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 See COUNTY, page 10 seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far Columbia River Basin nal efforts, Montana Department of to familiar withRestoration the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Fivethat fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put in he was was no joke. “It fused and unOver the victims that a loved has hurting.” said he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him he victims, get involved people all over theQuality valley,”isand all of it hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the executive completed a she semester of college the last administration. In currentfrom Hamilton, was recProgram tothat develop and implement Environmental developing butuse wishes similar meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Cowboy Ball committee. told that the cancer got I potential felt familiar with of so herbadHe in jail,rewarding.” or that a prize about the track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According tochamRa- course to network. then got onto the board has been “extremely for members, giving their report, director. Al gave a history of the and submitted her transcript that others within the commua comprehensive and collaborative its own initiative to encourage people public Crews told roof, ognized for in (virtual) were held in meetFreeman saidAlthe committee trouble streaming the the process, decade with has been won,hopes but a to feeraise needs had been eradicated. I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was notwhat very comment, mer,and it isspoke the original which hasstepping in like the early 90s,nity andwould in 2012 he her became was the executive director until reviewing 2023 andof talking about ber, about important memproviding proof compLeting help look out Pesticide Stewardship Partnership to build native-plant buffers between 2021. the council that those makto handle the the prosecution $50,000 this2020. year,Since forbethe expansion of the rodeo and Staub Boxxe to paid forhas release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsome significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said the executive director. then he been the advithey have planned for the upcoming bers during that time that led up to him associated courses. These are theirfor safety. At least Programfor (PSPP) the Upper Co-one lawns and streams, so if they insist on Inhas addition to the been in the by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he said. surgery on YouTube October was being water Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition into year. During the meeting, it was also taking on the position. the former chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she lumbia River Basin of Montana. using pesticides, there is less of a chanopportunity to learn In addition to the custom leathpicious when now commonly use a getting legitimate seven times already, and each time left will“The cut down on theBitterroot heating and haswhile “They need to berole. replaced. They’re banged address the mayor, notof the Gregbill Overstreet he was 23, 2021 for ostomy boarded, or aided what story the Valley 55 board members and participated thece be retiring in August this announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local Pesticide is an umbrella term for for itAltowill drain directly into streams. nel they had was no about and participate in Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition to Rose Allen (left. Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but will be ready to taxpayers with the bill for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. After Al spoke, Jodi stood to thank Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and substances that prevent, kill, repel or In addition to the educational the process of developworking but they had up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the anycustomthehelp package a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked ifset there gle and triumphs,” said Al.ering, He said theCovid-19. organization’s According to him forgrab allthe his and tofrom remind him back from the the Chamber leadership.. 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another of thesethis requiretreatment boarding to history. be to be had provided with a ride mitigate organisms that areThe harmful efforts, grant is also funding isage notand a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, er’s Mist, ain new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page 21$60,000 athing new Facebook page. Hower’s in or front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or could overarching goal for the Chamber has him, what was meant to be a six-month he was only supposed to speak for 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments is that each applicant started 11 years ago but couldn’t be held last year to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls to cultivated plants or animals. They eight sub-award recipients who week’s meeting covsession. “It’s public ” their did work the work to opened at the same Howevartists havecomment. not shown in at no charge the particular all of “They always direct thewill ever, members ofwill thelocation. public always been to keep businesses connect-cash, appointment to“This the position lasted 12 the minutes. ber for over 36 that years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to pandemic – has been upgraded this often target insects (insecticides), but be carrying out other projects that The day after Overstreet. er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details thethehad which was to tothat send ‘no signature The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access theplays years, andinclude he enjoyed every moment Jodivictim stated theit, membership cussing thewas “It’s sense to me,” also thosecommon that target plants address various EPA priorities, such as year. topics: surgery, isfrauduwhen Icheck realized changeover, itrole willhunting remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being required,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associly that he would be answering publicly thank Joanoffor help-beenshe The Town offorStevensville recognized attorney Joan Mell, it. (herbicides), “It’s a good ride 29“This numbers have beenever “trending up every says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not fungi (fungicides), and green infrastructure and agricultural • Review overall is the fi rst year we’ve done a fully diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations ThereFred are 16 artists in total lently deUnfortunateThe Bank Secrecy Act ation. material. Photo courtesy Upchurch. years,” said Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3 questions from the public. ing me and helping the town, ” flags abound when seniors are center, for filling in while town Greg even rodents (rodenticides). best-practices. objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. taking Covid while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from ofattorney 1970 requires banks to being onThe thefive-year other side andgrant partaking,” being scammed. “If a person long proThe city ofl Missoula is onethe of of the Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes ofas the public of Montana Catering Service will provide had Covid-19. Pictured with Mell are, to r, Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened welcoming more. “We like all kinds for patience she worked “I was obviously seriously enough. Staub’s first senior citizen keep track of withdrawals Big Sky Watershed Corps member Chloe Czachor, who is leading the field work in the pesticide he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a ject aims to reduce pollution in sub-award partners that will address conversations should beofprepared forsaid some its doors March 1.said mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and monitoring project, was in the Bitterroot last week visiting eleven different sites from Florence to sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update Montana’s waterways primarily by green infrastructure by creating urban The new business will feature business Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2 bank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talks about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death due tothe commuOverstreet. “It hitphysical Jim Crews, former mayor Hamilton checking parameters of the water water samples for labSTEVI, analysis. to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria Howell. engaging and educating thePhoto public atand 901grabbing S.the 1startists Street in Hamilton. See COWBOY BALL page 4 See SURVIVING, page by Michael Howell onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some of displayed such cirnity. Staub is Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 Photo bySee Michael Howell. makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” in ways to reduce the toxic contaPLAN, page 2 See PESTICIDES, on page 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants County Commissioners apwork is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensville proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contests by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith A Hamilton business,Inthat hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change atthe all,space. andinvestigation. itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a video designed to her leatherwork, Karen is also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working to en1889, and the contest is still looking agricultural and leadership competito the state level and secured invitaby Since Michael Howell January 2, Exit1st, Realty in the some positive growth in the future. want to change a whole bunch right On Monday, April around 4:30 toAccording to Hamilton Police Depart- sale, the south portion was purchased to help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavaccomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber to provide courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twelve Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. impacts aby variety of pieces furniture to A ininvolved the valley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the next level competition at the toevents. SEIS for new record of decision forest products and and toof unmitigated changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change will in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest Michael Howell sioners. He said his group envisibecause at that point the bottom The deadline closed on byVictoria Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved the creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings 2023-24 district championships by Howell year, the facility took in just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all ons ahis low-key space would park with fell out of the market,” said Corn. toart, put envelopes on open January 18,participant’s for filingby objecbyher Victoria property which in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed when the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and commissioners all work isHowell done her twotook casing the loveown of Corvallis and Florence schools inthe April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. venville’s main drag, beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will a es might affect them. Fortunately, rights that pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Exitfor Realty is still the to Lendman said that itand will not change venience Store. The engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also Following a year of work by a a walking path around the perimeHe said the estimated cost roads heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by a Draft treatment units. According to all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McJasmin Shinn, founder and There are no paid employees; it’s an allThe annual Montana Rockies be no break from the music, and, “No according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it, the fransame company. Additionally, accordin. Photo by John Dowd. place after the suspect threatened and standard procedure in these types of group of volunteers spearheaded ter, and a few picnic tables near the the ballpark improvements at the put valentine cards in kopf, activities director The Stevensville Town CounPark, a 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging trucks, mostly, a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding ATRowner Smart Procedures is a softschools ininvolved the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education programvolunteer Casland, 1st get place individual tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.organization. Just up there and with play.” current of the valley half chise was split between the north ing to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1 Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer shooting situations. See EXIT, page at Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil was split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece of boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state by Paula Carney, coupled with existing small pavilion. He said the timeof was $700,000, but itwide doesn’t compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% the proposed ware design company, now based in participate. Some of the schools even learn about a range of agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Des(Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will officer. “We have seen tremendous supAtsmall A Time Draft Horse Rescue it costs about $200 per month to feed Homes in Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked a piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour there and is a developed fishing access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The aim was several years of historical research open space is large enough for pickmention where the money would Hamilton. However, after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. to Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-that defining old-growth stantreatment withinOn anSaturday, Victor. April 13, the be“gentle theirManagement time, and for others Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate allareas are Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice these giants.” there are asking the community students atgames schools Stevensville bridge, an that was up and negotiated the donation the are going to under be accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning opportunity toon see the by Gary Liss, the Ravalli County for a variety ofthe sports andof come from. Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn HackNeely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the source Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to area designated for insect and resource and financial limitalife-saving to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost last week when she was to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in love with the activities According to the orga-a time engaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Commissioners approved naming and there is a three-wal“Park Board Chairman Gary Last year the envelopes. the music. This spring festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuespecially proud ofcontest this during old-growth habitat disease treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck forof$7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of could see what use the land is to the town. city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and or renaming nine acres of parkland led shed with electrical outlets large Leese confirm that there lopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting lance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motnot be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline dense pockets of dead and dythese horses. When they’re fi nally ready from representatives of JCCS, an Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. onfrom theAbout eastside of years Hamilton as Big enoughseeing to be used for gatherings or and may havehad been talk the back in and beyond. tosome be more really popular, from allemptied over area, name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even his wounds andawas pronounced the member lowest law enfour resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be driven or there, the necessary support viable populations having toall dosorts. with thesupport ingfor trees. They claim the area will been through their art contest. The even more, with full participation their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up Corral Park. occasions of dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side from said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. But then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’t ridden, and some just become “pasture located in from Hamilton. Part of contest the logging idea came a similar art all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, the of old growth, See PARK, page 3 new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within aof55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place be awhere police officer.” One the volunteers, George According toof Corn, research by center opened itsto doors in 2020 after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see of the bridge, was offered Town this land. “It’s two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 That developpets.” selection forHouston, awarding that gift See DUI, page 10 they held in Texas right af- impacts These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, by John Down first to be created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark of thelevy road after species. ” side The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their Corn, ainformer county attorney and County Administrator shows forest the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as athe roads converge, the is the incrediwould be maintained and utilized erty onon the west ofestablished the river,and then There are noitment surviving maps of rehabilitation thecontests. was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was ter the events of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, 50 years. To doRoad. this, theynoted will door tomistletoe some interesting permanent and for $9.5According One the problems, acOne band that to asked return toof Conroy, the the festival’s issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely there have only thecontinues project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits scope Willow Creek dwarf and western just toeast the north of Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed atains resident in theaccess area, recounted thatwas the property purchased potential river site. bly steep… Iwas think there are liability for based recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially consolCorvallis. Big Corral. But on historical ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last year, toofhave that To Johnny contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third need to ask the community conversations with people,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we asis the Campbell Band, visiting purpose is “to promote and encourevent and investigation. However, been three of these types shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a or not needed in the community. They of itsphone environmental consespruce budworm damage. County objects to shifting National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the Town to the Commissioners how the and Bitterroot frommuch the widow of the Jerry Stevens records referring to it and theglass names The original proposal was The next recycling in button, cell batteries (out of feature theorganization beauty of the participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” to acame levy, which BVCC said speaking about was exorbitant andin occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1commented Horse At Aavailable Time Germany where she grew up around from Nashville. They beevent joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information isstate atin 2008 However, these are always aButter, danger of nonprofit that offers a pass up with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the owner ofand land channel and the deepest part of the Vickie Motley, parkwill board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think It’s something group spent several hundred hours for its appraised value of in general financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have stated that the of the settlers documented as owning the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info so to give back to the community, “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Community horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they this time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly ber, said that nothing had been done at the river on thecleaning northeast side had$470,000. channel. If you toart develop RDO Equipment Co. over the past year up a He said two years later, to Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north if you don’t have batteries to recycle thought their once successful art said Hafer, saying that entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton homesteads within it, local amateur hisCollege (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which because helped the unsure ofThe exactly how theshe College was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. event is abut all share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot is especially passionate about getters. The officer is currently on leave neither the norin any comed towards highly motivated people successful organization Denver, attempted to shut off river on in 2010, for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem the access problem had been See STEVI, pageto 16 building located on the property, records show thatwere a plan end of has the Ravalli Fairnow you canRunning save up to bring them contest was the way toShe go. According come in“Crosspurpose.” all forms. District in Montana consists of current twelve Harris 8571 W. Road torian Gary Liss (left) produced his secretary, Sue Smith. was Theresilience vote will take place to speak with the process worked. Theyadraft were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it isCounty contrary to law forest to natural single-microphone type event, with When asked why he loves bluegrass, during this investigation, as iswake stanmunity members, harmed during That check followed inRavalli the horses. She and her husband, a ages 18 and older in Wild both and called Itorganization offers similar and Alliance for the grounds. price is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west of theacre Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer taking down some dilapidated was presented to be the Park speaking about the organizaMay 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the 4 version of the location ofThe the According 1,100 single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances like fire, insects Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according toBoard Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift in November See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed suit claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th.Additional ing director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA state qualifying events fencing, burning the old fence posts and the Commissioners to install tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community corral and the property lines of the early free training, Summit offers six-month offered officials also received species are listed in and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks orForest fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to the best tained food be recycled Cardboard be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools ofisallmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public foruse help with a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler, and painting the shelter on the sized Little League homesteaders. Paula Carney (right) mentoring, support and friendship tothree isregulation broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment sources in the Willow forthis a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales placebelieve team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. andball wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously many it tobybe property. fields and athey rugby pitch and whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin ato leader in the ad hoc group of citizens RDOequipment.com about 20Sponsored horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stay on, but please remove lids. by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individual community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t com“We are proposing the park be possibly a walk arounddevelopment,” the park in This program isdraft the brainchild of called “personal which who pushed Kalispell. for the official adoption of 9th, taking care of horses is Beginning March batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, “All of cludes prizes to the schools of the In addition to Stevensville, with team members Kamryn Jones, Office of the Regional bullof trout habitat; restore Road. terroot. According to trustee worked to alter the levy to testing first time they went to the the district was levy program run by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminply with theMyla definition of old power duo Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idennamed ‘Big Corral Park’ based on honor of Jerry Stevens. ButCPA. those the nameisand are hoping totwelve make future an expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, pageis 65 vice chair, Jean Butler, give it its best chance to byESTIMATES public, did after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR Hthat OMEand Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator of the Environmental habitat including meadows, In a they letter to so the Forest first horse that wasand rescued 1 Horse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch founder tify what each individual’s specific historical use of name foryears plans were dropped. growth found the Bitterroot improvements to the park. Photo credit: per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of significantly voted down the center,Corn andtold co-founder and Exec- “I am guessing that itSee the area,” the such Commiswas ART, page Paidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 14 21 Granicus. 4 4college See SUMMIT, page cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and theas oldpublic. a community district twice, wentP.O. back
Hearts full of love Stevi to revisit bonds Pesticide testingrefinancing program underway
Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting
New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task
Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video more participation
sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face fire on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold Butterfly project draws some objections Kurtz Lane parkland renamed Corral Park Spreading love Local draft horse rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set forBig Saturday
Glass recycling BVCC gives it one more college try event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance
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