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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 21 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, December 3, 2025 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, April26, 10,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Historic trap club faces closure Hundreds turn out for Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds speaks about celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Sheep meeting ShelterCreek hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ his last Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical center Sean Doyle Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Center open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville
by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse
Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com
speech, occupa-
shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major ty for failing to do the proper 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 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 and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in 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 BitteraofnationWoodchuck Road east the be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. included 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. TheAccording land is honor 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 in of new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. to club expand Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. including developed by Laura Watson of whole foot easement impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. She said the for the use and Those payRock Park and theservices. Rapp members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, tours of the event the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was of is the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily The building isarray now home total cost ments come ily of Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in an that program building, and of food and huge responsibility to honor 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 of thewith organization’s members 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. said that Marcus the night with theraised 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 over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly 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 “I have been lucky to beofpart peth, chair the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, 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 without tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Montana Hope Project. It is often said that Mile Community Senior Center board l to r,He Colconducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants stayed overnight of our current board for the last hospital board, with individual systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County thatmembers, DNRC. criticized the organization counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the Three is proud that general contractor donated laclub is utilized byseptic local schools, little locally owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the See SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the shelter animals, wore fundraising campaign to fund the new granddaughter of Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts,Wildlife a walking path,Boy a playgroup had they didn’t few years. They are some great Teller Refuge, Scouts bookstores are aon waning See the CENTER, page 3 pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-boundpeople as Bitbusiness. the among who love this communiin support of thelease. shelter. with a 99-year Six years later, pandemic hit and construction costs others. in the works, 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 ty and serving it.” skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded Well over 500 people showed up to urge the Ravalli County Commissioners to write a letter of opposition to the Sheep 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 heldcomments the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land toproposal. the organization where in favor of the project were two representatives of U.S. Critical Materials, the Creek Mine The only rector, Tom Allsop, has been ilton, may take exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health project inKristin aupper ceremonial groundbreaking. TheDoyle facility on Trap the ore property thatrare had housed Suein McCormack, who serves on - Sean Hamilton Club members line up elements forbuilding athe shoot. Photo by Kruse. the current shelter is located. The company proposing the project, which aims to extract containing earth from a site the West to this, as 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 be built on land located at theunanimously corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 newof building replaces anAtold building Fork the each Bitterroot the end of the 3-and-a-half hour will meeting, the three commissioners voted to cently awarded for River. being raiser for shelter, and partictheir vision is that by “outstanding John Dowd do. According to Steinhoff, “We have north of Photo the Stevensville Junction. an model bytoNathan Boddy cumstances, She adds See that the send a letter opposition the federal “fast track” permittingjust of the project. byhaving Michael Howell. page 7 ipants each in work to raisetofunds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important donate to theirCity respective Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim way to combat the Hamilton Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing Individual community businesses day, March 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is forthan people Association. will of a “medical center” rather just a also donated to the fundraiser, accessible, upcoming city 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 for 90 people years. when of 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 Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. isversation a critical access provide primary, care, urgent 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 were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic 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 co-owners, and been steps fundand fund by Kaia Benson a lengthy by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the slumber party, and a barbelier,to made ityear, into theMara 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 one of them, Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commuCorvallis FFA cue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to his thepresentation meeting,toduring the non-agenda items In the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoit up, shows the county, ing agency, out of 351 similar facilities. 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, who discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well Corvallis FFA concluded a successful visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with clinics in to Covid, Greg sent home from retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and doing victims are told, have been so successvation inofthe Bitterroot through onteams its taxtocollections and year by sending three the Na- but Many the participants that The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet hasthe a other During the public period Police comments. Hamilton Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that they ful. Joined by showing revenues over various projects and programs. tional FFA Convention, which was held in spent the night were kids. 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 One is their Indianapolis, Indiana from October 29 in to the party, participants hostslumber afool public meeting Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. This is hoff stood to address the council. He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t around! He was home for the good things that happen able to uncover the to say they are shipand Marisa Neyenhuis, most departments while scholarship program, which November 1. Roughly 73,000 FFA members took part in a “tortilla slap game,” this Wednesday, March explained that he attended meeting might beyouth beneficial toready talk totoDarby theMichael tenthbyannual event andexpenses the waylegal it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping papers or Overstreet, two or three days. by Howell Luther believes having have only the Participating getting spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo John Dowd. awards three winners whoacan and guests around the nation attended 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’sconvention going to be- an event worthy of a jubilee an attorney in amounted to 23% of three people allows them display interest in pursuing about 4,500 of these members to share Association informationand Troutence Wildlife thoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, common tactics for and former council member, public at the next Halfway through celebration. projections due in large to do it related all. “We private practice inconservation, Unlimhismeeting oxygen level fields tocouldn’t by Victoria Howell actually competed during the convention. regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part vacancies RodCorvallis FreemanFFA is the chair of to 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, sent teams injob the following 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 to county’s performance that have yet torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with three categories: Agricultural Communicahis 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 in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one Committee, the vice chair of theResources, Fair Board, tions, and Environmental Natural colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly 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 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. which he’s Marketing been onby forNa12 years. real estate and Plan. TheseAthree teams for February of 2021. that 51 is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. 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 shop. According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. After Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the it was announced he would check was Savannah Deuter, qualified for nationals because they took agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and also He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only takeThe than Boddy. learned that it would City Public Works Director, Donny customer they was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns thein Paper valley. For theSometimes experience has been On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who high school in just January 27, town clerk Jenelle at years, the him, Montana FFA Convention. the first Armyplace for 21 his and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seeorganizational 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 familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Fivethat fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to 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 that he victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and 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 recbutuse wishes Marketing Plan Team 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 commuThe highlight of the convention for Corpublic comment, Crews told roof, ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held in meetFreeman saidAlthe committee hopes to raise trouble streaming the the process, decade with has been won, but a fee needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original which has in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof of compLeting nity would help her look out vallis was the result of their Marketing Plan 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 for their safety. At least one team. The team of Jackson Pliley, Beauden In addition to the by John Dowd chines. became sus-taking Shoppe, Staub funds. The getting scammers will ing public comment caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been the state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just old,” he said. surgery on October was being water Throughout he knew Jodi, helping hertook transition year. During the meeting, it in was also on theshould position. the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliofthat thetime, potential victims she sor for Therrien, and Morgan Bisel fourthinto opportunity to learn In addition to the the heating custom leathpicious when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, and each time left will cut down on bill and “They need to be replaced. They’re getting banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy or aided whatand “The story of the Bitterroot Valley 55boarded, board members participated thethe role. Al willSo beout retiring inhundreds August this announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no place in nation. of Photo the 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. 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 of Marketing Plan teams across the nation, the process of developworking but they had up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the anycustomgrab thehelp package a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked ifset there gle and triumphs,” said Al.ering, He said theCovid-19. organization’s According towith him all his tofrom remind him back from the the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual cowboy balland – which actually Another of thesethis requiretreatment boarding to history. be to be had provided a out ride and of for the best teams from all 50 states, 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 was number four. This wasthe the week’s meeting covsession. “It’s public ” their did work the work opened at the same Howevartists havecomment. not shown in at no charge the particular all of to to the position lasted 12Corvallis “They always direct ever, members ofwill thelocation. public always been to keep businesses connect-cash, appointment minutes. ber for over 36 that years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this highest finish by any Montana FFA team The day after Overstreet. “This er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details thethehad which was to victim send ‘no signature The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access theplays years, andI he enjoyed every moment Jodi statedtothat theit,membership cussing thewas “It’s common sense to year me,”at year. this nationals. topics: surgery, isfrauduwhen 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 check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associly that he would be answering publicly thank Joanoffor help-beenshe Thesays, Town offorStevensville recognized attorney Joan Mell, it. “It’s ride 29“This numbers have beenever “trending every pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunatepart ofyear their Marketing Plan, the • Review overall isAs the first we’ve done aup fully diagnosed with I was nota good art. After two months of renovations material. ThereFred are 16 artists in total lentlythat deThe Bank Secrecy Act ation. 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 inCorvallis while town FFA brought aGreg little Bitterroot objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. taking Covid center, for filling while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from ofattorney 1970 requires banks to to being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a Indiana. person also said that they said They teamed with Aspen Grove outcomes ofas the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service will provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l to r, Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened more. “We like allOverstreet. kinds seniorseriously for patience she worked “I was obviously enough. Staub’sCrews firstwelcoming citizen keep track of withdrawals he added, specifically referring to the CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a of Corvallis See conversations Farms to or make a marketing plan 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 more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update for a “Very Berry Vinaigrette” which would The new “It business feature Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2 bank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. hit will Jim Crews, former mayor to5withdraw $15,000, it from Howell. Stacie Barker. Photo Victoria beby made excess berries from thepage farm.4 at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL SURVIVING, page by Michael Howell onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some such cirStaub is Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. See SCAMMERS, pagea2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” “It was such an honor to represent See PLAN, page 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants Corvallis members awards at the National FFA Convention inthe Indianapolis, Indiana 29 March to November Photo courCounty Commissioners work is FFA grounded inwith thetheir Sheridan-style former gallery, but business plana on OctoberOn See pageap17 by John Dowd barns, cowboys, famous artists with 9th, 1. members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, theFFA, Stevensville tesy of Neela Hammerstein. 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 aininvolved variety of pieces furniture to A new the valley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. SEIS for record of decision forest products 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 The deadline closed on byVictoria Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships by Howell year, the2023-24 facility took inthe 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 toart, put envelopes on January 18,participant’s for filingby objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which wouldschools 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 and Florence inthe April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. venville’s beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will a es might affect them. rights thatmain pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Realty is still the to Lendman said that itand will not change venience Store. The Fortunately, engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also roads heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most a drag, Draft treatment units. According to Exit 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 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 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. Just up there and with play.” current of the valley half chise was split between the north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot organization. But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1 Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer shooting situations. See EXIT, page by Michael Howell site-specific basis, what is necessary controlling and restoring surface to fashion new narrative standards. atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out ofwathe vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed ware design company, now based in participate. Some of the schools even learn about a wide 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 to protect healthy waterways from ter across the country set hour forth under All these parties failed to come tosite. 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 there and is a developed fishing access drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The aim was Hamilton. However, after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. toWater Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-nardefiningnuisance old-growth stantreatment within anClean Victor. On April 13, the be“gentle theirManagement and for others that attempted to provide port, andalgal we greatly appreciate allareas are Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility inofficers Corvallis, got nice these giants.” there are AThe petition signed byitem aa dozen Monblooms and related the federal Act include consensus ontime, any proposed new asking the community students Stevensville bridge, an that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to Saturday, be accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’sThen [the piece on the to provide a learning opportunity to see the Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. school day under the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn HackNeely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is source Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the 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 tana conservation organizations and harmful water quality conditions. the requirement that EPA approve rative standards and in 2025 the leto 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 loveby with the Accordingproud tolopes. theofcontest orga-a time engaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team the Last year the the music. This spring festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported ambuespecially this during old-growth habitat disease treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received almost a nearly thousand individual citizens Numeric criteria allow regulators or deny any revision ofis water quality gislature passed new legislation – HB 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 see what use theenveland to the town. city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes 13,000 acres state and the people. One the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett and Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and were so full they The project now is lopes andsee fundraiser will feature 18accommodate bands one newer band bynumeric the it,” interesting lance to thecounty. hospital. He expired there in American history thatdense he is believes was recently submitted to Montaand permittees to detect and reduce standards. In this case the EPA found 664 – eliminating standards tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing said Motnot be able to on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline 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. had to be more really popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even from his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest law enna Department of Environmental pollution before harm occurs, and to claim Montana’s standard too once again. This time, however, About four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are many cars out there, said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be driven or unthe necessary support viable populations having tothe do with thesupport ingfor trees. They the areanarrative 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. These bands will play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. The Quality (DEQ) Director Sonja Nowajudge waterway health with a high vague and did not sufficiently protect der the Trump administration, EPA 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, new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within aasking 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place be awhere police officer.” center opened itsto doors in 2020 after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see kowski that DEQ pause any degree of accuracy. Montana’s waters and rejected the approved the changes. of the bridge, was offered Town this of 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 Down in Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, by John first created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first levy was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark rehabilitation of the road after species. ” side The letter notes tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell bass. and Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents theaway Sapphire Mounnew orHamilton renewed pollution discharge Montana’s adopted standards change inbestandards. Court also According to Guy Alsentzer ofthat in 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the is the incrediitment would maintained and cases utilized erty onon the west of the river, then was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was established ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, and 50 years.Creek To do this, theynoted will door tomistletoe some permanent and $9.5According One the problems, acOne band continues to asked return toof Conroy, the festival’s issued apending press release that detailed ment, Snavely there only interesting the project is complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits scope Willow Road. dwarf and just toeast the north of Fort Owen together to decide what was needed permits completion ofState reviwere controversial from thehave beginestablished thatthat protective water qu- for Missouri Water Keepers, his the group potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially consoltains of Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last year, toofhave that To Johnny contendCampbell at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community conversations with people,” million, which Butler said cording toaButler, was, “we asis the 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 sed nutrient implementing rules. ning with many industry interests ality standards can only be eliminated began circulating petition requof itsphone environmental consespruce budwormyears. damage. County objects to shifting Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the idate highway property into the Town The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell batteries (out of feature theorganization beauty of the state andto participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” 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 They joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” very little information is at amuch However, these are always aButter, danger nonprofit that offers a pass came up with the concept of Although career Montana was one the first states and municipalities expressing conwhen aNashville. proposed revision isbeaccompaesting DEQ to pause any new orThe mayor Jim Crews, theof owner ofand land channel and the deepest part of the of Vickie Motley, parkwill board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think It’s something in general financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials have stated that the 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 isnew modeled afterwere a that highly nied in nation adopt science-based cerns that standards by10 anthat equally protective replacerenewed pollution discharge perat the the river onto the northeast side had channel. Ifthe you were toart develop ber, said nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. to Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed from 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 College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, whichment. helped the unsure ofThe exactly how themits College was.” However, there soula,IfIdaho and more. event is abut all share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot she ispending especially passionate about getters. The officer is currently on leave neither the nor any ed towards highly motivated people successful organization in Denver, numeric standards forriver determining unattainable and too expensive to comthere’s no equally-protective completion of revised attempted to shut off on for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, pageto 16 end of 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 secretary, Sue Smith. was Theresilience vote will take place were 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 18quality and older in Wild both and called Itorganization offers similar and Alliance for the water in 2014 after a decaimplement. replacement proposed, the law says nutrient implementing rules. grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Star Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the organizaon May 7, via aresponse mail-in ballot. public on the topic ofmost creating under that the misunderstanding about thea 4 single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition to services, according Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard aof$25,000 gift in November See BLUEGRASS, page de stakeholder involvement and Inlike the to Montana legislathe protective science-based “It’s true that Montana still has Rockies filed suit claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th. ing director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA Additional state qualifying events tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community free training, Summit offers six-month program offered Forest officials also received species are listed in and disease; reduce sedi- to over impacts to remain fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20scientific review. Numeric criteria tureThe began trying easeconcern the burden criteria on the books. narrative rule prohibiting harm, in406-549-4171 agency failed to use the best tained drinks or food be recycled Cardboard recycling also be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask for help with a desired Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college. According topollution, Butler, mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into three are the public means for protecting on industry and in 2022 passed a As a result the legislature formed cluding harm from nutrient 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 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, they will be giving away compete in FFA includAg Sales placebelieve team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high rare opportunity to incredible. create a uses) and to hold true.” She thephase trustees said athat voted inofpreviously many it tobybe whoever walks through their doors. Stevens that the first isJasmin conditions (i.e., designated of wanted law eliminating the numeric nutrient working group including on20 the books as a currently matter of are law,” said RDOequipment.com about horses. She money but, according to Shinn, clear whether there other roads, especially Willow Creek Director ofindustry, the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stayAndrea on, but please remove lids. Sponsored 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, Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t comThis program is the brainchild of called “personal development,” which waterways. Numeric nutrient critestandards and leaving only the “narmunicipal, non-governmental conAlsentzer. “The problem is that narrataking care of draft is “Allworked Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander ofoftrout cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to Stevensville, with team members Jones, Office oflocal the Regional bull habitat; restore Road. terroot. According tohorses trustee to alter the levy to testing first they iswent to the the district was able toAdminlevy run Kamryn by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and the ply with theMyla definition of said, old power duo Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenria are conservative, science-based rative standards” thatCPA. were totime regulaservation organizations, govertive rule,program specifically ARM 17.30.637, 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 twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, pageis 65 vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance and to that public, they did after being for community funds. After ty in of character Montana. The lacks reality •FREE IN THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR H OMEand Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator of the Environmental habitat including In astill letter to so the Forest first horse thatmeadows, was rescued byESTIMATES 1were Horse At A Time. Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch founder tify what each individual’s specific judgments based on decades of give te nutrient pollution on nments, the EPA and other federal is general and growth found the Bitterroot per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer toany the theme to them.” Some previous years 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, co-founder and Execscience andand monitoring defining, on a the books. But See the See goals and tools for agencies and members of public Paidthe forthe by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 21 ART, page 4 4college SUMMIT, page See PETITION, page14 4 cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and theas oldpublic. a community district twice, trustees wentP.O. back
Country Christmas 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 Cowboy Ball Surviving Corvallis FFA COVID wins top 4 at nationals Climbing Plan
Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good
scheduled
Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds
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 Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday Petition seeks pause in DEQ permitting
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
Davis for Senate Dist. #44
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